History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II, Part 34

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn; Jewett, Stephen
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago, H. C. Cooper, Jr.
Number of Pages: 864

USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 34
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 34

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HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1121

now living in California on a fruit farm, and also own some min- ing property.

William Wanous, a hustling farmer of Steele county, was born in Owatonna township September 2. 1879. His boyhood was spent on his father's farm, meanwhile receiving his edu- cation in the district schools. Leaving school he engaged in farming on the old homeplace with his father, and now has entire charge of his father's 160-acre farm in Owatonna township, and has succeeded in making it one of the most productive pieces of land in the county. Much of his attention is given to stock rais- ing, owning a well selected herd of Durham cattle and a large number of Poland China hogs. In politics he is a follower of the tenets of the Republican party. The C. S. P. S. and the Modern Brotherhood of America number him among their members. October 25, 1905, he was married to Emma Truhlar, daughter of Frank Truhlar, of Owatonna. Mr. and Mrs. Wanous have two children: Viola, born August 27, 1906. and Elmer, born March 27. 1910. Our subject is a son of John and Anna (Jerouscek) Wanous, the father being born in Bohemia August 10, 1830. After acquiring his education in his native land he worked at the cloth-making trade for a time and then served nine years in the regular army. In 1862 he came to America, locating in Chicago two summers and subsequently removing to Steele county, where he followed farming on a rented farm for two or three years. He then purchased twenty acres of land, and by thrift and economy gradually became the owner of 455 acres of good farm land. In politics he has always adhered to the doctrines of the Republicans and has been a loyal member of the C. S. P. S. for many years. In 1861 he was married to Arna Jerouscek, by whom he has eleven children, named as follows: John F., a farmer of Owatonna township: Joseph, also engaged in farming in this state ; Wenel, farming on the homeplace : Anna, wife of Frank Simon, a farmer of Clinton Falls; Josephine, a dressmaker at Owatonna; Samuel, whose sketch appears else- where, is engaged in farming in Havana township; Mary, wife of Milo Kubat, a jeweler of Owatonna ; Ida is clerking for E. J. Kasper & Co .; William, our subject ; Eva, wife of Ben Reinhart, a lumberman ; and Aggie, wife of Frank Dostal, an electrician.

Peter Eliason, a prosperous farmer of Deerfield township, was born in Sweden of Norwegian parents, February 10, 1854. Peter attended school in Norway. When he was eighteen years old he came to America and was employed a year by the Great North- ern Railway Company at St. Cloud. Coming to Goodhue county he worked near Zumbrota for five years before buying the 150 acres of land upon which he has since made his home. The tim- ber with which much of his land was covered furnished materials

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for farm buildings and improvements. Mr. Eliason in his gen- eral farming has taken special pride in the Durham cattle which flourish in his pastures. In the fall of 1877 Peter Eliason was married to Sarah Larson at Owatonna. Eleven children have resulted from this union, seven of whom are now living : Elias M. is a mail carrier at Owatonna; Mrs. Pauline Schroeder has a home in South Dakota; Mrs. Annie Lawrence ; Hans, a married brother, and Mrs. Mary A. Beese live in Deerfield ; Tina attends high school in Owatonna; Palma is still at home; Louis was killed in a railroad wreck at twenty-four years of age, and three children died in infancy. Mr. Eliason is a member of the Luth- eran church and the society of Modern Woodmen. For more than twenty years he has served as chairman of the town board. School district No. 92 was organized by Mr. Eliason, who built the school house and has acted as clerk of the school board ever since. He is a stockholder in Meriden Creamery and the farmers elevator at Owatonna and has helped in the promotion of these enterprises. Elias Olson and Margaret Gilland, his wife, parents of the subject of this sketch, were natives of Norway, where the mother died in 1875. The father came to this country and made his home with his sons. He died at Peter's home in Meriden in 1897.

