USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 30
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 30
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Theodore P. Fagre, of Blooming Prairie village, postmaster and editor, was born in Mitchell county, Iowa, December 30, 1869. he is a son of Nels and Ingeborg (Swenson) Fagre, both
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natives of Norway who came to America at an early day and located in Mitchell county, Iowa, where the father was engaged in farming all his life. He died in 1873 and the mother now resides with her children. Theodore received his education at the district schools of Iowa, and also attended the Cedar valley seminary, at Osage, Iowa, and the St. Angers seminary at St. Angers, lowa, and after being graduated from the latter school attended the State university of Minnesota for three years. In 1896 he came to Blooming Prairie and purchased the "Bloom- ing Prairie Times," becoming the manager and editor. Ile con- ducted the paper for one year and then sold out and entered into the general merchandise business which he conducted for nine years when he sold out and again purchased the "Times" and has been its editor ever since. The "Times" is a weekly newspaper having a large and increasing circulation for a village publica- tion. He also makes a specialty of commercial and job printing. In 1906 Mr. Fagre was appointed postmaster of Blooming Prairie and he still holds the office. He was married May 15, 1898, at Mitchell county, Iowa, to Anna K. Maakestad. Three children have been born to them: Kinley I., born October 24, 1901, Nora O. born January 28, 1905 and Alfred T. born March 17, 1908. In his political views Mr. Fagre is a Republican and in his religious belief he is a Lutheran. He has served as president of the Commercial club and as trustee and recorder of the village for several years. His pleasant home is located on second street in the village of Blooming Prairie. He is a self made man, and enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him.
Michael J. Fallon is a native of Minnesota, having been born in Blooming Prairie township on December 29, 1867, son of Michael and Martha ( Powers) Fallon, mother born in New York State and the father in Ireland who came to America in 1856 and to Steele county in 1862 locating in Blooming Prairie township, where they took a homestead of 80 acres in Section 22. It was wild land and the father broke and cleared it and erected build- ings and later he added 40 acres adjoining and there he carried on general farming until his death February 21, 1909. The mother died in 1880. They had six children: John, Stephen. Elizabeth, Augusta, Ellen and Michael J., of whom only Michael J. and Augusta are now living. Mr. Fallon received his edu- cation at the district schools and after leaving school he followed farming with his father, and in 1888 he went to Dakota, and thence to the State of Washington, where he was engaged at civil engineering for the Great Northern R. R. for four years. In the fall of 1893 he returned to the old farm and took charge and has remained there ever since doing a general diversified
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farming. Mr. Fallon is unmarried, in his political views he is an independent Democrat, and in his religious faith he is a Cath- olic. He has served for two years as constable, six years as chair- man of the town board of supervisors, and as a director of school district No. 45 for fifteen years. On his farm he breeds Jersey hogs, norman horses and short horn cattle. He had three uncles, his father's brother, Patrick, who came to Steele county at the same time his father did in 1862, their names were Patrick, George Tapliff and Thomas F., and they all took homesteads in Blooming Prairie township, all are now deceased.
H. F. Gronowski, a self made and progressive farmer of Havana township, Steele county, was born in Posen, Germany. November 22, 1862, emigrating to America with his parents at the age of twelve years and locating at Owatonna, Minn., where he completed his education. In 1880, he took charge of the 160 acre farm in Section 4, Havana township, which his father had recently purchased. Here he has been engaged in general farming ever since, owing his success to hard and intelligent work. Mr. Gronowski erected a $3.500 house in 1909, and also a large, modern barn, making his farm, with the other improve- ments he has made from time, one of the best equipped and up- to-date in the county. All enterprises tending for the good of the community have always had his hearty support. He is a stockholder in the Havana creamery and in the Farmer's Elevator of Owatonna. In politics, he follows the guidance of the Democratic party. Public office has never attracted him, his other interests claiming all his time and attention. Joseph and Anna ( Hope) Gronowski, parents of our subject, are natives of Germany, leaving the Fatherland for America in 1874. They still live with their son on the old homestead.
