USA > Minnesota > Otter Tail County > History of Otter Tail County, Minnesota : its people, industries, and institutions, Volume II > Part 81
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Colbert G. Hayhurst was born on October 22, 1880, in Spottsville, Henderson county, Kentucky, and is the son of Louis Clark and Rachel (Griffin ) Hayhurst. His paternal grandparents were James and Ella ( Bur- bank ) Hayhurst, both natives of Ohio, but later of Vanderburg county, Indiana, where they resided until their deaths. James Hayhurst followed the vocation of cooper. The maternal grandparents of Colbert G. Hayhurst were George Griffin and his wife. George Griffin was born near Youngs- town, Pennsylvania, and removed when a young man to Indiana, where he settled near McCutchanville, where he followed the vocation of farmer until his death.
Rachel ( Griffin ) Hayhurst, mother of Colbert G. Hayhurst, was born on November 15, 1844. in Indiana. Clark Hayhurst was also born in Indiana, January 11, 1845. Their marriage was solemnized in Indiana, where they grew to maturity and shortly after, in 1878, they removed to Henderson county, Kentucky. A farm was purchased with the intention of making this their permanent home, but owing to the floods of the Green river the place was sold and another farm purchased near Souffletown, Hen- derson county, Kentucky, on the Ohio river: They remained there until 1905, at which time he retired to Reed, Kentucky, where he resides with a daughter. Rachel (Griffin ) Hayhurst passed away on March 22, 1892, and some time later, Louis Clark Hayhurst married a Mrs. Calloway. To his first union were born seven children: Lottie, who died at the age of four years ; James Frank, who is employed in the shops of the Louisville & Nash- ville railroad at Evansville, Indiana; George F., who lives in Richville, Min- nesota, and is employed in a saw-mill during the winter months and operates a threshing machine during the summer; John Raleigh, who is a carpenter in the shops of the Louisville & Nashville railroad, at Evansville, Indiana; Nellie, who became the wife of Lee Robbins, and was married, secondly. to Matthew Brooks, and now resides in Reeds, Kentucky; Colbert G., and llallie Louise, who became the wife of George Gregory and now. resides at Casper, Wyoming. To the second union of Louis Clark Hayhurst one son was born. Louis Clark Hayhurst has always been very active in politics, though non-partisan in belief and has always been a member of the Mission- ary Baptist church, in which denomination he has served in various capaci- ties.
Colbert G. Hayhurst received his education in the public schools of Spottsville and Souffletown, Henderson county, Kentucky, and was reared on his father's farm until the age of twenty-three, at which time he enlisted in the United States navy. After joining his brother in Richville, Minne- sota, he engaged in the operation of a saw-mill and continued in this line of endeavor until his appointment as postmaster on October 22, 1912. His
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service in this capacity has been dispatched with conscientious interest and hearty good will. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
On November 22, 1907, Colbert G. Hayhurst was united in marriage to Charlotte Nancy Donaldson, daughter of Reuben Donaldson, an old settler of Richville, Minnesota. They are the parents of two children, Del Griffin and Charlotte Kathryn.
TORGER JOHNSON.
Torger Johnson was born in Norway on the 19th of March, 1851. His parents were John and Maren Johnson, both of whom were born in Norway. His father was a farmer and followed that occupation until his death. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, six came to America in the following order: Edward, who settled in Girard township, where he took up farming; Christian, who is a farmer in Nidaros township; Carrie, deceased, who was the wife of William Gulickson, of Wisconsin; Gunhild Maria, who lives in Wisconsin, and is the wife of Axel Gulickson; Thomas, who lives in Sand Point, Idaho, and Torger.
The early education of Torger Johnson was received in the public schools of Norway, and after completing his education he came to this country, where he took up the occupation of farming. Before coming to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, he worked for three years in St. Croix county, Wisconsin. Upon his arrival in Otter Tail county he bought two hundred acres of land in Nidaros township and made his home in that sec- tion of the county until his death, which occurred on the 18th of September, 1906. The land on which he settled was prairie without trees or buildings. It may be truthfully stated at this time that the presence of his wife and her untiring efforts to improve their mode of living added much to the success achieved by Mr. Johnson in his life on the farm. He engaged at first in the work of breaking up the soil and after a short time erected a dwelling which was destroyed by fire. Mr. Johnson was obliged, with scarcely any assistance, to build a second home, which is still used as a residence by his wife. During his life, Mr. Johnson was engaged in both political and edu- cational affairs, where he gained popularity as a man of high principles and worthy accomplishments. He was a devout member of the Free Lutheran church and gave liberally to its support. Mrs. Johnson continues to work for the welfare of the church.
