History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 93

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

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 93

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Anton J. Johnson, a widely known and well-to-do citizen of Spring Grove township, the owner of three fine farms, that on which he resides being situated in section 10, about one mile northwest of Spring Grove vil- lage, was born in Valders, Norway, Dec. 23, 1855, son of John and Engebor (Widsle) Johnson. In 1860 the father died, and the mother with three small children, Nels, Carrie and Engebor, emigrated to the United States, settling in Decorah, Iowa. Anton J., who was the eldest child in the family, was left behind until he could earn enough money to pay his passage, as his mother had not the means to pay for all. He was then 5 years old and was taken charge of by his grandparents. For a limited period he attended the com- mon and parochial schools and became industrially active as soon as he was old enough to work. His first earnings amounted to but one dollar a month, and as he needed many things besides food and shelter, and his pay in- creased very slowly, it was a number of years before he found himself in a position to join his mother and the other members of the family who had preceded him to the land of promise. In May, 1870, he made the jour- ney, taking passage in a sailing vessel. His money only lasted until he reached Chicago, but in that city he found work, remaining there, however, but a short time and then going on to Ossian, Iowa. At the latter place he entered the employ of Thomas Halverson, a farmer, with whom he re- mained for three years, or until the spring of 1873, when he found work on another farm. In the fall of that year he entered the Western College, conducted by the United Brethren denomination at Western, Iowa, and was a student there for two years. Then at Cedar Rapids, in the same state, he entered Coe College, where four years later he was graduated from the scientific course at the age of 24 years. Returning to Cedar Rapids, he

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obtained a position there as a teacher in the public schools, but a year later entered the employ of the T. M. Clair Packing Company of that place as a bookkeeper, in which position also he remained for a year. At the end of that time Mr. Johnson came to Minnesota and bought an improved farm of 160 acres near Grand Meadow, in Mower county. This farm he oper- ated for about six years and then renting it, moved to Preston, Minn., where he engaged in the life insurance business and also purchased a resi- dence. After remaining in the insurance business in Preston for three years he traded his Mower county farm for the Rierson farm, one mile west of Spring Grove, Houston county, on which he resided for three years. He then bought the farm on which he now lives, a farm of 80 acres in sec- tion 10, one mile northwest of Spring Grove village, and which was an im- proved farm with a fairly good frame house and a frame barn. Here he has since remained and has now 55 acres of the land under the plow. He has also set out a fine orchard of 600 trees, bearing select varieties of fall and winter fruit. In 1910 he built a fine modern frame house of two stories, with twelve rooms, and all the usual conveniences to be found in the most modern residence. He has also a good frame barn for stock and grain, and a modern horse barn, 28 by 28 feet in size, which he built in 1917. In addi- tion to this property Mr. Johnson owns two other fine farms in Spring Grove township-one a farm of 220 acres seven miles southwest of Spring Grove village, and the other a 90-acre farm one mile north of the same village. All three farms are under a fine state of cultivation, being among the best in the county. Mr. Johnson is engaged successfully in general farming and dairying, besides fruit raising. He has a fine herd of grade Shorthorn cattle and another of Poland-China hogs, all full-blooded, while his teams, machinery and other equipment are first-class. In addition to the interest already mentioned he is a stockholder in the Independent Har- vester Company at Plano, Ill., and in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery Company of Spring Grove. On June 14, 1881, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Randi Narveson, who was born on the farm on which she and her husband now live, daughter of Haaken and Artri Narveson. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson began domestic life on their farm in Mower county. They have been the parents of nine children, of whom death has deprived them of three. The record in brief is as follows: Ingebor Henrietta, born May 2, 1882, who is residing at home; Arthur M., born Aug. 13, 1884, who died May 30, 1888; Sigrud, born Sept. 12, 1886, who died May 25, 1888; Agnes Susanna, born Dec. 12, 1888, who is now Mrs. Arthur Onstad, of Black Hammer township, this county; Lillian Virginia, born Feb. 7, 1890, now the wife of William Glasrud, of Black Hammer township; Ruth Estella, born May 2, 1893; Haaken Arthur, born June 27, 1896, and Grace Irene, born April 9, 1898, all three of whom are residing at home; and Edna Viola, born in June, 1900, who died Feb. 10, 1901. Mr. Johnson was reared in the faith of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church, but when he entered the United Brethren College at Western, Iowa, he united with that religious body. On coming to Minnesota, however, where he could worship with his mother church, he united with it again and he and his family are now mem- bers of its congregation in Spring Grove. In politics he is independent, 44

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and while a resident of Mower county served his township as assessor, clerk and supervisor, and was also a justice of the peace for several terms. He is a man of good education, refined, ambitious and enterprising, and is a respected and influential member of the community in which he now resides. His mother, previously mentioned, is no longer living. After coming to Minnesota she married Christ Olson, of Mower county, and they afterwards moved to St. Hilaire, Red Lake county, Minn., where her death occurred.

