USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 31
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 31
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1094 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Mr. Johnson thence removed to Madison, Wis., where he was engaged as secretary of the American Plow Company till Janu- ary, 1904. In May, 1904. he entered upon his duties as cashier of the Farmers' and Merchants' State Bank of Blooming Prairie, with which he is still associated, both as cashier and as a stock- holder. In politics the Republican party claims his allegiance. All movements for the good of the county or village are sure of his support. He is now serving his second term as a mem- ber of the local school board, and while in Austin held the office of city treasurer. The Masonic Order. Blue Lodge, in which he officiates as secretary. and the Sons of Norway count him as a valued member of their respective organizations. January 2. 1895, he was married to Clara J. Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Miller, late of Austin, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two children: Charles Seymour. born De- cember 23, 1895, a student in the local high school, and Grace Laurene, born November 4, 1901. The family worship at the Episcopal and Lutheran Churches. Their residence is on First street. Seymour and Lena (Johnson) Johnson, parents of our subject, were born and reared in Norway. Coming to this country in their younger days, they settled at Waupon, Wis., then but a rude pioneer village, the father being engaged as a blacksmith until the opening of the Civil War. He then enlisted with a volunteer regiment of infantry from Wisconsin, serving his adopted country faithfully until he was mustered out with the rest of his comrades at the close of the war in 1865. Nearly all of the important battles of the struggle saw him as an active participant. He bore arms in Sherman's famous march to the sea. After the war he returned to Waupon for a short period. Later. in 1867, removing to Austin, Minn., he continued black- smithing and also carried a line of farm machinery, till 1902, when he disposed of his business interests and retired from active work. He still resides with his wife at Austin. Of his brothers and sisters, Frank and Florence died in infancy, and Stella L. is married to Dr. O. H. Higge, of Austin, having three children : Milda, Ralf and Valfreid.
Lee Brothers, both natives of Minnesota, having been born on the farm where they now reside, in Berlin township, Steele county, Edward was born March 16, 1879, and Andrew, April 8, 1886. Their parents were Ole and Mary (Johnson) Lee, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1856, and first located in Wisconsin, where they resided until 1866, when they moved to Steele county and located in Berlin township and en- gaged in general farming on 228 acres of land in section 26. This land the father broke and improved, built a home and out- buildings, and farmed until 1907. when he sold the farm to his
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1095
two sons, Edward and Andrew. He then retired from active work until his death, which occurred January 28, 1908; the mother died April 27, 1908. Edward and Andrew received their education in the district schools and Andrew attended the Can- field School of Business at Owatonna, Minn., for two winters. After leaving school they took up farming with the father on the old homestead until 1907. when they purchased the place, and have followed general farming since that time. Two years previous to buying the old home Andrew farmed in Otter Tail county, Minnesota. In politics both brothers are Republicans, and they are members of the Lutheran Church. Edward has served as road overseer and as director of his school district, No. 83. Both are prosperous and successful and are highly respected by all who know them.
John Johnson Lysne was born in Norway, November 2, 1846, and there he received his education. He was first married in 1867 to Julia Johnson and they had one child, John Lysne. In 1871 he came to America and located for one year at Kenyon, Goodhne county, and in 1872 he came to Steele county and located in Aurora township. In 1875 he purchased forty acres of land in section 23; he has added to this at different times until he now has 220 acres, 140 in section 26, and eighty in sec- tion 23. He has built a fine home and outbuildings and follows general diversified farming. When Mr. Lysne came to America he had only one cent and he owed $25, but by his own perse- verance and industry he has won success in his new home. In 1900 he was married a second time to Anna Luthen, and six children have been born to them: Joseph, Raymond, Martin. Nunda, Harry and Margaret. In politics Mr. Lysne is an inde- pendent voter, and in his religious faith he is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is a stockholder in the Oak Glen Cream- ery Association of Bixby. He has never held or aspired to pub- lic office, but he is interested in all that pertains to the best interest of the community where he resides, and is a good citi- zen, respected by all who know him.
