USA > Minnesota > Olmsted County > History of Olmsted County, Minnesota > Part 66
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DR. ARTHUR CLAYTON FAWCETT, for the past nine years a prac- ticing dentist of Rochester, is a native of Olmsted county, Minne- sota, his birth occurring in Marion township on June 2, 1872. He is a son of John H. and Emily J. (Wooldridge) Fawcett, appro- priate mention of whom appears in the sketch of Dr. Charles E. Fawcett, of Stewartville. The education of Dr. Arthur C. Fawcett was acquired in the district schools of his native township, the high school at Rochester, from which he was graduated in 1893, and the Hamline University at St. Paul, from which he was graduated after a four years' attendance, in 1898, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. When scarcely more than a boy he began teaching school.
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and this occupation he continued at intervals, using the funds thus secured to defray expenses in securing his graduation from Ham- line University. Succeeding his course at the latter institution he entered the Northwestern School of Dentistry, at Chicago, from which, after a full course of instruction, he received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, on May 1, 1901. Since that date he has practiced his profession in Rochester, where he has been suc- cessful from the beginning. Dr. Fawcett is a member of the Min- nesota State Dental Society, the Southern Minnesota Dental Society and the G. V. Black Dental Club (incorporated), of St. Paul, and the Chicago Odontographic Society. He also belongs to the Ma- sonic fraternity, of which he is a Knight Templar Mason and a Shriner; the Modern Woodmen of America, the Modern Samari- tans and the Methodist Episcopal church. On May 14, 1901, he married Miss Grace L. Simmons, and to this union have been born five children : Glenn Willard, Raymond Wilson, Dorothy Grace, John Henry and Joseph Clayton.
WILLIAM L. BRAKKE was born in the city of Chicago, February 18, 1858. (See elsewhere for sketch of his parents.) He spent his youth in attending the local schools and in assisting his parents on the farm. He became familiar with the full routine of farm work and management, and upon reaching manhood was prepared for the active duties of life. Though his education was limited, he made the lack up largely by reading and observation. At the time of his marriage he bought a tract of forty acres in Vernon township, Dodge county, and there made his home. He worked hard and intelligently and steadily added to his landed possessions until he owned a total of 200 acres of well improved land. He did farming on a large scale, handling live stock and large quantities of hay and grain. In 1892 he sold out and moved to Salem township, Olmsted county, where he now owns 230 acres in section 33, upon which are good and substantial improvements. Here he has since continued his farming operations and is making money. He is up-to-date in all his farm management and has one of the best farms in this section of the county. He is prominent and popular and is always ready to forward any movement that will likely advance the interests of the community. At present he is devot- ing much of his time to bee culture, in which he has been unusually successful. His married children assist him to manage the farm. He owns stock in the Creamery, Lumber, Telephone and Insurance Companies. He is a member of St. Olaf Church, of which for many years he has been sexton. He is a Republican and takes deep interest in the success of his party. In 1876 he married Miss Martha L. Brackhouse, who was born in 1861, and whose parents were Norwegian pioneers of Wisconsin. Their children are as fol-
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lows: Lewis W., born August 12, 1877, farmer, married, has four children; Bertha L., born April 23, 1881, married John Trysted, a farmer of Salem township, has three children; Nora A., born September 21, 1886, married Mr. Brothen, a farmer, has two chil- dren; Julia I., born December 2, 1888, married Mr. Brothen, a farmer, has one child; William M., born May 13, 1891; Mabel, born January 9, 1893; Henry O., born January 1, 1899; Gustave N., born 1884, died 1888.
MARTIN C. LAWLER, proprietor of the Boston Store, at Roches- ter, is a son of Timothy Lawler, one of the pioneer settlers in Marion township, this county. The Lawlers have long been known as among the best citizens of Olmsted county, and Timothy Lawler was no exception to this rule. He was a native of Ireland, but in order to better his condition crossed the Atlantic ocean to America in 1855, settling first in Winona county, Minnesota. Two years later he located on a farm in Marion township, this county, subsequently residing on a farm in Haverhill township until 1891, when he moved to Rochester, where he died April 6, 1910. Martin C. Lawler was the second child born in a family of eleven children, his native place being Haverhill township. His youthful days were passed in assisting in the work of the home farm and attending the district schools. In 1886 he came to Rochester, where he was em- ployed in the clothing firm of D. S. Stern & Company. Ten years later he purchased the business and has since conducted the business at the Boston Store. Under his able management Mr. Lawler has become one of the reliable, substantial merchants of the city. He carries a full and complete line of gentleman's furnishing goods and is considered one of the progressive, up-to-date men of Rochester. For his helpmeet through life Mr. Lawler was fortunate in the selection of Miss Mary Norton, daughter of Patrick Norton, and to their marriage have been born three children, named Norton, Fabian and Girard.
