History of Olmsted County, Minnesota, Part 60

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

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JAMES O'CONNOR was born in Olmsted county in 1867, and is a son of Morris and Julia O'Connor, who formerly resided in New York, where they were married. In 1865 they came to Olm- sted county and settled in High Forest township, section 27, where they bought eighty acres and made their permanent home. They were industrious and honest and became well known and highly respected. The father passed away in 1907, and was laid to rest in St. Bernard's Cemetery. He was a useful citizen and occupied a number of official positions with fidelity and credit. His son

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James, the subject of this review, grew to manhood on his father's farm, assisting at the work and receiving a common school educa- tion in the home district. In 1899 he married Miss Mary Marren, whose parents were pioneer settlers of this county, and to this marriage the following children were born: Florentine, born August 14, 1900; Catherine and Margretta (twins), born January 13, 1902; Veronica, born September 14, 1904; James, born Octo- ber II, 1906; Harold, born January 7, 1908, and died in infancy. Some time after reaching manhood James bought a tract of eighty acres in section 1.1, High Forest township, and this has been added to until now he owns 240 acres in sections 11 and 12. This is one of the best farms in the vicinity. It is modern in all respects and is devoted to the raising of small grain and live stock for market. The family is comfortable and happy. Mr. O'Connor purchased a fine piano for his children, and his eldest daughter, Florentine, is already a skilful performer, and is yet taking lessons. Mr. O'Connor is an Independent Democrat. He is a member of St. Bridget's congregation, and of the Foresters and the M. W. of A.

TIMOTHY TEAHEN is a son of Maurice and Margaret Teahen, who came from County Kerry, Ireland, in 1852, and later settled in this county. They stopped temporarily in New York, Ohio and Wisconsin, but not becoming suited, came on to Minnesota to secure a permanent home. They located on a tract of 160 acres in Quincy township, which later was enlarged to 260 acres and made one of the best farms in this part of the county. They bought the land in 1860, but did not settle on the same until 1861. The farm was mixed prairie and grub land and required a great deal of attention to become fit for cultivation. But all went to work and in time a comfortable home was the result. The father became well known and the whole family were well respected. On December 24, 1894, Maurice died at the age of eighty-five years, but the mother is yet living at the extraordinary age of one hundred and two years. She lives with her daughter, Catherine McPhillips, on the old home- stead. Timothy was born in Ireland, County Kerry, on March 2, 1846, and was brought to this country by his parents when he was a small child. He attended school in Ohio and Wisconsin before coming to Minnesota, and at Lewiston after reaching this State. Throughout his boyhood he assisted his parents on the farm and attended the neighboring school, but finished his education at the age of fifteen years. After becoming of age he still remained on the old farm-in fact, continued to live there continuously for forty- six years. Much of the improvements are due to his industry and efforts. He is a Democrat and served as chairman of the board of supervisors for fifteen years and treasurer of the board of educa- tion for twenty-five years, district No. 110. He is a member and

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trustee of the Roman Catholic church at St. Charles. On January 31, 1870, he married, at Rochester, Miss Jane Cooper, daughter of James, of Irish descent. They have had four children : Mary U., who married Adolph Nellis and died May 1, 1905; Margaret E., who married A. K. Klaveter, grain and flour merchant and pro- prietor of the Plainview Steam Flour Mills; Catherine C., who married Frank Taylor; and Ancella M., yet residing with her father. The family resides in one of the finest brick residences in the city of St. Charles.