Christopher N. Hillstad, a self made and progressive farmer of Havana township. Steele county, was born in Norway, Feb- ruary 19. 1858. He received his education and passed his boy- hood in the Fatherland, emigrating to America at the age of fifteen, and locating in Sauk county. Wisconsin, where he was engaged in farming till 1877, when he removed to Havana township. Steele county, continuing in the same line of work. In 1892, he purchased an eighty acre tract in Section 21, Havana, later acquiring 100 acres of improved land in section 27, same township, where he has followed general farming ever since, achieving his success by hard work and up-to-date farming methods. Mr. Hillstad owns a fine herd of cattle and pays much attention to dairying and stock raising. He is a stockholder in the Havana creamery. In politics, he is a follower of the Repub- lican party. and though he has never sought public office. is interested in all that pertains to the good of the county. The
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Lutheran Church numbers him among its members. June 27, 1884, he was united in marriage with Olena Nelson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Nelson who died on the same day, March 28, 1909, of old age. Mr. and Mrs. Hillstad have eight children, Christina, who is married to Theodore Thompson, of Havana, Nilda, Eddie, Richard, Clarice, Cora, Ruth and Morris.
Anton J. Haberman, a merchant of Bixby, was born in Steele county, Minnesota May 27, 1885, son of John and Thresa Haber- man, natives of Germany. The parents emigrated from their native land in 1883, locating in Aurora township, Steele county, Minnesota, where the father has followed agricultural pursuits ever since. The mother died in 1903. Anton received his early education in the district schools which was supplemented with a course at the Canfield school of business of Owatonna. Leaving school he directed his attention towards mercantile pursuits, and in 1909 purchased the stock of F. R. Harzberg, general store at Bixby. He has carried on a thriving business at this place since. The Bixby Post Office is in Mr. Haberman's store, his brother being the postmaster. Mr. Haberman is not married. He does not affiliate with any political party, but casts his vote for the candidate who is best qualified in his judgment to fill the office, regardless of party principles. In religious faith he adheres to the Catholic Church. Aside from his store, Mr. Haberman is owner of twenty acres of land in Section 9, Aurora township. Ile is a public-spirited citizen, always interested in everything that is for the betterment of his village and Steele county.
G. J. Hovland was born in Norway, September 14, 1852, son of Gens and Rosa Hovland who came to America in 1875, and located in Wisconsin and engaged in farming which they still follow. G. J. Hovland received his education in Norway and came to America in 1872 and located in Wisconsin where he farmed for seven years and in 1879 he came to Steele county and located in Aurora township and bought 160 acres of land in Section 10, he has since erected a fine dwelling house and out buildings and has greatly improved his land, nearly all of which is under the plow. He carries on a general diversified farming, dairying and stock raising. He was married July 26, 1879, to Belle Thompson and eight children have blessed their home: Peter; Louis (deceased) ; Sena, now Mrs. Louis Olson; Belle ; John ; Gilbert. deceased : Rodena, a student at Owatonna High school; and Melvin. Mr. Hovland's political affiliations are with the Republican party, and he is a member of the Lutheran Church. He has served as town treasurer for two years, and has also served as treasurer of school district No. 13, for twelve years, and as road overseer for five years. He is a stockholder in the
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Pratt Rural Telephone Company, and is one of the prosperous and successful farmers of Steele county, having the respect and confidence of all who know him.
Jas. F. Harty was born November 26, 1877, in Bath, Free- born county, Minnesota, son of Roger and Mary ( Gannon) Harty. natives of Minnesota. The father is a prominent farmer in Freeborn county. The subject of our sketch received his early education in the district schools, which was supplemented with a High school education at Albert Lea and Owatonna. After leaving school he began his career as teacher, and has followed the same ever since in Steele and Freeborn counties, largely in Steele. Since 1897, he has also conducted a store in Blooming Prairie village, corner Main and Railway streets. He carries a full and up-to-date line of wall paper and painter's supplies ; also a line of holiday toys in season. During the summer months, he is engaged in paper hanging and painting. Mr. Harty was married September 25, 1907, to Mayme A. MeNerney, who was born in Summerset township. March 17, 1880. She is a daughter of Patrick and Anna ( Flemming) McNerney, a prominent farmer of Summerset township. The father is still living. the mother died March 5, 1894. Mr. Harty is Democratic in his political views. In religion hie adheres to the Catholic Church. He is a very promising young business man, always interested in what is for the good of Blooming Prairie and Steele county, a good citizen, highly respected by all who know him.