Albert Witt, one of the early settlers in Mound Prairie township, who took an active part in its agricultural improvement, finally establishing a good farm in section 8, was born in Pommern, Germany, Nov. 1, 1833. He there married Theresa Cool, born June 6, 1835, and in 1869 they came to Houston county, Minnesota, settling on land in Mound Prairie township. It was some time before they found a permanent location, as they moved from their first place to Day Valley, residing there about a year, then for two years on Pine Creek and later moving to a tract of 80 acres of wild land, which Mr. Witt partly improved, living on it three years. He then bought the tract in section 8, where he made his permanent home and which he developed into a good farm, where his son, Christian B., is now living. He died October 2, 1902, having been retired for some years previously. His wife died December 15, 1901. During his active career Mr. Witt served for a number of years as a member of the school board of his district, and was a man of good standing and influence in the community.

Christian B. Witt, who owns and operates the old Witt farm in Mound Prairie township, was born in Pommern, Germany, Dec. 3, 1864, son of Albert and Theresa (Cool) Witt. He was only 4 or 5 years old when he accompanied his parents to Houston county, Minnesota. The eldest of their three children, he attended school in this township, where the family set- tled, and after residing successfully in several locations, finally took the farm on which he is now living and which he assisted his father to develop. At the age of 28 years he rented the place and so operated it for a number of years subsequently. He then bought the homestead, which has since remained his property, and is now a fine, modern farm of 336 acres, with good buildings and full equipment for general farming. Most of the more modern improvements on it have been introduced by himself, and he is enjoying a prosperous career as a general farmer, raising both grain and stock. He is also a shareholder in the Houston elevator. A Republican in politics, Mr. Witt has devoted some of his time to public affairs in his township, having served as road supervisor and as a member of the school board for a number of years, being its present clerk. On December 21, 1891, Mr. Witt was united in marriage with Emma Redmann, who was born in Mound Prairie township, June 30, 1872, daughter of Frederick and Caroline (Dalkey) Redmann. He and his wife have been the parents of ten children, who were born as follows: Alvera M., July 30, 1893; Clarence F., Jan. 13, 1895; Benjamin G., Oct. 1, 1896; Miranda M., May 6, 1899; Arthur D., Dec. 2, 1900; Mabel C., June 19, 1903; Lloyd E., Feb. 3, 1905; Ezra, Jan. 24, 1907; Verna A., May 24, 1912; and Alice E., April 17, 1914. Alvera M. is the wife of John Boldt, of Mound Prairie township, and has

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CHRISTIAN B. WITT AND FAMILY

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JOHN C. HARLOS AND FAMILY

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one child, Donald Arthur. Clarence F. and Benjamin G., after doing their country good service during the great war, have received their honorable discharge and are now at home on the farm. Ezra died in infancy. Mr. Witt and his family are affiliated religiously with the Evangelical Associa- tion.

Nicholai Overby, who is prosperously engaged in general farming in section 29, Yucatan township, was born in Norway, June 5, 1881, son of Knudt and Helen Overby. Brought to America when a child by his parents, he attended district school on Oak Ridge, this township, and early began to make himself useful on his parents' farm, at the age of 14 working out for others. He also learned the stonemason's trade, which he followed until 1914, at which time he again turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits, renting his present farm of 125 acres, on which he raises both crops and stock, making the property yield good financial returns. He is also a shareholder in the Rushford creamery. In July, 1905, Mr. Overby was married to Ida Thorson, who was born in this township, daughter of Nels and Anna (Silling) Thorson, she being the eldest of eight children. Her parents, early settlers in Houston county, have resided since 1906 in Morton county, North Dakota, the father, a farmer, being still in active life. Mr. and Mrs. Overby have three children: Orvin Justin, Carl Norman and Ella Georgina, all living at home.

