USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 25
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 25
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Judge Francis A. Dunham of the Owatonna Municipal court, has taken an active interest in the growth and progress of Owa- tonna and Steele county. His articles written to give an im- petus to local industry have been of good effect, and his work in behalf of the various municipal interests of the city have been productive of satisfactory results. The part he has taken in public life is shown by the fact that he is at the present time serving as secretary of the Owatonna Commercial Club, secre- tary of the Steele County Street Fair Association, secretary of the Owatonna City Hospital Board (resigned, 1910, on account of press of other business,) and secretary of the Owatonna Busi- ness Men's Club. Francis A. Dunham was born in Faribault, Minn .. March 1. 1875, son of Cornelius F. and Catherine Dun- ham. of English and Irish descent respectively. He spent his carly boyhood in Owatonna, graduated from the Owatonna High school in 1897 and from 1898 to 1901 read law with the Hon. Thomas H. Quinn, at Faribault, being admitted to the bar in 1901. In 1903 he purchased the law library from the late C. J. O'Brien, and became a member of the Disbrow, Kinney Land Company January 1. 1904. Jannary 1. 1908. he purchased the insurance business of that company, and has been in busi ness for himself since that time, enjoying a large patronage.
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In 1908 he was elected judge of the municipal court of Owatonna, and his excellent work in behalf of the peace and order of the city won his election to succeed himself in 1910 without oppo- sition.
Harvey S. Dartt is a wide-awake and influential citizen of Owatonna, Minnesota. A native of Green Lake county, Wis- consin, he was born June 16, 1866, to E. H. S. and Lucretia (Brooks) Dartt, who were natives of Vermont and Erie county, Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was a school teacher in early life and became a noted horticulturist. He went to Wisconsin in 1844, and lived there till 1869 when he settled with his family at Owatonna, where he entered the nursery business and later engaged in the real estate business and be- came the proprietor of Dartt's first and second addition to the city of Owatonna. Meantime he was interested in horticulture and conducted an experimental station for the state until his decease, which occurred June 30, 1903. The mother passed away January 21, 1876. Harvey S. attended the public schools at Owatonna and graduated from the high school there with the class of 1886 and then turned his attention to civil engineering which he has since followed with marked success at Owatonna, where he has continuously lived, with the exception of nine years, during which he traveled for the Northwest Publishing Company, of Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Dartt made the surveys for the Crane Creek ditch in Steele and Waseca counties and also for Judicial District No. 1 of Dodge county. Mr. Dartt is decidedly a man of affairs and has filled numerous public offices at Owatonna. He has served as mayor of the city, as alderman two terms, two terms as county surveyor and three years as city surveyor, and has been a member of the Owatonna Hospital Board. He stands high in fraternal orders, being identi- fied with the local Masonic lodge. Knights of Pythias, Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he adheres to Republican principles. On August 26, 1896, Mr. Dartt married Ella M. Haworth, whose parents, How- ard and Margaret (Shelton) Haworth, removed from Indiana, their native state, to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Dartt have four children, viz: Mabel L., Donna Emir, Walter Scott and Harvey S., Jr., all of whom live at home with their parents.
Christ P. Fynskov, a prominent merchant of Owatonna, was born at Madison, Wisconsin, July 24, 1875, son of Peter J. and Mary W. Fynskov, natives of Denmark. They emigrated to America in 1875, locating at Madison, Wisconsin, where they remained for a short time. In 1877 they came to Steele county, driving the whole distance by team, they located in Marton
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township, Steele county, where three years later the father pur- chased forty acres of land and engaged in general farming for five years. He then sold this first farm and bought eighty acres in Havana township; some years later making an addi- tional purchase of eighty acres in Merton township where he was engaged in farming until 1902. He then sold the farm and went to Douglass county where he bought land ; he also bought land in Todd county adjoining the land in Douglass county, mak- ing a farm of 270 acres, which he still tills. They were the par- ents of nine children, viz : James, contractor and builder of De- troit, Michigan ; Christ P., the subject of this sketch; Andrew, a retired sheep-ranch man, now of Detroit, Michigan ; Mary, now Mrs. Albert Borderson, of Sebeka, Minnesota; Hans, a ranch- man in Dakota ; Anna, now Mrs. Segward Peterson, of St. Paul; Henry, Martin and Ernest, who are all residing with their parents.
