USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 29
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 29
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Andrew A. Berg was born in Norway. January 10, 1860, son of Abraham and Necolaia (Löceth) Berg, natives of Norway who came to America in 1864 and located in Wisconsin, where they engaged in farming until 1871, when they came to Minne- sota and located in Freeborn county, where the father followed his occupation of a farmer until his death October 1877, the mother died in 1901. Andrew received his education at the dis- trict schools of Wisconsin and Minnesota. In 1880 he purchased eighty acres of land in Section 27, and since that time has added to it until he now has a farm of 280 acres all in Berlin township, on which he has built his home and buildings and carried on
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general diversified farming. He owns in addition 240 acres of land in Grand Forks county, North Dakota. Andrew was mar- ried December 9, 1880. to Miss Isabelle Lageson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. (Elling) Lageson and twelve children have blessed their home: Edwin, with the Ellendale Mercantile Company ; Nels, who conducts a saw mill and threshing machine; Albert at home, farming part of home farm : Henry, an engineer working for his brother, Nels ; Louisa, student at Pillsbury academy ; Ida. housekeeper for Albert: Arnold, Louis. Enoch, Mabel, Lillian and Bennett all living at home. In politics Mr. Berg is an inde- pendent Republican, and he attends the Norwegian Lutheran Church. He has served as a director of the school board for a good many years. He is a co-partner in the Ellendale Mercantile Company, vice-president of the Farmers Telephone Company, of Ellendale, is a stockholder of the Farmers Elevator Company. and also of the Ellendale Creamery association. He has won his success by his own efforts, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him.
W. A. Bailey, the genial postmaster of Medford village, is a native of Minnesota, and was born May 28, 1860, in Waseca county, St. Mary's village. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Erwin) Bailey, the former a native of New Hampshire and the latter of New York State. The father came West in 1855 and located in Waseca county, Minnesota, where he was married. He went into the general merchandise business at Waseca vil- lage. From there he went to Faribault remaining for some two years and then removed to Prairieville, Rice county. where he conducted a general merchandise establishment until 1865, and then came to Medford, Steele county, establishing a similar busi- ness which he continued up to the time of his decease. December 7, 1898. The mother still lives in Medford, and will attain the venerable age of eighty-three years next August, 1910. Besides our subject there is a twin brother in this family, who lives in Chicago. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the public schools of Medford. Leaving school he was employed in his father's store, which occupation he followed until 1880 at which time he and his brother. Arthur S., bought an interest in their father's store. Arthur S. Bailey died in 1891. He bought his father's interest about one week before the latters death. Mr. Bailey continued this business until 1901. He then sold his stock and merchandise to John Brown of Lamoni. Iowa, being the first carload of goods shipped over the Rock Island road from this point. Mr. Bailey, as well as his father, has held positions of trust in their community for a long time. His father served as postmaster for many years, and W. A. still continues to fill that position up to the present time. He is also dealer in coal.
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Mr. Bailey was married in 1882 to Ella M., daughter of James and D. V. ( ) McNitt, who were natives of New York and Michigan respectively. The family is blessed with two children, viz: Nellie V., now Mrs. C. E. Sanders, of St. Paul, and Leona E., who lives with her parents. A daughter was born to C. E. Sanders and wife June 11, 1910, named Eliza- beth Jane Sanders.
In political faith Mr. Bailey is affiliated with the Republican party. His family belong to the Congregation Church. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and Yeoman; was a member of the Modern Woodmen. He is secretary of the Strait River Telephone Company.
Mr. Bailey is distinguished as having had the longest con- tinued residence in the village of Medford.
Ezra C. Bryant, was born in New York State, March 20, 1852, son of John A. and Clysta A. (Sage) Bryant, natives of New York State. They emigrated west in 1854, locating in Oshkosh, Wis., where the father engaged in farming remaining there until the spring of 1868, when he came to Meriden township, Steele county, and engaged in agricultural pursuits on 195 acres of land, which he had acquired. He followed farming all his life and passed away June, 1880, the mother is still living in Min- neapolis. Ezra C. received his early education in Wisconsin, and came to Steele county with his parents in 1868. He bought 126 acres of land in Meriden township. This he later sold and removed to Lemond township, where he purchased 126 acres of land on which he carried on general and diversified farming until 1895. At this time, he moved to Owatonna, where he en- gaged in rug work for three years, then in 1903, he organized the Owatonna Rug Company, manufacturing all kinds of rugs, carpets and curtains. Mr. Bryant was married April 3, 1877, to Mary E. Davis. She died February 7, 1903. Eight children were born to this union, Earl C., of Esterville, Iowa; James died May 19, 1908; Bessie G., now Mrs. Walter Kitzman, lives in Ester- ville, Iowa ; John A .. lives in Minneapolis; Hattie lives at Fari- bault ; Mary E. also lives at Faribault ; William C. lives at Ester- ville, Iowa, and Angie died August -, 1898. Mr. Bryant does not affiliate with any political party but votes for the man, who according to his opinion is the best qualified to fill the office.
