History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 98

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

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 98

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of the most complete private exhibitions in the Northwest, has been gath- ered from practically all the civilized countries of the world. Dr. Browning is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic order. He is past master of the Blue Lodge of Caledonia and the past high priest of the local Chapter, also belongs to the Com- mandery at Preston, is a 32° K. C. C. H. in the Consistory at Winona, and is a member of the Mystic Shrine at St. Paul. By his marriage to Dorothy J. Gould in 1900 he has one son, E. Reginald.

The Caledonia Hospital, of which Dr. William E. Browning is resident physician and proprietor, is one which might well be a source of pride to any town or community. Few establishments of the kind anywhere have a more complete equipment or more attractive surroundings. To a large group of patients who find it necessary to report to hospitals or sanitaria, the surroundings and the atmosphere are of greater importance in effecting a cure than the purely mechanical equipment. This fact has been kept in mind by Dr. Browning ever since he established Caledonia Hospital in 1903. The present building, erected in 1908, is a handsome three-story structure, with ten acres of land forming a part of the estate, and is as far removed as possible from the associations and appearance of an insti- tution, and yet it is constructed with modern fireproof features and equip- ment of the best establishments of its kind. With its outer walls com- pletely overgrown with ivy, approached by a curving driveway, and the grounds adorned with shrubs and flowers, the aspect is such as to suggest rather the atmosphere of a beautiful country home than a hospital. Among the details of construction may be noted a hydraulic elevator, hot water and steam heat, a private gas plant for lighting and heating, five large bath- rooms, tile floors and walls, marble partitions and other approved arrange- ments, all of them measuring up to the best standards of sanitation and convenience. The service of the Caledonia Hospital affords not only the useful facilities found in such institutions. but is especially designed to min- ister to the comfort and home feeling of patients and promote their com- plete cure, and in this respect is equal to that of the best sanitaria in the country. The hospital has accommodations for twenty patients, and the staff consists of one hospital trained graduate physician as interne; the superintendent, Mrs. C. M. Cochrane, R. N., who has been in charge of the institution since its organization, and three regular nurses, while others are employed as needed. While Dr. Browning is proprietor of the hospital, its equipment and facilities are at the service of other legitimate physi- cians, and it is therefore in all essential respects a public institution and of much importance to Caledonia and the vicinity.

William Beneke, who owns and operates an excellent farm of 320 acres in sections 29, 30 and 32, Jefferson township, was born in Germany, Jan. 9, 1871, son of Henry and Dorathea Beneke. When he was 5 years old his mother died, and his father subsequently married Elizabeth Backhouse, and in 1883 brought William and his brother Henry to America. William had attended school in his native land until about 12 years old, and after coming to this country he attended an English school for about three months. After working on the home farm with his father until about 22

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HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY

years old he went to North Dakota, where he remained two years. Then returning he spent one year at home, at the end of which time he bought 120 acres in section 32, the land having an old building on it, but there being few other improvements. From that small beginning he has de- veloped his present farm of 320 acres, provided with a fine residence, barns and outbuildings, the estate as a whole being one of the best farms in Jef- ferson township, an example of successful industry that has won the ad- miration of all his neighbors. He breeds Black Poll Angus cattle and Poland-China swine, and is a stockholder in the Eitzen Creamery and the Stock & Produce Company of New Albin, Iowa. At times he has served in public office, having been town clerk five years, town supervisor six years and town treasurer one year. He is a trustee of St. John's Evan- gelical church, of Union City, Iowa. Mr. Beneke was married, April 24, 1897, to Mary Meyer, a native of Winnebago township, Houston county. They are the parents of nine children: Ella, Edwin, Alma, Freda, Hilda, William, Louis, Olga and Norma.