CHRIST THOMPSON was born in Norway, May 5, 1849, and is a child of Thorston and Christie Thompson, both of whom were natives of the same country, where they passed their uneventful lives and lie buried. Their son Christ, the subject of this sketch. was reared on his father's farm and in youth was given a fair education in the common schools. In 1869 he came to America and first located in Chicago, owing to the fact that his money gave out upon his arrival there. While there he hired out in the railway construction service and agreed to go to Duluth and work on what was afterward called the St. Paul & Duluth Railroad, now known as the Northern Pacific Short Line. He was occupied there for two years, when he came to Rochester and began to spend the summers at farm work and the winters at lumbering. In reality he is one of the last of the "old lumber Jacks." In 1877 he bought a tract of 120 acres in Dodge county, which he farmed for two years, and then came to Rock Dell, this county, where he rented a farm of O. Erickson and continued to operate the same until 1893, when he bought an old, neglected farm in High Forest township, in section 18, and here he has been located ever since, engaged in clearing, breaking, grubbing and cultivating. He now owns 260 acres of excellent land, all well improved and under a high state of tilth, with the full complement of buildings, machines of modern design, fences, and live stock of good grades. His farm is now known as the "Meadow Range." He is a progressive farmer, public-spirited and liberal and broad in his views. He takes pride in his children and enjoys seeing them well educated and cultured. He is kind in his home and is a lover of music and a good performer on the flute. He is a Republican and a member of St. Olaf's Congrega- tion. In 1876 he married Berret Erickson, whose parents were pio- neers of Rock Dell township. To this marriage the following chil- dren were born : Julia, born in 1877, now Mrs. Tor Torgerson, lives in North Dakota and has three children; August, born 1871), mar- ried, has two children, resides in North Dakota; Minnie, born 1885, now Mrs. H. Rime, lives in North Dakota and has two children; Theo, born 1889, with his parents; Clara, born 1892, with her parents.

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JOHN HEALY, one of the pioneer farmers and stock-raisers of Olmsted county, was a native of County Kerry, Ireland, and was there educated and reared to early manhood, but in 1850 immigrated to America, and first located at New Orleans. He secured employ- ment on steamboats which plied the Mississippi River and while thus engaged became familiar with the country along the course of that river. In 1858, eight years after coming to this country, he came to and settled in Olmsted county, Minnesota, and first worked as laborer in the towns and farms. In 1860 he rented land and for three years farmed thereon, but then purchased a tract of 200 acres, which was in a wild, uncleared state, and on this farm spent thirty years actively and successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Healy became well known throughout the county and was con- sidered one of the substantial farmers of the community. He and wife, Margaret, were among the county's earliest settlers and took an active part in the growth and development of this portion of the country. On March 7, 1889, Mr. Healy passed away, leaving considerable property and an honest, unblemished name.

PATRICK HEALY, son of John Healy, was born in Olmsted county, February 27, 1864, and spent his boyhood days attending the dis- trict schools and assisting his father on the home farm. After com- pleting the course in the high school at Chatfield, he returned to his father's farm and there remained until his thirtieth year. With the death of the elder Healy, Patrick inherited from his father's estate 200 acres of choice land, and has since made many improve- ments to the property, and is carrying on mixed farming and stock- raising. He cultivates about 150 acres and his land is of the best in this section. November 13, 1893, he married at Chatfield Miss Mary Crowley, daughter of Edward and Catherine Crowley, who came to this country and settled in Chatfield township, Fillmore county, in 1856, and became prominent farmers and citizens. To Mr. Healy and wife four children have been born, named Harold, who died in 1908; Patricia, Edward and Mary. all of whom are in school.

THEODORE SANDERSON was born May 24, 1881, in Rock Dell township, and is the son of Helge S. and Anna Sanderson, who came to this country from Norway in 1868 and settled on section 10, this township. The father was a blacksmith in the old country and followed that occupation for some time after settling here. He became prominent here during his lifetime and occupied various official positions with wisdom and ability. He acquired considerable property and he and wife lived excellent lives. He finally, while on his way home from the World's Fair at Chicago, died from heart failure. His death occurred October 13, 1893, and he was