Henry T. Blume is a native son of Minnesota, having been born in Havana township. Steele county, on April 30, 1870. He is a son of Henry and Dorothea Blume, natives of Germany, who came to America and located at Havana township and engaged in farming and have lived there ever since. Henry received his education in the district schools of Havana township and after leaving school engaged in farming with his father until he was twenty-six years of age. In 1896 he came to Aurora township and purchased a fine farm of 240 acres located on sections 27 and 34. He has erected a fine dwelling house and some fine and commodious farm buildings, has greatly improved his land and does general farming. He has a fine herd of Durham cattle and makes a specialty of dairying. Mr. Blume was married June 27. 1897, to Caroline Kruger, and six children have been born to them, of whom four are now living: Albert, deceased : Annie, deceased ; George, Elsie. Dora and Herbert. In politics he is a stanch Republican and he is a member of the German Lutheran church. He has served his town as constable for two years and also as road overseer. He has served on the school board twice by appointment to fill out unexpired terms. He is a stockholder in the Oak Glen Creamery of Bixby. He is a good citizen and one of the substantial farmers of Steele county.

Charles F. Sette, a respected citizen of Owatonna, Minn., was born on his father's farm in Dodge county, Wisconsin, October

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26, 1855. His boyhood was passed largely in Steele county, Minnesota, where his parents removed nine years after his birth, and in the characteristic district schools of those rude pioneer times he acquired his education. After school he bought a farm near the old homestead and there followed general farming four years, then removing to Hand county, South Dakota, in 1884, where he purchased a 200-acre tract of land on which he was engaged in progressive agriculture till 1905, having one of the model farms of that county. Mr. Sette then came to Owatonna, buying a charming home which is still his residence. In poli- tics the Republican party claims him as a member. He served the community as treasurer of his township and school board many years while in South Dakota. Anything for the good of the city has his support. The German Methodist church counts him as one of its loyal members. December 11, 1878, he was married to Minnie Grabinski, who died in South Dakota June 10, 1904, leaving two daughters, Esther, now Mrs. William Ebert, of Webster, S. Dak., and Clara, wife of Fred Hoffman, of Lane. S. Dak. Mr. Sette was married a second time October, 1906, to Mrs. Matilde Sorenson Bletner. Carl and Minnie (Franz) Sette, parents of our subject, were natives of Germany, coming to this country in their younger days and locating in Dodge county, then in its infancy, where the father followed general farming until 1864. They then removed to Steele county, pur- chasing a quarter section in Owatonna township, on which the father was engaged in farming till his retirement in 1898. His wife died in 1900 and his decease occurred in 1903.

Ole J. Anderson is a son of John and Christy (Hove) Ander- son, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1864 and settled on a farm in Wisconsin, where they remained until 1872, when they came to Steele county, Minnesota, and purchased eighty acres in Berlin township and here the father continued farming until his death in 1898; the mother died in 1896. After the death of his father Ole took charge of the farm and has conducted it ever since. In 1904 he purchased 240 acres of land and follows general farming, giving especial attention to dairying. In 1887 he was married to Mary Ellingson and twelve children have been born to them: John, who died in 1896 at the age of nine years ; Annie, age twenty-one : Edward, age nineteen ; Clara, age seventeen ; Henry, age fifteen ; Joseph, age thirteen : Jennie, age cleven : Mary, age nine : Edna, age seven ; Louisa, age five ; John, age three : Ole, age one and a half : all the children are living at home. In politics Mr. Anderson is a Republican and he is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. He has served the town as supervisor for four years and was a trustee of the Nor- wegian Lutheran church for six years, of which he is a member.

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He is a stockholder in the Ellendale Creamery and in the Farm- ers Elevator Company of Ellendale. Mr. Anderson is a very successful farmer and has won his success by his own efforts. He is a good citizen, highly respected by all who know him,

August Petersen, a thrifty farmer of Blooming Prairie, was born in Denmark February 28. 1855, son of Peter and Monstina l'etersen, natives of Denmark. The parents immigrated to America in 1885. The mother died in 1906. The father is still living with our subject. August received his early education in the public schools of Denmark. When twenty-six years of age. in 1881. he left his native land to seek the larger opportunities of the new world. Arriving in America he located in Blooming Prairie township, where he purchased 160 acres of land in sec- tion 21. On this land he has made extensive improvements and followed general farming up to the present time. Mr. Petersen was married in November, 1880. to Anna Hanson, a native of Denmark. Ten children have blessed their union, viz. : Ilannah. Fred. Mary. Peter, Albert, Dena, Alfred, Harvey, Richard. Luella. Mr. Petersen is a Republican in political sentiment. In re- ligious faith he adheres to the Baptist church. He is a good citizen, a progressive farmer and one of those men that have aided in making Minnesota one of the most productive states in the Union.