Hans Larsen, thrifty farmer of Blooming Prairie township. was born in Denmark, October 8, 1850. His parents, Lars and Anna (Christiansen) Christiansen, natives of Denmark, died in their native country. Hans received his early education in the public schools of Denmark. After leaving school, he learned the milling trade, which he followed for five years. He then engaged in the bakery business. He served in the standing army of his country from April until September. In August, 1878, he immi- grated to America, locating in Blooming Prairie township, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres in sections 20 and 21. He has been engaged in agricultural pursuits ever since. Mr. Larsen
1096 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
was married November 1, 1878. to Kirsta Johnsen. Two children have blessed the union: Mary. died December 11. 1902: Peter, born December 25, 1885, living with his parents. Mr. Larsen is a Republican in political sentiment. Ile is a member of the Baptist Church and a good citizen. He is one of those men who have aided in building up this great state.
Hans P. Mork, an industrious and thrifty farmer of Steele county, was born in Denmark, March 16. 1859. He received the most of his education in the Fatherland, emigrating to this country with his parents at the age of thirteen, and remaining on his father's farm in Havana township, Steele county-which his father purchased immediately after landing-until attaining manhood. Since leaving home. he has been very successful in his farming operations, now owning 120 acres of improved land, sixty of which are under cultivation, the remainder furnishing a good income as pasturage and woodland. Stock raising is carried on quite extensively, Shorthorn and Durham cattle, Poland-China hogs and good horses being raised. An apple orchard of 100 trees is one of the profitable features of this farm. Mr. Mork has lived on his present place since 1892, and has added numerous improvements. In politics he is a believer in the doctrines of the Republican party, but his other interests have prevented him from seeking office. In 1884 he was united in marriage with Carolina Mortson, by whom he had nine chil- dren. eight of whom are living: Alfred, Mary, William, Lillie, Otto. Harry and Clarence and Charles are twins. The family attend worship at the Lutheran Church. Nels and Anna (Lar- son) Mork, parents of our subject, came over from Denmark in 1872, and located in Havana township. Steele county, where the father followed general farming up till 1900. Five children, all boys, four of whom are living, were born to them. They are now living, retired, with their son.
Erik J. Moe, a prosperous farmer of Havana township, Steele county, was born in Haflo-Prastjald, Indre-Sogen, Norway, April 4, 1857. He acquired his education in his native land and assisted on his father's farm till his emigration to America in 1879. Arriving in this country, he first located near Sleepy Eye, Brown county, Minn., where he was engaged in farming for eight months, afterwards removing to Havana township, Steele county, and continuing in the same occupation till 1883, when he took a ten months' trip to the Pacific coast, returning to Steele county. Later, in 1890. he purchased a farm of eighty acres in section 9, Havana township, on which he has followed up-to-date farming ever since with marked success, making a specialty of raising and breeding high grade Durham cattle and Poland- China hogs. In June, 1902, Mr. Moe lost his barn, machine
IIISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1097
sheds and other outbuildings by fire, but rebuilt the following fall, erecting his barn and other buildings after the most modern patterns. The Havana Creamery values him as a stockholder and patron. In politics he is a loyal adherent of the Republican party. The Lutheran Church also claims him as a member. December 24, 1883, he was married to Anna Johnson by Rev. Ole Melby, at Havana. They have six children: Lena and Mettina, who reside in Owatonna; and Anna, Agnes, John and Gerhard, living at home. Erik J. is a son of Johannas E. and Mattie (Quam) Moe, natives of Norway, where the father still follows farming. The mother died in 1901.
Father David L. Murray was born in Providence, R. I .. Sep- tember 1. 1850. He is a son of Lawrence and Mary (Ken- neally) Murray, natives of Ireland, father of the city of Dublin and mother of the city of Cork. The parents immigrated to America in 1842, locating in Providence, R. I., where the father engaged in the lumber business all his life. The firm was known as Albert Daley & Co. The father died June 14, 1878, and the mother died August 15, 1888. The subject of our sketch received his early education in Providence, and in 1871 entered the Holy Cross College at Worcester, Mass., graduating from the said institution in 1877. He then entered the Grand Semi- mary of Montreal, Canada. from which he graduated in 1881. September 25, 1882. he was ordained to the Catholic priesthood at St. Paul, Minn., by Bishop Ireland. On October 1. 1882, he came to Blooming Prairie as priest to the St. Columbanus parish, where he has about 360 souls. Father Murray is a Democrat in political sentiment. He is a member of the K. of C., Daugh- ters of Erin, Ladies' C. O. F., A. O. H., C. O. F. Father Murray has always taken an active interest in the welfare of Blooming Prairie, and is very highly honored by all who know him.