Daniel Harlos, who as the founder of a good farm in section 17, Mound Prairie township, was a factor in the development of the agricultural resources of Houston county, was born near the river Rhine, Germany, Jan. 9, 1828. His early youth was spent in his native land and it was in the early fifties that he came to the United States, locating in Manitowoc county, Wis. There he remained for four or five years, coming to Houston county, Minnesota, in 1866 or 1867. Taking a tract of land with practically no improvements, he set to work to develop a farm, a task in which he was finally successful, and he made it his home for the rest of his life, passing away Aug. 8, 1908. Mr. Harlos was married in Wisconsin to Margarat Heinrich, who was born in the same part of Germany as himself, Aug. 21, 1832, and who died in 1901. Their children were: Henrietta, Jacob (de- ceased), Mary, Fred, John C. and Margaret Henrietta (deceased). Mary is now Mrs. Frank Blumentritt. Margaret is the wife of Theodore Mold- hauer.

John C. Harlos, proprietor of a good stock farm of 220 acres in section 17, Mound Prairie township, where he is a well known and popular citizen, was born in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, December 5, 1863, son of Daniel and Margret (Heinrich) Harlos. Coming to Houston county with his parents when a boy, he grew up on the home farm, assisting his father until his marriage, and then locating on his present farm, on which he has made all the modern improvements. He has been successful as a general stock raiser, and still exercises supervision over the farm, the active opera- tion of which, however, he now leaves to his sons. He is a member of the Evangelical church and in politics is independent. He has rendered efficient service as supervisor of roads, but otherwise has not been particularly ac- tive in public affairs, devoting his attention to his business interests. Mr.

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Harlos was united in marriage, July 4, 1888, to Clara Moldenhauer, who was born in La Crosse, Wis., daughter of Frank and Christine (Dahlman) Moldenhauer. Of this union eight children have been born: John F., May 29, 1889, now residing at home; Laura, born November 7, 1890, who is the wife of Henry Mades; Olga, born January 19, 1893, who is the wife of Ubran Schild, a farmer of Mound Prairie township; Edward J., born April 29, 1895, and now veteran of the United States military service; Clara, born July 21, 1897, who died August 21, 1897; Theresa, born January 1, 1899, who died February 22, 1901; and Irvin and Herbert, twins, born June 23, 1901. Frank and Christine (Dahlman) Moldenhauer, the parents of Mrs. Harlos, were born in Pommern, Germany, and on emigrating to the United States, located in La Crosse, Wis., Mr. Moldenhauer engaging in railroad work. They later moved to Rose Valley, Winona county, where they spent the rest of their lives on a farm, Mr. Moldenhauer dying February 3, 1908, and his wife May 6, 1914. Their children were: Theo, Matilda, Emma, Theresa, Clara, Augusta, Anna and Frank. Matilda is now the wife of Michael Ready; Emma married H. Senn; Theresa married Jacob Hartman; Clara, who was educated in Winona county, is now Mrs. John C. Harlos; Augusta is the wife of Max Loescher, and Anna the wife of William Husmann.

Amond Nelson Lindahl, who settled at an early day in Spring Grove township, where in time he developed a good farm, was a native of Norway, where he grew to manhood and married Ture Sundadt. In 1861, with his wife and six children, Gunil, Elsie, Nels, Beret, Erick A. and Amond, Jr., he emigrated to the United States, landing, however, at Quebec, Canada, whence he came directly to Houston county, Minnesota. The first land he took was a tract of 40 acres in section 24, Spring Grove township, but after staying a year on that place he bought 40 acres in section 40, Wilmington township, just across the road from where his grandson, Edwin, lives. This was wild land without any buildings, and accordingly his first task was to build a shack, in which he and his family resided until the fall, when Mr. Lindahl built a comfortable frame house. A poor man when he arrived here, he worked hard and made steady progress, like the other pioneer settlers using oxen for his draught work. Later he slightly increased the size of his farm by the purchase of an additional tract of nine acres. He con- tinued his labors for 13 years, when they were brought to an abrupt termina- tion by his death, as the result of a runaway accident, on August 26, 1874, at the age of 58 years. His wife lived to the age of 80 years, passing away June 11, 1901. In addition to the children mentioned who accompanied them from Norway, two others, Knute and Albert, were born to them in Spring Grove township. Gunil, Amond, Jr., and Albert are deceased. Elsie is now Mrs. Elling Ellingson of Spring Grove village. Nels is a farmer in Davenport, N. D. Beret is the wife of Bent Tingelstad of Silverton, Ore. Knute is a farmer in North Dakota. Of those deceased, Gunil and Amond died young. Albert grew to manhood, became a farmer in North Dakota, and being elected to the legislature of that state, died while serving during the session of 1915-16. Erick A. is now a prosperous farmer of Spring Grove township.