Henry Nelson, a prosperous merchant of Blooming Prairie, was born in Denmark August 17, 1867, son of Conrad and Mary ( Francis) Nelson, natives of Denmark. The parents emigrated to America in 1872, locating at Saginaw, Mich., where they re- mained for about two years. In 1874 they came to Freeborn county, Minnesota, where the father engaged in agricultural pur- suits up to the time of his decease in 1898. The mother died in 1875. Henry received his education in the district schools. Leav- ing school he learned the harness-makers' trade. He followed his trade in different places in Minnesota and Iowa, going to Owatonna in July, 1891. He remained there two years and then located in Blooming Prairie, where he opened a business for himself. He has met with a marked degree of success and now conducts two stores in the village. He manufactures light and heavy harness, does all kinds of repair work and carries a com- plete line of horse furnishing goods. Dr. E. W. Cooley is asso- ciated with Mr. Nelson as a partner.

Mr. Nelson was married August 28, 1893, to Mamie Jefferson, of Owatonna. Their union is blessed with eight children, viz; Mande, Raymond, Helen, Leonard, Doris, Encile, Caroll, Ruth, all living at home. The family home is located on Sixth street. Mr. Nelson is a Republican. He worships at the Baptist church. He is also a member of the M. W. A. Mr. Nelson is an enter-

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prising business man, a good and respected citizen. He has served on the city council for three terms.

Rasmus Petersen, of Blooming Prairie township, was born in Denmark February 3, 1861. He received his early education in his native land, after which he followed the occupation of farming. In 1881 he left his native country for the New World. After arriving in America he located in Blooming Prairie town- ship. In 1884 he went to Michigan, where he was engaged in the iron mines for one year. He then returned to Blooming Prairie, where he followed farm work, and in 1898 he purchased a 160-acre farm in section 14. Blooming Prairie township. He has greatly improved this farm and follows general and diversi- fied farming. but pays more attention to dairy and stock raising. Mr. Petersen was married September 5. 1888, at St. Paul to Lena Andersen, a native of Denmark. Their union is blessed with four children, Peter N., George, Albert and Agnes. Mr. Peter- sen is a Republican in political faith. He with his family worship at the Danish Lutheran church. He is a member of the M. W. A. He is interested in everything that is for the good of the community and is a stockholder in the Blooming Prairie Cream- ery. He has made his way in the world by his own hard work and perseverance. Ile is a good citizen, respected by all.

J. F. Finley, city weigh master of Owatonna, was born Octo- ber 22, 1860, in Richland township, Rice county, Minnesota. He is a son of J. H. and Emaline (Close) Finley, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. The parents came West in 1855, lo- cating in Richland township. Rice county, where the father was engaged in general farming up to 1892. At this time he entered the hotel business in Owatonna, conducting what was known at that time as the Mooney House. He continued this business for a few years, then sold out and has since lived a retired life. Mrs. Finley died in 1873. The subject of our sketch received his education in the district schools of Richland township. Leav- ing school he worked on a farm for some time, and in 1892 he came to Owatonna, entering the machine business in partnership with J. F. Wilson. They continued this business for five years. when they sold out their machine business, Mr. Finley going to Dodge Center, where he engaged in the harness business. He remained there for about one year, then returned to Owatonna and bought the dray business of George McCarty. He continued this business for about six months. About one month after pur- chasing the business he was taken seriously ill, and was unable to do anything for about four years. After recovering from his illness he entered the coal business, which he continued for six months, and then sold out to Pike & Robins. He then went to Austin. Minn., and bought a half interest in a grocery and butcher busi-

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ness, which he continued for about four years. Disposing of his interest, he returned to Owatonna and engaged in buying and shipping stock, which he continued to do for about two and one- half years. He then bought a livery business of Henry Conklin and Gil Russel. He was engaged in this business for about one year, then sold out to Philip Anderson. In the spring of 1908 he was appointed city weighmaster, which position he has held ever since. Mr. Finley was married in 1881 to Addie M1., daughter of Edgar and Maria (Atwater) Horton. The parents were natives of New York state, where they both died. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Finley : Lelia, now Mrs. Herbert Cruikshank ; Alta, telephone operator at Faribault ; Mat- tie and Clifford are both residing at home. The family resides at 504 East Vine street. Mr. Finley is a Republican. He is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church, also a member of the M. W. A. and the E. F. U. Mr. Finley served as city treasurer of Owatonna four years. He also served four years as deputy sheriff under Sheriff Misgen.

