USA > Minnesota > Olmsted County > History of Olmsted County, Minnesota > Part 58
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RENSLER J. BROWN was born in Oswego county, New York, December 31, 1853, and is a son of Asa J. and Eliza E. (Tuttle)
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Brown. Both parents were natives of the state of New York; the father was born March 27, 1832. He was a Free Methodist, and in politics supported the Republican party. The ancestor on the father's side came from Ireland and settled in Massachusetts before the Revolution. On the maternal side, Grandfather Tuttle was born in 1800, and when he was sixty-one years old enlisted in the Union army and served with credit for three years. At first he was in the New York Heavy Artillery, but later in the war was transferred to the New York Light Artillery. He participated in the battle of Bull Run and in other bloody engagements and hard campaigns. He was injured while engaged in carpenter work at headquarters, and was honorably discharged. He died in 1880. Rensler J. spent his youth in assisting his parents on the farm and in getting an education at the public schools. He finished at the Pulaski and Mexico academies.
When twenty-three years old he emigrated to Byron, Minnesota, and on September 5, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Airy King, daughter of Rev. D. L. King, of Byron, Minnesota. In the spring of 1880 they moved to Clay county, Iowa, where they resided for three and one-half years, and then returned to Kalmar township and bought eighty acres in section 17, and upon this tract they now reside. To this union nine children were born, six of whom are now living, as follows: Marcus J., born January 10, 1882; Flossie May, born March 12, 1883; Ernest R., born May 20, 1889; Manley Evans, born July 19, 1891 ; Jennie Lurana, born June 6, 1892; Frances Lilly, born October 10, 1894. Mrs. Brown was the fourth child of a family of twelve. Her father was a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and when twenty-five years old settled in Vermilion county, Illinois, and in 1855 came to Min- nesota. He served in the state legislature and was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and first began to preach in Illinois. He died in 1898.
ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, of Viola township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, was born in Glengary county, Canada, June 18, 1849, a son of Donald and Elizabeth (Lothian) Campbell, both of whom died in Canada, the mother in 1860 and the father in 1894. To the above union seven children were born, as follows: Duncan, Jessie, Alexander, Kate, James, Bella (deceased) and Daniel.
Of the above named, Alexander, the subject of this review, left the land of his nativity in 1866 and came to Wisconsin. In 1871 the subject of this sketch was one of 900 persons saved out of 1,800 residents of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, which was then destroyed by fire. He was at the hotel when the air became filled with sparks and everything was catching fire. He and others jumped into a wagon, but after running twenty rods at full speed were overtaken
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by the flames, and hence dashed into the water there and remained all night. In the morning the streets of this formerly active town were strewn with the dead bodies of neighbors and friends who were overtaken and burned to death, or suffocated, while trying to escape. After a residence of ten years there he came to Viola township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, and on October 13, 1877, was united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Mulholland. She was the daughter of Andrew and Christina (Keller) Mulholland, the father's birth occurring in Ireland, on May 20, 1830, and his death on May 19, 1902. Mrs. Mulholland was born May 7, 1835, in Montgomery county, New York, and was married to Mr. Mulhol- land May 13, 1853. To this union the following eight children were born: James W., born March 15, 1854; Abram F., born May 2, 1856; Mary M., born February 25, 1858; Riley H., born September 9, 1861 : Andrew J., born December 26, 1863; Robert A., born July 19, 1867; Cecil E., born December 1, 1869; Cora A. (Swan), born July 19, 1872, and died February 19, 1903. The parents of these children came to Olmsted county in the fall of 1865, and at present the mother is residing with the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell three children were born: Jessie Mabel, February 10, 1880, died nine days after birth; Ray A., May 12, 1881 ; and Grant A., March 1, 1887, both of whom are at home with parents. Mr. Campbell has 200 acres of fine improved farm land in Viola township, upon which stands a large house fully equipped with all modern conveniences. For fifteen years he has been a member of the school board, is a Republican in politics and a member of the United Brethren Church at Viola. He and son Ray are members of Viola Camp, No. 1728, Modern Woodmen of America, and the family is one of the foremost of the community.