Anton M. Belina was born in Owatonna township. Steele county, January 22, 1876, son of Anton and Frances (Pavack) Belina, natives of Bohemia. They emigrated to the United States in 1855 locating on a farm in Owatonna township, where they en- gaged in general and diversified farming, the father following this occupation up to the time of his decease, February 25, 1887. The mother survives him and still resides on the old homestead.
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The subject of this sketch received his early education in the district schools of Owatonna township, which was followed by a course in the public schools of Owatonna. While attending the public schools in Owatonna. he also learned the tinner's trade. In 1895. he entered Carlton college and took a general course after which he became salesman for the Black Manu- facturing Company of Erie, Pa. This he followed for two years. He then entered into the sporting goods business at Owatonna. where he is now located. He keeps a full line of everything car- ried in an up-to-date store of this kind, and in connection with this business, he also conducts the leading automobile garage of the city.
Mr. Belina was married June 11. 1901, at Owatonna. to Mary S., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Erdmann (deceased). A daughter and son have blessed their union, viz, Geraldine Evelyn born January 23, 1904, and Kenneth A. born September 25. 1905. Geraldine Evelyn died June 23, 1904, when six months of age. Mr. Belina is a self-made man. He has gained his posi- tion by hard work and determined effort. He is a good citizen and generous neighbor. In political sentiment, he is a Democrat. The family adhere to the Lutheran Church. He is also prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to the K. of P .. the E. F. U., and the A. O. A. Mr. and Mrs. Belina live in a pleasant residence on Franklin avenue.
Charley F. Brown, a native of Minnesota was born in Aurora township, Steele county, on October 6, 1874, son of F. C. and Mary ( Clark) Brown. Charley received his education in district No. 27. of Aurora township, and after leaving school he engaged for six years in buying and selling horses, and in 1903 com- menced farming on his father's farm of 180 acres, located in Aurora township. in Sections 26 and 27. Ile has followed gen- eral farming in all its branches, but dairying has been his chief pursuit. and he is also engaged in breeding short horn cattle, and Norman and Clyde horses. lle was married February 27. 1898, to Bertha Mallman and they have one child : Edna E. born August 4, 1909. In his political views he is a Democrat, and he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and of the Modern Wood- men of America. Ile has served his town as constable for one year, and is now serving his fourth year as road overseer, and he is also a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Brown also breeds a large quantity of poultry each year. Rhode Island Reds and Barred Rocks being his favorite varities. 1Ie is a stockholder in the Oak Glen Creamery, and is an enterprising and successful farmer respected by all who know him.
Thomas M. Bruzek, cigar manufacturer of Blooming Prairie, was born in New Prague, Scott county, Minnesota, December
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4, 1880. Ile is a son of Frank and Anna (Jelenek) Bruzek, na- tives of Austria-Hungary, and of Cech parentage. The parents located in Scott county, Minnesota, where the father engaged in farming. He died October 10, 1881, the mother is still living in New Prague, Scott county. Thomas received his early educa- tion in the public schools. Leaving school, he took up and learned the cigar makers trade in Waseca, Minn. In 1902, lie engaged in the manufacture of cigars at New Prague, which he continued until 1904. From there he went to Spokane, Wash .. where he engaged in the same line of business. In 1907, he came to Blooming Prairie village and established a cigar factory, where he is doing a strictly wholesale business. His leading brands are the Lord Digby, ten cents, and the Club, five cents He has a large and steadily increasing trade having established a reputation on the goods that he manufactures. He has met with a marked degree of success and is highly repected and very popular with the business men of the village. In political senti- ment, Mr. Bruzek is a Republican. He is a member of the Catholic Church, also a member of the I. O. O. F.
