History of Olmsted County, Minnesota, Part 50

Author: Joseph A. Leonard
Publication date: 1910
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 736

USA > Minnesota > Olmsted County > History of Olmsted County, Minnesota > Part 50

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worked at his trade. He then came west to Wisconsin, bought a farm and for four years engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1874 he first came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and until 1881 fol- lowed his trade of carpenter in Salem township. At that time he removed to Rochester township, purchased 230 acres in two farms, located on sections ten and fifteen, which he sold to his son, H. R. Pease, and farmed thereon until his retirement from the active duties of life in 1905. He then came into the city of Rochester, where he now resides, leaving the management of the farms to his youngest son, H. R. Pease. On March 13, 1858, at Charlotte, New York, he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Luce, of old New England stock, and a daughter of John and Sarah Luce. To them nine children, five now living, were born and named as follows: William Henry, Ida E., Ellen D., Sarah A., Cordelia, Elmer, Myra L., Homer R., Herbie. Mr. Pease gave his children every educa- tional advantage possible, and his youngest daughter, Myra L., was among the first five in a class of 150 graduating from the Winona Normal School, having a percentage of 100 in mathematics. He is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Universalist church. Mr. Pease has served his country in times of trouble, has aided his county by contributing to all laudable and worthy enterprises and is highly respected by his fellowmen. He has the reputation of being one of the best buttermakers in the country. He made by hand two tons of butter in 1889, and has made two and one-half tons for several years in Minnesota.

DR. GEORGE T. JOYCE, one of the rising medical practitioners of Olmsted county, was born in High Forest township, this county, January 25, 1879, a son of James and Anna (Holland) Joyce, who were natives of Ireland and were there educated in the public schools, but were married in Minnesota. They arrived in America at an early date and, coming to Minnesota, located on a farm in section six, of High Forest township. Here they engaged in agri- cultural pursuits and became prominent and influential citizens. Mr. Joyce was one of the founders of St. Bridget's parish and was a devout supporter of the Catholic faith. His death occurred in 1889 and he was buried in St. Bridget's cemetery. His widow still survives and resides on the old homestead.

After attending the district schools of his native township, Dr. George T. Joyce spent two years in attendance at the Normal school in Rochester. Early in life he decided to take up the study and practice of medicine, and after a two years' preparatory course at Des Moines, Iowa, he spent four years at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Chicago, graduating therefrom with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1904. He also attended the University of Illinois. He immediately returned to Olmsted county, located at

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Rochester and has since been actively and successfully engaged in the general practice of his profession. He is a member of the State, American and Southern Minnesota Medical societies, and is medical director for the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Columbus. He was also one of the charter members of the Knights of Columbus, at Rochester. At the present writing Dr. Joyce is serving as alderman from the First ward and is a member of the Utility Board. Politically he is of the Democratic faith and in religion is a Roman Catholic. In 1906 he was married to Miss Josephine Baier, of Olmsted county, and one daughter, Evelyn, has been born to them.

CHARLES MICHAEL WARD is a son of William and Mary and a grandson of Michael and Nellie. The grandparents passed their lives in Ireland, but the father, William, came to America and lived for ten years in Dutchess county, New York. He then came to this county and bought a farm in Orion township, built a log house and lived for eight years. He then built a better residence and continued to add to his farm and put up new and needed build- ings until he is today one of the prosperous and well-to-do farmers of the county. He is a Roman Catholic, and has occupied various positions of trust in the township. On October 19, 1872, he mar- ried Miss Mary Luce, daughter of Charles and Bridget, who lived and died in Ireland. Their children were: Belinda, who married Lawrence Twohey and died in 1907; William P .; Susie, who mar- ried Frank Twohey; Ella, yet living with her father; Charles M .; and James S.

Charles M. was born on the home farm, and in youth attended the district schools and finished his education by graduating from the Chatfield high school. He was born March 3, 1879, and after his graduation returned to the farm. Here he has remained ever since. He is now working the farm in partnership with his brother, James Stephen Ward. The brothers are carrying on operations on a large and profitable scale. They have on hand about fifty head of cattle, eleven head of horses, about 115 swine, and other small stock. The brothers cultivate about 300 acres and have about 100 acres in pasture. On January 5, 1909, Charles M., at Stewartville, married Miss Ellen McCarthy, daughter of Jeremiah P. and Annie, old set- tlers of this county. Charles and Ellen have one child, named Paul Jeremiah, born July 29, 1910.