The marriage of Torger Johnson to Julia Swenby took place in 1881. Julia Swenby is the daughter of Ole and Ingeborg Swenby, natives of Nor- way, who emigrated to Marquette county, Wisconsin, in the early forties.
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Mr. Swenby was a farmer and landowner and after twelve years' residence in the county where he first settled he moved to St. Croix county, where he lived until 1876, when he passed away. Mrs. Swenby died two years later, after a life of usefulness and service.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the parents of the following children : Oscar is a farmer in Nidaros township. Inga married A. W. Pearson and lives in South Dakota. She received her education in the Northwestern College at Fergus Falls and later attended the State Normal School at St. Cloud. She was graduated from the school at Moorhead in 1906 and for the two years following taught school. Thora died at the age of three years and Julia died at the age of one year. Thea married O. E. Herbranson and lives in Nidaros township. She received her education in the State Normal School, at Moorehead, and following her graduation taught school for two years. Mina died when just a year old. Minnie J. is a teacher, and while not engaged in that work makes her home with her mother.
Mrs. Julia Johnson continues to reside on the home farm and enjoys a popularity among the residents of this community and on account of her strong personality, her usefulness and the great assistance she renders her acquaintances in times of need, she belongs to that type of women whose influence is felt for good.
ANTON JORGEN OLSON.
Anton Jorgen Olson, a well-known retired farmer of Pelican Rapids, is an expert in his line of work. The quality of the yield of his acres has always been a matter of pride with him, and he has not only produced good crops, but has known how to dispose of them profitably. Mr. Olson was born in Norway on November 24, 1840, and is the son of Ole Anderson, whose life history is given in the sketch of Otto C. Foss, the brother of Anton Olson, presented on another page of this work.
The subject of this sketch as a boy attended school in his native coun- try and in 1869 came to America and first stopped in Baltimore. Later he went to Iowa, where he lived the first three years of his residence in this country. He then came to Otter Tail county and took up a homestead claim of eighty acres in Pelican township, where he has lived ever since. He improved this place by erecting the necessary buildings and later added one hundred and twenty acres adjoining his homestead.
Anton Jorgen Olson was married to Christina Haugrud, who was born in Norway. They were married in Pelican township. The children born of this union are Hannah A. Olson, who lives at home; Otto C., a resident of Dakota, and Carl L., who also lives at home. The family belong to the Lutheran church.
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Mr. Olson is a man whose industry and strength of character have commended him to all who know him. He is a man of integrity and of unfailing consideration for the rights of others. In the labor and hard- ship incident to rural life, Mr. Olson has had the willing assistance of his faithful and devoted wife.
OLE LARSON.
Ole Larson is a pioneer of Dane Prairie township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and put under cultivation and harvested the first crop in the township. That he is one of the most respected citizens in his community is evidenced by the fact that he has held nearly every township office, and has discharged the duties connected with the same efficiently and conscien- tiously. Ole Larson is a native of Norway and his birth occurred on Febru- ary 8, 1842. He is the son of E. and Inger ( Olson) Larson, who emi- grated to America in 1852 and located in Racine county, Wisconsin, for five years. E. Larson removed to Houston county, Minnesota, and remained there six months, removing to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land and continued to cultivate the same until 1801. He then removed to Jackson county, Minnesota, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land under the homestead rights, and the following year was driven away by the Indians. He returned to Fillmore county, remaining there until the Civil War ended and then removed to Otter Tail county, where he resided with his son, Ole, until his death, in 1870. After the death of E. Larson his wife, Inger (Olson) Larson, entered and proved on a land claim and shortly after passed to her eternal rest. E. and Inger Larson were the parents of these children : Eston, Maret, Ole, Chesten and Segri.
