USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 36
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 36
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HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1139
he held from 1882 to 1884, when he was appointed state agent of the same school, his duties being to visit the children placed out in homes from that institution. He held this position for two years and in 1886 received a call as superintendent of the new institution of the same kind established by the state of Minnesota at Owatonna, a position which he has held since his appointment in that year. In this capacity for nearly a quarter of a century he has more than demonstrated his fitness. He combines those qualities of gentleness, firmness and justness so necessary in dealing with children, and scores of fatherless children who have now attained positions of responsibility and respectability in various communities regard him as a foster father and acknowledge their indebtedness to him for the impress of strong and honest humanity that his life has left upon their characters. Mr. Merrill is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church and in 1896 was one of the lay representatives to the general conference of that church held at Cleveland, Ohio. Having attained prominence in his chosen line of work, he is an honored member of the National Association of Charities and Corrections, and as such was a delegate to the conference on the care of dependent children, held at the White House in 1909 at the call of President Theodore Roosevelt. Mr. Merrill's interests, however, have not been confined to his own profession, and at various times he has done valued service on the school and library boards of the city of Owatonna. He was married at Augusta, Mich., September 26, 1886, to Estella Ogden, and to this union two children have been born: Maude, now a student at Oberlin College. Oberlin, Ohio, and Paul O., a student at Pillsbury Academy, Owatonna.
L. John Mosher, one of our most highly respected business men, was born at Owatonna, Minn., on February 12, 1874, his parents being Alonzo John and Mary (Hogan) Mosher, the former a native of New York state and the latter of Wisconsin. They came to Owatonna in 1865 and the father engaged at his trade of carriage finisher, which vocation he has followed ever since. The subject of our sketch received his education at the public schools at Owatonna and his first start in business life was that of railroad despatching agent. This he followed until 1903. when he started in the jewelry business, forming a co-part- nership with Mr. J. N. Schoen. Two years and a half later he purchased the interest of Mr. Schoen and from that time he has been sole owner and proprietor. He carries a very heavy up-to-date stock, makes a specialty of high-grade cntglass and china, and does an extensive repairing business. The fact that he enjoys a very large and steadily increasing trade goes to prove that his square dealing and uncompromising honesty has won
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for him the enviable position which he now holds in this city. Mr. Mosher was married to Julia E. Hughes at Dubuque, la .. on May 23, 1907. One son has thus far blessed their union, Donald Byron, who was born September 31. 1908. Mr. Mosher is an independent voter and worships at the Roman Catholic Church, and is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and Knights of Columbus. He has proved himself, by the interest he has taken in the betterment of this community, to be a good citizen, and is held in high esteem by all that know him. His store is located on West Main street.
Charles W. Vinton, an enterprising business man of Owa- tonna, who resides at 134 East School street, is a native son of Minnesota. Ile was born in Summit township, Steele county, July 4, 1862, to Charles E. and Birtena ( Hulburt) Vinton, who came to Minnesota in the early fifties and located in Steele county on 160 acres of land in Summit township, where the father was engaged in general farming until 1878. Ile then removed to the village of Geneva, Freeborn county, where they are still located. The subject of this sketch acquired his educa- tion in the district schools of Summit township and in the public schools at Geneva. lle then engaged in various labors, such as farming, trucking and teaming, until 1899, when he opened a store and creamery at River Point, Steele county, which business he successfully conducted until December, 1908. At this time he sold his business and came to Owatonna, where he entered into a co-partnership with Mr. William Cartin, which relation was continued until December, 1909, at which time Mr. Cartin sold to Mr. Vinton's nephew, Mr. George Burke. The business is continued under the name of Vinton & Burke. They are doing an extensive business in grain, flour and feed. Mr. Vinton was married March 17, 1887, at Albert Lea, Freeborn county, Minnesota, to Julia Scheveisco. This union is blessed with three children, viz .: Earl, born January 13, 1889, who is engaged as a teacher of manual training at Lisle, Minn .; Austin, born September 30, 1891, works with his father; Blanche, born July 15, 1894, lives at home. Mr. Vinton is not affiliated with any political party, but votes for the best candidate, regardless of party principles. He is a good citizen and true friend. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the A. O. A.