James S. was born on this farm December 5, 1884, and is a son of William and Mary, named above. He was educated in the local schools up to his twentieth year, and in the meantime assisted his father on the farm. Here he has been occupied ever since. He is associated with his brother in general farm work and the brothers

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are very active and prosperous. Much of their lives is still before them, and, as they are young and ambitious, the final result need .not be in doubt.

ERASTMUS DARWIN SWARTWOOD, deceased, farmer and stock raiser of Haverhill township, was born in New York state, Septem- ber 30, 1833, a son of Henry B. and Diana (Daniels ) Swartwood. Two children were born to this union: subject and Elize Rodel- phia. Upon the death of the mother the father remarried, Sarah . Orser becoming his wife, and in 1878 emigrated West to Tracy, Minnesota, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1893. One child, Henry Bastian, was born to the second marriage. His third wife was Cynthia Treadwell, who presented him with three children : Charles W., Llewellyn N., and Horatio R. His son, E: D. Swartwood, the subject of this review, remained on the home farm in New York and attended the public schools until sixteen years of age. He then learned and embarked in the lumber busi- ness, and on July 3, 1859, was united in marriage with Miss Rhoda L. Loghry, who was a native of New York state and of Irish parentage. The Loghry family were among the first to settle in America, and Mrs. Swartwood's paternal grandfather served the Colonies in their struggle for independence. In 1869 Mr. and Mrs. Swartwood came to Rochester, Olmsted county, Minnesota, and for a time resided in a house which stood on the present site · of the Christian church. They bought 200 acres of land in Haver- hill township, just adjoining Rochester, which was divided into farms, and for years actively engaged in farming and stock raising. · Later Mr. Swartwood disposed of his interests and became a sales- man and machine expert for Himes & Edgar, of Rochester, but after acting in this capacity for six years engaged in the sale of Deering and McCormick binders and mowers for the succeeding seventeen years. Through his own unaided efforts Mr. Swart- wood acquired a competency, most of which was invested in farm mortgages, and in 1895 he retired from the active business cares of life and made his home in Rochester. On May 13, 1899, he passed away, a man bearing the respect and high esteem of all who knew him. He was a member of the Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Baptist church. Mr. Swartwood bore the reputation of being an honest and industrious man, and when death beckoned him Olmsted county lost a good citizen.

ROBERT H. FORSTER has resided ever since he was born on the farm where he now lives-section thirty, Orion township-the farm consisting of 200 acres. He is the son of William and Eliza- beth Forster, who came from England to New York in the early fifties and after a short stay there went to Illinois in 1854 and there

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remained for two years. He then came to this township and pre- empted 160 acres, where his grandson now lives. Here he went to work and before long was in comfortable circumstances. As time passed he accumulated money and property until in 1870 he was able to buy another tract of 160 acres, section thirty, or traded a tract of land which he held in Pleasant Grove township. In the early sixties he already had acquired another tract of forty acres, making in all 360 acres and a splendid farm and home. Much of his farm was wild land when he obtained it, but he went to work with energy and intelligent effort and soon had the stumps and stones removed and all subject to his domination and cultivation. In those days the question of transportation was all important. At first there were no railroads and the markets were far away and the prices very uncertain. Grain and stock had to be taken to Winona, the nearest shipping point. The childhood of the subject of this sketch was passed amid these surroundings and hardships. William Forster was a man of unusual worth. He was strictly fair and honest and was industrious and hard-working. There were only nine acres cleared when he took possession of the place. He was a Republican and occupied several positions of responsibility and trust in the community with credit and fidelity. In his home he was kind and affectionate. He died February 23, 1909, at the age of nearly eighty-one years and left many to mourn his departure from life. He left a widow, four daughters and one son. He was one of the organizers of the Washington Presbyterian Church. Of his children Mary Jane married E. A. Loomis, a real estate dealer of Colorado; Margaret Ann, who married Alexander McDonald, M. D .; Susan Elizabeth, married P. H. Foote and lives at St. Paul Park, Minnesota ; Martha Isabel, married F. A. Steele, an attorney of Seattle, Washington.