JAMES LIVINGSTON, of section 35, Haverhill township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, was born July 24, 1863, on the place that has always been his home, a son of James W. and Mary McKill, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father was born in 1820 and was reared and educated in the old country, but about 1822 he first came to America. After spending three years in this coun- try, he returned to Scotland and was married, and then he and wife left their native land for good and came West to the unsettled heart of Olmsted county, Minnesota, and prepared a home. The date of their arrival in Haverhill township was 1856, and the father imme- diately entered 160 acres of government land, which he cleared and cultivated and added to from time to time. Another addition was
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an adjoining 160 acres which he and his sons cleared and culti- vated. To him and wife four sons and six daughters were born, all on the old home place in Haverhill township. Originally, in politics, the father was a Republican, but in the latter years of his life became independent in his views. He was a member of the Pres- byterian church, took an active part and interest in all public affairs, and died in 1895, mourned by his many friends and relatives.
The boyhood days of James Livingston were spent in assisting in the work on the home farm and attending the district schools. He and one brother now own the home farm, and the same has been brought to be one of the finest in the county. Aside from the active business cares of life, Mr. Livingston has found time to cultivate the social side as well, and as such is identified with the Royal Arcanum and the Presbyterian church. He is largely interested in the raising of fine stock and is one of the progressive farmers of the community.
REV. STEPHEN J. CONDRON was born in Olmsted county, Minne- sota, December 26, 1862, and is a son of Patrick and Mary (Meagher) Condron, both of whom were natives of the Emerald Isle. They came to Olmsted county in 1856 and bought 120 acres of wild land a short distance east of Rochester and there passed the remainder of their days. They became prominent and were well known and most highly respected. They were the parents of five children, all of whom are yet living. Stephen J. was educated by the Sisters of St. Francisco, at Rochester, and was then sent to St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he pursued his literary and religious studies for a period of five years, making great advancement in the paths of spiritual training. He then took a two years' philosophical course at Grand Seminary, Toronto, Can- ada; succeeding which, for three and a half years, he studied theol- ogy at St. Thomas College, St. Paul, where in due time and after completing his system of profound studies, he was ordained by Archbishop John Ireland. These long years of severe study and mental and moral discipline had fitted Father Condron for his im- portant life work in saving souls and in building up the church. His ordination occurred in December, 1890, and immediately he was sent to Avoca, Minnesota, in the capacity of a missionary, and there he labored four years, increasing the size of the parish, con- structing a church building worth $7,000, and leaving the parish entirely free of debt. He was then transferred to Lake City, where he was stationed for two years, and was then placed in charge of St. Bridget's Parish, Pleasant Grove township. During his resi- dence here he has built a branch church at Stewartville at a cost of $7,000, and freed the congregation of debt. Father Condron is now pastor of both these congregations. Under his able ministra-
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tion the parish has prospered greatly in numbers, spiritual enlighten- ment and grace, and materially under his wise and able government and control. He is yet comparatively young and has before him many years yet of service for the Master.
DR. AXEL A. THORSON, one of the well-known dentists of Roch- ester, was born at Rock Dell, Minnesota, March 22, 1873, a son of Rev. Jorgen A. and Caroline Behrna (Haugan) Thorson, both of whom were natives of Norway, and appropriate mention of whom is made in another part of this publication. Dr. Thorson is the second in a family of eight children. He attended the schools of Rock Dell when a boy, subsequently completing a full four years' course at the Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa. Succeeding this he entered the dental department of the Minnesota State University, where he was duly graduated after three years, then practiced his profession one year at LeSueur. He then came to Rochester, where he has since resided. Dr. Thorson ranks high in his profes- sion as an able and skilful practitioner. He is a member of the Minnesota State Dental Association, the Southern Minnesota Den- tal Association and the Lutheran church. On July 21, 1908, he was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Hawkinson, of California.
