History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 94

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

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 94

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Henry Beneke, who founded and developed one of the good farms of Jefferson township, was born in Germany, January 9, 1840. He was edu-

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cated in his native land, where he grew to manhood and was married. In 1883 he came to the United States, locating in Allemakee county, Iowa, where he worked out until the following year. He then came to Jefferson township, Houston county, and bought 120 acres of wild land in section 33, which he broke and grubbed, erecting a house and in time various out- buildings. As he advanced in prosperity he purchased more land until he had 260 acres, all in section 33 except 40 acres, which lay in section 34. He followed general diversified farming, and was thus occupied until his death, which took place July 8, 1911, previous to which for a number of years he had been a prosperous and influential citizen. Mr. Beneke was twice mar- ried. By his first wife, Catherine, he had two sons, William, born January 9, 1871, and now a prosperous farmer in Jefferson township; and Henry, who is farming in Allemakee county, Iowa. He was married secondly to Elizabeth Backhouse, who was born in Germany, May 16, 1853, and by her he had five children, as follows: Herman, born October 22, 1879, who is residing at home; Lena, born July 2, 1884, who is now Mrs. George Heimer- dinger, of Crooked creek township; Dora, born November 28, 1888, now Mrs. William J. Pohlman, of Crooked creek township; Adolph A., born Decem- ber 10, 1890, who is conducting the home farm; and Alfred, a twin brother of Adolph A., and now a prosperous farmer of Union City township, Alle- makee county, Iowa. The family are members of the German Evangelical church.

Adolph A. Beneke, one of the prosperous and representative young farmers of Houston county, located in Jefferson township, was born on the farm where he now lives, December 10, 1890, son of Henry and Eliza- beth Beneke. He grew to manhood on this farm, in his boyhood attending the district school. He follows general farming, giving special attention to stock raising, and aside from this property, he owns 40 acres adjoining in section 33, which he operates in connection with the home farm. Ambitious, enterprising and industrious, he is making good progress, and is a stock- holder in the Eitzen creamery and in the Farmers' elevator at New Albin, Iowa.

John A. Cebrowski, the owner of two good farms in Union township, one of 160 and the other of 80 acres, on which latter, in section 31, he now resides, was born in Germany, Feb. 6, 1858, son of Andreas and Rose (Kirchstein) Cebrowski. The parents were farming people who never came to America, and the father is now deceased, the mother being living. They had six children : Henry, Emil, Franz, a son who died in infancy, and two others, including the subject of this sketch, who was the youngest. John A. Cebrowski was educated in the schools of his native land, coming to the United States at the age of 25 years. From New York, where he landed, he came directly to Houston county, Minn., finding work in the mill at Hokah, where he was employed for twelve years. He then bought a farm in Union township, containing 160 acres, on which he lived for 15 years, and which his son William is now operating. Twelve years ago he bought the farm on which he now resides, and which has an area of 80 acres, all of it being cleared. He is engaged chiefly in stock raising, in which he is doing a profitable business. He has always been an enterprising

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HENRY BENEKE AND FAMILY

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and industrious man, and on his other farm he erected all the buildings. He is a shareholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Caledonia and in the local telephone company. On July 13, 1882, Mr. Cebrowski was married to Alvina Kreise, who was born in Germany, Aug. 24, 1858, daughter of Michael Kreise and wife. The parents both died in their native land. Their children were: William, Michael, Julius, Daniel, Emelie and Alvina. Mr. and Mrs. Cebrowski have four children: Louis, born March 28, 1883; William, born April 3, 1885; Emil, April 22, 1888, and Herman, Nov. 19, 1891.

