USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 99
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Edwin N. Newhouse, county auditor of Houston county, was born in the village of Caledonia, this county, Oct. 11, 1886, son of Nels T. New- house. After graduation from the Spring Grove High School in 1903 he
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entered the La Crosse Business University, where he took his diploma in 1905. After that for about seven years he worked for his father in a store at Spring Grove. In 1914 he was elected county auditor on the Republican ticket, with a plurality of over 600, and has since served in that office, his record having been fully satisfactory to his fellow citizens throughout the county generally. During the great war he trained for several months in an officers' training camp. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Caledonia, and of the Modern Woodmen of America at Spring Grove. His religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church.
Charles W. Metcalf, one of the earliest settlers in Houston county, was born in South Hampton, Mass., on May 21, 1829. His youth and early manhood were spent in his native state amid historical scenes and with salutary moral and religious surroundings. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, in which he continued all his life, except for a short period to be hereafter mentioned. In the spring of 1854, a young man of about 24 years, he joined the tide of westward emigration, knowing that in the western and northwestern states and territories he should find a richer and more fertile soil and be able to acquire land at a nominal cost. Another cause influenced his move to the West. He was married, Sept. 25, 1853, to Sarah Stewart, whose parents, Edwin and Lucy Stewart, were of East Granby, Conn., had moved to Houston county, Minnesota, in 1853, and whom he and his young wife wished to join. In the spring of 1854 the youthful couple arrived in this county and took 120 acres of wild land in section 24, Caledonia township .. The tract was a part of the wilderness, there being as yet no roads. Mr. Metcalf started farming with few re- sources save those of a stout heart and willing hands, and it may be added as equally important the very helpful co-operation of a devoted and courageous wife, who cheerfully braved the perils and hardships of frontier life and did her full share in the development of their home.
Their log house, erected by Mr. Metcalf, was one of the first in the section and, like all the other pioneer settlers, Mr. Metcalf used oxen in breaking his land. Time went on and the Civil War broke out. About that time (May, 1862), perhaps owing to hardships endured, Mrs. Metcalf's health became impaired. Believing that a change of air and scene was necessary, her husband resolved to give up the farm for a while and, with his family and a few others, which then included two children, Lewis and Fannie, set out in wagons and on horseback in the spring of 1862 for Colorado-a somewhat hazardous trip at that time, but which was safely accomplished. There for some time Mr. Metcalf worked in the mines, and his wife, in the bracing air of that region, and with less hard work to do, gradually re- covered her health. When it was fully re-established they resolved to re- turn to Houston county, and again in December, 1865, traversed the long distance in a wagon, having with them at this time their two children. After an absence of three years and seven months, they once more came in sight of their pioneer home in Caledonia township and gladly resumed work amid the old familiar scenes. After a while Mr. Metcalf opened a meat market, but conducted it but a short time, as he soon found it more
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T. T. BERGH
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profitable to attend to the development of his farm, which his son Lewis, when he came in possession in after years named Cloverdale. In time he acquired more land and erected good frame buildings, raising good stock in addition to crops. He was a lover of good horses and owned some of the best in his locality. His wife's parents, Edwin and Lucy Stewart, owned an adjoining farm and close neighborly intercourse was carried on between the two families. But at last the final summons came to Mrs. Metcalf in July, 1882, who was born Feb. 2, 1833, at Ludlow, Mass., and she passed to the land beyond. Thus bereaved, Mr. Metcalf found that the old home had lost much of its attractiveness for him, and, being no longer young, he at last gave it up and took up his residence in the village of Caledonia, where he spent his last days. He and his wife were attandants of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of their four children Lewis is now dead, Fannie is the wife of L. A. Chattelle of Caledonia, Flora the wife of G. E. Andrews of Caledonia township, and Charles L., a prominent citizen of Caledonia, is now clerk of court for Houston county.