William Henry Hart, a sturdy old pioneer, who contributed much to Steele county's upbuilding, was born in New York city. November 6, 1838. His father and mother were born and reared in Ireland and came to New York city in 1837. When William was six years of age. his parents with an older son James, emi- grated to Fox Lake, Wis., where they engaged in farming. When the Civil war broke out James enlisted as volunteer in the Nineteenth Wisconsin Volunteer infantry, leaving William with the cares of the home. In 1866 he moved with his parents and brother to Havana township where he now resides. After one year of hard frontier life, William returned to Fox Lake. Wis., to bring home a bride Katherine Cruden. Seven children were born to them: Harriet, George, John, William, Charles. Edward, and Alice, all of whom are living but John, who died when an infant of one year. William Hart is a prosperous and successful farmer. He has educated each of the six children so that they are ideal prosperous citizens. He has been foremost in the upbuilding of all new enterprises in the county. He worked hard for the location of Pratt station which has helped the growth of Havana township. He was one of the main leaders in the building of co-operative creameries in this county
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and has been a staunch worker in that line since. IIc has helped lay out and build every mile of road in his vicinity. Hc advocated and practices the keeping up of good roads. In politics he is Democratic, but he has always worked for the best man for the place, upholding the right and condemning the wrong. Steele county owes much to her early settlers who bore so many hard- ships and worked with untiring zeal for the building up and beautifying of it.
Andrew Hjelmen, a prosperous farmer of Blooming Prairie township, was born in Dodge county, April 11, 1864, son of Ole and Ingeborg (Anderson) Hjelmen, natives of Norway. The parents emigrated to America in 1862, locating in Dodge county, where the father filed on a homestead of 80 acres. He added to the original homestead until he had 280 acres. This is all in Steele county except the original 80 acres. The father cleared and broke the wild land, made improvements, erccting farm buildings and turned the wilderness into a fertile farm, on which he followed general farming until 1889. He died November 26, 1898. The mother passed away December 25, 1909. Andrew received his early education in the district schools. Leaving school, he took up farming with his father until he was twenty- two years of age. He then rented the old homestead and con- tinued to do so until the decease of his father. At that time, he fell heir to 80 acres of the homestead located in Section 13, Blooming Prairie township. In addition to the 80 acres, he rents land. llc is a very progressive farmer and has met with very marked degree of success. Mr. Hjelmen was married April 18, 1885, to Thea Bekkedahl. Three children have blessed the union, viz: Ida Marie, dressmaker; Olga Louise and Iver Alfred, both students in the Blooming Prairie High school. Mr. Hjelmen is a Republican. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. He has served on the township board as supervisor of Blooming Prairie township. He is now serving the sixth year as a member of the school board of district No. 73. Hc is a stock holder in the Blooming Prairie Separater Creamery, also, in the Farmer's Elevator. He is a good citizen, highly respected by all who know him.
Charles D. Hosfield, for many years an honored and respected citizen of Steele county, Minnesota, was born on his father's farm near Ogsiluby, N. Y., September 6, 1856. He received his early education in the district schools, later being graduated from the Faribault High school after his removal to Minnesota. in 1874. His school days over, he engaged in general farming in Deerfield township, Steele county, with much success, until 1892, when he entered the grain buying business in which he remained up to the time of his deccasc. April 2. 1899. He was
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also interested in the Medford Creamery as a stockhelder. Mr. Hosfield was known as a progressive farmer, an upright business man, and in his home a tender and loving husband and father, being universally esteemed and respected by all with whom he came in contact during his active and useful life. In politics, he gave his support to the Republican party, and was ever ready to assist any project for the welfare of the community. The Knights of Pythias counted him a valued member. December 7, 1880, at Owatonna, he was married to Lillian Wier, by whom he had seven children, all of whom are living with the exception of Roy and Maude. Of the others, Ruby H. is a teacher in Warsaw township ; Raleigh W .. is attending the State university; Fany B., is engaged in teaching at Medford; Percy C., attends the Faribault High school; and Elizabeth L. is living at home. The family worship at the Congregational Church. William Hosfield, father of our subject, emigrating from England to this country in his younger days, and settled in New York State. where he followed farming till his decease in 1865. The mother passed away October 13, 1883. Mrs. Charles D. Hosfield was born to George and Isabelle (Tupper) Weir, in Wisconsin, October 12, 1859. Her father was a native of England and her mother of Maine. The father came to America in his youth and, locating in Maine, was engaged as a millwright for several years. In 1850, he joined the pioneer movement West, settling with his family at Green Bay, Wis., where he conducted a sawmill until his removal to Steele county, Minnesota, in 1879. Ilere he followed diversified farming until his death, November 18, 1883. His wife's demise occurred five years later.