John Ostern, one of the earliest settlers in Wilmington township, was born near Christiania, Norway, and grew up in his native land, where he married Karen Engebretson, a native of the same locality. In 1851 he came to the United States, first settling in Pine Creek, Iowa, where he and his family remained for one year. In 1852 they came to Houston county, settling on wild land in Wilmington township. The principal in- habitants of the county at that time were the Indians, as very few whites had then settled here. Mr. Ostern's tract consisted of 80 acres, on which he built a small log cabin and began the labor of grubbing with a yoke of oxen. After he had begun raising produce he used to haul it to Brownsville or to Lansing, Iowa, the trips being long and difficult, not only on account of the distance but also, and chiefly, because of the poor roads. For a number of years he and his wife were very poor, but they persevered, and after Mr. Ostern had grubbed all of his original 80 acres he bought another 200-acre tract. Later as his circumstances improved he built a larger and more comfortable log house, which forms a part of the present residence, occupied by his son, Edward J. Ostern. After a long and industrious career Mr. Ostern died in January, 1898, at the age of 67 years. He was survived by his wife, who passed away March 15, 1910, aged 77. They had a family of eight children: Mary, now deceased, who was the wife of Ole Vermager, of Mabel, Minn .; Edward J., previously mentioned; Hans, now a farmer in Delmar, N. D .; Marn, now deceased, who was the wife of John Anderson, of Allamakee county, Iowa; Hanna, now Mrs. Hans Braaten, her husband being a farmer in Anagard, N. D .; Olaus, who is farming in Wilmington township; Christ, now deceased; and Theodore, who is a resident of Anagard, N. D.

Edward J. Ostern, a well-known and prosperous general farmer of Wilmington township, residing in section 29, was born in section 28, this township, son of John and Karen (Engebretson) Ostern. He was educated in the district school, which he attended up to the age of 15 years, and worked on the home farm, assisting his father until his marriage, Feb. 25, 1878, to Marie, daughter of Ole and Soneve Sanness, her parents being

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neighbors of the Osterns. He then began farming on his own account, buying 100 acres of his father, the tract of land being provided with a log house and straw sheds. From that beginning he has developed his present farm of 160 acres in sections 28 and 29, and is also the owner of 171/2 acres of timber near Bee village, in section 33. One hundred acres of Mr. Ostern's farm is under cultivation, the rest being in timber and pasture. The soil is productive and the farm well fenced. Mr. Ostern has remodeled the house, having sheeted and sided the original log portion and added a frame wing, and it is now a very comfortable residence. He has also built a frame barn, 36 by 50 by 16 feet, together with other buildings, including a granary, double corncrib, poultry house, hog house, summer kitchen and woodshed, all of frame construction and painted. His equipment is also complete and of modern type, while his stock consists chiefly of graded Shorthorn cattle, Duroc and Poland-China hogs and Shropshire sheep. In addition to the profit derived from his farm he is also a stockholder in the Honey Creamery, the Spring Grove Stock & Grain Company and the Spring Grove Hospital. In politics he is a Republican, while religiously of the Wilmington congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran church. To Mr. and Mrs. Ostern ten children have been born: John, April 7, 1881; Olaf, May 20, 1883; Sophia, Jan. 14, 1886; Martin, Dec. 22, 1888; Henry, May 8, 1890; Melvin, Dec. 19, 1893; Cora, May 15, 1894; Emil, Aug. 23, 1896; Bertha, Nov. 23, 1898; and Ole, June 23, 1901. John is now a prosperous farmer at Elgin, N. D .; Olaf, a carpenter by trade, is residing on the home farm; Sophia is the wife of Julius Bergrud, a carpenter of Elgin, N. D .; Martin is in the employ of the Spring Grove Stock & Grain Company; Henry is a farmer in Wilmington township; Melvin is helping his father on the home farm; Cora is the wife of Henry Peterson, a farmer of Mabel, Minn .; Emil died at Camp Grant, Ill., Oct. 11, 1918; Bertha is now Mrs. Albert Holin, of Black Hammer township; Ole, who has graduated from the eighth grade of the common schools, is still on the home farm. The family is one highly respected throughout this part of the county.

James McManimon, founder of the old McManimon farm in section 8, Yucatan township, who died in November, 1900, was born in New York State and was a boy when he came to Houston county, where he later engaged in farming. For a few years he resided in Houston township, but later settled on the homestead above mentioned, which was then wild land. This he subsequently improved into a good farm of 300 acres. His widow has now 180 acres in the homestead, which is operated by her son Leo. She was born in this county near Hokah, her maiden name being Bridget Harihan.