WILLIAM MANAHAN owns one of the best farms (called the Pleasant Valley farm) in this portion of the state, and is comfort- ably situated and enjoying the blessings of life. His pleasant sur- roundings are mainly due to his own efforts, industry and sound judgment. His farm contains 280 acres, and is located on section 34, Elmira township. He has owned the place since 1904, having bought it from his cousin, P. H. Manahan. He is the son of John and Mary Manahan who came from Ireland to New York in 1852, but went directly to Illinois, where for a time John worked on a farm as a laborer. He saved as much of his wages as possible, and after several years bought a farm there and occupied it for seven years. He then sold the property to advantage and came to Olmsted county and bought a tract of 120 acres on section 26, Elmira township, and there made his home. In 1860 he added a tract of eighty acres to this place, and from time to time made
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important improvements. Since coming here the family has been one of the most prominent in this portion of the county. They interest themselves in all worthy movements and are progressive and up-to-date. John, the father, was a man of more than ordinary worth, and occupied various local positions with credit and distinc- tion. He passed from life March 31, 1901, at the age of seventy- four years. His wife died September 15, 1898, at the age of sev- enty-three years. They were among the pioneers, saw many hard- ships, but left at their departure a host of warm friends to mourn their loss. William, their son, was born on the home farm, and received his education in the district school. Quitting school at the age of sixteen years, he devoted his time thereafter to work on the old farm, and here he has remained ever since. Much of the good name and success of the family are due to the excellent life lived thus far by William. Largely through his efforts the farm has been made one of the best in this part of the county. At present he is doing an extensive mixed farming, with up-to-date methods and implements. He is raising the Black Angus cattle, and has on hand about 250 sheep, 100 swine and 10 head of work horses. The farm is a model of compactness and convenience, with beautiful buildings and surroundings, and is a credit to the well- informed man who owns it. He is a Democrat and a member of the Roman Catholic Church at Chatfield. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the M. W. A.
JACOB KOELSCH was born in Germany, November 20, 1825, and is a son of Jacob and Maria Kathrine (Breckner) Koelsch, who came to the United States in 1852, and with them came Jacob, their son, the subject of this review. After landing in New York they came west to Washington county, Wisconsin, where they purchased a tract of land and resided thereon for a period of twelve years. The subject of this notice then came to Minnesota and bought 120 acres in section 12, Kalmer township, Olmsted county, and after a residence there of thirty-five years moved to the village of Douglass and there took up his permanent residence. At one time he owned 160 acres in Kalmer township. At the present date he is the owner of a house and several lots in Douglass and other good property there.
On April 2, 1854, he married Miss Maria Elisabeth, daughter of Frank Martin, born October 28, 1837, who lived for many years in Wisconsin. To this union the following children were born: Mary (deceased), born May 18, 1855; Louisa (deceased), born January 7, 1857; Jacob (deceased), born October 10, 1858; Karl, born September 28, 1860; Henry (deceased), born August 17, 1862; Elisa (deceased), born August 12, 1864; Frank, born August 23, 1866; Carolina, born May 19, 1869; Rosa, born February 24,
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1872; Franceska, born July 8, 1876; Mary, married Peter Rieck- mann (deceased), September 2, 1876, and they have eight children; Karl married Agnes Schwanz, of Lake Benton, Minnesota, July 25, 1906, and resides at Douglass, Minnesota; Elisa married Frank E. Irvine, of St. Paul, Minnesota, October 21, 1901, and has one son ; Frank married Ida Müller, of Douglass, December 2, 1896; and resides in Kalmer township, and has four children; Carolina married Arthur A. Sayles, of Rochester, March 25, 1896, and now resides in Otsego, Mich., and has six children; Rosa married Fred J. Postier, of Kalmer, December 15, 1902, has one child and resides at Salem Corners; Franceska, the youngest daughter, remains with her parents. Mr. Jacob Koelsch is one of the most prominent citizens of this part of the county. He is a Democrat and for sev- eral years was a member of the school board, and is a member of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church.