ROGER JAMES CAMPION is now residing on a farm of 240 acres which he rents of his father in Orion township. He carries on diversified farming and stock-raising and cultivates about 100 acres, reserving the remainder for pasture, hay, etc. He generally keeps on hand about eighty head of cattle, eight horses, 100 hogs, etc., and is half owner of all the live stock. He is the son of Edward R. and Kate Campion, who came from Queens County, Ireland, to Rochester in 1872. The father worked for William La Plant at Rochester for three years, and then for Timothy Halloran for three years. He then rented the place now occupied by the subject of this sketch for one year, and then bought the farm in 1880. Since then this place has been the family home. They have reduced it to a high degree of cultivation and made many valuable improvements. In 1903 Edward R. retired from the strenuous duties of the farm and is now spending his declining years in quietness and peace, con- scious of a life well and honorably spent, and having the respect of all who know him. He is a Democrat and has served the town- ship in various capacities with fidelity. Roger J. was born in Orion township, December 14, 1879. and during his early career attended the district schools and assisted his father on the farm. He attended school for a while at the graded schools of Chatfield. In 1897 the family moved to the farm now occupied by subject and assisted in making the various improvements. Roger J. is a Democrat and has served as road master. He is a member of the E. F. U. and the
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K. C. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church at Chatfield. On September 5, 1905, he married Miss Flora Halloran, daughter of Florence Halloran, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work. They have three daughters: Florence, Elizabeth and Susan. Roger J. had two brothers: Edward, who died at the age of twenty years, and Lott, who is chief clerk in the principal hotel in Yellowstone Park, and is a graduate of St. Thomas College, St. Paul. Of his sisters, Mary married John McCormick; Margaret is a school teacher; Anna is a stenographer; and Katie is yet in school.
PHILIP G. HEINTZ is one of the substantial business men of Roch- ester. Born at Winona, Minnesota, on November 5, 1863, he is one of four children, two now living, born to the marriage of Philip and Mary (Schmidt) Heintz, both parents being natives of Germany. The father came with his family to America at the age of thirteen years, and for many years resided at Milwaukee, Wis- consin, where he learned the wagonmaker's trade. He there mar- ried, and in 1858 moved to Winona, Minnesota, but in 1869 came to Rochester, and here he and wife have since resided. Philip G. Heintz has made Rochester his home since six years old. He received his education in the public, high and private schools of this city, and in 1879 started out in life for himself as a clerk in the drug establishment of George Weber. For six years he thus con- tinued, then became a partner of his former employer, under the firm name of Weber & Heintz. The added increase of business extended the firm through the Drs. Mayo, with whom they had long maintained intimate business relations, led to the incorporation under the laws of Minnesota of the Weber & Heintz Company in 1908. The members composing the corporation are: Arthur B. Hall, Cornelius M. Judd, George Weber, George C. Weber and Philip G. Heintz, and the capitalization is $50,000. Arthur B. Hall is the president of same, and Philip G. Heintz is secretary and treas- urer. Mr. Heintz is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of Osman Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at St. Paul. In politics he is a Democrat, but is also independent, the only office ever having been held by him being that of the non-political one-president of the Rochester Park Board. December 2, 1891, he married Miss Ann Leuthold, and to this union one son has been born: Howard W.
ERICK E. AMUNDSEN was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, Janu- ary 16, 1855, and is a son of Eliff and Gertrude Amundsen, both of whom were natives of Norway, who came to the United States at an early day, located in Wisconsin, and there resided for a num- ber of years, and were married. In 1857 they came to Olmsted county and took up a tract of government land in section 27, Salem
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township, and there spent the remainder of their lives. They were industrious and law-abiding people, and became well known and were highly respected for their correct and blameless lives and good conduct. The father was one of the founders of St. Olaf's Church, and when he passed away in 1906 he was laid at rest in the family lot in the adjoining cemetery. His wife, who passed away in 1908, sleeps her last sleep by his side. They built up a large and valuable property during their useful lives. Erick E. spent his youth assist- ing his parents on the farm and in attending the district schools in the winters. In 1909 he married Miss Gruna Larson, a native of Norway, and their union has been a happy one. They reside on the old homestead in a beautiful new modern house which is tastefully furnished and decorated with choice samples of needlework done by Mrs. Amundsen. They have a large, fine barn and cement walks and many other up-to-date comforts and conveniences, all obtained by their own industry and sound management. They worship at St. Olaf's Church, where they hold membership. Mr. Amundsen is a Republican and takes much interest in all public affairs. He holds stock in the Telephone, Lumber and Creamery Companies. Ole Amundsen was born in Salem township, December 1I, 1857, and lives on an adjoining farm. In 1886 he married Miss Anna John- son, a native of Norway, and they have three children: George, Julia and Agnes.