Ole Larson received his education in the schools of America and after the completion of his student days, engaged in agricultural pursuits until the beginning of the Civil War, at which time he enlisted and served his adopted country with bravery and courage equal to any of her native sons. In 1861 he enlisted in Company 1, of the Fifth lowa Volunteer Cavalry. Some time later he re-enlisted in Company B, of Bracketts Battalion. He received his honorable discharge from the same on June 1, 1866, and at once returned to his home in Fillmore county. In 1869 he removed to Dane Prairie town- ship, this county, where he entered the homestead on which he still resides. It was virgin soil when he first came into the possession of it, and it is now well improved and has been increased until the farm now embraces five hun- dred and thirty-five acres.
In 1868 Ole Larson was united in marriage to Thora Olson, and of
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this union twelve children have been born: Inger, born on November 24. 1860; Gunhild, July 9, 1871, and died on the same day; Gunhild Christine, August 30, 1872; O. Louis, September 27. 1874; Tilla, September 27, 1876, and died on January 18, 1877; Ole O., October 24, 1877; Thomas O., November II, 1879; Tilla, December 9, 1881, and died November 23. 1910, in Kankakee, Illinois; Edward O., December 9, 1883, and died on February 25, 1801 ; Anna Serina O., January 23, 1886; Martin O., April 3, 1888, and Emma O., February 1, 1892. Ole Larson and his wife are firm believers in pure christianity. Thora ( Olson) Larson is a native of Norway and emigrated to America with her parents about the same time as Ole Larson came to this country. She is the daughter of Ole and Gunhild Olson, both natives of Norway, who emigrated to America in 1852 and located in Fill- more county, Minnesota. Ole Olson purchased a large farm of the govern- ment, on which the family resided until his death, the mother then removed to South Dakota, where she resided with a son until her death. Ole Larson has been of great service to his adopted country as well as to his family and the community in which he lives. And as a citizen and a gentleman he is mit1ch respected.
ANDREW P. JOHNSON.
Andrew P. Johnson was born in Carver county, Minnesota, February 15, 1860, one of twin sons born to Peter and Johanna (Anderson) Johnson. Peter Johnson and his wife were natives of Sweden, in which country they lived until the year 1858, when they came to America, landing at Boston, Massachusetts, after a voyage of six weeks on the Atlantic ocean. On reaching America, Peter and Johanna Johnson went to Carver county, Minnesota, where they lived for three years and then went to Washington county, Minnesota, living there for four years, after which time they moved to Dakota county, Minnesota, living there for eleven years, and then Peter Johnson and his wife and family came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, locating in section 20, of Compton township, where Peter Johnson home- steaded a farm of eighty acres, on which he lived for the remainder of his days, dying in the year 1899; his wife dying in the year 1907.
Peter and Johanna Johnson were the parents of nine children: John G .. Andrew P., Swan, Betsey, Emma, Ida, William, Freddie and Eddie. Peter Johnson was an active and helpful man to his community, taking a great interest in all matters for the promotion of life and conditions during the early days of settlement in Compton township. In church circles, Peter Johnson was especially notable. being instrumental in the organization and in the erection of the Swedish Lutheran church in Compton township.
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Andrew P. Johnson was educated in the public schools of Dakota county, Minnesota, where he attended classes for a short time and then became a farmer on eighty acres of land which he received from his father, land which, being wild and untilled, Andrew P. Johnson cleared and made ready for cultivation, adding from time to time to his land until he had two hundred and forty acres of land, which is now well improved and highly cultivated.
On March 22, 1883, Andrew P. Johnson was married to Emma John- son, who was born in Sweden, the daughter of John Johnson and wife, who were natives of Sweden, in which country they spent their entire lives. Andrew and Emma Johnson are the parents of four children: Arthur, Mable, Laura and William. Andrew P. Johnson and his family are well known and esteemed members of the Swedish Lutheran church in Compton township.