Robert H. Forster was born in a log house on the home farm November 12, 1858, and in youth attended the district schools. Later he finished his schooling at the Niles Educational Institution at Rochester. While yet a small boy, and as soon as he was able, he was put to work on the farm. As early as eleven years old he was set to work plowing, even before he could drag the plow around at the end of the furrow. During all the years while being edu- cated he assisted his father on the place, grubbing, clearing, plow- ing and planting, sowing and reaping, raising live stock and ship- ping the same to market. Immediately after leaving school he se- cured an active interest in a furniture store at Luverne, Rock county, in partnership with his brother-in-law. At the end of two years he returned to the old farm in order to assist his father, and so continued until 1887, when he took entire charge of the place, continuing until 1908.

Mr. Forster has ever taken a deep interest in all laudable public

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affairs. He is a Republican and at two different county conven- tions served as chairman, which alone attests his prominence and power with the people. He has held the office of township assessor for the last seven years; has been clerk and director of the Board of Education for several years, and has served through all the chairs of the Odd Fellows and been a delegate to the Grand Lodge. He is a member of the M. W. A. On November 8, 1882, he mar- ried Miss Isabel J. Dorr, daughter of Guston and Helen, farmers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Forster have the following children : Helen E., married U. L. Robinson, a farmer ; Gertrude I., a student at Chatfield; Marie A., yet at home with her parents; R. Louis, who now resides on the farm of 238 acres which he bought of his grandfather in 1908. He is the only son of Robert H. and Isabel J. and was born July 10, 1885. He continued his education until 1901 and then returned and assisted his father until 1908, when he bought this property. On December 16, 1908, at Chatfield, he mar- ried Miss Emma M. Jorgenson, daughter of Hans and Anna, promi- nent farmers near Chatfield.

AUGUST WILLIAM KUTZKY, now residing in Rochester, was born in Schloppe, Prussia, Germany, May 28, 1855, the son of Frederick William and Fredericka (Bast) Kutzky, and grandson of Louis Emanuel and Wilmina (Gaffke) Kutzky. The grandfather lived and died in that portion of the old country, but his wife came to America and passed away in Salem township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, on June 12, 1869. Frederick William Kutzky was also a native of Schloppe, his birth occurring September 19, 1829, and was there educated in the public schools and reared to manhood. After his schooling was completed he served two years in the German army, and then learned the butcher's trade. May 28, 1854, at Schloppe, he married Miss Fredericka Bast, who was born in Schoenwerder, in Pomern, Germany, July 24, 1830, and the fol- lowing year they immigrated to America and for one-half year resided at Geneva, Illinois. In 1856 they came to Olmsted county, secured government land in section two, Cascade township, and there engaged in farming for thirteen years. They then disposed of their interests and removed to Greenwood Prairie, Farmington township, and there made their home until 1898, when they retired from the active duties of life and came to Rochester. Mr. Kutzky is still living, but his wife passed away February 16, 1905, and now lies at rest in Oakwood cemetery, Rochester. Mr. Kutzky was one of the county's pioneers and has seen it grow from a wild and un- settled part of the country to one of the best and most important divisions of the state. He makes his home with his son August, and in declining days can enjoy the blessings of a well spent and successful life.

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His son, August W. Kutzky, the subject of this review, when but two months old was brought to America by his parents and was educated in the public schools of Olmsted county. He remained at home until 1887 and then came to the city of Rochester, where for several years he was local agent for the Davis Sewing Machine Company and engaged in the grocery business. He subsequently disposed of his interests and for four seasons engaged as salesman and machine expert for D. H. Williams. He then retired for a few years and in 1899 purchased ninety acres of land adjoining Roches- ter on the west, platted twenty-eight acres into 126 lots, and has since improved and disposed of sixty of them. He is now engaged in improving the remainder, and sells on the installment plan, with or without house. The remaining sixty-two acres is now in pas- ture, but will be platted when the market warrants. Mr. Kutzky was married June 10, 1880, to Miss Bertha Stephan, who was born in Princeton, Wisconsin, October 13, 1860, the daughter of August and Carolina (Tetzlaff) Stephan, now of Potsdam, Olmsted county, Minnesota. To Mr. and Mrs. Kutzky two sons have been born, named, Louis William August Emanuel, November 25, 1881, died at Rochester, August 24, 1895, and Hugo Albert John Theodore, June 4, 1887, died of whooping cough July 2, 1888. In politics Mr. Kutzky is a Republican, and in religious views is identified with the German Lutheran church. Socially he is a member of the Rochester Game & Fish League, of which sport he is an enthusiast. He takes just pride in his family record and is one of the progres- sive business men of the county.