N. P. Peterson, a prosperous contractor and builder of Owa- tonna, Minn., has attained his success by persistent and perse- vering hard work. He was born in Denmark, February 26, 1858, and is a son of Peter and Christina (Nelson) Peterson. His parents came from Denmark, their native country, in 1875. with their family, and settled on a one hundred acre farm in Somerset township, Steele county, Minnesota. Here they made
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a home and reared their family, and the father carried on general farming until his decease in 1884. The mother survived till the spring of 1895. Our subject grew up in Denmark as a farmer boy and there attended the public schools and came to this country with his father and mother. At the age of twenty-two, in 1880, he took up the carpenter's trade and followed it in St. Paul and Minneapolis some four years. Returning to his home, in 1884, he established himself in business at Owatonna as a builder and contractor and so continued until recent years, during which he has worked more especially as a cement con- tractor, building sidewalks and doing other work in that line, for the most part in the city of Owatonna. Mr. Peterson is known as a straightforward, upright, reliable man in his line of work and by his honorable dealing has gained the confidence of all who know him. He has given himself closely to his business and has had little leisure for outside affairs. In his religious belief le adheres loyally to the tenets of the Baptist denomina- tion. In political sentiment he is a Republican. On December 14, 1887, Mr. Peterson married Miss Hannah, daughter of Lars and Marie (Jensen) Peterson, who came from Denmark in 1883 and settled on a farm in Blooming Prairie township, Steele county. The father carried on farming there till 1901, when he sold the home farm and moved with his family to Owatonna. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have four children, of whom Mae C., the oldest, is a student at Carleton College ; Louis FF. is a student at Pillsbury Academy, and N. Paul and Dorothy Harriet are home with their parents.
Theodore Chambers, a substantial and respected resident of Owatonna and honored veteran of the Civil War, was born in Warrenville. Du Page county, Illinois, October 29, 1844, son of Joseph and Charlotte (Bargy) Chambers. He attended the com- mon schools and was a lad of but sixteen years of age when the news of the attack of Ft. Sumter was flashed through the North. He impatiently waited a year and in June, 1862, at the age of sev- enteen, enlisted in Company F7, 95th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving through the war and being mustered out at Springfield. 111., August 17, 1865. At the close of the war he came to Minne- sota and reached Owatonna September 6, 1865. After doing various work a short time he wooed and won as a wife Emily Arnold, whom he married September 14, 1866, at Faribault. Six months later he rented a farm in Owatonna township and engaged successfully in farming two years. He then purchased a farm of eighty acres in Meriden township, where he remained six years. Ile next moved to Berlin township. where he farmed twenty-six years. In 1905 he moved to Owatonna and took up his residence at 1005 South Cedar street. For a short time he
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was engaged in the draying and the coal and wood business in Owatonna. Mr. Chambers has served with distinction as chair- man of the county board of supervisors several terms, and when working on his farm he was several times chosen chairman of his township. Mr. Chambers is a Republican in politics and affiliates with the G. A. R. Of his five children, Edward lives in Osage county, Kansas ; James S. is a farmer in Lemond town- ship : Marion is the wife of W. W. Day, Jr., an Owatonna coal dealer : Frank C. lives in Frankfort, S. D., and Grace is now Mrs. L. O. Holmes, of Owatonna. Joseph Chambers and Char- lotte Bargy, his wife, were born in New York state and came to Illinois in the early forties. In 1863 they came to Owatonna and here remained. Joseph Chambers served eleven years as city treasurer and died in 1881. His wife died at Rochester in 1897. Benjamin L. and Celia Stokes Arnold. parents of Mrs. Theodore Chambers, were pioneer hotel keepers of Owatonna. The former was born in Toledo, Ohio, and the latter in England. They came to Owatonna in 1855 and located on a farm where the state school is now located. In 1857 they erected the Eureka House, located where the Security Bank now stands, and in 1866 they built the Arnold House, which is located on West Vine street. Mr. Arnold died in 1879 and his wife passed away one year earlier.
John H. C. Schuldt, known as one of Steele county's progres- sive farmers, was born on the farm he now owns, January 13. 1867. Ilis education was received in the district schools, assist- ing his father most of the time while attending, and afterwards devoting his entire time to the work. Since his father's death, in 1900, lie has had entire charge and has more than maintained the three hundred and twenty acre farm in the well kept con- dition his father left it. Two hundred and eighty acres are under cultivation, and by hard work and adherence to common sense principles of agriculture he has developed one of the most productive farms in the county. Fle has a large number of unusually fine Poland-China hogs. A beautiful and thoroughly up-to-date residence adds to the comfort of Mr. Schuldt and his family. In political convictions he is a Democrat and has served the community as pathmaster. March 14, 1895, he was united in marriage with Mathilda Abbe, daughter of William Abbe, now deceased. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schuldt. Named in order of ages they are: Alfred, Martin, Edwin, Harold and Juanita. All live at home with the excep- tion of Edwin and Harold, who died in infancy. Anton and Katharena (Jans) Schuldt, parents of our subject, were natives of Mecklenburg, Germany, where the father was employed in railroad work. At the age of thirty he emigrated to this country,
MR. AND MRS. JOHN H. C. SCHULDT
சிரும்
ANTON AND KATHARENA SCHULDT
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locating in Clayton county, Iowa, two years, and then removing to Steele county, Minnesota, with the aid of a yoke of oxen. Arriving here he homesteaded a claim in Lemond township, subsequently buying the place his son now operates and con- tiqued to follow farming until his death in 1900. His wife died six years previously. Ten children were born to them: Mary, Henry, William, Fred, who died some years ago, Wilhelmina, Anna, August, John II. C., Emma and Bertha. The family are all loyal Lutherans, the father and John II. C. holding many offices of trust in the church. The father was also prominent in local politics, first as a Republican and later as a Democrat, serving in many town offices.
