History of Otter Tail County, Minnesota : its people, industries, and institutions, Volume II, Part 75

Author: Mason, John W. (John Wintermute), 1846- 4n
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1156

USA > Minnesota > Otter Tail County > History of Otter Tail County, Minnesota : its people, industries, and institutions, Volume II > Part 75

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

On November 28, 1907, Alfred K. Bondy was married to Geneva Berge, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George J. Berge, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. They are the parents of one child, Gordon F. Mr. and Mrs. Bondy are loyal to the interests of their home community and take an active interest in all that tends to the betterment of the moral and social conditions of the locality. They are public spirited and their efforts are manifested in many enterprises in which they are interested. Mr. and Mrs. Bondy are active and influential members of the Lutheran church, taking mitch interest in the activities of the various departments.

ALFRED K. BONDY.

lain, Fo

NEW COM

N AERIAL VIEW of the new

Washington, now almost com we to take form in the -

705

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.

Fraternally, Mr. Bondy is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Modern Woodmen of America at Battle Lake, and of the Elks at Fergus Falls. Mr. Bondy is progressive and active in all his work and the organizations to which he is identified are much benefited by his wise, business like and prudent counsel.

MELVIN LEONARD.

The sketch here presented is that of an honored veteran of the Civil War, in addition to which he has long been known as one of the public- spirited and successful men of Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county.

Melvin Leonard, farmer and Standard Oil agent, Pelican Rapids, was born on October 11, 1843, at Lexington, Somerset county, Maine, and is a son of Evander W., and Emelie ( Mariah) Leonard. His early education was received in the public schools of Maine, and he later attended the pub- lic schools in Juneau county. Wisconsin, where he moved with his parents in 1860. As a young man, he began farming for himself, and in December, 1863, he went to the Civil War in Company F, Thirty-fifth Regiment, Wis- consin Volunteer Infantry, remaining out until the close of the war, and participating in all the battles of his regiment, the hottest of which was the siege of Spanish Fort. He went through without being wounded at any time, but was laid up for two months with the fever at the Marine hospital at New Orleans. After the close of the war, Mr. Leonard returned to his farming interests in Juneau county, Wisconsin, coming to Otter Tail county in November, 1874, and locating at Pelican Rapids, where he took up a homestead of eighty acres in Pelican township, section 22, to which he later added eighty acres, adjoining. all of which he improved and lived on for many years, finally selling it in 1895. He has owned two farms since that time, and is now engaged in farming, in addition to holding the agency for the Standard Oil Company, at Pelican Rapids, which management he has had since 1899. Politically, his support is given to the Republican party, in the local politics of which he has had an active interest, serving for a term as commissioner of Otter Tail county, and many years on the village board, as well as officiating as a member of the school board for several terms.

Evander W .. and Emelie ( Mariah) Leonard, parents of our subject, were both natives of Maine. Mr. Leonard followed the mercantile business nearly all his life. In 1860, he came to Juneau county, Wisconsin, settling at Mauston, where he opened and conducted the drug business for about sixteen years. About 1876, he came to Pelican Rapids, where he also opened a drug store, and served as county surveyor for about four years.

(45b)

706

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.

Melvin Leonard was united in marriage, in 1868, to Sarah J. Dibble, which union has been blest with three children, Bertha Lee; Myrtie, and B. F. Mr. Leonard is a man on whom the citizens of his community have always been able to rely, having his support in any movement for the advancement of moral and educational welfare.

WILLIAM E. INGALLS.

William E. Ingalls, retired merchant and farmer. Pelican Rapids, was born on April 10, 1852, in Columbia county, Wisconsin, and is a son of J. B. and Julia A. ( Robinson) Ingalls. His opportunities for an education were limited. . As a young man he was employed on a farm and later learned the blacksmith trade. About 1880 he came to Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, where he built a blacksmith shop, following that trade until about 1892. during which time he had bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 34. in Pelican township, on which he put all the improve- ments. Mr. Ingalls gave up his blacksmith trade, and grubbed and farmed his place for about five years, at the end of which time he moved to Ackley and engaged in the general mercantile business for five and a half years. Giving up this business, he went to Canada to look the country over, and on his return, he built a store at Spooner, Minnesota. The opportunities offered in Canada appealed to him, and he returned there. taking up a half section. which he still owns and on which he has put all the improvements, includ- ing suitable buildings of every description. Politically. Mr. Ingalls has always given his support to the Republican party, and has been actively interested in local politics, holding the office of village marshal for one term. His wife is a member of the Congregational church. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge, the Elks. at Fergus Falls and the Knights of Pythias. at Pelican Rapids.