CLIFTON LE ROY KETCHUM is the son of Cornelius Benjamin and Clara Ketchum and is now residing on a farm of 120 acres on sections three and ten, Dover township. His father originally came from Massachusetts, where for many years his parents followed the occupation of farming. There were five brothers, all of whom came to Minnesota in the fall of 1855. In 1861 Cornelius B. en- listed in the Union army and for eighteen months saw active serv- ice. He participated in a number of hard engagements and was honorably mustered out at the close of the war. He then went to Missouri and dealt profitably in horses and cattle for several years. In 1875 he purchased a farm of 160 acres in Quincy township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, which was partly improved and there lived for about twenty years, making money and acquiring a good name and reputation. His health gradually failing, he finally sold out this property and retired from the hard physical work to which he had so long been accustomed. He then began to speculate ex- tensively in land in different parts of the Union, and was ere long the owner of large tracts in many states, much of which is yet held by his descendants. He finally passed away on April 26, 1906, while in Arkansas. His widow is now living in Seattle, Washington.

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His son, Clifton I .. , the subject of this review, was born on his father's farm in this county on March 5, 1877, and was educated in the neighboring district schools and finished by attending the high school at Winona. During 1897 and 1898 he worked on vari- ous farms and managed to save some money. He then, until 1901. worked as a teamster for a contractor on the Milwaukee railroad, but at the latter date went to Oregon and took up a timber claim, proved it up, and took out his patent therefor in 1903. During this time he was busily at work in the forests, continuing until 1904. He then returned to this county and worked out on various farms by the month, saving his money and finally buying his pres- ent property. Here he has carried on farming extensively and has made a number of valuable improvements. In addition to his present place he owns a third interest in 1,280 acres in the states of Arkansas and North Dakota. His life thus far has been busy, ·active and clean. He is a Republican, but is independent when he deems it necessary for the public good. On September 8, 1909. he married at Rochester Miss Alma, daughter of John and Fredericka Fender, who are well known residents and early settlers of Little Valley, Minnesota.

MRS. ELLEN KETCHUM, widow of the prominent pioneer, Jerome C. Ketchum, is now residing on a farm of 160 acres with her son Harry in Dover township. Her husband before his death was the largest land taxpayer in the county and one of its best known and highest minded citizens. The acquirement of this large landed estate was largely due to the assistance furnished him by his good and faithful wife, the subject of this review. She is a native of Akron, Ohio, where her birth occurred on July 27, 1844. She is the daughter of Albert and Lucretia Sames, prominent farmers of that portion of Ohio. She received her primary education in the public schools of Akron, and when about ten years of age was taken by her parents to a farm near Davenport, Iowa, where they all remained for about four years. They then came to Viola town- ship, Olmsted county, and located on a farm, where the subject of this review completed her education and grew to womanhood. After a few years she was sought in marriage by Jerome C. Ketchum and they were married in Marion on March 22, 1864. After her marriage she first resided in the house which later be- came the property of her son Merton, but later resided on the farm which passed to her son Orville. For a number of years she has resided with her son Harry on a different portion of the old home- stead. Her life has been a busy one, full of hard work, denials, but also filled with love and sunshine. That she has not lived in vain is shown by her fine family, by the broad acres they possess, and by the good record and respect that goes everywhere with the

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family name. She can now view with pride and complacency in her old age a life well and happily spent. To herself and husband were born five sons and two daughters: Della May, who married Matthew Carver, a successful fruit grower; Frank, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere herein: Orville, a retired farmer; Merton, residing in Dover township; Hollis, a farmer in Dakota; Ida Belle, who married Howard Amos, a farmer of Dover township; and Harry, also a farmer, with whom Mrs. Ketchum now resides. She is now gradually retiring from the active duties of life with a con- sciousness of work well done.