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buried in the family lot in East St. Olaf's Cemetery, the funeral services being held in the church which he had helped to build. He was a God-fearing man and was highly esteemed in the community. To him and wife the following-named children were born : Sander, born in Norway, 1866, died in 1868; Knute, born in Norway in 1864, and died in Denver, Colorado, August 30, 1900; Sander O .. born in Minnesota in 1869, married and engaged in the real estate and Cuban land business at Minneapolis, took a business course at Rochester and served as county auditor for fours years, was part owner of Rock Dell store eight years, then for ten years was sole owner, then became treasurer and shareholder in the Northwestern School Supply Company of Minneapolis, with which company he remained until 1908, then became interested in Cuban lands, and is thus employed at the present time; Ole, born March 10, 1871, a farmer, and largely interested in Cuban lands; Albert, born May 14, 1872, a carpenter by trade, died in 1909; Helen A., born in 1873, married Severt Bale in January, 1903, had two children, removed to North Dakota, where she died June 25, 1906; Relius S., born June 14, 1876, went to North Dakota, bought 320 acres there, but is now in this township, working the farm with Theodore Sander- son, has $2,000 invested in Cuban lands; R. Berdie, born January 25, 1878, married, now farming in North Dakota; Thea A., born in 1880, died in infancy; and Theodore, our subject. Theodore spent his childhood in getting an education and in assisting his parents on the farm. He took a business course at Albert Lea, and ended by graduating from the State Agricultural School in 1901, having distinguished himself in the poultry department. He is now an expert agriculturist and stock-raiser and a grower of fine blooded poultry. He is a Republican and has served as constable and in 1910 took the official census of Rock Dell township. He is a notary public. On July 22, 1908, he met with a severe accident while endeavoring to save his cattle from a flood. His horse fell and rolled over him, rendering him unconscious for thirty days. He has now about regained his former sound condition. He has 120 acres on sections 23 and 26, and has $2,000 invested in Cuban lands. He owns stock in the Farmer's Lumber Company, of Hayfield, Min- nesota, and is unusually well read.

CYRUS ELLIOTT, founder of the Bulletin, died September 20, 1910. He was born in Franklyn county, Pennsylvania, March 21, 1839, a son of Benjamin and Nancy (Zook) Elliott. He moved with his parents to Illinois when quite young and was educated in the public schools of Canton. For some ten years during his early manhood he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, following which he published, in Warren county, Illinois, the Roseville Times. He came to Rochester, Minnesota, in 1885, and in May, 1886, estab-

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lished the Olmsted County Democrat, subsequently, in June, 1891, establishing the Daily Bulletin. He continued in active newspaper work, much of the time in partnership with his son, Charles H. Elliott, until the year 1910, when he sold his newspaper interests to Archie P. Gove, the present owner and editor of the papers. The influence for good exercised by Mr. Elliott on the mind of the public cannot be overestimated. He was fair-minded, conservative, loyal to his friends, a hard fighter for what he believed right, and was ever on the side of all that conduced to the best interest of the masses. He was firm in his adherence to certain fixed principles of the Democratic party, and his clear delineation of these principles in the columns of his papers attracted wide attention from journal- ists and public men throughout the country. While he enjoyed to an unusual degree the companionship of his fellowmen, the life he led at home was his greatest pleasure. He married Julia A. Wor- rell, February 13, 1861, who died August 27, 1900, and they were the parents of six children : Elden M., Charles H. and Maud, and three dying in infancy. The eldest son, Elden M., died June 28, 1910. Mr. Elliott was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Presbyterian church. In closing this brief sketch of one of the noted men of Olmsted county, the following from the pen of Mr. Elliott, taken from the Bulletin of December 31, 1909, is here added :

"During the many exciting political campaigns through which we have passed, we said things and did things that the mellowing and softening influences of age would have changed. They were mis- takes of the head and not the heart. And now at the close of a newspaper career of nearly thirty-five years, we retire with the best wishes for all and malice toward none. To the friends who have given us their patronage and support without that of political complexion, we extend our grateful acknowledgments and wish them peace and prosperity in every sphere of life, and at the close of our newspaper efforts in Rochester, we simply say-good-bye."

HENRY STOPPEL, engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 8, Rochester township, Olmsted county, is a native of the State of Ohio, his birth occurring at Cincinnati in September, 1856. He was a son of Frank J. and Mary (Schwab) Stoppel, both of whom were natives of Germany. Early in life Frank J. Stoppel immi- grated to America, and for a number of years engaged in farming near Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1857 he brought his family to Olmsted county, Minnesota, took up a claim of 160 acres in Rochester town- ship, cleared and cultivated same, and resided thereon until death halted his career in 1899. His wife passed away in 1909. Both lie at rest in Oakwood Cemetery and their deaths were greatly mourned by their many friends throughout the county. To them