J. B. Ingalls, father of William E., was born at Cleveland, Ohio, and his wife, Julia A. ( Robison) Ingalls, was born in the state of New York. Mr. Ingalls was educated at the public schools of Cleveland, and as a young man he learned the jeweler's trade. After leaving Cleveland. he went to Wisconsin and followed farming for ten or twelve years, just north of Portage. after which he moved to Trenealeau, where he again entered the jeweler's business, which he followed the remainder of his life. To J. B. and Julia A. (Robison) Ingalls were born nine children, Laurette L., Luther L., Joshua E., William E., Eva. Eri, Alfred E .. Frank A. and Julian M. Religiously, Mr. Ingalls was a Seventh-Day Adventist.

William F. Ingalls was united in marriage. November 4, 1876, to Alice Sanderson, daughter of Cyrus L. and Phoebe J. (Weston) Sanderson.

707

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.

Alice Sanderson was born on October 17, 1858. This union has been blest with one daughter, Ada, who became the wife of Frank Leonard, and is the mother of two children, Scott C., and Zelda L. Scott C. Leonard has been adopted by his grandparents, who think and speak of him as if he were their own child. Cyrus L. and Phoebe J. (Weston) Sanderson were the parents of four children, Eva S., Alice ( Ingalls), Georgia and Hester L.

NELS LANGSJOEN.

Nels Langsjoen received his early education in the common schools of township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, June 3, 1884, the son of Peder and Gertrude Svendson, mother of the subject of this sketch, is the daughter of Langsjoen was a farmer until the year 1880, when he came to America and three years later was married to Gertrude Svendson, after which he oper- ated the Svendson farm, engaging in general farming and stock raising. Gertrude (Svendson ) Langsjoen, who were natives of Norway, where Peder Nels Svendson and wife, Sigrid, who in the year 1871, left their native home in Norway and came to America, locating on a place of one hundred and thirty-five acres which Nels Svendson homesteaded in St. Olaf town- ship, this county. Two years following his settlement in Otter Tail county, the elder Svendson met a tragic death in the timber land of his locality, as a result of which his widow was left with the care of four children: Sven, who died at the age of about fifteen years; Gertrude, mother of the subject of this sketch; Carrie and Nilsine Nels who are deceased. With much effort and care the widow of Nels Svendson succeeded in rearing her chil- dren, giving them a good home and providing for their needs. She died on September 12, 1915. To the marriage of Peder and Gertrude Langsjoen were born the following children: Nels, the subject of this sketch; Serena, Caroline, Sven, Jacob, Pernille, who died in 1908; Liv Ottelia, George Julius and Carrie Eleonora.

Nels Langsjoen was born on the old Svendson homestead, in St. Olaf St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county, after which he attended Northwestern College, at Fergus Falls, graduating from that school in the year 1906. In 1911 he received his degree as Bachelor of Arts from the Gustavus Adolphus College, at St. Peter, Minnesota, later during the year 1915, attaining the degree as Master of Arts from the University of Minnesota

Following the completion of his schooling Nels Langsjoen, during the years 1906-7, taught school in district No. 19, of Otter Tail county, after which he taught for three years in the Pelican Rapids high school and then the following year he was elected to the chair of Latin and science in North- western College, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he is now engaged.

708

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.

In the church life of St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, Professor Langsjoen has taken a prominent and conspicuous part, not only being a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, but lending of his talents and abilities for the promotion of the works and efforts of this congregation, in which he is thoroughly appreciated for his part. In poli- tics, Nels Langsjoen supports the Democratic party and while this valued citizen has taken no especial part in the political or official life of the town- ship and county, he has been of no little use as an advisor and counsellor in matters of general interest and for the public welfare.

MARTIN E. FLOEN.