John Olsen Landsom, one of the hardy pioneer settlers of Spring Grove township, who was also a veteran of the Civil War, but who passed away some 25 years ago, was born in Lax Viken, Norway, in April, 1832. As a single man he came from his native land to Minnesota in 1862, settling at once in Spring Grove township, Houston county. He then enlisted as a soldier and was sent to the South, where he met the enemy and was taken prisoner, being confined in the notorious Libby prison for eight months, at the end of which time he was exchanged. At the close of the war he returned to Houston county and took possession of a tract of 80 acres of new land in section 20, Spring Grove township, which he had bought while in the army, having sent money from the South to a friend, John Hallan, with instructions to purchase the property for him. On this land he built a small board house, and began the development of a farm, a sister keeping house for him for two years. He then married Mary Dukleth, who proved a worthy helpmate to him and they advanced together along the road to prosperity. After they had made some progress Mr. Landsom erected a frame barn, 26 by 32 by 18 feet in size, hauling the lumber from Brownsville, 30 miles east on the Mississippi river. He got 75 acres of his land under the plow and improved his residence, increasing its size and making it into a comfortable home. This house stood until it was destroyed by fire Feb. 18, 1911. About Christmas time, 1893, Mr. Landsom went to El Campo, Texas, to which place his two sons, Andrew J. and Ole, had pre- ceded him by several months. His death took place Sept. 29, 1894, in a hospital at Houston, that state, and there also he was buried. He was then in his 62nd year. His wife, who was born Sept. 29, 1850, is still living, being now a resident of Spring Grove village. Their children were: Ole, who returned from Texas in 1901 and is now a prosperous merchant in Barnesville, Minn .; Andrew J., the present proprietor of the old home farm in section 20, Spring Grove township; James Gustav, a farmer in Spring Grove township; Oscar E., who is engaged in farming in Ray, N. D .; Minnie, wife of Albert Vik, a confectioner of Spring Grove village; and two, Oline and Oscar (first) who died in infancy.

Andrew J. Landsom, a well known and respected citizen of Spring Grove township, residing on a farm in section 20, which was established by his parents soon after the close of the Civil War, was born on this farm April 1, 1876, son of John Olsen and Mary (Dukleth) Landsom. Here he was reared to manhood and acquired a practical knowledge of agriculture. Here also he remained until 1893, when, a young man of 17 years, he ac- companied his brother Ole to El Campo, Texas. In July of the following

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year he returned to harvest the crop on the home farm. The father, who had followed the two brothers to Texas, died in Houston in September, 1894. Ole remained in Texas until 1901, when he returned to Minnesota and is now a merchant in Barnesville, this state. Andrew J. Landsom, finding that his mother needed his help, remained on the home farm, of which he took charge, operating it until 1903, in which after October, 1899, he was assisted by his brother James Gustav, who had also gone to Texas but had then returned after spending two and a half years there. In 1903 he bought a farm of 121 acres of improved land in section 19, Spring Grove township, a mile and a half west of the old homestead, and known as the Nels Lien Farm, which place was his home for some six or seven years. That it might be a home in the fullest sense, he assumed the responsibili- ties of domestic life, being united in marriage, Jan. 13, 1904, with Belinda Josephine, daughter of Ole and Thore Olsgard, of Spring Grove township. Early in 1911 Mr. Landsom sold the Lien farm to his brother James and bought the old home farm in section 20, but just as he and his wife were about to take possession of the house it took fire and burned down, Feb. 18, 1911. To save time, as the spring was approaching and he wished to get an early start with his crops, he built a granary, into which he moved April 4, 1911, and in which he resided with his wife until October, when they moved into a frame house of one and a half stories, 28 by 28 feet in ground dimensions, which he had built during the summer as he had found opportunity. This house, which is his present residence, contains six rooms, and is furnished with hot water heat and electric light, being thoroughly modern in its equipment. In the summer of 1912 Mr. Lindsom built a frame barn, with full stone basement and modern equipment, 32 by 56 by 16 feet above basement, with hip roof, the basement having a height of eight feet. Connected with it is a hollow tile silo, 14 by 34 feet. He has also provided himself with all other necessary outbuildings, including a good hog house, while his teams, machinery and tools are of the best and most useful kind. Seventy-five acres of his land are now under the plow. His stock consists chiefly of Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, and as he keeps full-blooded sires, he is improving his herds from year to year. Though Mr. Lindsom has had to work hard from boyhood, his education having been limited to attendance at the district school, he has pursued a successful career and is now in a prosperous condition in life, well to do and respected. He is the owner of a good automobile and is a shareholder in the Spring Grove Stock and Grain company and the Co-operative Cream- ery. He and his wife are members of the Spring Grove congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical church. Politically Mr. Landsom is a Republican.