Nels C. Bailey, one of Steele county's progressive and thrifty farmers, was born in this county, June 29, 1864. His education was acquired in the district schools, after which he assisted his father for a time on the home farm before striking out for him- self. He is now the owner of a hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, on which he successfully follows general farming. Sixty acres are under the plow, almost every acre of which has been cleared by his own efforts. The buildings and machinery are well abreast of the times. Stock raising and dairying are important factors, high bred Durham and Holstein cattle yield- ing profitable returns. As to political convictions, the Repub- lican party claims his allegiance. He has always taken an active part in local affairs and is at present serving as pathmaster and as a school officer. In 1889 he was united in marriage to a daughter of James McKibbon, a native of Ireland. Two chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bailey : Archie and Elmer, both living at home. Levi and Sana (Clark) Bailey, parents of our subject, migrated from Pennsylvania in the early days to Minnesota. settling in Somerset township, Steele county, where the father followed farming until quite recently. He is now living retired at Owatonna. Of his family of thirteen children eleven are living.
John W. Engel, who holds the position of head buttermaker of the Pratt Creamery, was born February 19, 1882, in Meriden township. After receiving his education he first took up farming for seven years in Meriden township. He then engaged in the carpentering business for one year and in 1904 entered the Meri- den Creamery as helper, remaining there one year. Mr. Engel then became buttermaker at Deerfield Creamery, staying there four years. On April 1, 1910, he accepted the position as head but- termaker in the Pratt Creamery. Mr. Engel was given recently an eight-piece silver dinner service, awarded to him as first prize as the champion buttermaker of Minnesota for 1909. Average score for six months, 95.58. He took part in the Educational Butter
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Scoring Contest and was awarded this prize by the dairy and food department of Minnesota. This is something of which Mr. Engel may well be very proud. He was married on April 16, 1907, to Anna Dusbabek. Two children have been born to them-Elden J., born December 23, 1907, and Emily K., born December 30, 1908. Mr. Engel politically affiliates with the Democratic party and at- tends the Catholic Church. He is a good citizen, much esteemed by all who know him. William Engel and Laura Engel, his wife, parents of John W. Engel, are of German parentage, Mr. Engel having been born in Germany. They located in Meriden town- ship in 1880, where the father worked at his trade as blacksmith until 1886, when the family removed to lowa, remaining there until 1894. They returned to Meriden township at this time, where Mr. Engel resumed his trade for a short period, then removing to Waldori, Waseca county, where he has been employed at his trade ever since. Wencl Dusbabek and Amelia, his wife, parents of Mrs. John W. Engel, are natives of Bohemia and Germany, respectively. They located in Rice county, Shieldsville town- ship, where they are now farming. Mrs. Engel was born there on August 15, 1883.
Andrew Gregerson, manager of the Ellendale Lumber Com- pany, first saw the light of day in Racine, Wis., on January 9, 1869. He received his education in Freeborn county, after which he engaged in farming until 1901. Coming to Ellendale, Mr. Gregerson was employed by the Ellendale Lumber Company and in the spring of 1904 was made manager of the company, which position he now holds. On August 22, 1905, Mr. Greger- son was married at Owatonna to Agnes Schultz, of Owatonna. They have one child, Elsie I., born February 8, 1908. The sub- ject of this sketch is an independent voter and a member of the Baptist Church and of the B. A. Y. He served two terms on the Ellendale city council. Mr. Gregerson has a pleasant home in Ellendale and is a splendid citizen, always looking out for the welfare of his home community. Jens Gregerson and Elsie Anderson, his wife, parents of Andrew Gregerson, were natives of Denmark, coming to America in 1867 and locating in Racine. Wis. In the spring of 1869 they moved to Freeborn county, where they carried on general farming. Jens Gregerson died on the home farm in 1903. The mother still lives in Freeborn county.
Jacob Haberman, a native of Bohemia, was born in that country on April 14, 1851, where he acquired his education. In 1871 Jacob came to the United States with his parents, locating in Blooming Prairie township in 1890, where he got eighty acres from his father and added 120 acres, all in Section 19. When bought this land was very wild and by the hardest toil Mr.