Martin E. Floen was born in Stavanger, Norway, October 10, 1871, the son of Andrew and Rachel (Rasmussen ) Floen, who were born at the same place and spent their entire lives in that vicinity. Andrew Floen was a farmer and cattle buyer of his native land, a vocation which he followed until his death about the year 1879, his wife surviving him until the year 1883. To the marriage of Andrew and Rachel Floen were born the fol- lowing children: Ole, who died as a boy of sixteen years, in Norway; Barney, a sailor, who lives in Norway; Edward, who is a mine worker in the state of Montana; Martha, who married Ole Rasmussen, and lives in Norway; Gertrude, who married Anton Olson, a carpenter who lives near Christiania, Norway: Rachel, who married Ingwald Rasmussen and lives at Stavanger, Norway, and Martin. the subject of this sketch.

Martin E. Floen was educated in the schools of Norway. He was left an orphan at an early age and during his young manhood was engaged in various kinds of work, which he continued until the year 1890, when he · came to America and located in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where for the next six or seven years he was employed generally on the farms of the com- munity. In the year 1895 Martin E. Floen bought eighty acres of land in section 24. of Nidaros township, a farm to which he moved later and on which he put many improvements, among which were a new house and barn, these replacing a one-room house which was the only building on the island when he took possession of it, in its uncleared and uncultivated condition. Later Mr. Floen added one hundred and sixty acres to his original farm, on which he now lives. Martin E. Floen greatly enlarged the house on his farm, built a new granary, put up a splendid barn, in size twenty-six by forty feet, constructed with a hip roof and a concrete foundation. On this farm, with its excellent conveniences and equipment, Martin E. Floen now engages in general farming and in the breeding of Duroc-Jersey hogs.

During the year 1806 Martin E. Floen was married to Gunda Amelia

709

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.

Moen, who was born in Todd county, Minnesota, the daughter of Thorsten Moen and wife, who later came to Otter Tail county, where they now live, as residents of Nidaros township. Thorsten Moen has for many years been a clergyman of the Lutheran church. To the marriage of Martin E. and Gunda Floen have been born the following children: Tony Alexander, who lives at Lowry, Minnesota; Edward, Alma, Ruth, Obert, Amanda, Martha, David, and George Mervin.

Martin E. Floen is a shareholder of the Vining Co-operative Creamery Company, an industry in which the part taken by Mr. Floen has had its influence towards its success. Mr. Floen is a member of the Lutheran church. In politics he is an ardent Republican.

REV. ANDREW MELAND.

The vocation of preacher of the Gospel, is not one which offers a wide field for exciting incidents, but it is one in which his friends and descend- ants take just pride. The Rev. Andrew Meland is modest and retiring in his manner, forceful in his delivery, and earnest in the discharge of his ministerial duties.

Andrew Meland, minister at Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, was born November 11, 1856, in Norway, and is a son of Ole and Bergete Anderson. His education was received at the public schools of his native land, after which he assisted his father on the farm. At the age of four- teen years, he started out as a seaman and later came to America in August, 1879. He entered the Augberg Seminary at Minneapolis, from which insti- tution he was graduated in June, 1886, his first charge being at Carbon, Iowa, where he remained two years. On January 7, 1888, he came to Pelican Rapids, where he has since been pastor of the Pelican Valley church. Many of the Rev. Meland's ancestors lived to the advanced age of ninety years and over.

Ole Anderson, father of Rev. Andrew Meland, was born in Norway, as was also his wife, Bergete. Mr. Anderson followed farming in his native land, where he lived and died. To this union were born six children. Bergete, Malene, Andrea, Andreas, Andrew. the subject of this sketch, and Ole.

Rev. Andrew Meland was united in marriage. March 7, 1887, to Anna Newton, by whom he has had four children, Orvalle N., Richard, Avin and Ernest. Orvalle Meland is a practicing physician, at Dawson, Minnesota ; Richard Meland is a druggist, at Pelican Rapids: Avin Meland is employed in the Wallace State Bank, at Pelican Rapids. Rev. Meland has won many warm and loyal friends at Pelican Rapids, and the surrounding territory, where he is well and prominently known.

710

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.

MR. AND MRS. LOUIS P. LARSON.

Mrs. Annie C. Larson is one of the few women farmers of Buse town- ship, Otter Tail county, and is highly successful in her undertaking. She possesses unusual business judgment and for the past eight or ten years has most capably managed the home farm. She divides her attention between general farming and stock raising, has also built a fine barn and granary, set out a large orchard, and has a good well, equipped with windmills. She not only manages the place, but also owns it and has long since proven her- self a woman of unusual ability, not only in such works as usually falls to the lot of man, but also in those things which are essentially womanly accom- plishments. Mr. Larson spends most of his time in Canada, looking after interests there.