James Francis McManimon, a general farmer, operating 140 acres of land in section 8, Yucatan township, was born in this township July 8, 1886, son of James and Bridget (Harihan) McManimon. He was the second born in their family of seven children, and attended school in District No. 18, Yucatan township. Until the spring of 1915 he resided on the home farm, which he helped to cultivate and improve. He then bought his present farm, which adjoins the old homestead and contains 140 acres of valuable land, and which he is operating successfully as a general stock and grain

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farm. He is a member of the Catholic church of Houston and of the Knights of Columbus at Caledonia. Independent in politics, he has served efficiently as a member of the town board. Mr. McManimon was married, Nov. 4, 1916, to Helen Ryan, who was born in Money Creek township, Hous- ton county, daughter of Michael Ryan. Her father, who was a farmer, is now deceased, but her mother is living in Money Creek township. Mrs. McManimon died May 7, 1917, after a short married life of six months.

De Costa Rhines, M. D., a leading physician and citizen of Caledonia, was born in Jackson county, Minnesota, Jan. 18, 1858, son of George W. and Julia (Lincoln) Rhines. After completing his school attendance in the Jackson (Mich.) High School in 1882 he entered the Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago, Ill., and was graduated in the class of 1884. He im- mediately opened an office and began practice at Rives Junction, Mich., but in July of the same year (1884) came to Houston, Minn., where he practiced his profession until 1898. During his residence there he was for several years a member of the city council, serving one year as its presi- dent. In 1899 he came to Caledonia and bought out Dr. Freeman and here he has since remained. He has won a high reputation as an able member of his profession and has built up a lucrative practice, both in the city and country. From 1903 until Jan. 1, 1919, Dr. Rhines was a member of the Belden-Fullerton-Rhines Medical Company, and for several years he served as county coroner. He is a member of the Houston and Fillmore Counties Medical Society, serving also on its board of censors; also of the Minnesota State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. As a public spirited citizen he has identified himself closely with local interests. He was for two years president of the village council of Caledonia, was for some time a member of the board of education, and is at the present time an active and efficient member of the Commercial Club. He was also chair- man of the second, third, fourth and fifth Liberty Loan committees. Politically he is independent. Dr. Rhines' fraternal society affiliations are with the Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. As a Mason he belongs to Caledonia Lodge, No. 20, of which he is past master; also to the Caledonia chapter and Winona Consistory. His business interests include those of a stockholder in the Caledonia State Bank. Dr. Rhines was married in Jackson county, Michigan, March 15, 1883, to Addie M. Peter- son. Two children have been born of this union: Ray N., Feb. 11, 1885, and Hazel L., July 15, 1889. Ray N., who married Marie Shuler, is now manager of the mechanical department of the Northwestern Newspaper Company at Billings, Mont. Hazel L., who was graduated from the Winona State Normal School and was for several years a proficient teacher, is now residing at home.

Olaus J. Ostern, who owns and operates a good farm in section 20, Wilmington township, was born in this township, Aug. 7, 1869, son of John E. and Karen Ostern. After beginning his studies he attended the district school regularly up to the age of 12 years, and after that during the winters until he was 16, most of his time outside of school hours being devoted to work on the farm. On Oct. 11, 1894, he was married to Caroline Smerud, daughter of Lars and Guro Smerud, of Wilmington township, and