H. C. Nelson, proprictor of Pleasant Hill farm. of Blooming Prairie township, was born in Denmark, April 15, 1857, son of Nels and Elizabeth (Christensen) Nelson, natives of Denmark, where they passed their lives. The subject of our sketch received his carly education in his native land. Then he learned the weaver's trade, which he followed for a period of six years. He then followed agricultural pursuits until 1882. At this time he emigrated from his native land to seek his fortune and establish himself in the new world. Arriving in America, he located in Blooming Prairie township. In 1884 he purchased a farm in the above mentioned township, where he engaged in farming until 1892. At this time he sold his first purchase and bought eighty acres in section 23, where he erected a home and has fol- lowed general farming since. Mr. Nelson was married August 22, 1889, to Mrs. Hannah (Johnson) Peterson. She had two
1098 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
daughters by her former marriage. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson is blessed by one daughter, Alice, who lives at home.
Mr. Nelson is a Republican and belongs to the Free Mission Church. Ile has served as a member on the school board.
Roy H. Naylor, a native of Minnesota, was born in Merton township, Steele county, on December 9, 1877. He is a son of Arthur C. and Carrie (Jarrett) Naylor. The father was born in Illinois and the mother in Dodge county, Minnesota. In 1855 the father located in Merton township, on section 35, where he carried on general farming until 1909, when he retired and moved to Owatonna. Roy received his education in the district schools in Merton township, and then took a two years' course at the Faribault high school and three years in the Owatonna high school. He then attended the Canfield School of Busi- ness and in 1903 accepted a position as steward at the state public school at Owatonna, which he now holds. lle was mar- ried on August 27, 1904, at Prescott, Wis., to Miss Jessie K. Johnson. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Naylor : Sherwood L., born August 29, 1905, and Stanley R., born August 3. 1909. In politics Mr. Naylor is a Republican, and he is a mem- ber of the Methodist Church. He is also a member of the Masonic Order, the I. O. O. F., and the B. A. Y. He lives at his pleasant home, No. 446 Flora street, in the city of Owa- tonna, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all whom know him.
Robert P. Nelson, who owns a fertile farm in Blooming Prairie township, was born in Blooming Prairie village, Novem- ber 24, 1872. His parents, Peter and Christina (Miller ) Nelson, natives of Denmark, immigrated to America in 1869. They located in Blooming Prairie township, where they acquired some land, which they greatly improved, cleared, broke, erecting the necessary buildings, etc. The father was engaged in general and diversified farming here until 1904, when he removed to Kerry county, Nebraska, where he now resides. The mother died in 1887. Robert received his early education in the district schools of Steele county, which was supplemented by a course at the St. Ansgar College at St. Ansgar, lowa. He also studied at the Decorah Seminary, of Decorah, Iowa. Leaving school, lie returned to Blooming Prairie and took up house painting. Later he accepted a position with Siegel, Cooper & Co., of Chi- cago, as traveling salesman. This he followed until 1902. He then took up painting, which he followed for four years. In 1904 he returned to the old homestead and engaged in agricul- tural pursuits. The farm is located in sections 15 and 22 and consists of 160 acres. Mr. Nelson is a progressive farmer. He makes a specialty of raising Duroc-Jersey hogs.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1099
Mr. Nelson was married May 20, 1903, at Ellendale, Steele county, to Hannah Jorgensen. Their union is blessed with two children : Myrtle, born August 4, 1904; Loring, born June 6, 1908. Mr. Nelson is a Republican. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is also a member of the M. W. A. and the Royal Neighbors. Mr. Nelson takes a good deal of interest in co-operative enterprises and is a member of the Union Cream- ery Association and a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Blooming Prairie. He is a good, highly respected citizen.
Lewis Odegard, who conducts a general mercantile business at Anderson, Havana township, Steele county, was born in Norway, February 5, 1856, coming to America with his parents the same year, who located in Dane county, Wisconsin. Four years later they removed to Goodhue county, Minnesota, where Lewis received his education, supplementing this with a course in St. Olaf College at Northfield. After school he followed farm- ing for two years in Steele county, and then went to Yellow Medicine county, same state, where he engaged in the carpenter trade, following this line throughout Dodge, Goodhue, Free- born, Yellow Medicine and Steele counties until April, 1907, when he started a general store at Anderson station, Steele county, of which he is still sole proprietor. Mr. Odegard is also postmaster of Lysne, which, with his thriving mercantile trade, makes him a very busy man. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has always taken a keen interest in the welfare of the community, having served as town clerk, justice of the peace, assessor, and was at one time in charge of the Sioux Agency in Yellow Medicine county during the pioneer days. He is a follower of the teachings of the Lutheran Church. Janu- ary 7, 1904, he was married to Mary Johnson (Nelson). They have no children. Ole and Anna Odegard, parents of Lewis, were born in Norway, emigrating to America in 1856, and, set- tling in Dane county, Wisconsin, remained there four years. They then removed to Holden, Goodhue county, Minn., where the father carried on farming. Later went to Yellow Medicine county, in 1880, continuing to follow farming there ever since. The mother died in September, 1909.