Orie H. Ferrell is a native of Minnesota, having been born in Owatonna March 7, 1869, a son of Theodore and Lucinda (Brown) Ferrell. Orie received his education at the district schools of Havana township, supplementing with a course at Pillsbury academy. After leaving school he first engaged in farming, but in 1890 he removed to Owatonna, purchased five acres of land and engaged in market gardening, and for three years was employed as night moulder at the Owatonna Manu- facturing Company. He has purchased more land from time to time, and now has fifty-eight acres on which he follows farming. In 1902 he engaged in the sand and gravel business, both these products being found in abundance on his land. He was mar- ried on November 8, 1888, at Owatonna, to Frances A. Chase, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Chase. The father died April 22, 1902, and the mother is still living at Spokane, Wash. Two children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ferrell : T. Howard, born April 11, 1893, and Kenneth Paul, born January 6, 1902. In his political principles Mr. Ferrell is a Prohibitionist, and in his religious belief he is a Baptist. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and of the B. A. Y. Ile has succeeded by hard work, and the assistance of his devoted wife and lives at his home which is located at No. 3 Rose street, respected by all who know him.

Alfred Camp, a native of Minnesota, was born in Freeborn county September 4, 1886, a son of Christopher and Katherine ( Larson) Camp. Both parents were natives of Denmark, who came to America in 1880 and located at Albert Lea, Minn .. where they remained until 1898. They then moved to Blooming

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Prairie, Steele county, where the father followed his trade of a mason for a few years, and from there moved to Summit town- ship, where he is now located, and is doing general farining. Alfred received his education at the public schools of Blooming Prairie. After leaving school Alfred came to Owatonna and learned the butter making trade, which he has followed ever since. On May 1, 1909, he accepted a position with the Farmers' Gilt Edge Creamery Association, and has full charge of their business. Mr. Camp is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his political affiliations are with the Republican party. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Though still a young man, he holds a responsible position and enjoys the confidence of his employers and the respect and esteem of all who know him.

Leonard L. Bennett, president since its organization of the establishment now known as the National Farmers' Bank, is one of the honored figures of Owatonna life. Few men can lay down a chosen profession in the prime of manhood and attain success in a line of activity entirely different, but Dr. Bennett, after attaining an enviable position for himself as a practitioner of medicine, turned from his profession and at the age of thirty- five took up the business of banking, becoming a leader in the financial circles of this part of the state. Dr. Bennett was born in Plainfield, Will county, Illinois, October 7, 1839, son of Robert Bennett and Sally Loomis Kent, his wife, the former being descended from a genuine old Connecticut "Yankee" family, while the latter, a New Yorker by birth, was of more immediate English descent. Their son, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools in the neighborhood of the old Bennett homestead in Lake county, Illinois. In 1857 he graduated from the academic course in the Wauconda Academy, at Wauconda, Ill., and in 1862 he was graduated with honors from the Rush Medical college, of Chicago. The following year he came to Owatonna, and practiced medicine successfully from 1864 to 1874, attaining a substantial position in his profession. It was during that period that Dr. Bennett acquired that intimate knowledge of farm life and the character of the farmers in Steele county, that has made his bank the financial center of this agri- cultural region. In 1873, Dr. Bennett established the Farmers' National Bank, of Owatonna, and became its president, remain- ing in that position to the present day, the institution having become the leading financial enterprise in Steele county. One year after opening the bank. Dr. Bennett, gave up the medical profession. During all the years that have passed since then, the people of Steele county, in loving recognition of his services as a practitioner. have retained the title of "Doctor," in

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addressing him. While devoting to his business much more time than the average man works, Dr. Bennett has still found time for public service, and his contributions to the progress of the community by four years work as county coroner, and many years as a member of the board of county commissioners and the city schol board will be long remembered. His fraternal association has been with the A. F. & A. M. and his church affiliations are with the local body of Universalists, of the founders of which, he and his wife are the only ones living. Dr. Bennett was married May 25. 1863, to Arabella Fidelia Brown, and to this union have been born two sons, Carl Kent Bennett and Guy Brown Bennett, both now holding official positions in the National Farmers' Bank, of Owatonna.