Dewitt Clinton Webster, the leading representative of the horticultural interest of Houston county, residing on a farm of 50 acres on the out- skirts of the village of La Crescent, and who was for a period of 20 years engaged in the railway mail service, was born at La Crosse, Wis., March 13, 1874, son of Everett B. and Emma (Harris) Webster, the father being a native of New York State. Dewitt C. Webster became interested in hor- ticulture through association with his grandfather, John S. Harris. He came to La Crescent township, Houston county, with his parents when two

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DEWITT C. WEBSTER AND FAMILY

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years old, and subsequently attended school here. Later, while in the mail service, he developed the farm on which he now resides, and during that period he devoted himself exclusively to the cultivation of apples and small fruits. Since 1911 he has exhibited his products regularly at the Minne- sota state fairs and has taken more premiums on fruits than any other exhibitor since entering the field. In 1911 he was awarded a cup at the Northwest Land Products Exposition, held at St. Paul, for the best bushel of apples grown in Minnesota that year; and for three consecutive years he was awarded the cup at the Houston County Corn Show at Hokah. He is a member of the State Horticultural Society, and his farm is now the State Horticultural Trial Station for new varieties of fruit. He is a stockholder in the La Crescent State Bank. Mr. Webster has built for himself, at a cost of $7,000, one of the finest residences, if not the finest, in Houston county. It is in the bungalow style, contains nine rooms, each having a closet, is pro- vided with a large sun porch, and is finished with hardwood throughout, with solid panel doors, inlaid with white wood and ebony. The basement has cement floors, and there is a root cellar, coal and fuel rooms and laundry. The house is covered with specially made, bran stained, cyprus siding, while the upper story is partially finished with white stucco, which has a very pretty effect. The building is of a beautiful architectural de- sign, and thoroughly modern in all its fittings, having steam vapor heat, an individual electric light plant on the Delco system, hot soft water and bath. Mr. Webster was married October 9, 1900, to Clara B. Eberhard, daughter of Henry Philip and Maria Louise (Corlett) Eberhard. Her father was born in Germany and her mother in Rochester, N. Y. They were early settlers in Houston county. Mr. Webster belongs to Morning Star Lodge, No. 29, A. F. & A. M .; also to Evening Star Chapter, O. E. S., No. 71 of La Crescent, of which his wife is a member. They have one child, Gladys.

John Shartall, who is now living retired on a farm in section 10, Money Creek township, was one of the pioneer settlers in this township, and is a man of wide and varied experiences. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1841, his father's name being Patrick Shartall, and his mother's family name Holden. The family came to America in 1851, locating in Jo Davies county, Illinois, not far from the city of Galena, where they engaged in farming, the parents spending the rest of their lives there. John Shartall was one of the youngest in their family of nine children. He attended the school of his district and when he grew old enough to work, assisted his father on the home farm. While still a young man he left home and went west to Colorado and Montana, where he engaged in mining. After three years of that occupation in that then wild country, he returned to Illinois and for awhile worked in the lead mines in the vicinity of Galena, also at times helping his parents on the home farm. He then came to Minnesota, . being one of the first settlers in Money Creek township, Houston county, where he established the farm on which he is now living, which was then but a tract of wild land. His first dwelling here was a rude log house, but from that early beginning he progressed until he had developed a good farm of 160 acres with an adequate set of buildings, on which place he is still

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residing, though practically retired from active work, his son Arthur reliev- ing him from all attention to the details. In religion Mr. Shartall is a Catholic and in politics is independent. Mr. Shartall married Margaret Kerns, who was born near Galena, Ill., her parents being natives of Ireland, and the father a farmer and miner by occupation. In early days, before the building of the Union Pacific railroad, he crossed the plains and moun- tains to California, but later returned and died in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Shartall have had eight children: Ella, wife of William Hicks; John, a resident of Winona; Minnie, wife of Niles McAlister, residing in Winona; Hannah, now Mrs. Francamp and a resident of Michigan; Rose, wife of Arthur Ives, who is operating the home farm ; Agnes, a resident of Winona ; Charles, and one child who died in infancy.