The subject of this sketch received his early education in the district schools of Steele county. Then came to Owatonna where he learned the baker's trade ; later he became engaged with the Robson Company, of Owatonna, who were conducting a dry goods store. He remained with this firm for sixteen years, ten years of which time he was department manager and buyer. On November 22, 1906, he formed a copartnership with a Mr. F. W. Simon. They opened a general store on South Cedar street where they built up a large business. The firm was known as Fynskov & Simon for three years: then Mr. George Webber purchased Mr. Simon's interest and the business has since been conducted under the firm name of Fynskov & Webber. They are both very enterprising and popular young men, doing a thriv- ing and increasing business. Mr. Fynskov was married June 22, 1898, at Owatonna, to Helen, daughter of H. C. and Lena (Peterson) Larson, natives of Denmark, who emigrated to America in 1874, were married here and located in Lemond township, Steele county, where they have been engaged in farm- ing ever since. They had seven children, namely, Theodore, who lives at Owatonna; Helen, wife of our subject, was born January 9, 1878; Walter, lives in Denver, Colorado; Mary, lives at Owatonna ; Alfred, who lives at Mankato; Louis and Edith, who are residing at home. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Fynskov was blessed with two children, Stanley E., born March 25, 1900, and Lowell, born March 18, 1904. Mr. Fynskov is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Lutheran church. He also belongs to a number of fraternal organizations, viz : K. of P., A. O. U. W., B. A. Y. The family is domiciled in a pleasant residence at 309 South Cedar street.
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Henry F. Fritsch was born in Europe, May 17, 1887, son of Frederick and Anna (Simper) Fritsch, natives. of Austria. They came to America in 1893 and located at Garner, Iowa, where they still reside. Henry F. received his education in Austria and came to America with his parents in 1893; he attended school at Garner for about three years and then entered the studio with his father and after he had learned the business formed a partnership with his father, and conducted a branch at Thomp- son, Iowa, for one year, when he sold out and bought a studio at Mason City, Iowa, in 1905, which he conducted for four years when he again sold out and came to Owatonna and pur- chased the old Mueller studio at 132 West Vine street. He is now the sole owner and proprietor and has met with marked success. He was married May 20, 1908, to Miss Adolphina Smith, of Garner, lowa. In politics Mr. Fritsch is an independ- ent voter, and in his religious belief he is Catholic. lle is a member of the 1. O. O. F. and of the K. of C. He makes his home at his studio on Vine street; he has won his success by his efforts and enjoys the respect of all who know him.
Charles Green, of Owatonna, was born in Pittsford, Ruth- land county, Vermont, May 28, 1853, son of Harvey and Sophia (Segar) Green, natives of Vermont. lle came west with his parents in 1866, locating in Somerset township, Steele county, where the father purchased eighty acres of school land. Hle im- proved the land, built a home and followed general and diversi- fied farming up to the time of his decease, March 2, 1874. The mother died March 13, 1900. Charles received his early edu- cation in the district schools of Somerset township. After leav- ing school, he worked at Faribault and Owatonna. In 1889 he was elected city marshal, which position he filled for seven con- secutive years. Ile then purchased a farm in Medford township and engaged in agricultural pursuits for a period of five years. At this time he sold the farm, came to the city of Owatonna and bought an interest, with Mr. Jefferson, in the livery and city bus line business. This business relation continued until 1901, when they took in a third partner, Mr. Twiford. They have built up a large trade making a specialty of the livery business. Their efficient service is recognized and they are popular among the traveling public. Mr. Green was married October 11, 1884, to Mary Layman, who died July 24, 1894, leaving four children in the care of her husband. viz: Ellen S., born October 15, 1885, married Il. II. Peavey of Redwood Falls, Minnesota ; George H., born March 24, 1888, died May 13, 1900; Nora M., born July 29, 1890, lives at home ; Robert R., born February 18, 1894, also lives with his father. Mr. Green married a second time at Owatonna September 1, 1895, to Carrie S. Pratt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
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HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Pratt. Their union is blessed with two children, viz: Alice J., born March 26, 1897; Mary J., born February 25, 1899. Mr. Green is a Democrat. In religious faith he adheres to the Uni- versalist church. lle is also prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of the I. O. O. F., the B. P. O. E., the M. W. A., the W. O: W., the A. O. U. W. and the F. O. E. He is a loyal and highly respected citizen and has twice served his city as mayor. The family lives in a pleasant residence located at 506 South Cedar street.