Charles L. Metcalf, clerk of the district court of Houston county, was born on his parents' farm in section 24, Caledonia township, this county, Aug. 5, 1872, son of Charles W. and Sarah (Stewart) Metcalf. After at- tending the public schools of Caledonia, he served an apprenticeship to the printer's trade and for several years was associated with P. J. Smalley in the office of the Caledonia Argus. After that he became proprietor of a livery stable in Caledonia, which he operated for five years. He then engaged in the buying of grain, being located at Spring Grove for one season, but at the end of that time, resuming newspaper work, was fore- man for three years of the Caledonia Journal, and during two years of that time he served as village clerk. Then in 1907 he was again attracted to the journalistic field, becoming manager of the Spring Grove Herald, which position he held for three years, two months and ten days. In 1910 he was elected on the Republican ticket as clerk of the district court, be- ginning his duties Jan. 3, 1911. He has since continued in that office, hav- ing been re-elected in 1914, and again in 1918 by a majority over his op- ponent of 1,612 votes, a sufficient proof that his service has been satisfac- tory to the people of the county generally. He is a shareholder in the State Bank of Caledonia. Fraternally he belongs to the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic order, to the Woodmen of America, the Order of Yeomen, and the Odd Fellows' lodge at Hokah. On Dec. 21, 1898, Charles L. Met- calf was united in marriage with Hattie Belle Vance, daughter of W. A. and Abbie (Symes) Vance, her parents being natives of South Ryegate, Ver- mont, of old Vermont ancestry, her father being a brother of Judge David E. Vance, late probate judge of Winona county. Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf have one son, Charles Vance Metcalf, who was born Dec. 1, 1900.
Thore T. Bergh, a well-to-do resident of the village of Spring Grove, who conducts business in La Crosse as a dealer in musical instruments and automobiles, was born on a farm in Spring Grove township, Houston county, Minnesota, May 14, 1854, son of Tolef A. and Gunhild (Helde) Bergh. The parents came to this country from Norway in 1848, settling first at Orfordville, Wis., where they remained until 1852. Then coming
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to Houston county, they settled on a tract of wild land in sections 16 and 17, Spring Grove township, which in time they cleared and developed into a good farm, well cultivated, fenced, and provided with neat and substantial buildings. There the father died, Jan. 14, 1912, and the mother March 19, 1910, after having raised themselves from poverty to comparative affluence. Thore T. Bergh, after acquiring his primary education in the common schools, took a course at the Wisconsin Business University in La Crosse, from which he was graduated at the age of 21 years. In the meanwhile during the summers he had worked on the home farm, on which he con- tinued to reside for a year after his graduation as a business student. In 1876 he began work as a salesman, selling sewing machines throughout this section, and he continued in that business, with intervals spent on the farm, up to 1879. On Oct. 10 that year he was united in marriage with Christie, daughter of Ole and Carrie Guelson, of Orfordville, Wis. On his return from his wedding trip he took his first journey on the Reno-Preston branch, that road having in the meantime been built to Spring Grove village. That same year Mr. Bergh opened a store in the village of Spring Grove, devoted to the sale of hardware and agricultural implements. In 1903 he estab- lished himself in his present business on the corner of Fourth and Jay streets, in La Crosse. Under the name of the Bergh Piano Company he deals in automobiles and musical instruments, carrying a full line of Hud- son and Dodge Brothers motor cars, Goodyear and Miller tires, accessories and supplies, Vose pianos, autopianos, Edison diamond disc phonographs and Edison amberolas. His trade covers five or six counties and is con- stantly increasing. He has, however, maintained his residence in Spring Grove, where on Maple avenue in 1883 he built a beautiful brick house which he now owns. He is also an extensive land owner. He is the sole owner of the home farm of 360 acres in Spring Grove township, and also of an 80-acre farm in the same township. He is a stock fancier and takes great interest in the breeding of blooded stock. He is a stockholder in the Spring Grove Stock & Grain Company. A Republican in politics, he has served his township and village in various public capacities. He and his family are members of the Spring Grove congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church. To Mr. and Mrs. Bergh have been born six children : Thomas, born Dec. 20, 1882, who resides in La Crosse and is associated with his father in business; Gena, born Dec. 30, 1880, widow of Thomas Quinnell, now residing at home; Clara, born in 1883, who died in childhood; Olga and Orrin, both of whom are deceased; and Clara (second), born May 25, 1897, who is residing at home with her parents.