Henry J. Brown, known as an expert horse shoer and skill- full workman in his line, was born in Washington county, Wis- consin, June 6, 1876. He is a son of Peter and Margaret (Dons- back) Brown, who came hither from Germany in 1846 and set- tled on a tract of land in Washington county, Wisconsin, where they made a home and lived until 1907. The father was a pros- perous and thrifty farmer and after some sixty years of general farming, retired from active work and moved to Fond du Lac county. The mother died October 21, 1903. Ilenry J. grew up on his father's farm and attended the district schools and had all the ordinary experiences of the Western farmer boy. Of a mechanical turn of mind he worked as a carpenter in early life and in 1898 learned the blacksmith's trade making a specialty of horse shoeing. After moving to Owatonna he joined his brother L. C. Brown, and together, under the name of Brown Brothers, they built up an extensive trade in their special line, and were known near and far as expert, reliable and skillful mechanics. Mr. Brown has devoted himself to his business and has never held or sought any office. He is a Democrat in his political principles, and in religious belief holds to the Catholic faith. He is identified with several fraternal societies, being a member of Knights of Columbus, the Yeomen, Aztecs and Eagles. On October 4, 1904, Mr. Brown married Annette, daughter of D. J. and Minnie (Inuker) Trisko, who came from Germany, their native land, to Wisconsin and thence moved to Owatonna where they now re- side and where the father has followed his trade for thirty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have one child, Raymond HI., by
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name. In March. 1910, Mr. Brown severed his connection with the firm of Brown Brothers and moved to Denhoff, N. D., where he engaged in the same business.
Claude C. Campbell, editor and owner of the "Ellendale Eagle" of Ellendale, Minn., was born in Garrettsville, Ohio, January 19, 1875. At the age of eleven he came with his parents to South Dakota, living successively at Sioux Falls, Holabird and Brookings. At the latter place he completed his education in the public schools and in the State Agricultural College, also of Brookings. He then entered the employ of the "Brookings Register," being connected with that paper at intervals till 1902. During this time, together with Richard Phenix, he established the "Converse County Press" of Douglass, Wyo., and was also associated with S. A. Cochrane in the publication of "The Indi- vidual" at Brookings. In 1902, he removed to Ellendale, Minn., and purchased the "Ellendale Eagle," a weekly newspaper, of which he has been sole proprietor and manager ever since. The paper's circulation has been tripled since he took charge. It is known as one of the newsiest and most fearless sheets in the county, and wields a wide influence throughout this section of the state. Mr. Campbell also has a large and increasing business in job and commercial printing, and is a co-partner with W. E. Galloway in the Ellendale Realty Company. one of the live insti- tutions of the village. He has served as postmaster since August 8. 1909, which, together with his other affairs makes him a very busy man.
The Ellendale Telephone Company numbers him among its stockholders. In politics, he is an active supporter of the Repub- lican party and is keenly interested in all that pertains to the welfare of his community. He has served one year as a recorder and two years as president of the village council. The Modern Woodmen of America and the Masonic Order, count him a loyal member of their respective organizations. He was also identified with Company G, of the First Regiment of the South Dakota National Guard, while in South Dakota. March 20, 1898, he was united in marriage with Lillian L. Lewis, at Brook- ings, S. D. They have two children : Cecil R., born January 1. 1899, and Richard V., who was born February 13, 1903. Daniel R. and Araminta (Sapp) Campbell, parents of Claude C., were born in Ohio, being of Scotch-Irish-Dutch deseent. The father was a marble and granite importer, designer of monuments, vaults, etc .. for many years. afterwards becoming engaged in the manufacture of pottery at Wellsville, Ohio, where he remained till 1883. He then went to Sioux Falls, S. D., residing there three years, when he joined the tide of landseekers drifting west- ward and located at Holabird in the same state. The country
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not developing as rapidly as anticipated, he took a position as general agent for the Masonic Aid Life Insurance, of Yankton. S. D., and established his headquarters at Winnipeg, Manitoba. The family was removed to Brookings because of the educa- tional advantages offered there, with the intention of taking up their residence in Winnipeg later. These plans were upset by the death of Mr. Campbell which occurred at Winnipeg, Sep- tember, 15, 1888. The mother is still living with her son Claude, who is her only child, a daughter, Bertha, having died at Brook- ings in 1892, at the age of twenty-three years.