In business and financial circles, Andrew P. Johnson is connected with some of the largest companies and interests of the county, being the vice- president of the First National Bank of Deer Creek, Minnesota, an office which he has occupied for ten years, and the owner of considerable stock in the Deer Creek Creamery Company. Politically, Andrew P. Johnson has served his township as chairman of the township board for several terms, and for a period of thirty-two years has occupied a seat on the school board of Compton township.
AUGUST BAUCK.
August Bauck. farmer and well-known citizen of Pine Lake township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Gorman township, this county, March 22, 1876, the son of John and Dorothea Bauck, both of whom were natives of Germany. Joim Bauck was one of the early settlers in Gorman township, Otter Tail county, having reached that community at an early (late, and after homesteading a farm engaged in general agricultural pur- suits. John and Dorothea Bauck were the parents of nine children : John, Emma, Fred. August, Mary, Huldah, Martha, Theodore and Ludwig.
August Bauck was educated in the public schools of Gorman township, after which he learned the blacksmith's trade and worked at it for about ten years; after that he became a farmer and following some time as a farm worker in his native community, Mr. Bauck, in 1903, came to Pine Lake township, and bought two hundred acres of land, which he has improved with one of the best houses of the locality, as well as having built convenient and suitable buildings for the conduct of his general farm work. Mr. Bauck is now among the recognized leaders of farm activity in Pine Lake township.
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During the year 1906 August Bauck was married to Lydia Liermann, and to this marriage have been born three children, Erna, Erhardt and Alma. Mr. Bauck and his family are members of the German Lutheran church.
HENRY MILLER.
Otter Tail county, Minnesota, owes much of its success and rapid development to men and women who have come to the county from other parts of the United States and from the countries of Europe. Many of these men have been of important service in the agricultural and business interests of the county. In Otter Tail county we find many native-born Germans, or citizens who are direct descendants of the German people. Their force of character, energy and business instinct have had much to do with the successful development of the county, making it today one of the most desirable districts of our country.
Henry Miller was born on November 2, 1868, in the state of New York, and is the son of J. F. and Meta ( Shoemaker ) Miller, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany. J. F. Miller was born on October 31, 1842, and his wife was born on January 20, 1838. Mrs. Miller was the daughter of George Shoemaker, who never came to America. Herman Miller, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a farmer in Ger- many and was an active member of the German Lutheran church. He always remained a subject of the German empire and never came to America.
J. F. Miller, with his wife, came to America in 1864, landing in New York City, where he remained until the year 1883, devoting his time to the mercantile business, clerking for a time and later entering into business for himself in the central part of the city, on east side, where he conducted a grocery. On leaving New York, he and his family came to Leaf Lake town- ship, Otter Tail county, where they purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land. The first purchase was added to until at the time of the death of Mr. Miller he was possessed of three hundred acres. Mr. Miller's death occurred on November 12, 1911, and his widow died on January 4, 1916. Mr. Miller was, during his life, township and school clerk. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Miller: Anice, Henry, Anna, Frederick, George, Minnie and Andrew, four of whom are deceased; the living children being Henry. Minnie and George. The family were active members of the German Lutheran church.
Henry Miller received his education in the common schools of New York City. He was married to Minnie Buerge, who was the daughter of Carle and Johanna ( Jacobi) Buerge. Mrs. Miller was born on September
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30. 1872, in Fillmore county, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the par- ents of the following children: Nathalie, Walter, Esther, Henry, Jr .. Edgar and Seymour.
After marriage. Mr. Miller located in Leaf Lake township, Otter Tail county, where he purchased two hundred acres of land, which he sold in 1906. In 1904 he moved to Otter Tail, where he established himself in the purchase of grain, with the North Land Elevator Company, with which institution he is still associated. In 1905 he engaged in the banking business and in 1908 was one of the incorporators of the Security State Bank, of which institution he is the present cashier. Mr. Miller is also village and school clerk, and an active member of the German Lutheran church.
JACOB L. BERTHOLD, M. D.
Significant not only for its public service but also in its individual use- fulness has been the career of Dr. Jacob L. Berthold, who is one of the most prominent and honored representatives of the medical profession in Otter Tail county. Jacob L. Berthold was born in York, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of November, 1859, and is the son of John W., and Elizabeth ( Richard ) Berthold, both of whom were natives of Germany. His father was born in 1832, and spent his boyhood in West Prussia, his native home. Before reaching the age of manhood he came to America with an uncle and settled in York county, Pennsylvania, where he worked all his life at the occupation of farming. Mr. and Mrs. John W. Berthold reared a family of four girls and four boys.