Gustave H. Lageson, a well-known citizen of Spring Grove township, proprietor of a stock farm in section 32, was born on his parents' farm in this township, of which his own forms a part, Jan. 15, 1884, son of Hans E. and Isabelle (Bendik) Lageson. In his youthful days he attended school in district No. 56, continuing his studies at intervals, as he found opportunity, up to the age of 19. For three years longer he resided with his parents, and then, in the spring of 1906, rented the Tomeraasen farm in section 28, Spring Grove township, which he operated until the fall of 1909. About that time he had thoughts of going to some more western state, but during the win-
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MR. AND MRS. LEVI L. LAPHAM
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ter of 1909-10 resided on his parents' farm in section 32, which he rented in the spring, working it under rental up to January, 1914. He then bought 80 acres of the farm, on which were some good buildings, including a frame house, consisting of a two-story upright and wing, and summer kitchen; a frame barn, machine shed and granary. His sisters Bena and Gertrude remained on the farm with him as housekeepers, his father retiring from active work. Mr. Lageson has a good equipment, and his farm is all in a state of cultivation, the soil being rich and productive. It is located six miles southwest of Spring Grove, and five miles east of Mabel, both places being convenient markets. Mr. Lageson raises a good grade of Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, having full-blooded sires for his herds so as to constantly improve the stock. Industrious and thrifty, he has made good progress in improving his circumstances, and, in addition to his regular farm equipment, owns a good automobile. In politics he is non-partisan, though with leanings to the Republican party. Religiously he belongs to the Mabel congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church. He is also a member of the American Society of Equity.
P. V. Ryan, the efficient editor and publisher of the Caledonia Argus, was born in Spring Creek, Warren County, Penn., Sept. 8, 1869, and moved with his parents to Iowa in 1873. He came to Caledonia in 1879. In 1895 he established the Kilkenny (Minn.) Gleaner, and published it two years. Since 1897 he has been editor and publisher of the Argus. Mr. Ryan has been a leader in public affairs and his efforts have always been for the best interests of the village and county. The respect in which he is held by his fellow citizens is shown by the fact that in 1917, 1918 and 1919 he was elected mayor of the village. In this capacity he has given most excellent service and the municipal affairs have prospered under his guidance. As mayor during the war period he did all in his power to assist in various patriotic endeavors. In politics Mr. Ryan is a Democrat, in which party he has a high local standing, being a member of the Democratic State Cen- tral Committee from this county. His paper enjoys a good circulation, and exerts a strong influence on the life of the community. Mr. Ryan was married Oct. 11, 1898, to Anna A. Murphy, of Kilkenny, Minn., and they have seven sons.
Levi Lincoln Lapham. Among the pioneers from New England to settle on Portland Prairie were "Link" Lapham and his wife Sarah. He was born in Burrilville, R. I., April 11, 1829. He was brought up on the farm, received the education of the public schools and then went to college a term or two. He learned the carpenter's trade, and with his two brothers went to Canada and worked in Toronto. Afterwards he returned to "the States" and worked in a grist mill being built by Davis Healy, of Dudley, Mass. Here he met Sarah Cargill Healy, oldest daughter of Davis Healy. She was born in Dudley, May 20, 1834. She was graduated from the Dud- ley Academy at Dudley Hill, after which she taught school, receiving $1.75 per week for her services and "boarded 'round." She also learned the "dress- makers' and tailors' trade." However, being an unusually successful teacher, she taught school until 1857, when she was married to Mr. Lapham, Jan. 13. They were both descendants of the old New England families, and 47
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many of their forebears were numbered among the Revolutionary heroes, Mrs. Lapham being a direct descendant of Miles Standish, John Alden and Roger Williams. Immediately after the wedding they came to Chicago, where he was employed as foreman in a sash and blind factory. They bought some lots and began to erect a home on Dearborn street. The great "finan- cial crash of '57" forced them to leave Chicago and all they had accumu- lated and turn their faces to the west. They found work in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this time in a sawmill and chair factory, but the financial panic soon reached Cedar Rapids and again they were obliged to seek new fields for employment. With two cows and a pair of oxen hitched to a "prairie schooner" containing a small calf and a few household goods, they were ready to start for Pike's Peak, for the lure of rich gold finds was strong upon them, when a letter from his brother Amos came, urging