Louis P. Larson is a native of Norway, born on August 12, 1848, and at the age of seven years was brought to this country by his parents, who for a time lived in Chicago. From there the family moved to Goodhue, this state, and at that place Mr. Larson passed his youth. He learned the miller's trade and followed it for a few years, but gave it up shortly after the time of his marriage, when, in 1871, he came to Otter Tail county and purchased a tract of land containing two hundred and forty acres. It was then all raw prairie land and he brought it to its present excellent condition.

Mr. and Mrs. Larson were married on January 21, 1867, and before her marriage she was Annie C. Otterness, born on November 23, 1850, in Columbia county, Wisconsin, daughter of Elef and Johanna (Lee) Otter- ness. Johanna Lee was a daughter of Christ Lee and Elef Otterness was a son of Ole Otterness, who emigrated to America from Norway and settled in this section at a very early day in local history. He located in Wis- consin, right among the Indians, the nearest town being Otsego, about three miles distant. That, however, was very close at hand for those times. Ole Otterness passed his entire life in that section.

Both of Mrs. Larson's parents were born in Norway and were brought to this country by their respective parents while still young, and it was in this land they grew to maturity and were married. After their marriage they secured a new location in Wisconsin and gave their attention to farm- ing. They were pioneers in the section they chose, and their land when they obtained possession of it was all covered with virgin forest. They set about the difficult task of preparing the land for cultivation and in the course of time made a good farm out of it. They later sold out and moved to Willmar, this state, where the father died about the year 1901 and the mother passed away in 1912 at the age of seventy-six years. Both parents were life-long members of the Lutheran church. They had a family of fourteen children. The first-born was a daughter named Annie, who died

71I

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.

in early childhood and the same name was given to the second child, who is Mrs. Larson, of this sketch; then followed Bartwell, Christ (who died young ), John, Martin, Phetrina, George, Robert, Rosa (who died in child- hood ), Christ, Samuel, Henry and Joseph.

Mrs. Larson was reared at the family home in Wisconsin, having but meager advantages in the way of education, and when fourteen years of age came to make her home in this state. At the age of seventeen she was married to Mr. Larson, and to their union has been born a family of nine children. The eldest is Charles, who is a farmer and lives near Church's Ferry, North Dakota; Ellen is the wife of Edwin Engen and resides at Knox, North Dakota; Rosa is the wife of Charles Chambers, of Lakota, this state; Josephine makes her home in Seattle, Washington, where she is employed as a teacher in the public schools; Leonard remains at home and assists in the work of the farm, as does also William; Arthur is located in Canada, where he is engaged in agricultural work; Lillian, wife of Martin Wolden, lives at Landsford, North Dakota, and Floyd, the youngest of the family, who has recently attained his majority, is also at home.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Larson were reared in the Lutheran faith, and have also brought up their children in that church. The entire family has always been numbered among the most progressive citizens of their com- munity, all the children being well trained and educated and all are deserv- ing of the high esteem in which they are held.

JOSEPH DAIKER.

Joseph Daiker, farmer, stock raiser and pioneer citizen of Pine Lake township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Germany, February 5, 1847, the son of Richard and Veronica (Gulden) Daiker, natives of Ger- many. Richard Daiker was a farmer of his native country, an occupation which he followed his entire life. Richard and Veronica Daiker were the parents of the following children : Walburga, Barbara, Mary, Christina, Blandina, Joseph and Anton.

Joseph Daiker was educated in the public schools of Germany, and in 1866 came to America and located at St. Cloud, Minnesota, where he fol- lowed his trade as a stone-cutter and mason for three years, after which he went to Alexandria and engaged in the hotel business until the year 1871. After his business career Mr. Daiker came to Otter Tail county and home- steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Pine Lake township, prior to the time when the township was organized. Joseph Daiker cleared about forty acres of timber land and improved his place with substantial buildings. He added to his land until now he is the owner of five hundred and sixty

712

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.

acres of land in Otto, Butler and Pine Lake townships. Joseph Daiker is now one of the successful farmers of the county, as well as being an exten- sive feeder and dealer in live stock.