Robert Campbell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 22, 1850, son of Robert and Jane Campbell, natives of Scotland, where the father died. The mother came to America in 1857, and died in Webster township, Rice county. Robert attended the public schools of Scotland until he was seven years of age, and then came to America with his mother. They located for one year in Wisconsin, then moved to Minnesota and took up their home in Webster township, and there followed general farming until 1900 when he sold the old home and came to Steele county and purchased a 200 acre farm in Blooming Prairie township, Sections 26 and 27. where he has since followed general farming. He was married October 1, 1887, at Northfield, Minn., to Grace Campbell, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Campbell, of Dodge county. Her mother died in 1896 and her father is now living at Blooming Prairie village. Seven children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell: Jennie, born December 6, 1888; William, born March 26, 1890; James born September 13, 1891 ; John, born April 7, 1893; Robert born April 20, 1896; Mar- garet, born August 15, 1898, and Grace born March 17, 1901. Mr. Campbell's political affiliations are with the Republican party and he is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is now treasurer of school district No. 45 of his township, and is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company, of Northfield. He is a self made man, and a good citizen, respected by all.
Jay J. Cotter, a well-known farmer of Steele county, was born in Owatonna. October 8, 1876. His education was received in the public schools and completed with a course in Pillsbury academy. He then came to Havana township and located on his father's farm where he has been engaged in general agriculture ever since. Mr. Cotter also owns forty acres in Section seventeen and eighty more in Section sixteen, all of which is largely under cultivation. The Farmer's Elevator Company, of Owatonna and the Havana Creamery count him among their stockholders and patrons. As to political faith, he is a believer in the tenets of the Democratic party, but has never sought public office, his large farming interests taking all his attention. He was married,
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June 10, 1903, to Fannie E. Holmes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Byron Holmes, of Owatonna. The father is deceased. James A. and Miranda ( Jones) Cotter, parents of Jay J., were natives of Pennsylvania. The father emigrated to Minnesota as a boy in the early pioneer days, locating in Owatonna. then but a rough frontier outpost. where he received his education. After his school days, he worked in a grocery store for several years, later being elected clerk of the county court and holling this office for many years. Ile then purchased a hundred and sixty acres in Ilavana township, soon afterwards selling eighty of them, and followed general farming for a time. His election as deputy auditor put an end to his farming operations, and while holding this office, he died from the effects of a stroke of apoplexy in May. 1909. His wife is now living at Owatonna.
M. J. Dunigan was born in Sauk county, Wisconsin, October 24, 1858, son of Patrick and Margaret ( Murphy) Dunigan, natives of Ireland who came to America in 1848 and located first in Washington, D. C., where they remained only a short time and then moved to Indiana, going from there in 1855 to Wisconsin where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1862. This year they moved to Goodhue county, Min- nesota, where they remained for one year and then went to Free- born County, Minnesota, remaining there until 1873 when they moved to Steele county locating in Berlin township on 240 acres of land in Section 34, which he had bought in 1871. Mr. Duni- gan broke. cleared and subdued this land with the help of his son, brought to a high state of cultivation, and here he followed general diversified farming until his death which occurred April 28, 1878. Ilis faithful wife followed in October, 1892. M. J. Dunigan received his education in the district schools of Free- born county, coming to Steele county in 1873 he engaged in farming with his father until his father's death, when he to- gether with his brother, Thomas, conducted the home farm until 1892, when he started out for himself on a 160 acre farm in Section 33 and 34 which was left him through the death of his father. In the Spring of 1893 he traded this farm for another 160 acres in Section 33 of Berlin township, where he is now engaged in farming. He was married November 14, 1892 to Anna Wright, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wright, who were early settlers of Steele county coming here in 1856. Both are now deceased. Five children have been born to Alr. and Mrs. Dunigan: Mildred, born November 17, 1894; Luella, born February 10, 1900, and Gerald, born July 15. 1905, and two died in infancy. In politics Mr. Dunigan is a Democrat, and in his religious belief he is a Catholic. Ile is a member of C. O. F. and the B. A. F. He served the town as supervisor
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1083
for two years, and was chairman of the town board for fourteen years. Ile has served as director on the school board botli in district No. 96 and in district No. 33. Ile is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Co., and has been president of the Farmers' Rural Telephone Co. since its organization. He is one of Steele county's prosperous and successful farmers.