C. Hudson Gordon, the leading photographer of Owatonna, has received high encomiums for his excellent and artistic work, taking, as he does. an æsthetic as well as commercial interest in his chosen line. He was born in Summit township. Steele county. June 4, 1875, son of Charles S. and Viola A. (Sheldon) Gordon. He received his education in the public schools, and after leaving school engaged in the grocery business with his father. In 1899, after the grocery business was disposed of, he learned the art of photography and opened a studio, which he has since conducted, putting out work of the highest degree of excellence. Mr. Gordon was married January 30, 1901, to Alice Moran, daughter of Cornelius Moran, and to this union has been born one son, Charles Irving, November 7, 1909. Mr. Gordon is a Republican in politics and affiliates with the Masonic fraternity.
J. D. Gordon, and his worthy wife, were among the earlier settlers in Berlin township, Steele county, taking up their abode in that locality in 1857. Mr. Gordon was born in Lowville, Lewis county, New York, in 1823, and spent his early life in the East. After farming in Berlin township from 1858 to 1881, he and his wife moved to Owatonna and retired. Their golden wedding anniversary, celebrated January 26, 1907, was the occa- sion of universal rejoicing among their friends and relatives. But scarcely had the rejoicings died away, when on February 14, 1907, Mr. Gordon fell from a porch, and died March 9, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife is still living. Of their three children, C. S. died April 28. 1908; Anna L. is Mrs. A. J. Chamberlain and Henry died in 1901.
Charles S. Gordon, business man and farmer, now deceased, was born in Lowville, Lewis county, New York, son of J. D. Gordon. Ile came to Steele county with his parents in 1857, completed his education in the schools of Berlin township, and farmed for a number of years. In 1885 he moved to Owatonna. and engaged in the grocery business with his son, C. H., under the firm name of Gordon & Son. In 1899, the firm sold out, and C. S. Gordon retired. April 3, 1908, he was stricken with paralysis, and died April 28, 1908, at the age of 59 years. His
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wife, Viola Sheldon. a native of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, whom he married in 1871. is still living. The sole fruit of this union is one son, C. Hudson Gordon, of Owatonna.
Stephen C. Goff, Jr., clerk of court of Steele county, was born May 4, 1882, in Lemond township. Steele county, son of Stephen C. and Florence E. (Bemis) Goff, natives of the United States, of Scotch and English descent. The father came to Minnesota in 1879 and located in Dodge county, where he married. In 1881. he came to Steele county, locating in Lemond township. where he has been engaged in farming up to the present time. The subject of our sketch received his early education in the common schools of Steele county. After leaving school, he took up teaching as a profession, which he followed from 1902 to 1905. He then accepted a position as shipping clerk for the Owatonna Creamery Supply Company, in which position he was engaged until in July. 1906. At this time he was elected clerk of court of Steele county, which office he has now filled for four years. Mr. Goff was married May 4, 1909, at Owatonna, to Pearl M. Barnard, who died October 4. 1909. In politics Mr. Goff is Republican. In religions faith he affiliates with the Baptist church. He is prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of the K. of P., M. W. A., F. O. E. and the Commercial Club. Mr. Goff is a progressive young man. He has gained his position by his own efforts and his uncompromising honesty in discharg- ing his duties as a public officer has won for him the confidence of the community as a good citizen. well liked by all who know him.
Peter Ganser, proprietor of the Owatonna City Brewery. is one of those substantial citizens, who, in building the founda- tions for their own fortunes, find the time to take an interest in all worthy causes that tend toward the development of the community. He combines liberality with shrewd common sense and business ability, and from his first settlement here he has had an unbounded faith in Owatonna's future. Mr. Ganser was born in Prussia. Germany, June 24, 1836. He received his early education in the public schools and remained in his native country until 1854, when he came to America and located in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he lived for a time and then went to California. In 1863 he returned to Wisconsin and there remained until 1865 when he came to Owatonna and, together with his brother, Adam, purchased the city brewery, which they con- tinued together until 1872, at which time the brother died. The subject of this sketch then became the sole owner and proprietor. In 1878 the brewery was destroyed by fire. entailing a loss of about $12,000. Undaunted by this loss, Mr. Ganser rebuilt. but in 1884 again suffered a similar disaster. The present
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building, to which additions and improvements have been made from time to time, was erected in 1884. In 1879, Mr. Ganser, in company with Jacob Glaeser, erected the building then known as the Germania Hall. Mr. Ganser has carried on a large and increasing business from year to year. In 1894 he sold out his business and for six years lived a retired life. In 1900 he again came into possession of the brewery, which he has since con- ducted. Mr. Ganser was married in 1867 to Mary Knight, who was born in Indiana. The fruit of this union was three children, viz: Margaret, now the wife of William Fleckenstein of the Fleckenstein Brewery at Faribault; Adeline, now Mrs. W. C. Zamboni; Kate, now Mrs. H. D. Brown, of Owatonna. Mr. Ganser is a Democrat in political faith. He takes an active interest in public affairs, and served as a mayor of Owatonna one term, and alderman of the fourth ward for two years. Mr. Ganser is a self-made man, enterprising in business, and has won his position by persevering efforts. He lives in a very fine residence at 508 South Oak street.