Nels H. Ohnstad was born in Urland, Norway, in 1847, son of Hans Nelson and Annie (Olson) Ohnstad, and came to America with his parents in the year 1870. They lived on a small farm near Cannon Falls, Goodhue county. Minn., until the death of Mr. Ohnstad, Sr., in 1890. Nels HI. came to Steele county in 1874 and purchased a farm of 160 acres in section 25 of Berlin township, where he now resides. Later he purchased forty acres, and then 180 acres more, making in all a farm of 380 acres. He was married in 1874 to Miss Isabelle Hanson
1100 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Vaugan, and nine children have been born to them, of whom six are now living. Hans died in 1876, at the age of one year ; Hans Olai also died in 1878; Andrew is now a farmer in Berlin town- ship: Henry died in 1902, at the age of twenty-one years; Oli- ver, now a farmer in Berlin and Summit townships; Isabelle, now Mrs. Charles Johnson. of New Richland: Hannah, now Mrs. Carl Aronson, of New Richland: Gabriel and Nicolai, both living at home with their parents. Mr. Ohnstad is a successful farmer. He has erected new buildings and greatly increased and improved his farm. He is a stockholder in the Ellendale Bank, the Ellendale Creamery, the Farmers' Elevator Company of Ellendale. and the Farmers' Telephone Company of Ellendale. Three years ago he made a visit to his old home in Norway, and was present at the coronation of the new king. In his political views he is a Republican, and he is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.
Peter Pump, for many years a prominent citizen of Meriden, Steele county, was born in Holstein, Germany, September 28, 1845. After receiving a good education in the Fatherland, lie emigrated to this country in 1866, locating in Illinois, near St. Louis, and opening a blacksmith shop, though a locksmith by trade. A new country had more opportunities for a blacksmith, however, and so he continued in this line of work until 1876. removing to Meriden Station, Steele county. in 1870. For a time during the early days, when money was scarce, he was in very straightened circumstances and had difficulty in keeping the wolf from the door, but by hard work and economy he grad- ually fought his way upward. In 1876 he turned his attention to farming, meeting with much success, now owning 180 acres of well improved land in Meriden township, with a fine home on it, occupied by his son, Theodore, who conducts the farm. He is also the owner of a comfortable home in Meriden Station, situated on an acre and a half of land. In political convictions he is a Democrat, and is still actively interested in local politics, now serving as chairman of the town board, and was formerly town treasurer four years. Ile was married in 1870. to Mary Vogelman, by whom he had six children, four of whom are living, named as follows: Metta, married to F. W. Schultz, a farmer of Meriden township: Lena, wife of Carl Kujaht, who is engaged in farming in Waseca county ; Emma. now Mrs. Charles Enzenauer; Theodore, who has charge of the home farm, mar- ried Zena AAltenberg. Thies and Metta (Page), parents of our subject, are still residing in Germany, their native country. The father has been across on a visit to his son. Marcus and Anna (Grimm) Vogelman, parents of Mrs. Peter Pump, passed all their lives in Germany. They are both deceased.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1101
John Pichner, Jr., a well-known farmer of Owatonna town- ship, was born in Steele county, October, 16, 1868. 1Ie is a son of John Pichner, whose sketch also appears in this volume. After receiving his education in the district schools, John, Jr., assisted his father in carrying on the old home farm until his marriage in 1891, when he launched out for himself in Owa- tonna township. He now owns 100 acres of well improved land, which he has been very successful in making a paying proposi- tion. About half of the farm is under cultivation, the remainder yielding rich returns as woodland and as pasturage. Dairying claims much of Mr. Pichner's attention, since he has an un- usually fine herd of Durham cattle. He is a stockholder and patron of the Havana creamery. Mr. Pichner has been very suc- cessful in breeding and raising high bred Duroc hogs. In poli- tics he follows the guidance of the Democratic party, and has served seven years as township supervisor and five as town clerk. The C. S. P. S. and the Z. C. B. J. orders of Owatonna number him among their active members. He was married Sep- tember, 1891, to Mary Wavrin, daughter of Joseph Wavrin. William, John, Edward and Vlasta, all living at home, are the children of this marriage. Joseph Wavrin, father of Mrs. Pich- ner, is a native of Bohemia. Coming to Steele county at an early date, lie engaged in railroad work for a number of years, and then purchased a farm in Owatonna township, on which he still resides.