On September 11, 1866, Joseph Daiker was married to Regina Struett, who was born in Germany, the daughter of Adolph and Katherine ( Maier) Struett. To the marriage of Joseph and Regina Daiker have been born six children : Joseph L., Maria S., Adolph B., Katherine R., John A. and Barbara V. Joseph Daiker and his family are members of the Catholic church.

Regina Struett came to America with her parents early in 1866 and located at St. Cloud. Minnesota, where she lived with her parents until September 11, 1866, when she was married to Joseph Daiker.

Mr. Daiker has not only been a successful farmer, but he has been a valued citizen of the community, lending his aid to all public matters as well has having served in various township offices, among which was his term of twenty-five years as a supervisor of Pine Lake township.

WILLIAM B. DEWEY.

A farmer of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, who has taken an important part in the public life of the community, and a man who in church circles and in the movement for, and the support of general welfare project, has been a leader of plan and a regulator of action, as well as being a citizen who because of his zeal and his energy, which he has expended for the development and advancement of local life, has won a host of admiring friends and an enviable place in the ranks of Western township citizenship, is William B. Dewey, the subject of this sketch.

William B. Dewey was born in Hopkinton, New York, on May 12. 1857, he being the son of William W. and Harriett ( Blanchard) Dewey, both of whom were born in the town of Hopkinton, or went to the locality when young. William W. Dewey was the son of Jerod Dewey and wife, who were residents of Hopkinton, New York, during their entire lives. Jerod Dewey being a farmer of St. Lawrence county, New York. Harriett Dewey, the wife of William W. Dewey, and the mother of the subject of this sketch, was of the well-known and pioneer Blanchard family of Hop- kinton, St. Lawrence county, New York.

William W. Dewey, father of the subject of this sketch, was educated in Hopkinton. New York, after which he became a farmer in the locality. In the year 1872 he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Western township, which has been a home of the Dewey family since, William W. Dewey spending his last

----- -- --------- I 1 1 1

İ ! 1

i F

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM W. DEWEY.

713

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.

days on the place and then handing it down to his son, William B. Dewey.

William W. and Harriett Dewey were the parents of five children, Alzina, Martha, Mary, Rhoda and William B. William W. Dewey and his wife were devoted and prominent members of the Presbyterian church, Mr. Dewey being largely responsible for the organization of the church in the community, and he being a member who served as an elder for many years.

William B. Dewey, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the com- mon schools of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, after which he became a farmer on the home place, where he has lived since. William B. Dewey has added to his land until he now cultivates three hundred and twenty acres of well improved and productive soil.

On December 2. 1884, William B. Dewey was married to Ella Toombs. who was a native of the state of Illinois, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Crane) Toombs, who moved to Grant county, Minnesota, at an early day. To this marriage were born the following children: Jennie H., Ruth E., Edith H., Hubert W. and Ira T.

William B. Dewey is a leading member of the Presbyterian church, he, for some years, having served as an elder. In public life Mr. Dewey has served with dignity and with notable efficiency on the school board of Western township for some years.

The life and conduct of William B. Dewey and his excellent family in the community has been progressive and good, and of a type worthy of emu- lation. They are among the esteemed and honored people of Western town- ship and Otter Tail county.

PETER LINDALL.

Peter Lindall was born in Sweden, August 17. 1846, the son of Johannes and Mary ( Johnson ) Lindall, both of whom were natives of Sweden.

Johannes Lindall and his wife sailed for America in 1856. They arrived at Quebec in the fall after a tempestuous trip and during the journey they were obliged to push their boat away from the icebergs which they encountered. From Quebec they then went westward as far as Moline, Illinois, which was the terminus of the railroad, traveling in a boxcar. Later this sturdy pioneer decided to settle in Minnesota and about the year 1858 he pre-empted eighty acres in Franconia township. Chisago county. this state. In order to arrive there they made the trip on foot from St. Paul to Stillwater. He and his wife finding it necessary to ford all the streams which they encountered. Their goods followed later. Mr. Lindall there accumulated a fine farm. Johannes Lindall died in 1898. Mrs. Johannes I.indall died in 1900 on this farm.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Otter Tail County, Minnesota : its people, industries, and institutions, Volume II, Part 75

Author: Mason, John W. (John Wintermute), 1846- 4n Publication date: 1916 Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen Number of Pages: 1156

Author: Mason, John W. (John Wintermute), 1846- 4n
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1156