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Erick A. Lindahl, a retired farmer residing in the village of Spring Grove, who is the owner of a good farm of 200 acres in Spring Grove town- ship, was born in Norway, Nov. 20, 1853, son of Amond Nelson and Ture (Sundadt) Lindahl. As a child of eight years, in 1861, he accompanied his parents to Houston county, Minnesota, and for a few years subsequently attended school in Wilmington township. His hours of industry were spent in assisting his father on the home farm. On March 24, 1877, a vigorous young man of 23, and a good practical farmer, he married Mari Sundet, daughter of Asle and Ose Sundet, of Wilmington township, but continued for awhile to reside on his parents' farm. In 1876 he had bought 80 acres of unimproved land in section 25, Spring Grove township, just across the road from the home place. Later he purchased his parents' farm of 49 acres in Wilmington township, also 10 acres to the north of his Spring Grove land, and a tract of 61 acres adjoining said land on the southwest, making 200 acres in all. Of this farm he grubbed and developed 80 acres, and there are now 120 acres of it under cultivation, the balance being in timber and pasture. Mr. Lindahl also erected a number of buildings. In 1891 he built a comfortable, two-story, frame house, consisting of an up- right and two wings, and, in the same year, a frame barn, 30 by 64 by 16 feet in dimensions, with a full stone basement, cement floor and modern equipment. He also erected a steel windmill, a granary, poultry house, hog house with cement feeding-floor, double corn crib, and a milk and separa- tor house. His equipment of teams, tools and machinery was also of the best, while his farm was well stocked with grade Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China swine. In 1914 Mr. Lindahl rented the farm to his son Edwin, but continued to reside on it for several years longer. In 1917 he built a neat and comfortable residence in Spring Grove village and in the follow- ing spring moved to town, where he is now living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of his former industry. He is a stockholder in the Honey Co-opera- tive Creamery at Bee, this county, having been its secretary ever since its organization 23 years ago; and a stockholder in the Spring Grove Stock and Grain company, of which he has been a director for many years. For many years he has been a man of mark and influence, not only in his town- ship but throughout the county. He has served 16 years as town supervisor, being now chairman of the town board. He is also a prominent member, with his family, of the Spring Grove congregation of the Norwegian Evan- gelical Lutheran church, of which his parents were among the founders, and which he has served as trustee for a number of years. To Mr. and Mrs. Lindahl seven children have been born, as follows: Albert Nelius, born Dec. 31, 1877, now a farmer at Esmond, N. D .; Anna Marie, born Oct. 6, 1879, now Mrs. Albert Woyen of Esmond, N. D .; Adolph Theodore, born March 3, 1882, who is a hardware merchant at Climax, Minn .; Gina Elise, born Aug. 13, 1885, now Mrs. J. Hagen of Esmond, N. D .; Edwin M., born May 16, 1889, who is operating his father's farm; Thinka Sophia, born Feb. 7, 1893, and Clarence Ingeman, born Jan. 3, 1898, who are residing at home.

John B. Anderson, proprietor of a finely improved tarm of 80 acres in section 2, south, Houston township, was born in Halland, Sweden, July

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4, 1848, son of Andrew and Christine (Larson) Anderson. The parents were natives of the same district of Sweden, the father being a farmer by occupation. He died in his native land and in 1875 his widow came to America and until her death about 1911 made her home with her daughter at Red Wing, Minn. John B. Anderson, who was the elder of two children, acquired his education in Sweden, where he began working out for farmers when only nine years old, at the age of eleven performing work usually expected only of men. At the age of 21 he resolved to seek his fortune in the United States, but not having money enough to pay for his passage, he was obliged to borrow from his employer. With assistance he made his way to Minnesota, arriving here unable to speak English. The first summer he found employment at railroad work, and after that worked on farms. He then engaged in agricultural work on his own account, renting farms for a few years, and subsequently buying a tract of land adjoining his present property, where he resided for ten years. He then sold that place and bought his present farm of 80 acres, on which he has made fine modern im- provements. Expert in all branches of farming, he is enjoying a prosperous career and is numbered among the well to do men of his township. He is independent in politics and has served one term as a director on the school board of his district. Mr. Anderson was married in July, 1877, to Anna Christina Anderson, daughter of Lars and Helena Anderson. Her parents, natives of Sweden, came to Houston, Minn., in 1875. Both are now de- ceased. Mrs. I. B. Anderson was the eldest of their four children, and was educated in Sweden. She and her husband are the parents of one child, Row W., who was born June 10, 1892, and who is residing at home. He was educated in Houston county and is a practical farmer and one of the popular young men in this community.