THOMAS P. HALL has been actively and successfully engaged in the manufacture of carriages and wagons at Rochester for the past thirty-four years. His birth occurred in London, Province of On- tario, Canada, on February 7, 1848, and he was the youngest of four children born to the marriage of John A. and Ann (Payne) Hall, who were natives of England and New York State, respect- ively. The father was a carpenter contractor and builder by trade and followed that occupation all his life. To him and wife the fol- lowing children were born: Alice, residing in Chicago; Carrie, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Harriet, also of Milwaukee, and Thomas P., the subject of this review. The latter was educated in the public schools of London, Ontario, and early in life learned the wagon- maker's trade. Succeeding his apprenticeship to this line of busi- ness, he went to California and for three years followed his trade. He then went to Chicago, Illinois, where he remained until Novem- ber, 1877, and then emigrated to Rochester, Minnesota, and has since made this city his home. He immediately embarked in the manufacture of carriages and wagons, and by honest business deal- ings with the farmers and other patrons, has built up a large and profitable trade. His factory and stock rooms are located at the corner of College and Main streets. In politics Mr. Hall is a Repub- lican, in religious views a Universalist, and he always takes an active
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interest in all local affairs of importance. He takes great delight in the fellowship extended through the various social and benevolent organizations, and is prominently identified with the Masonic fra- ternity and the Knights of Pythias. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of the former order. He is married, his wife being formerly Miss Elizabeth M. Burr, of Batavia, Illinois, and one son, Arthur, now associated with the drug establishment of Weber & Heintz, at Rochester, has been born.
WILLIAM W. THOMPSON, of Marion township, Olmsted county, was born December 10, 1847, in Meigs county, Ohio, the oldest child in a family of twelve born to the union of H. R. Thompson and Anna (Whitlock) Thompson, of Scotch and Dutch descent, respectively. The father was born, reared and educated in Ohio and in his early days was a pilot on the Ohio river. Later in life he removed with his family to Ripley county, Indiana, but in 1864 came West to Winona county, Minnesota, and engaged in farming the rest of his life. To him and wife seven sons and five daughters were born. The mother also was a native of Ohio, and passed away in Winona county.
After attaining his majority, William W. Thompson, the imme- diate subject of this review, was united in marriage with Miss Emma Leathers, daughter of a Tipton ( Wisconsin) pioneer family, and to them the following children have been born: Jennie, Ella, Bessie, Mary, Effie, Allie, Frank and Arthur. When war was delcared between the North and South, Mr. Thompson enlisted for the preservation of the Union, in Company D, Sixth Indiana Cav- alry, but after serving four months was discharged because of dis- ability. He re-enlisted, however, February 24, 1865, in the Third Minnesota Light Artillery, and served with credit until discharged at the close of that struggle, February 27, 1866. He participated also in the Indian campaigns of the Northwest. At the close of the war he returned to his home in Winona county, remaining one year, and then for a few months followed farming in Illinois. In 1872 he came to Marion township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, and with the exception of five years spent in the livery business at St. Charles, has since made this locality his home. In 1892 he and family re- moved to the village of Marion, purchased a home, and have since resided there. Mr. Thompson has been a lifelong Republican, is identified with the Methodist church and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
JOHN WESLEY FLATHERS, president of the board of county com- missioners of Olmsted county, is a native of Indiana, his birth occur- ring in Hendricks county, September 14, 1845, and he was the eldest
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of six children born to Lindsey C. Flathers and Mary (Pace) Flathers. The father was also born in Indiana and there was reared, educated and married. In 1855, accompanied by his family, he emigrated West to the fields of Minnesota, pre-empted 160 acres of land in Pleasant Grove township, Olmsted county, and there for nearly forty years engaged in agricultural pursuits. The trip was made by rail to Dunleath, Illinois, opposite Dubuque, thence by pas- senger boat up the Mississippi river to Winona, and from there by team to Pleasant Grove township. At that time very few settlers had as yet come here, and most of the land was rough and uncleared, but Mr. Flathers set to work with a will, grubbing and clearing, and by hard and conscientious work eventually acquired a com- petency. While on a visit to California he passed away. To him and wife six children, five of whom are yet living, were born. Mr. Flathers was one of Olmsted county's earliest and best citi- zens, and did much toward the growth and development of the community.