OSCAR BEAR is one of the leading farmers of the county, and lives on the old homestead, where he was born and where his father, Benjamin Bear, settled over half a century ago-1854. The father was born in Pennsylvania in 1820, and was thus one of the very first to take up land and begin farming operations in the county. Coming thus early he had the advantage of choice of land, and accordingly selected the tract which had upon it the best never- failing spring of excellent water to be found in this part of the state. From that day to this it has never ceased to yield its full supply of fine water. Mrs. Benjamin Bear was of English descent, and her parents were early settlers of Ohio. To Benjamin and wife the following children were born: Mrs. Henry Gerry, of Rochester; Miss Mary Bear, of Los Angeles, California; Mrs. A. W. Stinchfield, of Rochester; Oscar, the subject of this sketch; A. J. Bear, of Bradentown, Florida ; Mrs. F. J. Hayden, of Sioux City, Iowa; Mrs. R. H. Johnson, of North Branch, Minnesota; Mrs. W. L. Dunn, of Venice, Florida; Mrs. C. C. Woods, of St. Paul; B. F. Bear, of Milwaukee: Homer Bear, of Peoria, Illinois. Oscar grew to manhood in this county, and spent his youth in assisting his parents on the farm and in securing an education at the old time district schools. Upon reaching manhood he began farming operations on his own account, and soon began to accumu- late property. Gradually he added to his worldly possessions, until today he has a splendid farm of 600 acres in sections 16, 17, 20 and 21, Eyota township. This place is covered with all modern improvements. Mr. Bear carries on operations on a very large scale and raises large quantities of grain and hay and sells annually many head of live stock. He is a member of the Republican party, and takes much interest in the success of his party candidates. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the M. W. A. His
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prominence is recognized and his high character never called in question.
DAVID T. BERNARD has resided in Chatfield since 1904. He is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Bernard, and is of English descent. Thomas, the father, came to the United States in 1865 and lived with his son, Thomas T., until his demise, in 1896, at the great age of ninety-six years and seven days. His wife, Eliza- beth, died in 1885, at the age of 75 years. After coming to this country both parents lived with their son until their respective deaths. At one time the father was a soldier in the English army, and saw service in Ireland. They were people of high worth and respectability.
Their son, David T., the subject of this sketch, was born in Tralee, Ireland, on May 18, 1835, and in youth attended the com- mon schools of his native land to a limited extent. His education was gained mainly in the school of experience. At the age of nineteen years he was ready to assume the burden of life on his own responsibility. He had saved up a little money, so after getting married he and his wife crossed the Atlantic and landed in New York in 1854. He first went to Waterbury, Connecticut, and there worked for a while in a brass and copper rolling mill. He then went west to Wisconsin and worked on a farm until 1856, and then moved to Mower county, Minnesota, and settled on 160 acres of school land. This he held until 1859, when he sold his interests for a two-year-old heifer and came to Olmsted county and located on a farm of 160 acres in Pleasant Grove township. This tract became his permanent home, and is still owned by him. He was thrifty, economical and industrious and gradually added to his possessions until he owned at one time a total of 1,340 acres in Pleasant Grove, Jordan and Orion townships. In 1895 he divided 540 acres among his sons. When he first came to Minne- sota all his possessions consisted of $24, a wife and two children. But they were not afraid of the results if they could have a fair chance. They went to work in earnest clearing the land, cultivating the soil, saving something every year for the future, and gradually adding to their lands and improvements. In the meantime the children grew up and were of much assistance to their parents in the struggle to get ahead in wealth and respectability. The family soon became well known for their industry, honesty and good conduct generally and were at all times identified with the events of the community. In addition to his landed estate Mr. Bernard has sufficient means to live in comfort without infringing on his capital. He is a Republican and has served as a town officer for six years. He is a member of the Chatfield Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been married twice, the first time to Miss Ruth
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Rickards, in London, England, with whom he lived from 1854 to 1880, at which latter date she passed from life. On February 6, 1898, he married Mrs. Lizzie S. Goldsmith, daughter of George and Sarah, of Fillmore county. Mr. Bernard had five children by his first wife: John E., died July 31, 1909, at the age of forty-nine years and sixteen days; David T. is a farmer of Pleasant Grove township; Frank G. is a farmer of Orion township; Thomas W. is a farmer of Pleasant Grove township; Liza Jane married William Baier, a farmer of Jordan township. It should be stated that during the Civil war Mr. Bernard enlisted in the Union army and served for some time. He is one of the old and substantial citizens and settlers of this portion of the county.