Guy B. Bennett, cashier of the National Farmers' Bank, of Owatonna, is actively identifying himself with the financial progress and stability of Steele county, and is regarded as one of the rising young men of the city of Owatonna. He was born in Owatonna. September 27. 1871. a son of Leonard Loomis and Arabella Fidelia Bennet. long-time residents of this vicinity. The subject of this sketch attended the public schools and grad- tiated from the Owatonna high school in 1889. The following fall he entered the academic department of Harvard University. and in 1893 received his degree from that institution. Returning to Owatonna he entered what had at that time just become the National Farmers' Bank, as bookkeeper. Gradually mastering the details of the business he was promoted to bookkeeper. paying teller, and assistant cashier successively, until August. 1905, when he assumed his present position in which he has since served with credit and ability. In addition to his banking interests, he has found time to serve the city as member of the school board. For three years he was a bugler in Company E. Third Regiment, Minnesota National Guard. For ten years he has been treasurer of the Universalist Church. Mr. Bennett was married. June 30. 1900. to Winifred Fay Niles, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John N. Niles, of Owatonna, and to this union one son has been born, Leonard N .. July 22, 1909.

Carl K. Bennett, vice president of the National Farmers' Bank, of Owatonna, had in charge the planning and erecting of the solidly beautiful building which houses the institution of which he is an officer. The search for a suitable architect was lis, as was also indeed, the inception of the idea that a building may be so designed as to express its purpose. Mr. Bennett was born in Owatonna, October 6, 1868, a son of Leonard Loomis and Arabella ( Fidelia) Bennett. both descended from old New England families. He attended the public schools and in 1886 graduated from Pillsbury Academy. He then entered Harvard

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University and graduated with a special degree in 1890. Since then he has taken his place in the business and social life of Owatonna. In the summer of 1890 he entered the then Farmers' National Bank as bookkeeper. In December, 1890, he became assistant cashier, in August, 1891, cashier, and in August, 1905, vice president, which position he still holds. Mr. Bennett is president of the Perfection Churn Company, president of the Sperry Manufacturing Company, and one of the owners of the Owatonna Creamery Supply Company. For six years he was a member of the city council representing the first ward. He served on the library board ten years and a larger part of that time was secretary of that body. He is now president of the park commission. Being interested in preserving the records of the past as an earnest of the future, he has allied himself with the Minnesota chapter of the Sons of the American Revo- lution. Mr. Bennett was married November 21, 1898. to Lydia Honoria Norwood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Norwood, of Owatonna, and to this union have been born three children- Beatrice, Sylvia and Arabella. The family attends the First Baptist Church, of which Mr. Bennett was organist for many years.

Lewis Lorenzo Wheelock, jurist, soldier and orator, now deceased, exerted on city, county and state, an influence that will be long remembered. A memorial of his life has said, "Judge Wheelock was not only a learned and well-equipped jurist, but a thoughtful student of public affairs. Ilonored and trusted by all who knew him, faithful to every cause which he espoused, considerate, brave and firm, he earned and maintained a high place in the affectionate regard of his fellows. A man of wit, he was never caustic, except in defense of right. His conversa- tion was illumined with humor that was always kindly, wisdom that was always impressive and permeated with a deep under- lying principle of religious feeling. lle was conservative in judgment and charitable in thought as well as in deed. A man among men, he had a heart tender as a child's and pitiful as a woman's." Lewis Lorenzo Wheelock was born in Mannsville, Jefferson county, New York, November 12, 1839, son of Lewis Lorenzo and Mary (Howe) Wheelock. Left an orphan at the age of ten years, he secured an education through his own exertions, and at the age of twenty started teaching in Macedon Academy. Wayne county, New York, in which capacity he was serving at the outbreak of the Civil War. HIe enlisted as a private in the 160th New York Volunteer Infantry. August 13, 1862 ; was promoted to first lieutenant of Company C. Septem- ber 1, 1862; and promoted to captain of the same company, June 9, 1865. He assisted in the fitting out of the Banks Expedi-

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History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II, Part 34

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn; Jewett, Stephen Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Chicago, H. C. Cooper, Jr. Number of Pages: 864

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn; Jewett, Stephen
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago, H. C. Cooper, Jr.
Number of Pages: 864