Thomas Y. Hostad, a successful real estate dealer of Owa- tonna, was born in Norway, August 30, 1876, son of Thomas and Gertrude Hostad, also natives of that country. The parents emigrated to America in 1877, and located in Dodge county, Minnesota, where the father followed agricultural pursuits until 1887. They then removed to Westfield township and continued farming operations until 1906, in which year they died, the mother December 22, and the father December 24, both being laid at rest in the same grave. Thomas Y. received his early education in the district schools of Dodge county, and in the Blooming Prairie high school, this training being supplemented with a course at Darling's College, at Rochester, and one at Breckenridge College, at Decorah, Iowa. He then studied one and a half years under Attorney Littleton, of Owatonna, and subsequently took a correspondence course with the Chicago Law School. After following the occupation of bookkeeper at Blooming Prairie for a time, he opened a hotel, with livery and feed stables in connection, at Kenyon, Minnesota, in 1897. He sold this business in August of the same year and moved to Owatonna. Later in the season he went to Claremont, Dodge county, and purchased a stock of furniture and hardware, in connection with which business he had the agency for the McCormick farm machinery. He continued this business with success for one year and a half, then sold out, retaining the hardware department. This was soon burned, causing a loss of over $1,600. His next venture was at Blooming Prairie, where he engaged in the general merchandise business with his brothers and C. P, Stevens, the firm name being Hostad Brothers &
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Stevens. In January, 1900. the subject of this sketch sold out his interest in this concern, and accepted a position as manager for a retail shoe store in the same village, a position he retained one and a half years. Next he clerked for a similar period in Owatonna, and then took charge of the closing out of the Shea stock of clothing, conducting sales in Owatonna, Wells, Minne- sota Lake and Blue Earth. Subsequently he again clerked for a short period, and then embarked in the real estate business, in which he has been most successful. His office is in the Parrott and Smith building, and here are handled various lines of real estate, insurance and abstracts in considerable volume. Mr. llostad affiliates with the Republican party and belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran church. He is an enterprising business man and a good citizen, taking an active interest in everything that tends toward the progress of the community. November 7, 1895, he was married at Owatonna to Elizabeth M. Mason, of Blooming Prairie. This union was blessed with two children, Edna L. and Vera G. November 10, 1909, Mr. Hostad married Elizabeth A. Ochs, of Owatonna.
Hobert W. Hutchinson was born in Andover. Windsor county, Vermont, May 7, 1834, son of Moses W. and Parynthia (Dodge) Hutchinson, also natives of Vermont, where they were engaged in agricultural pursuits all their lives. The subject of our sketch received his early education in Andover. and when nineteen years of age, came West. locating in Wisconsin. Two years later, in 1855, he came to Steele county, where he filed on 160 acres of land. He made final proof of this land and in 1857 returned to Wisconsin. There he joined the union army. Company I, Thirty-second Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer In- fantry, August 15, 1862. lle served with this regiment until June, 1865, being honorably discharged at Washington, after which he returned to Wisconsin and remained there until 1866. Ile then came back to Steele county and engaged in farming on his claim, which he had filed on in 1855 in Owatonna township. He remained here until 1894, when he sold eighty acres of the claim and removed to Owatonna village, where he has lived a retired life since. Mr. Hutchinson was married October 6, 1862, to Percilla W. Benedict. She died January 24, 1867. He was mar- ried a second time December 10. 1871. to Mrs. Augusta ( Lord) Pound. She died March 12. 1902. She had two sons by her first marriage, Charles L. Pound, of Owatonna, and William O. Pound, of Billings, Montana. Mr. Hutchinson believes in the principles of the Republican party, but never has aspired to public office. He is a consistent member of the Universalist church, and on account of his distinguished war record, has allied himself with the James A. Goodwin Post. G. A. R. The
PUURC CL ARY
AT & EN X AND
THOMAS J. HOWE
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subject of this sketch is an estimable citizen in every respect, and has made his way in life unaided by outside influences. His pleasant home is located at 209 East Broadway in Owatonna. Although past the alotted "three score years and ten," Mr. Hutchinson is hale and hearty, and his judgment upon all im- portant matters is highly valued by his friends.