them to come to Minnesota to see him before starting on their perilous journey across what was then known as the "Great American Desert." Changing their course to the north, they started for Minnesota. Living on wild game, drinking from brooks and ponds, sleeping under the stars in the open, with their blankets wrapped about them, they followed the north star. Reach- ing Portland Prairie, they found quite a settlement of New England people who, like themselves, had been driven farther and farther into the wilder- ness. This was in 1860. Although a single nickel was all the money they possessed, they bought a hundred acres of rich Minnesota land and decided to stay and fight it out right here. "Fever and ague" or "the shakes" was common, and typhoid, diphtheria and scarlet fever took their dreaded toll of lives in this new country. Home-made coffins were made by Mr. Lapham, lined and trimmed in the Lapham kitchen by the skillful fingers of Mrs. Lapham. A doctor was often from ten to twenty-five miles away when most urgently needed. At such times Mr. Lapham often mounted "Old Luke," a long-limbed, balky, sorrel horse noted for her speed and endurance, and rode her sometimes thirty or forty miles for a doctor. The rebellion broke out and many of the Portland boys went at their country's call. Mr. Lapham volunteered and Mrs. Lapham was left alone to meet the rigors of a Minne- sota winter. With a "straw barn" the stock was quite comfortable, and she kept herself and babies from freezing by bringing fuel from the woods and chopping it up herself. There were no telephones, nor telegraphs, and mail sometimes once a week, but more often once a month. Those were days and nights of agonized waiting and watching for news from the front. At last the glad news of Lee's surrender came, and one by one "the boys came marching home again." There was a happy reunion in the little gray house in the edge of the woods, where Mrs. Lapham had kept the home fires burning. At the time of the Indian scare the neighbors met at the Lapham home and everything meltable was run into bullets, for they meant to for- tify Arnold's Bluff and fight for their homes and families. Mr. Lapham was a great lover of horses and soon owned a herd of thirty or more ani- mals, two of which took prizes at the state fair. His only dissipation or extravagance was a driving team which must out-travel and "outlook" any- thing else of the kind in the country. He didn't want, as he expressed it, "to take anybody's dust." His dog was his constant companion. In 1879
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they moved out of the old house into the new, which was the brick house which now stands on the homestead. In 1906 he built a larger and more convenient barn and afterwards added a silo, for at this time he was build- ing up a fine herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle of which he was justly proud. The spring after he was eighty-six he planted an orchard of fifty apple trees, that others might enjoy the fruit. He possessed a natural power which enabled him to accurately diagnose, relieve and often cure cases of illness, not only of animals, but of human beings as well. He was a great lover of his home and his family, and very loyal to his neighbors and friends. His heart was profoundly tender and sympathetic. A kitten with an injured paw or a bird with a broken wing appealed to him and not in vain. He was a wise counsellor, an impartial judge, honest, fair and generous in all his dealings with others, and was perfectly fearless, both physically and morally. He had a most lively interest in the world's doings, was well read on all the topics of the day, and although a dyed-in-the-wool Republican, he read both Democratic and Republican periodicals. When eighty-five years old he was the only man in his precinct to appear at the polls that year at the primary election. No worthy cause passed unaided. He was loved and trusted by little children, and animals knew him and came at his call. Never having used liquor or tobacco, his mind and body had the strength and vigor at eighty-six of most men 20 years his junior. His was a life of service, for he lived in his house by the side of the road and was a friend to man. Mrs. Lapham was an active member of the M. E. church at Portland Prairie, and taught a Sunday School class as long as she was able to attend service. She was always ready to help where help was needed. There was no home in the neighborhood that had not known her help.and sympathy in time of sickness and trouble. Side by side with her husband she shared his toil, struggles and hardships as well as his joys, success and triumph. After an illness of several years' duration, she closed her life work at the age of seventy-seven years, April 26, 1911. Mr. Lapham survived her only five years. It had always been his desire to "die in the harness," and his wish was granted Jan. 2, 1916. Four children were born to them : Frances Payne, Jan. 8, 1861; Cora, April 20, 1863; George Henry, April 13, 1866; and Herbert Lincoln, Aug. 13, 1869. They left their children the priceless heritage of a good name, which is more than riches, and the golden memory of worthy and noble lives well spent.