Thomas E. Dunigan is a native of Minnesota, having been born in Freeborn county, August 7, 1873. He is a son of Patrick Dunigan. Thomas received his education at the district schools after which he took up farming on the home farm with his brother, M. J. Dunigan, until, by the death of his mother in 1893, he inherited 160 acres of the home farm in Section 34, Berlin township, on which. in 1905, he begun farming for him- self. He has greatly improved the land and the buildings. In 1908 he erected a two story house, thoroughly modern and up- to-date. lle is also a breeder of short horn cattle, and has met with great success in this line of work greatly improving his herd from year to year. In his religious belief he is a Catholic, and his political affiliations are with the Democratic party. He is a stockholder in the Farmer's Elevator Company, and in the Ellendale Creamery. He has never aspired to public office, although always interested in whatever is for the best interests of his town and county. He is a single man with his sister Hannah as housekeeper, he is happily and comfortably situated in his beautiful farm residence where he enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him.
Louis C. Ditlevson was born in Denmark, September 4. 1850, son of Chris. and Carrie (Jenson) Ditlevson, natives of Den- mark. The father was a weaver by trade, and died in his native land in 1888, the mother died in 1858. Louis received his edu- cation in Denmark, and then learned the weaver's trade which he followed until he came to America in 1873. IIe first located in Geneva in Freeborn county, Minnesota, he engaged in farm- ing and remained there for two years. In 1875 he came to Steele county and followed farm work for two years, and in 1877 purchased eighty acres in Section 17, of Blooming Prairie town- ship. He has added to this at different times 140 acres and now has a farmi of 220 acres all in Section 17. At the time of pur- chase it was nearly all wild land, but he has it now all under a fine state of cultivation, and within the last eight years he has erected a new home and all new out-buildings. He follows a general diversified farming. Mr. Ditlevson was married Feb- ruary 9, 1875, to Mary Paulson, who was born in Denmark, November 6, 1857, and came to America in 1874. Sixteen chil- dren have blessed their union: Chris, born January 7, 1876, of Blooming Prairie township; Mary, born May 13, 1877, died
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February 22, 1880; Hannah, born March 10, 1879, now Mrs. N. C. Nelson, of Blooming Prairie township; Fred, born October 17, 1880, now living in Wisconsin ; Andrew, born July 16, 1882. now of Blooming Prairie township; Henry, born May 6, 1884, now of Owatonna; May. born March 21. 1886, at home; Caro- line, born January 13, 1888, also at home ; William, born April 7, 1890, now at Appleton, Minn., keeping books; Eddie, born January 3, 1892: Arthur. born February 22, 1893; Maggie, born March 11, 1894; Emanuel, born April 16, 1895; Myrtle, born April 9, 1897 ; Lawrence and Ella, twins, born December 6, 1899. the eight youngest children are living at home with their parents. In his political affiliations Mr. Ditlevson is a Republican, and he is a member of the Baptist Church. He has been a member of the school board of district No. 85 for seven years and he is now treasurer of the district. he is a member of the Union Creamery Association, and is a stockholder in the Farmer's Elevator of Blooming Prairie His is a good citizen and highly respected by all who know him.
Edward Q. Ertel, a well known and popular physician of El- lendale, Minn., was born in Brookville, Ind., February 13, 1881. He received his early education in the district schools, and later attended the High school of Madison, S. D., after his graduation completing a course in the scientific department of the Valpariso University, of Valpariso. Ind. Leaving here, he entered the Chicago Medical college in which he remained two years, and then entered the medical department of the Cincinnati university. receiving his degree, in 1907. After a year of service in the Good Samaritian hospital of Cincinnati as interne, he removed to Ellendale, Minn., opened offices, and launched into the prac- tice of his profession, having achieved an unusual degree of suc- cess and won the confidence of the community. He enjoys a large village and country practice, and is an active member of the county, state and American medical associations. In politics, he casts his ballot as the best interests of the community dictates, and takes an active part in public affairs, now serving as Chair- man of the local board of health and as a member of the Village Council. The Modern Woodmen of America count him a loyal member of their organization. December 9, 1908, he was married to Martha Spiegel, at Kewanee, Ill. George and Caro- line (Knecht) Ertel, parents of our subject, were natives of Indiana, where the father followed general farming up to the time of his decease in December, 1891. His wife passed away the same month and year.
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