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DR. D. C. RHINES

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he and his wife began housekeeping on a farm of 120 acres in section 20, which he had bought of his father-in-law and which is now the Oliver Myhre farm. There was a small frame house on it, but no barn. There he resided for ten years, at the end of which time he sold it to Nicolai Nel- son and returned to his parents' farm, where he spent the next four or five years. Mr. Ostern then bought 80 acres adjoining the first farm on the north, it being all improved land, with a comfortable frame house, a small stable and other buildings. Besides improving the house he has erected a frame barn, 24 by 40 by 16 feet in size, with a lean-to of 14 by 40 for cattle, also a corncrib and machine shed. All the buildings are painted and in good condition, and the farm equipment is complete and of modern type. Sixty-five acres of the land are under the plow, the rest being in pasture and timber. Mr. Ostern carries on diversified farming with profita- ble results. The stock consists chiefly of grade Shorthorn cattle and Duroc- Jersey swine, the herds having full-blooded sires. In addition to the profit he derives from his farm, Mr. Ostern is a stockholder in the Spring Grove Stock & Grain Company, the Spring Grove Hospital and the Honey Cream- ery at Bee, of which he was one of the organizers. He and his wife have been the parents of eleven children, of whom seven or now living: John Alfred, born Dec. 3, 1894; Louis Gerhard, born Dec. 27, 1901; Minerva Cedella, born March 11, 1903; Odin Carlton, born Sept. 21, 1906; Alma Otella, born March 12, 1907; Morris Tilford, born Nov. 3, 1913; and Gilma Elida, born April 15, 1915. Mr. Ostern and his family are religiously affiliated with the Wilmington congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church.

Harvey Snure, at one time a resident of Hokah and for a number of years one of the leading citizens of Houston county, which he repre- sented in the State Legislature, was born in Canada, Dec. 23, 1841. At the age of 14 he went to Chicago, where he remained until coming to Hokah in 1865. Here he entered the employ of the railroad on the Southern Min- nesota division, but later engaged in business with W. F. Weber in Hokah as a dealer in hardware and farm machinery. In 1880 he was elected to the State Legislature, but resigned in the following year to become county treasurer, at the same time moving to Caledonia. After holding the office of treasurer until 1904 he went to St. Paul, where he entered the state auditor's office, in which he is now serving. Mr. Snure married Lilla Weber, who was born in Dayton, Ohio, April 28, 1849, and they have been the parents of four children.

Frank H. Snure, county treasurer of Houston county, was born in Hokah, Houston county, Minn., Oct. 31, 1875, son of Harvey and Lilla Snure. In his boyhood he attended public school in Caledonia, where his father was then serving as county treasurer, and after leaving school he became assistant in the office of register of deeds there. In December, 1897, he went into the Bank of Caledonia, with which he was connected for nine consecutive years, obtaining a good insight into banking meth- ods. After that he spent two years in North Dakota, working in banks at Casselton and Blanchard, and going from that state to Wayzata, Minn., where he was connected with a bank for seven years. At the end of that

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time, or in 1915, he returned to Houston county, locating at La Crescent, and entered into business as a general merchant in partnership with his brother George, but a year later purchased his brother's interest. He is at present county treasurer, an office filled by his father for twenty-three years-from 1881 to 1904. While at La Crescent he served as village clerk. In this latter office he had experience while living in Wayzata, also being a member of the school board there. He is a Republican in politics and was a member and one of the trustees of the Presbyterian church in La Crescent. Mr. Snure was married, Aug. 17, 1904, to Achsa Burgess, daughter of Thomas C. and Florence (Doe) Burgess. He and his wife have three children: Achsa, Frank and Florence. Thomas C. Burgess, father of Mrs. Snure, was born of Scotch parents in New York City, Oct. 2, 1853, and his wife in Milford, Me., in 1853. In the spring of 1883 he came west to Minneapolis, where he was freight solicitor for the Chicago, Great Eastern, Grand Trunk & Pacific railroad, with which he was connected ever since graduating from the high school, a period covering forty-eight years. He died March 17, 1919. He and his wife have had five children, of whom Achsa (Mrs. Snure) was the third in order of birth.

Alexander Quenett, one of the pioneer settlers of Money Creek town- ship, long since deceased, was born in Steuben county, New York, where he married Clarinda Gelucia, a native of the same county. They removed to Pennsylvania and in the fall of 1857 came from the latter state to Hous- ton county, Minnesota, taking land in Money Creek township, where Mr. Quenett began the work of improvement. After residing there a short time the Civil War broke out and in 1862 Mr. Quenett enlisted as a soldier. He was one of those brave defenders of the Union who went out never to return, as he died while in the service, leaving the work he had begun to be taken up and finished by others. His widow continued her residence in Houston county for the rest of her life, dying in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Quenett had six children.