CHARLES H. OSTROM, residing at Douglass, in Kalmar township, was born in Cohoes county, New York, April 11, 1856, the son of David S. and Henrietta Clay (Stowe) Ostrom, his paternal and maternal ancestors being old American families. David S. Ostrom died in Cohoes county, New York, forty-seven years ago, but his widow survived him until December, 1908, and is buried in Center Grove Cemetery, at Douglass, this county. Charles H. Ostrom after attending the public schools in boyhood, became a clerk in the store of Charles Russell and thus continued about five years. Then, for four years, he was employed in the store of C. H. Morrill. The succeeding four years he drove a "butter and egg" wagon throughout the country for W. J. Eaton, the well-known commission merchant at Rochester, then resigned that position to embark in the general mercantile business at Douglass Station. Here Mr. Ostrom has ever since continued with a more than average degree of success. Since March, 1900, he has been post- master at Douglass, his predecessors in the order named being Hiram Miller, John Finnegan and Walter Eckhold. Mr. Ostrom has been twice married, first to Miss Katharine Rose, on July 9, 1884, who bore him three children. named, Roy, who lives in Rochester ; Mrs. Zola Mckenzie, of Pine Island, and Tracy, who is in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company at Douglass. Mrs. Ostrom died March 18, 1902, and was buried in Center Grove Cemetery, Douglass. Mr. Ostrom's second mar- riage occurred March 17, 1909, to Miss Ida Schwanz, of Lake Benton, Minnesota. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is the banker of his camp of that fraternity. He was formerly an Odd Fellow, but owing to inability to attend lodge regularly, resigned his membership in that body. In politics he is a Republican, and while he manifests a keen interest in public affairs, he finds his time fully occupied in successfully attending to private business matters. Mr. and Mrs. Ostrom are members of
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the Society of Royal Neighbors, and are regarded as royal neigh- bors by their many friends.
JOHN F. PRATT, who died August 5, 1898, came to Olmsted county from Wisconsin in an emigrant wagon in 1862, and after his arrival here purchased the O. Ferguson farm in Viola town- ship, where he lived and engaged in farming and dairying the rest of his life. He was born in Vermont, February 2, 1820. and was a son of Guilford and Polly (Kendall) Pratt, his paternal and maternal ancestors being old New England families. The Smiths are related to Col. John Vance Smith, of Revolutionary war fame. John F. Pratt married, in the year 1852, Elizabeth Ann Rich- ardson, who was born in Vermont, July 18, 1830, the daughter of Thomas S. and Ruth (Smith) Richardson. They moved to Or- fordville, Wisconsin, in 1856, and from there, six years later, to this county. Here they lived the life of the average citizen, un- marked by any great calamity or remarkable blessing, rearing their children to clean, wholesome manhood and womanhood, working hard for the future and bearing the respect and good will of their neighbors. Mr. Pratt was a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Republican in politics and for many years was post- master of Corra, a postoffice maintained in his residence. Mrs. Pratt is yet living in the enjoyment of good health, and although at an advanced age (eighty years), her mentality is unimpaired. For many years she has belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. They were the parents of these children: Cora Adelle, born at Richmond, Vermont, February 16, 1853, married Niles Blodgett, October 8, 1868, and died March 1, 1870; Cordelia Estelle, born near Topsham, Vermont, October 30, 1854, now Mrs. A. L. Kimber, a record of whom appears elsewhere herein; Clara Orilla, born February 21, 1858, died December 2, 1863; Sarah Ruth, born March 30, 1862. died September 3, 1878, and Guilford Jo, born September 28, 1866, is married, and lives in Rochester.
ALBERT L. KIMBER, born in Rock county, near Janesville, Wis- consin, December 30, 1847, is a son of William Kimber, who was born in Orange county, New York, November 20, 1815. The father married Rosanna Brundage, who was born in New York, October 3, 1820, and in 1845 they moved to Wisconsin, and from there, in 1854, to Amherst township, Fillmore county, Minnesota. In later years they moved to Burr Oak, Iowa, where Mr. Kimber died in 1904, and Mrs. Kimber in 1891. Albert L. Kimber received his early education in Fillmore county, Minnesota, and when yet a boy, April 4, 1865, enlisted for the preservation of the Union at Rochester, in Company H. First Minnesota Battery. Owing to his youth his father came to Rochester to obtain his
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discharge, but found that his son, together with the company, had already gone to the front. Mr. Kimber was mustered out August 3, 1865, from the sick hospital. For many years he fol- lowed his trade of mechanic, then engaged in farming in Viola township. In later years he has resided in Minneapolis and Rochester in order to give his children better schooling advan- tages than afforded by the country schools. Mr. Kimber is a Democrat and one of Olmsted county's best citizens. To his marriage with Miss Cordelia Pratt, which occurred October 30, 1873, three daughters have been born, as follows: Alberta Rose, born February 10, 1877, died March 21, 1877; Jennie Louise, born August 23, 1879, now Mrs. George Ray Turner, of Minneapolis; and Avis Lulu, born June 17, 1885, graduated from the Central high school of Minneapolis, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Kimber are members of the Universalist church. Mrs. Kimber is active in church and social affairs, is a member of the Eastern Star of the Masonic fraternity, the Woman's Relief Corps, Rochester Chap- ter, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Royal Neigh- bors.