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seven children were born, six of whom are now living. Of these, Henry Stoppel now resides on and farms the old homestead. He was educated in the public schools of Rochester township, and since his schooling was completed has always followed farming. He devotes his time to the raising of grains and live stock and in dairy- ing. His farm is well equipped with all modern conveniences, and aside from his holdings in Rochester township he owns 160 acres in Haverhill township, which he rents. In his political views Mr. Stoppel is a Democrat, and has served as school treasurer and super- visor of his township, holding the latter office for eleven consecu- tive years. His administration of township affairs has met with the approval of his fellowmen and he is influential in all public under- takings. In 1879 he was married to Mary Grimm, of Rochester township, and of German descent, and to them five children were born, named Clarence, Ella, Ernest, Elmer and Mabel. The family are members of the German Lutheran church.

FRANK R. VAN DUSEN, well-known farmer and stock-raiser of this county, who resides near the southern limits of the city of Rochester, was born in Marcellon, Columbia county, Wisconsin, December 4, 1853, a son of George W. Van Dusen, and grandson of Lawrence and Susan (Van Camp) Van Dusen. The progenitor of this family in America was Abraham Pieterson Van Duersen, who was born about 1605, probably in West Brabant, the Nether- lands, and married, about 1628, Tryntje Melchoir. They were known to have a family of at least six children, and the eldest son, Teuwis Van Duersen, settled, in Albany, New York, at a very early date, as did several other members of the family, and there dropped the letter "r" from the name, making it Van Deusen. Various members of the family have been prominent in the affairs of this country, and one, Jacob Van Deusen, who died in 1797, served in the Colonies in their struggle for independence, enlisting April 19, 1775, and continuing until April 11, 1783. In later years the name has still further been changed. In 1864 George W. Van Dusen and family came to Rochester, Olmsted county, and his name and those of his children have since become well known throughout this portion of Minnesota. He became deeply interested in the administration of local public affairs, served Rochester as mayor and as a member of the city council, and was highly esteemed and regarded by his many friends and business associates for his square dealings and many excellent qualities. For years he was success- fully engaged in the grain business, and the Van Dusen grain ele- vators may be found at many points along the Chicago & North- western Railroad Company's line. He was thrice married, and his children have grown, as they were reared, to honorable and useful lives.

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His son, Frank R. Van Dusen, was the second child born to his first marriage, and after attending the public schools, took a three years' course in Shattuck College, Faribault, Minnesota. For a time succeeding his education he clerked in a bank, then spent four years in Colorado, after which he went to Chicago and remained there about eighteen months. After four years then spent in South Dakota, he went South to Louisville, Kentucky, and entered the employ of the gas company, continuing thus for a period of five years. In 1889 he came to Rochester, engaged in the ice business and farming, and has since made this city his home. He has a fine home and tract of 200 acres adjoining the southern limits of the city. On April 4, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Dru- cilla S. Wade, a native of the State of Wisconsin, and these children have been born to them : Mary Gertrude, Ione and Richard B. So- cially Mr. Van Dusen is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Elks. Like his father before him, he takes an active interest in any movement that tends toward the bet- terment of the community, and contributes both time and financial support to all laudable enterprises.

ROYAL H. GOVE, who came to Rochester in 1866, and lived here the remainder of his life, was a native of Orange county, Vermont, his birth occurring January 16, 1830. In youth he attended the public and high schools of his native town, Strafford, and subsequently en- tered academies at Thetford, Vermont, and Meriden, New Hamp- shire. When eighteen years old he became a clerk in a grocery house at Boston, Massachusetts, and later for three years taught school in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Jacksonville, Illinois. He then farmed in Vermont for two years. During and prior to this time he had devoted many of his leisure moments to the study of law, and in 1856 located at Kilbourn City, Wisconsin, for the prac- tice of his profession. He temporarily gave up legal pursuits during the early sixties and was engaged in buying grain for G. W. Van Dusen, of this city. Again turning his attention to law, he was for years actively and successfully engaged in the practice here. In addition he served as city assessor and city justice, and from 1877 to 1889 was city attorney. For a number of years he was in part- nership with R. A. Jones, who afterward became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Washington Territory. Mr. Gove was one of the best known members of the Masonic fraternity in Minnesota. For nine terms he was worshipful master of his lodge, and arose to the position of Grand Master of the State. He was also high priest of his chapter, and a Knight Templar in the York Rite branch of the order; was a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, and was elected to the thirty-third degree of the Ancient Accepted Scot- tish Rite Masonry. In religion he was of the Presbyterian faith; in