Sever Danielson, a general farmer residing in section 14, Wilmington township, was born in Hardanger, Norway, March 27, 1871, son of Daniel and Margarite Jorgensen. With his parents, who were farmers, he came to America in 1876, the family residing for a while near the village of Hous- ton, Minn., and then moving to a 40-acre farm in section 35, Wilmington township. There were eight children in his parents' family, the eldest being George, who is now living retired after 30 years' service in the U. S. regular army. Sever was the second born, and after him came Marie, now Mrs. Bochardt of Seattle, Wash .; Samuel, who is a farmer in Kindred, N. D .; Martin, a farmer of Melville, N. D .; Edward, who is living on the old home farm; Gustav, a farmer in Caledonia township; and Daniel, who is deceased. During his first three years here Sever resided with Askel Quin- nell, after which he returned to his home. His parents being poor, he had to work hard, but for several winters attended the district school. When old enough he worked out as a farm hand. On April 13, 1904, he was mar- ried to Margarite Rask, daughter of Peter and Kjersti (Engen) Rask of Wilmington township, and he and his wife began their home life on the Joe Winkelman farm as renters. After remaining there three years, they moved to the Differding farm in Caledonia township, which was their home for a year and a half. In 1910 they rented their present place, the Engen farm, in sections 11 and 14. The land had been improved but there were no buildings, and Mr. Danielson accordingly erected a small frame house, later putting up a circular tile barn, with full basement and a dairy room; also a granary. The farm, which contains 95 acres, is all under the plow, and in addition to this property Mr. Danielson owns a tract of 20 acres in Winnebago township, making his holdings 115 acres in all. He has good herds of cattle and hogs, and a full operating equipment, and is doing a prosperous business, his market being Caledonia, seven miles to the north. He and his wife have had three children : Peter Selmar, born Jan. 29, 1905; Martin Delbert, born Sept. 11, 1907; and Carleton, who died in infancy. Mr. Danielson is a Republican in politics, and he and his family are mem- bers of the Wilmington congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lu- theran church.

David Ender, Jr., was born in Mound Prairie township, this county, June 18, 1888, son of David and Margaret (Schild) Ender. The third born of their ten children, he was educated in the district schools and was reared

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MR. AND MRS. JOHN ENDER

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to farm pursuits by his father. At the age of eighteen he began to work for neighboring farmers. Then for about six years he was engaged in farm- ing pursuits on a farm which he rented near La Crescent. In 1917 he opened a garage and harness business at Hokah. In politics Mr. Ender is an inde- pendent voter. In religion he adheres to the belief of the Lutheran church. Mr. Ender was married April 5, 1911, to Martha Selke, daughter of Fred- erick and Christina (Hettman) Selke, and this union has been blessed with one child, Arnold David. Mr. and Mrs. Selke were born in Germany and came to La Crescent as young people, and taking a farm in that township. Mr. Selke died about 1893.

David Ender, Sr., a respected farmer of Mound Prairie township, was born near Beaver Dam, in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, Feb. 14, 1854, and was brought to Mound Prairie township, this county, when about ten or eleven years old. He was here reared, and as a young man married Mar- garet Schild, who was born in Berne, Switzerland, July 14, 1864, and was brought to Mound Prairie township by her parents when she was about fif- teen years of age. They then settled on their present farm, where they have been successful, and where they are held in high regard by their neighbors and friends.

John Ender, one of the leading business men of Hokah, senior partner in the Hokah Hardware Co. and also connected with other important inter- ests, was born in Mound Prairie township, this county, Oct. 17, 1880, eldest of the ten children of David and Margaret (Schild) Ender. He was edu- cated in the district schools and worked on the home farm until about twenty years of age. Then, with Charles Pilger, he started a sawmill in Bush Val- ley, and they operated it for four years, one season of which Mr. Ender was engaged in railroad work in Minneapolis. In 1894 he came to Hokah and entered into partnership with G. J. Hoffman in the general mercantile and hardware business, under the firm name of Hoffman & Ender. In 1912 they sold the general merchandise department of their business to Rieley & Rieley. The hardware and implement line continued to prosper and in- creased, and in time a lumber yard was added. Jan. 1, 1917, P. J. Buehler became a partner, and the firm name was changed to the Hokah Hardware Co. In the meantime Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Ender were associated together in several other enterprises, including the Hokah creamery, the Hokah Midget mill, and the Hokah electric light plant. On Jan. 1, 1919, Mr. Ender disposed of his interests in these industries to Mr. Hoffman and took over Mr. Hoffman's interests in the Hokah Hardware Co. Among his other holdings is stock in the Hokah State bank. Busy as he is with his private affairs, he has found considerable time for efficient public service. For several years he was treasurer of the village, and he is now village trustee and a member of the school board. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Ender was married Oct. 25, 1904, to Anna Pilger, daughter of Philip and Theresa (Miller) Pilger, and he and his wife have had three children : Alden, born July 10, 1909; Clarence, born May 20, 1914; and Adeline, born Sept. 13, 1917. The parents of Mrs. Ender were both born in Germany, the father June 16, 1821, and the mother April 20, 1839. They settled on a farm near Hokah, this county, about 1866, and

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resided there for many years, being prosperous and highly respected resi- dents of the community. Mr. Pilger died in January, 1914, and his wife survived him but little over a year, passing away April 14, 1915.