Ole Germanson, one of the pioneer settlers of Houston county, now living retired in Houston village, was born in Telemarken, Norway, June 5, 1839. In 1851 he came with his parents to America. His father, German Olson, died six weeks after their arrival, and the surviving members of the family settled first in Dane county, Wis. In 1854 Ole came with his mother, a brother and sister, to Houston county, Minn., settling in Crystal valley. The brother, who was then 23 years old, died two weeks after their advent in this county. In 1869 Ole bought 80 acres of wild land in Paradise valley, Money Creek township, which he grubbed and cleared, also building a resi- dence and outbuildings. In time he increased his original acreage until he had a fine farm of 160 acres, on which he resided until 1910, developing the land and continuing to improve the place. He then sold it to his son Henry, who is now the proprietor, and bought another farm in the same valley, of 80 acres, from his son-in-law, John England, it being located in Houston township. About four years later he sold this second place and bought a house in the village of Houston, where he has since lived retired. Mr. Germanson was married November 7, 1869, to Anna Benson, who was born in Norway, January 22, 1853, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ewen Benson. She came to America in 1867 with an aunt and uncle, Gunder and Anna Halver- son, and they all located in Houston county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Germanson were: Tilda A., who died at the age of 18 years; George

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MR. AND MRS. OLE GERMANSON MR. AND MRS. OLE HAROLDSON MR. AND MRS. HENRY O. GERMANSON

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Edward, who died at the age of 22 years; Emma O., who married John England and died in 1904; Henry O., of Money Creek township; Josie M., now Mrs. John Tuininga; Anna Elizabeth, wife of Oscar Traff; Tilda (second), now Mrs. Ira Paris; and Edna, now Mrs. Harley J. Sholes.

Henry O. Germanson, proprietor of the old Germanson homestead in section 20, Money Creek township, was born on the farm on which he now lives, August 6, 1881, son of Ole and Anna (Benson) Germanson. He is the eldest of his parents' five surviving children. As a boy he attended District school No. 9 in Money Creek township, and remained on the home farm assisting his father until he married. He then rented the farm for a year, at the end of which time he bought it, and has since carried on the business of a general farmer here, raising grain and stock with profitable results. He has 160 acres of good land and the farm is well improved and provided with substantial buildings. He is a member of St. Peter's church at Houston, and in politics is a Republican. Enterprising and thrifty, he has been successful, and is now numbered among the prosperous citizens of his township. He belongs fraternally to the order of Yeomen. Mr. Germanson was married March 30, 1910, to Tomine Haraldson, who was born on Oak Ridge, Yucatan township, this county, May 6, 1878, daughter of Ole and Gunber Haraldson. Her parents, who are now deceased, were born in Telemarken, Norway, and were early setlers in Houston county, the father being a land owner and farmer. They had six children: Carrie, now Mrs. Prentes A. Pope; Anna, wife of Halver J. Lee; Harry; Tomine, now Mrs. Henry O. Germanson; Claudina and Matilda.

Daniel Doering, a successful general farmer operating 120 acres in section 34, Sheldon township, was born in Hesse, Germany, Aug. 25, 1868, son of Henry and Kathrine (Faulk) Doering, who were natives of the same German state. The family, including Daniel, came to the United States in 1869, settling in Sheldon township, this county, where Henry Doering was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, Dec. 11, 1881. His wife died July 8, 1906. Daniel Doering, who was one of the younger members in a family of ten children, acquired his education partly in District school No. 14 in Mound Prairie township, and partly in a private school. He worked for his father until he was 35 years old, and then bought a farm in Mound Prairie township, which he operated for 14 years. At the end of that time he removed to his present place in section 34, Sheldon town- ship, where he has 120 acres of good land, well provided with buildings, and is carrying on a thriving business as a general farmer, raising both stock and grain. He has served on the school board for a period of eleven years, and is a member of the Lutheran church. His political principles are those of the Republican party. Mr. Doering assumed the responsibilities of domestic life on June 17, 1907, when he was united in marriage with Augusta Schwartz, who was born in Germany, daughter of William and Minnie Schwartz. Her parents never came to this country, but were still living when last heard from. Mr. and Mrs. Doering have four children: Minnie Kathrine, Howard William, Robert Henry and Marion Leona.

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 93

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

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