Jacob L. Berthold was anxious to secure a liberal education and after attending the common schools of York county he was enabled to enter the Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Having determined to prepare himself for the medical profession he entered the University of Maryland, from which institution, after four years of study, he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 1886. The year of his graduation he started to practice medicine in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where he remained just three months. In July, 1886, he arrived in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he has continued in active general practice ever since. In this community he has brought to bear an untiring devotion to his calling and his personality and gentleness have made him a welcome figure in every home in which he has ministered. He has kept in close touch with the advances made in medicine during recent years and assumes the responsibility thrust upon him with great assurance and faith.
On the Ist of February, 1886, Jacob L. Berthold was united in mar- riage to Alice Klinefelter, who passed away on the 5th of May, 1905. To
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this union, one child was born, Beatrice, who is a teacher of physical cul- ture in Richmond, Virginia. The second marriage of Dr. Berthold occurred on the 17th of November, 1906, when he was united to Joanna A. Stick, a native of York county, Pennsylvania. One child, Miriam, has been born to this union.
Doctor Berthold has been called upon to serve in public offices from time to time, where his ability has won for him additional praise and public confidence. He has been a member of the town council and of the school board and is now engaged in discharging the duties as manager of the Per- ham Telephone Company, of which organization he has also served as treasurer. He is also interested in the agricultural affairs on the farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Gorman township, which belongs to Mrs. Berthold. As local surgeon for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company he has made a large acquaintanceship among men in every walk of life. Doctor Berthold is a member of the State Medical Association, of the County Medical Association and is affiliated in lodge affairs with the Masonic fraternity. In his political interests he has always been a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Berthold are members of the German Reformed church.
FRANK GROUWS.
Frank Grouws, garage owner and farmer, Elizabeth, Otter Tail county, was born on May 1, 1861, in Carver county, Minnesota, and is a son of John Crouws. His education was received at the public schools of Eliza- beth. Mr. Grouws has been very successful in business, and is now the owner of five hundred acres of good farm land, as well as valuable property in the town of Elizabeth. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and has been active in local politics, having held the offices of councilman and village treasurer.
John Grouws, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Saxony, Germany, and was united in marriage with Mena Hammond, who was born in Germany. Mr. Grouws came to America, and was one of the first settlers in Carver county, Minnesota. After his return from the Civil War he moved to Forest City, Minnesota, and in 1871 came to Elizabeth, where he followed farming and became wealthy, owning one hundred and sixty-seven acres, which he later sold, moving to Milton county, Minnesota, but spent the last years of his life at Elizabeth, where he had retired from an active life.
Frank Grouws was united in marriage, December 15. 1888, with Louise Buran, daughter of Edward Burau, a farmer of this community. She was
(49h)
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born in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Grouws have had three children: Law- rence, who was married to Clara Sletto, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and makes his home at Elizabeth, where he helps manage the automobile busi- ness; Walter, who was married to Anna Westmoreland, of Dallas, Texas, and makes his home at Dallas, where he is studying dentistry, and Harry, who is employed by the Peter Maurin Company, of Elizabeth.
DARIUS .NELSON SHAW.
Many parts of our Western states are settled directly by people from the Eastern states. Many of the residents of New England states have left their native clime and founded new homes in the great Northwest. Endowed with the thrift of their ancestors, they bring to the new and western country that force of character which is a factor in their success.
Darius Nelson Shaw, son of David and Johanna Shaw, was born on November 7. 1832, in St. Lawrence county, New York. His father was a native of Vermont and came to New York in early life. David Shaw received his education in the common schools of the state. He was twice married, his first wife being named Rebecca. His second wife was Johanna, who was the widow of John Allen. To her union with John Allen the fol- lowing children were born: Lucy. Minerva and John. The children of David and Rebecca Shaw are Stephen, Axie and Henry. To David and Johanna Shaw the following children were born: Mary, Lucius, David and Darius N.
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