Wencl J. Jerele was born in Bohemia, October 15, 1873, son of Wencl and Barbara (Ripka) Jerele, natives of Bohemia. They came to America in 1877 and located in Steele county and en- gaged in farming until 1903 when they retired and moved to Owatonna. The mother died in April, 1898. Wenel received his education in the district schools, and after leaving school and in the year 1897 he purchased 67 acres of wild land in Aurora township, near Bixby on Section 34 and 27. He broke and developed it and has erected a good home and out buildings, where he carried on general diversified farming. He married Anna Ducek and they have three children: Rosa, Albert and Alice. In politics Mr. Jerele is an independent voter and he is a member of the Catholic Church and of St. Joseph Lodge No. 7. He is now a director of school district No. 64.
O. P. Jenson, of Blooming Prairie township, was born No- vember 10, 1875. The parents, Nels and Carrie (Olson) Jenson, natives of Denmark, immigrated to America in 1869, locating in Summit township, where the father followed agricultural pur-
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suits until the time of his deccase, September, 1889. The mother resides at Ellendale, Minn.
O. P. Jenson received his early education in the district schools of Steele county, which was supplemented by a course in the high school at Albert Lea, Minn. After leaving school, he returned to the old homestead where he remained until he became of age. He then learned the butter-maker's trade. His first position was in Ellendale, where he remained for one year. From there he went to Wells, Minn., where he remained four years. Thence to Walters, Minn., where he was engaged for two years. In 1903, he accepted a position as butter-maker of the Union creamery association, which is located in Section 17, Blooming Prairie township. He has carried on the work success- fully there ever since.
Mr. Jenson was married June 4, 1893, to Nora Towns. He is a Republican in political sentiment, and is a member of the Danish Lutheran Church. Mr. Jenson is a self made man, a highly respected citizen, well liked by all who know him.
George J. Johnson, manager of the Laird-Norton lumber yard at Bixby, was born in Denmark, November 6, 1865. Ile is a son of Hans and Christina (Jorgenson) Johnson natives of Denmark, who emigrated to America in 1876, locating in Blooming Prairie township, Steele county, Minnesota. The father died in Feb- ruary, 1877. The mother still lives in Blooming Prairie. George received his early education in the public schools of Denmark and the district schools of Steele county. He being the eldest of the children, the responsibility to provide for the family fell on him at the time his father died. He remained on the old home- stead of 40 acres, in addition to which he owned 140 acres adjoin- ing in sections 4 and 11, until 1893. In 1893, he took up car- penter work, which he followed for three years. Then he accepted a position as manager for the J. C. Brainerd Lumber Yard at Bixby. Later this yard was sold to the Laird-Norton people, Mr. Johnson being retained as the manager, which position he has held up to the present time. Mr. Johnson was married July 7. 1897, to Freda Reeves. The wife died December 12, 1902, leaving a son and a daughter, viz : Elmer, born August 25, 1900. Alice, born October 30, 1902. Mr. Johnson is a Repub- lican and a member of the Danish Lutheran Church. He served as clerk of the school board for district No. 47 for some time. Ile is a respected citizen and by his honest upright dealings, he has established a good reputation for the company he is connected with.