Will Quenett, proprietor of a farm of 180 acres in section 19, Sheldon township, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1857, son of Alexander and Clarinda (Gelucia) Quenett. His parents removed to Houston county in the year of his birth, and a few years later his father died while serving as a soldier in the Union army, leaving the mother with six children to struggle along on a new farm in Money Creek township. Young Will attended district school for a short time, but had to contribute to his own support when but 10 years old, beginning work as a herd boy for farmers. Later he learned the cooper's trade and on his marriage took up his residence in Houston, where he followed his trade for about twelve years. At the end of that time he engaged in agricultural work, taking his present farm a year later. As a general farmer he has met with good success and is enjoying a well earned prosperity. He also owns residence property in Houston, to which place he expects some time to retire when he has finished his career of usefulness on the farm. Politically he is an adherent of the Democratic party. Mr. Quenett was married, Jan. 1, 1885, to Mary O'Connor, who was born in Sheldon township, daughter of Owen and Winifred (Mulligan) O'Connor, who were pioneer

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TARGE LEWIS AND FAMILY

MR. AND MRS. JOHN LEAVIS-MR. AND MRS. HALVOR BAKER

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settlers in this township, both being natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Quenett have three children, James Francis, Agatha Ella and Wilfred Ambrose, and an adopted daughter, Myrtle Anna, whom they have reared from infancy. James Francis is now operating a large farm in Caledonia township, his sister Agatha Ella residing with him. Wilfred Ambrose is a veteran of the United States military service.

Targe J. Lewis, proprietor of the old Lewis homestead in section 10, Yucatan township, was born in this township, April 14, 1885, son of John and Signe (Gadsteid) Lewis. He attended school on Oak Ridge in this township, and after a good agricultural training on the home farm at the age of 19 he rented it and has since resided here. He has 320 acres of valuable land and has added to the improvements, the estate being now operated by him as a general stock farm. He has met with good success and by hard work and application to business has placed himself among the prosperous farmers of his township. He is also a shareholder in the Rushford elevator. In politics a Republican, he is now serving as treasurer of the school board, while his religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Lewis was married, Feb. 10, 1915, to Julia Baker, who was born in Rushford, Fillmore county, Minn., March 29, 1891, daughter of Halvor and Osloug Baker, who were natives of Telemarken, Norway. He and his wife have two children, Helen Alletta and Gehard Joseph.

Harry Pearley Kumm, head butter maker and general manager of the Houston creamery, was born two miles south of Spring Valley, in Fillmore county, Minn., Oct. 20, 1886, son of August and Amelia (Klebesadel) Kumm. The parents were natives of Germany, but were married in Min- nesota, the father coming to this country in 1867 when 19 or 20 years old. He and his wife settled in Fillmore county, where he now owns land and is engaged in farming. Harry Pearley Kumm was the fifth born of his par- ents' eight children. He attended school in Spring Valley and at the age of 14 years began working out. When somewhat more advanced in years he entered the agricultural department of the University of Minnesota, where he was graduated from the dairy course. His first position as cream- ery helper was at Spring Valley, where he remained for six years. He then took a position as butter maker at Cascade, Mont., and afterwards at Elizabeth, Minn. From the latter place he went to the State Creamery for a short time, then spent two years at Mabel, Minn., from which place he came to Houston to assume the duties of his present position, in which he has shown a high degree of proficiency. Mr. Kumm is also a musician, a good performer on the clarinet, and was formerly instructor of the Spring Valley Harp Orchestra. He belongs to Camp No. 262, Modern Woodmen of America, at Spring Valley. In politics he is independent, and he attends the Methodist Episcopal church. He was married, Jan. 4, 1918, to Ruth Diana Bischoff, of Minneapolis, and this union has been blessed with a daughter, Eleanore Lorraine, born Oct. 14, 1918.

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 98

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

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