When less than eleven years old, John Wesley Flathers was brought by his parents to Olmsted county, and the succeeding few years were spent in attending the district schools and assisting his father on the farm. He later attended the high school at Chatfield, and when slightly past his majority began farming on his own account. In 1893 he moved to his present home immediately ad- joining the city of Rochester and here he has since resided. There is nothing startling in the life of Mr. Flathers; he has lived the life of a good citizen, has always paid his just obligations, has con- tributed from his means so far as able to all laudable public enter- prises, and commands the respect of his fellowmen. He is a Repub- lican in politics and held the office of township treasurer for about ten years. In 1886 and again in 1888 he was elected to the lower house of the State legislature, and in 1882 was elected a county commissioner. In 1904 he was again elected to the latter position and has ever since held this by re-election. On June 1, 1873, he married Olive Collins and to them five children have been born, named Elvira (Mrs. Dr. W. P. Sequist, a dentist of Mankato), Effie (Mrs. Julius B. Larsen), Ivy (dead), Milo (dead), and Clarice. Mr. and Mrs. Flathers are members of the Christian church. Mr. Flathers is a member of the Masonic order, and aside from his polit- ical connections is the owner of 260 acres of fine farm land.
LAMBERT FRITSCH, deceased, was for thirty-five years one of the best-known farmers in Cascade township, and deserved much credit for achieving success in the land of his adoption. He was a native of Germany, born in the year 1848, but being of the belief that superior advantages existed in the free institutions of the United States, immigrated to this country, and in 1875 settled in Olmsted
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county, Minnesota. He possessed unusual good, practical common sense, which he exercised for the particular good of his family and the welfare of the community where he resided. By industry and hard labor he accumulated a large acreage of property, and for a number of years was president of the Farmer's Insurance Company. He died as he had lived-an honored and respected man-on Janu- ary 1, 1910. His widow survives him and resides with her son on the old home place. Christopher C. Fritsch, son of the foregoing, was born in this township, December 22, 1879. He has always fol- lowed farming, stock-raising and dairying, and is the owner of 240 acres, all well improved and equipped with modern conveniences. On national political issues he is a Republican, but is independent in local matters, voting for the best candidate, and not the party. He is unmarried.
DR. FRANK DANIEL BOOKER, one of the well-known dental prac- titioners of Rochester, was born at Quincy, Olmsted county, Janu- ary 12, 1875, a son of James and Jennie (Short) Booker. When the doctor was but eleven years old, his father died, and two years later his mother also passed away, so he went East to Brunswick, Maine, to live with an uncle. Before his departure he had attended the public schools of his native county, and after arriving in his new home entered and in 1893 graduated from the high school there. Subsequently he attended Bowdoin College and was gradu- ated with honors from that institution in 1897. He then removed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and divided his time there between clerking in a drug store and attending the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania. After his graduation therefrom in 1900, Dr. Booker went to Atlantic City for the summer, then he returned to Olmsted county, locating at Rochester in July, 1901, and has since been actively and successfully engaged at his profes- sion. On June 3, 1908, he was united in marriage with Miss Grace Burroughs, daughter of John W. Burroughs, a retired farmer of Clarkesville, Iowa, and one daughter, Gertrude, who died when seven and one-half months old, was born to them. Dr. Booker is identified with the State, National and Minnesota Dental Societies, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity and the Darby Dental Society. He is one of the rising generation of busi- ness men, is a Republican in politics and a public-spirited citizen.
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