JENS PETER HANSEN was born January 1, 1850, in Gudbjerg, Fyen, Denmark, where he grew to maturity, receiving his educa- tion in Brandskov school, and later learning the mason's trade. In 1872 he immigrated to America, landing in Portland, Maine, March 26, continuing his journey westward till he reached Roches- ter, Minnesota, April 4. He then went to Salem township, where he secured a position on a farm with P. D. A. Keel. At this time Mr. Hansen had in his possession only $11, and $10 of this he loaned to another man who evidently was poorer than he. So with $1 of the good American currency he went to work for Mr. Keel. The following winter he went to school in a little country schoolhouse; that was the first of his American education. In the spring of 1873 he began to work at this trade, building a large brick house for Mr. Keel, his former employer. July 11, 1874, he married Miss Johanna Rasmussen, who had emigrated from Denmark in May, the same year, she being from the same city that he was. Rev. A. J. Thorson, of Rock Dell, united them in holy wedlock, and at that time they joined the East St. Olaf's Church. of which he was pastor. Mr. Hansen and his wife then started their first home on a fifteen-acre tract of timber land which he rented from his brother-in-law, Mr. Lars Rasmussen, paying $75 for five years. On this he erected a small stone house about sixteen feet square. Here he lived, clearing this piece of land and at the same time continuing his trade. One baby boy came to bless their home, born July 8, 1875, named Hans Peter. In 1876 Mr. Hansen built a brick house for Mr. D. Beecher, now owned by the famous
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Doctors Mayo. One year later he bought sixty acres of land adjoining that which he had rented, on which there was only three and one-half acres cleared, the rest being timber land. In the fall of 1877 Mrs. Hansen was taken seriously ill and had to submit to an operation for cancer. Dr. Lewis Pond, of Aurora, Illinois, performed the operation very successfully and she became well again and made their home happy and cheerful. At the time of her sickness it was quite hard for Mr. Hansen, as he had just saved enough money to buy a team of horses, but instead had to pay it out for doctor bills. But he always looked on the bright side of life, and that is the only way a man will ever succeed. In 1880 he built a nice little home on his own farm, a stone house 16x22 feet. He continued buying land adjoining the sixty acres until he owned 196 acres. It was all covered with timber, with the excep- tion of forty acres, and all this he cleared in a few years, grubbing most of it by hand.
He then began making improvements on buildings. Another addition was built to the house, making a large, comfortable home, then a granary and barn, improving all buildings as they stand today. In 1882 a little girl was born to help make life more bright and was named Anna Caroline. For several years the happy couple prospered and watched their children grow up and educated them in the common school. In the fall of 1898 he bought a house in the city of Rochester. The following spring his son was married to Miss Johanna Holm, and then he turned the farm over to him and moved with the rest of his family to Rochester, occupying the house he had bought there, and remodeled it. He took up his trade again of bricklaying and plastering, and for four and one-half years they were happy in their new home, when Mrs. Hansen was taken sick and after a brief illness entered into rest January I, 1904. This was a great loss to the little devoted family, for she possessed a most beautiful Christian character and was ever a true wife and loving mother. The daughter resumed the duties of housekeeping and is making a pleasant home for her father. Again in 1909 he remodeled his house, putting in all modern improve- ments, now having a nice and cosy home, and at the age of sixty years he is still working like a young man and looks do not betray him, either. Two years ago he sold the farm to his son and does not expect to farm any more, but will enjoy his home in the city of Rochester.
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