Peter J. Johnson, a farmer of Berlin township, was born in Sweden, January 11. 1852. He is a son of John Benson and Carrie (Peterson) his wife, natives of Sweden, who engaged
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in agricultural pursuits all their lives. The mother died in her native country in 1880. The father survived her five years. when he died also in his native country. The subject of our sketch re- ceived his education in Sweden. In 1887. he left his native country to search the larger opportunities of the new world. After arriving in America, he located at Red Wing. Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he remained for three years. He then went to Dodge Center. Dodge county, remaining there one year, whence he came to Steele county and located in Berlin township. where he purchased a farm of 153 acres in Section 16. Here he erected a residence and all the necessary out-buildings. improving the farm until it is now very productive, he has fol- lowed general farming ever since. Mr. Johnson was married in June, 1887, to Jennie Sundahl. a native of Sweden. Their home is blessed with three children, Arthur B .. Alma F .. Carrie E .. who are all residing with their parents. Mr. Johnson is a Repub- lican in his political faith but he has never aspired to a public office. He with his family belong to the Baptist Church. He is a very progressive stock farmer, being a breeder of Holstein cattle, Poland-China pedigree hogs, and Percheron horses. He takes a great pride in and pays a good deal of attention to the above named stock. He is actively interested in the public wel- fare of his community, being a stockholder in the Farmer Ele- vator of Ellendale. He has acquired all he owns by his own efforts and hard work.
Smith Johnson, lately of Medford, is a native of New York being born on February 28. 1828. He was a son of Smith and Elizabeth (Carpenter) Johnson, natives of Vermont and New York respectively. The parents came to Wisconsin in the early days and thence emigrated to Minnesota and located at Medford where they farmed up to the time of the father's decease. Mrs. Johnson died in Wisconsin in 1869. The subject of this sketch came to Minnesota when a young man, and located at Medford where he erected a house for his parents. He was one of the first white settlers to come to this section of the country. He carried on general farming here, and later when his father died he became postmaster, following his father who was the first postmaster in Medford. He held the office about one year and then again took up farming, which he followed up to the time of his death, which occurred August 12, 1907. On November 10. 1857, Mr. Johnson married Sabrina, daughter of Kendall and Polly (Laughling) Wilkins, natives of Vermont. The father carried on farming in the above named state until he arrived at an advanced age when he came to Minnesota and lived near his son, where he resided until the time of his death. Mother also died in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one child. Mary
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L., now Mrs. George B. Corey, who resides at Medford. Mrs. Johnson lives with her daughter in Medford. In politics Mr. Johnson was a Republican, and he with his family belonged to the Universalist Church.
George E. Johnson, the well known dairyman of Blooming Prairie, Minn., was born in St. Charles, Winona county, Minne- sota, October 22, 1859. He received his education in the public schools of St. Charles, afterwards assisting his father in the management and working of the home farm till 1883, when he removed to Blooming Prairie and conducted a farm for Edwin Morton seven years. Mr. Johnson then bought an eighty acre tract, partly inside the city limits and lying evenly on the bound- ary line of Steele and Dodge counties. Here he followed general farming, giving special attention to dairying, till 1900, when he started milk and cream routes, and now devotes his attention exclusively to dairying and the selling of the product. Thorough- bred Jersey and Shorthorn cattle are features of his establish- ment and have assisted him in the building up of his thriving business. In politics, he gives his allegiance to no party, always casting his ballot as the best interests of the community seem to dictate. Ile has served his village as alderman for a number of years, and held the office of Master Mason two years. The Blooming Prairie Creamery Association counts him among its stockholders. Mr. Johnson is affiliated with the Order of Blue Masons and Modern Woodmen of America. He is also indenti- fied with the Presbyterian Church. In February, 1886, he was married to Mary A. Nelson, of Copenhagen, Denmark. They have five children, all of whom live at home with their parents, with the exception of Edith, who died in 1906. Named in order of ages, they are: Minnie, George H1., Rose and Clinton. Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Johnson, parents of George E., are natives of Connecticut. Migrating west, they located in St. Charles, Minn., in April, 1856. the father following farming.
Alfred E. Johnson, cashier of the Farmers' and Merchants' State Bank of Blooming Prairie. Minn., was born in Austin, Minn., April 28, 1870. He received his education largely in the public schools of his birthplace, and then completed a course at the Bayliss Business College of Dubuque, lowa. After school he acquired his first business experience with the John W. Thomas Dry Goods Company, of Minneapolis, being connected with this firm till 1892, when he returned to Austin and entered the employ of George Hirsh (clothing) as a salesman, in which capacity he remained five years. He then entered the Citizens' National Bank of Austin as a bookkeeper, the value of his serv- ices being recognized two years later by his appointment as cashier, which position he capably filled until the fall of 1903.
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