Endre T. Trehus, who died on his farm in section 8, Wilmington town- ship, June 24, 1900, was well known throughout the township as a thrifty, industrious and successful farmer and reliable citizen. He was born in section 23, this township, Feb. 11, 1861, son of Thomas A. and Martha (Haugstad) Trehus. His education was limited to a brief attendance at the district school, but he broadened this by close observation and experience and made his way in the world and established a comfortable home for his family. Until he was 20 years old he remained on the home farm, which he helped to cultivate, but also during the latter part of that period occasion- ally worked out as a farm hand. On Oct. 5, 1881, he was united in mar- riage with Aleve Severine O., daughter of Ole O. and Sigri Qualle, of sec- tion 8, Wilmington township. He and his wife began domestic life on a farm in section 20, this township, and remained there until 1892. In that year he bought the Qualle farm in section 8, containing 220 acres, of which he afterwards sold 60 acres. It was all improved land and there was a good seven-room frame house on it and a frame barn. To these buildings Mr. Trehus added a double corn crib, hog house, poultry house and other neces- sary structures. He continued his improvements until his death, gaining a good reputation as a practical farmer, and when he passed away he left his family in possession of a good estate. He also took an active interest in everything calculated to benefit the township and county in which he lived and supported every worthy cause where his aid was requested. Politically he was a Republican. Since his death his widow has operated the farm with the assistance of her sons. Until the spring of 1918 Thomas and Emil were the active managers, and since 1918 Thomas and Arthur. One hundred and forty acres are now under cultivation and the farm is well stocked with grade Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine. To Mr. and Mrs. Trehus seven children were born, as follows: Ida, born March 10, 1882, now the wife of Hans Wolstad, a farmer of Wilmington township; Ole Edwin, born June 8, 1884, who died after a long illness Dec. 25, 1911; Anna Cecelia, born Oct. 13, 1886, now Mrs. Ingeman Doley of Anagard, N. D .; Thomas Arthur, born Dec. 2, 1888, who resides on the home farm; Emil Alfred, born Oct. 12, 1892, a resident of Spring Grove township; Geneva Johanna, born Feb. 23, 1894, wife of Reginald Watts of Washburn, Wis .; Sylvester Melvin, born Jan. 9, 1896, residing at home. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Spring Grove congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church.

William Harris, a prominent farmer of Money Creek township, operat- ing 216 acres in sections 1 and 12, was born in Oneida county, New York, in August, 1857, son of John and Margaret (Wright) Harris. The parents, both natives of Ireland, were married in New York state, where the father as a young man engaged in the dairy business. He was killed by a runaway team in 1867, and his widow subsequently married a Mr. Holliday, a farmer, with whom she removed to Columbia county, Wisconsin, and later to Winona county, Minnesota, where she died. Her second husband, who moved to

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CHARLES VOSS

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Money Creek township, Houston county, is also now deceased. William Harris in his youth attended district schools both in New York state and Columbia county, Wisconsin. He began working out at the age of fifteen years, helping on farms, chopping wood during the winters and engaging in similar occupations until his marriage in 1891. After that he worked three years in a machine shop in Winona, and at the end of that time en- gaged in farming at Pine Creek, where he resided for 14 years. He then bought his present farm, containing 216 acres of valuable land, with good buildings, where he is successfully breeding Brown Swiss cattle, Poland- China hogs, and other stock, and has attained a position among the pros- perous farmers of his township. He is also a stockholder in the Money Creek creamery and the Farmers' elevator at Houston. In politics he is a Republican, and his fraternal society affiliations are with the Modern Wood- men of America at Houston. Mr. Harris was married April 8, 1891, to Alta May Emily, who was born in Winona county, Minnesota, daughter of Wil- liam and Nancy (Berry) Emily. He and his wife have two children : Vera Helen and Everett William, the latter of whom is assisting his father on the home farm. Mrs. Harris's parents were both American born. Her father served four years in the Civil war as a private in the Second Min- nesota regiment. His active career was for the main part that of a farmer, but he is now living retired in La Crosse. He formerly held various local offices, being one of the prominent men of his community. His wife died in 1909. Their daughter Alta May was the second born of their four children.

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 94

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

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