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politics a Republican. August 21, 1851, he married Nancy A. Farn- ham, a native of Vermont, and to them nine children were born, named Henry C., Arthur L., Royal A., Herbert H., Rose, Leonora A., Ruth, George and Archie P. Mr. Gove passed away on Febru- ary 28, 1903.

Archie P. Gove, the youngest of the children, was born in Roch- ester, this state, February 14, 1874, and received his education in the public and high schools of his native town, graduating from the latter in 1893. When about twenty-one years of age he began his newspaper career as a reporter on the Daily Bulletin, then owned and conducted by C. E. Elliott & Son. He possessed a natural apti- tude and liking for that sort of work, remained with his first em- ployer for years, carefully mastering the details of the business and working his way through all departments, and in January, 1910, upon the retirement from business of C. E. Elliott & Son, he became sole proprietor of the newspaper office. Socially Mr. Gove is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and he affiliates with the Pres- byterian church. He is also serving as a member of the city library board.

FRANCIS M. BIGELOW, one of the most widely known men in this part of the state, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, in the town of Portland, September 25, 1843, and is a son of Lawson T. and Mary (Hall) Bigelow. He grew up on his father's farm and was ed- ucated in the common schools of New York, and in 1864 came with his wife to Wabasha county, Minnesota, and located on a farm near Elgin. There the subject of this sketch resided until 1898, engaged in farming and stock-raising. At the date last mentioned he bought 390 acres in sections 2 and 3, Haverhill township, and here he resided until 1902, when he came to Rochester to live. He and his wife at last became tired of residing in the city, and accordingly they bought a farm of 200 acres half a mile west of St. Mary's Hospital, and here they now dwell, enjoying all the quiet and sweetness of the country, as well as the advantages of the city's modern conveniences. They are in excellent circumstances and are enjoying their old age in comfort and the necessary seclusion. On July 4, 1863, Mr. Bigelow was united in marriage with Miss May D. Hopson, who was born in Chautauqua county, New York, March 1, 1844, and to this marriage the following children were born: Albert W., born April 14, 1864, now at Dodge Center, Minnesota; Frank E., born April 4, 1866, at Andover; Arthur A., born January 20, 1868, at Rochester; Schuyler, born November 27, 1869, in Haverhill town- ship; Maud A., born December 29, 1871, now Mrs. E. Parker, of Lake City, Minnesota; Hattie L., born April 21, 1874, now Mrs. Harvey, of Elgin, Minnesota; Stella E., born February 10, 1876, now Mrs. Titterington, of Elgin; Alfred W., born January 19,

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1878, at Rochester, Minnesota; Howard H., born May 4, 1880, on the old homestead in Wabasha county, near Elgin. Schuyler is. on the farm in Haverhill township. . Mr. Bigelow in his active years was an extensive farmer and became well known as a breeder and importer of high grade cattle. He was abreast of the times in all his farming operations. He is a Republican and takes great interest in the success of his party's candidates. He has served as delegate to several state conventions and to one national convention He has a wide acquaintance with the public men of Minnesota, and is counted among the leaders in thought, action and progress. In 1890 he contributed liberally toward the financing of the Bigelow geneal- ogy which was then being compiled by Poultney Bigelow, Bigelow Howe and others. Mr. Bigelow now has a copy of this work, which he values very highly. The Bigelow family is now scattered through- out the country and numbers among its members many persons high up in all departments of American public and private life. The founders of the family in this country were John and Mary (War- ren) Bigelow, who came to the Massachusetts Colony in 1642. Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow expect to be the hosts of the Bigelow reunion in 19II. They usually keep open house for the Bigelows during the holidays. This is one of the most famous of the old Colonial families.

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History of Olmsted County, Minnesota, Part 60

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

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