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CHAPTER XIII
MODERN VILLAGES AND HAMLETS
Houston County has six incorporated villages, Caledonia, with a popu- lation (in 1910) of 1,372; Houston, with a population of 700; Spring Grove, with a population of 620; Hokah, with a population of 400; La Crescent, with a population of 372, and Brownsville, with a population of 361. Brownsville was incorporated in 1858, Caledonia in 1870, Hokah in 1871, and Houston in 1874, all by the State Legislature. Spring Grove was in- corporated in 1889 and La Crescent in 1903. There are also several flour- ishing villages which are not incorporated, notably Reno, Money Creek, Eitzen, Freeburg, Riceford and Newhouse. Other hamlets are Bee (Ber- gen), Winnebago Valley (Watertown), Yucatan, Sheldon, Pine Creek Val- ley and Mound Prairie Station.
The early history of these places has much in common with the his- tory of the townships in which they are included, and this history has already been told in this work. The object of this chapter is to tell of their present development and importance.
CALEDONIA
Caledonia, the county seat of Houston county, is the metropolis of southeastern Minnesota, and is probably the most sightly village of its size in the State. Its public buildings, including a municipal building erected as a community center, and the court house and jail, are models of their kind; the two large schools, public and parochial, are widely famed; the churches are stately and most admirably adapted to their purpose; many of the residences almost approach the dignity of mansions; the well kept streets and neat lawns give an air of culture and beauty; the business houses are progressive and modern ; and the people are hospitable and wide- awake, taking a sincere interest in everything that pertains to the best in- terests of their community. Not far away is the County Alms House and Farm, the building being a model of beauty and utility, while the farm is well tilled and productive. Such municipal improvements as waterworks, electric lights and sewers add to the comfort of daily life. Surrounding the village on all sides is a rich agricultural region, dotted with substantial farm houses, schoolhouses and churches, and the people of the country and village are in perfect accord.
Caledonia is in almost the center of the county, being but a few miles from the actual center. It is on the eastern edge of Caledonia township, a few of the houses being in Mayville township. It is near the head of Crooked Creek valley, high and dry on a rolling prairie, 550 feet above the river.
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Among the notable features of the village are three strong banks, two good newspapers, two elevators, a feed mill, a grist mill, a creamery, a public library, a public theater, a moving picture theater, good hotel and restaurant service, a quota of high-minded professional and business men, and excellent trading facilities in the various stores. There is good tele- phone and telegraph service, good railroad connections, and excellent shipping accommodations.
The Court House square occupies a convenient location near the busi- ness center of the village. The square is beautified with native trees, flowering shrubs and plants, and is crossed with well-kept walks. A pic- turesque fountain adds beauty to the surroundings, and artistic cement lamp posts are set at convenient places. Both court house and combined jail and sheriff's residence are all built of ornamental stone. The court house, the third to occupy the property, was built in 1883, the combined jail and sheriff's residence was erected in 1875. The beautiful alms house two miles away was erected in 1893.
The municipal building, owned by the village and constituting the community center, is the result of a dream long cherished by many leading citizens. Set back from the street, and fronted by a pretty stretch of grass, it is a model of fire proof, modern construction.
The prime mover in awakening the people to the need of such a build- ing, and one of the most energetic workers in carrying the project to a successful conclusion, was W. D. Belden, who has been here since the earliest days. It was he, who, in 1912, knowing the urgent necessity for the present needs and future good of the village, after thinking much upon the subject and feeling deeply the importance of a building of such a character for a center of usefulness to the community, first laid the project before the Commercial Club, and from that date until the building was formally opened he never faltered in his purpose. He has furnished for this book, the following story of its inception and consummation.
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