JOHN J. MARREN, engaged in the harness and leather business at Rochester, is a native of this county, his birth occurring May 23, 1873, in Rochester township, and a son of Michael and Mary (Naylon) Marren. The father was born in County Galway, Ire- land, but when yet a young man left the land of his nativity and immigrated to America. He located for a time in Pennsylvania, and was there married, but in 1868 he and wife came west to Olm- sted county, Minnesota, and engaged in farming in Rochester town- ship. Here they resided until 1900, when they removed to the city of Rochester and have since made their home there. John J. Mar- ren received his education in the public schools of Rochester town- ship and during boyhood days assisted his father with the work of the home farm. He subsequently spent two years in the harness establishment of Mr. Joseph Devlin, and when he thought he had mastered the details of that line of business embarked in it at Rochester on his own account. He located at 16 West Third street and here has been successfully engaged ever since, carrying a full and complete line of harness and saddlery. In his political views Mr. Marren is independent, and while a public spirited citizen, he has steadfastly refused to fill public office. He is unmarried and a stanch member of St. John's Catholic church. He is identified with the Rochester Lodge of Eagles, is greatly interested in local movements that tend toward the betterment of the community and has made life a success.

SYVERT O. SYVERSON was born in Rock Dell township, Novem- ber 5, 1873, and is a son of Ellif and Ambjor, who came to the United States from Norway in 1870 and bought 178 acres in sec- tion twenty-two, Rock Dell township. Here they lived in content- ment until the death of the mother in 1884. Syvert O. spent his boyhood on his father's farm and was given a fair education at the district schools. After the death of the mother he remained with his father on the place until he was twenty-four years old, when he rented the land of his father for two years. Early in 1899 he mar- ried Miss Helen Rime, whose parents were among the early settlers

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of Olmsted county. Her father is a veteran of the Civil war, having participated in nineteen engagements and many hard campaigns, among them being the siege of Vicksburg, Red River campaign, Spanish Fort, Mobile, etc. His war record is splendid; he was honorably mustered out at the end of the war. He and his wife are yet living on an adjoining farm. Mr. Syverson and wife have one daughter, Lilla V., born December 21, 1899. A short time before his marriage Mr. Syverson began the business of firing engines and in the fall of 1899 passed the state examination and was granted a license to run engines by the state boiler inspectors. He continued farming and added threshing in the fall. He bought a one-half interest in the threshing outfit of Ole Christianson, with whom he threshed three falls. He then bought his partner out and conducted the business alone for three falls. He then sold a half interest to Gus Nelson and afterward sold half of the remainder, leaving him now a one-fourth interest. In 1899 he bought 100 acres in sections 15 and 22, and in 1910 he bought his father's homestead of 186 acres, making him the owner at present of 286 acres. He is lucky enough to have on his place a never- failing well. He holds creamery, lumber yard and elevator stock. It is his intention to cease running the thresher after the 1910 season. He expects to devote his whole time to stock and grain farming. He rears high grade cattle and hogs. He has a fine flock of White Leghorn poultry, of which he has an excellent egg-producing strain. He is a Republican and is township super- visor at the present time. His family worship at East St. Olaf's Church. The county has no better citizens.

MARK OLIN, for many years a resident of Rochester, was born at Savannah, Ashland county, Ohio, on November 23, 1849, a son of Salathiel and Rachel (Seager) Olin, who were natives of the state of New York. The family resided in Ohio until 1863, although the father first came to Rochester, Minnesota, in 1856, and thereafter spent a part of each year here. In 1863 they moved to Olmsted county and for five years resided in Rochester, later moving to the farm near Rochester, which the father had pur- chased and a part of which later was sold to the county. In 1891 Mr. Olin died at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. He was a man of sound business judgment and commanded the re- spect of all with whom he came in contact. He owned a farm of 500 acres, the greater part of which was under cultivation, and prior to his location here, and subsequently, was extensively engaged in stock raising, the Merino sheep being a specialty. Mark Olin was the youngest but one in a family of six children, and during his boyhood days attended the public schools in his native state and at Rochester. He resided on the home farm

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History of Olmsted County, Minnesota, Part 50

Author: Joseph A. Leonard Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Number of Pages: 736

Author: Joseph A. Leonard
Publication date: 1910
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 736