Louis Peterson was born in Denmark, July, 1872, and came to America with his parents, Nils and Johannah Peterson, when he was one year of age. In 1874 they located in Aurora town- ship, Steele county, and purchased eighty acres of land in sec- tion 23, where the father farmed until his death, December 12, 1890. Louis received his education in the district school, and after leaving school engaged in farming on the home farm with his father until his father's death; since then he has conducted the farm with his mother. They are engaged in general diversi- fied farming, and give especial attention to dairying and stock raising. Mr. Peterson has one brother and one sister: Mary, who lives at home, and Peter, of Blooming Prairie township. He is a single man, a Republican, and a member of the Lutheran Church. He is a stockholder in the Oak Glen Creamery Com- pany of Bixby. He has never held public office, but is a good and respected citizen.
John J. Pribyl, of the Blooming Prairie Iron Works, was born in Summit township, Steele county, May 10, 1886, son of John and Anna (Seykora) Pribyl, natives of Bohemia. The par- ents emigrated from their native land in the early years, locating in Summit township, where they purchased 200 acres of land.
1102 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
on which they have done general farming ever since. John received his early education in the district schools of Summit township. After leaving school he engaged in farming and carpenter work, which he followed until 1909. At this time he purchased the Srsen interest in the Blooming Prairie Iron Works, forming a co-partnership with F. H. Skalicky. They do all kinds of repairing, and manufacture flax cleaners, pump jacks. letter boxes for farm use, Srsen friction pulleys, Srsen roller feed mills, wood saws, three and four horse eveners, grain ele- vators, water tanks, trip hammers, emery stands. They also deal in automobile supplies, threshing machinery supplies, pipes and fittings, shafting hangers, rubber and leather belting, ma- chine oils, etc. They also manufacture hay slings. Mr. Pribyl is not married. He affiliates with the Democratic party. In religious faith he adheres to the Catholic Church. He is also a member of the Catholic Workmen. Mr. Pribyl is a promising young business man, a good citizen ; he has made his way in the world by his own hard work and persevering efforts.
Joseph Pirkl, a thrifty farmer of Blooming Prairie township. was born in Bohemia, February 12. 1856. He is a son of Ber- nard and Josephine ( Matejcek) Pirkl. The father was born May 8, 1824, and the mother. February 24, 1825. They came to America in 1870. locating in Wisconsin, where they remained for one year. They then moved to Steele county and located in Summit township, where the father was engaged in farming all his life. He died May 5, 1881. The mother died February 12, 1890. Joseph received his early education in Bohemia. He immigrated to America with his parents in 1870. He was en- gaged in agricultural pursuits on his father's farm until twenty- four years of age. He then bought 120 acres of land in section 16. Blooming Prairie township, to which purchase he added until he now has 200 acres. He erected buildings on this land, made all necessary improvements, and has been engaged in general and diversified farming ever since. Mr. Pirkl was married May 23. 1879, to Josephine Strancky. She is a daughter of Joseph and Josephine (Skalicky) Strancky. Fourteen children have been born to them, viz. : Marie R., born June 4, 1880, died March 14, 1881; Joseph, born August 14, 1881; Marie, born July 11, 1882, died July 14, 1885; Adolph, born April 26, 1884, died July 2, 1890; Josephine, born December 26, 1885, died February 15, 1907; Anna, born February 26, 1887, died June 8, 1894; Marie, born June 25, 1889; Matilda, born May 19, 1891, died September 6, 1894; Frank, born January 16, 1893; John, born June 14. 1895; Albert, born December 28. 1896; Ludmila, born January 24, 1900; Albina, born and died the same day ; Adolph, born and died October 4, 1901. Mr. Pirkl is a Democrat. In religious
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