Carl G. Herold, a progressive business man of Owatonna, was born in Germany, August 28, 1875. Ilis parents, Jacob and Christina Herold, natives of Germany, left the shore of Europe to seek the larger opportunities and establish a home in the new world, in 1882, locating first at Owatonna and later going to Todd county, where they have been engaged in farming ever since. Carl received his early education in the public schools of Owatonna. After leaving school, he took up and learned the tinning and plumbing trade, which he followed until 1905. At this time he formed a copartnership with L. A. Schoen. establish- ing a plumbing and heating business. This business relation continued for two years, when Mr. Herold purchased his part- ner's interest in the firm, and then took as a partner Mr. J. W. Harty. The firm is now known as Herold & Harty, heating, plumbing, electrical and gas supplies. Mr. Herold was married September 16, 1899, to Bertha Buboltz. They reside in a pleasant residence at 408 Riverside avenue.
He is a member of the order of I. O. O. F. Mr. Herold has made his way in the world by his own efforts and perseverance. He is a good citizen, well liked by all who know him, and the fact that he enjoys a large trade is proof of his business in- tegrity.
Thomas J. Howe, a prominent manufacturer, now deceased, had an important part in the industrial upbuilding of Owatonna, and established the business which under the present name of the Owatonna Manufacturing Company has grown to wide propor- tions. He was for many years a familiar figure in and about Owatonna, where he was a leading citizen. Just to all and affable to his friends, he established for himself an enviable reputation in the community. His death was deeply mourned and his life and work will be long remembered. Thomas J. Howe was born in Pinckney, New York, January 15, 1827, son of Gideon and Mary (Jeffers) Howe, natives of Jefferson county, New York. After receiving a common school education, he learned the business of woodworking in a mill owned by his father. In 1848, he came west to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where he was employed at various occupations. Some ten years later. Mr. Howe entered the employ of J. S. Rowell & Co. in the manu- facture of grain drills and seeders, the plant being located at Beaver Dam. This business occupied Mr. Howe's attention
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until 1865 when he came to Owatonna, and in company with Michael F. Lowth, established a plant for the manufacture of grain drills and seeders. As noted above, this plant has now developed an important industry. Mr. Howe was a member of the Universalist church and a high degree Mason. In 1873 he was pursuaded to serve as mayor, and so successful was his administration of public affairs that he was reelected in 1874 and 1875 with no opposition. He also did able service on the high school and library boards for many years. August 27, 1908, he departed this life, and his body was followed to its last resting place by a large concourse of sorrowing mourners. The subject of this sketch was married at Watertown, New York, May 6, 1861, to Sarah M. Chapman, who died July 3, 1893. To this union three children were born. Fannie was born April 29, 1864, and died when six months of age. Jessie B. was born July 29, 1865, married George S. Barr and has one child, Virginia. Harry C., born November 16, 1873, is secretary and treasurer of the Owatonna Manufacturing Company. In September, 1903, Thomas J. Howe married Matilda S. Lieb, who survives him.
Harry C. Howe is closely identified with the manufacturing interests of Owatonna, in which city he was born November 16, 1873, to Thomas J. and Sarah M. (Chapman) Howe. He received his education in the public and high schools of his native town, graduating from the Owatonna High school in 1890. In the fall of that year he entered the state university, and was dili- gently pursuing his course, when, in 1893, his assistance was demanded at his father's office at the plant of the Owatonna Manufacturing Company. Here he started as bookkeeper, gain- ing knowledge of every detail of the business, until in 1903 he was elected secretary of the company, which position he still holds, and in 1910 was elected secretary and treasurer. From 1898 until 1903, Mr. Howe served as first lieutenant of Company I, Second Regiment, Minnesota National Guards. He was in the line of promotion to the captaincy, but was forced to resign by reason of the increase of his manufacturing interests. Mr. Howe is well liked in Owatonna, and is regarded as one of the rising young men of the community. He was married June 20, 1900, to Jane Semple, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Milliken) Semple. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Howe has been blessed with two children: Sarah C., born November 10, 1901, and Samuel S., born October 4, 1909. The family faith is that of the Episcopal church. Mr. Howe is affiliated with the Masonic order, being a member of the Blue Lodge, chapter and com- mandery.
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