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Haberman now has a splendid farm as the result of his efforts. He has a comfortable home and outbuildings and takes great pride in his Holstein cattle. Mr. Ilaberman keeps seven fine horses. The subject of this sketch was married on October 6, 1884, to Amelia Blazk. They have been blessed with six children -Amelia and Jacob, who died; Jacob, who is a farmer ; Edward Joseph, Elsie and Freddie, all at home. Mr. Haberman is inde- pendent in his voting, serves as road overseer and owns shares in the Farmers' Elevator at Blooming Prairie, and is also a member of the Creamery Association. He acts as agent for the New York Mutual Life Insurance Company. Mr. Haberman is a self-inade man and is a progressive citizen, esteemed by all who know him.
Wencl Haberman and Rosa, his wife, parents of Jacob Haber- man, were natives of Bohemia, coming to America in 1871 and locating in Blooming Prairie township, where they engaged in farming the rest of their lives. Mr. Haberman died in 1893, his wife surviving him until 1903.
Frank Hanzlicek, a progressive farmer of Blooming Prairie township, is a native of Bohemia, where he was born September 1, 1848. Ile received his education in his native land and coming to America in 1881 located in Blooming Prairie township, where he bought 120 acres in Section 18. Mr. Hanzlicek has built good substantial buildings and improved his farm generally. He was married to Josie Matjeck in Bohemia in 1871. Their home has been blessed with nine children : Tillie. died when nineteen years of age ; Frances, now Mrs. John Potz, of Blooming Prairie town- ship : Amelia. now Mrs. Frank Krakora ; Mary, now Mrs. Luther Wheeler, of Blooming Prairie village; Josie, now Mrs. Irvin Treat, of Blooming Prairie township; Frank, who lives in North Dakota: Joseph, still at home: Rosa, now Mrs. Edward Ruzek, of Summit township ; Libbie, who stays at home. Mr. Hanzlicek is a member of the Democratic party and an attendant of the Catholic Church and a member of C. S. P. S. Ile has made his way by hard work and honest labor and is a man respected by the people of his section.
Anton J. Hondl, a successful farmer of Aurora township, is a native of Bohemia, having been born in that country on October 14, 1871. He attended the public schools of Bohemia and fin- ished his education in the schools of Aurora township. where he came with his parents in 1880. Leaving school. Anton worked with his father on the farm for three years. In the year 1890 he decided to try farming in central California, where he remained three years. Returning to his old home in Aurora township, Mr. Hondl farmed for two years, finally purchasing the old home farm, which he has greatly improved. Very neat
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and up-to-date buildings have been erected, including a very commodious barn, 36x72 feet. He has added more land during the past few years, until now he owns 360 fertile acres. Mr. Hondl and Lena Hauben-hild were united in marriage on No- vember 22, 1898, and enjoy a family of five children: Helen, Beneta, Clarence, Myrtle and Clemance. The subject of this sketch is independent in his voting. is a member of the Catholic Church and of the M. W. A. Lodge. Mr. llondl is a stockholder in the Pratt Creamery and a very enterprising citizen, highly respected by all who know him. John Hondl and Anna Groh, his wife, parents of Anton J. Hondl, were natives of Bohemia, coming to America in 1880. They lived in Columbus, Wis., one winter, after which they removed to Aurora township, where Mr. Hondl purchased 200 acres of land in Section 19, later adding sixty acres. Here he conducted general farming until his death in 1907. His wife passed away in the year 1905.
Joseph E. Jerele is a native of Minnesota. where he was born in Aurora township, April 18. 1886. After receiving his early education at the district school he worked with his father on the home farm until the spring of 1910, when he rented the farm of eighty acres, all under cultivation, which is located in Section 33, Aurora township, and now carries on general diversified farming. Mr. Jerele is single, having his sister Lydia as his housekeeper. Politically he is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic Church, and a highly respected and promising young man.
Louis F. Jerele was born August 4, 1881, in Aurora township, where he attended the district schools during his boyhood. Fol- lowing his school days he worked on his father's farm until 1903, when he engaged in farming for himself in Aurora town- ship, where he has eighty acres of land in Section 33, which he has improved by careful cultivation. His farm buildings are up-to-date and he employs progressive methods in conducting the farm. Mr. Jerele makes a specialty of breeding Durham cattle and has some fine stock. On November 23, 1904, Agnes Falteysek became the wife of Louis F. Jerele. They have one child, Edward, born September 15, 1905. Mr. Jerele affiliates with the Democratic party and is a consistent member of the Catholic Church. He is a good and respected citizen, whom the community holds in esteem.
John Jansa, a prosperous farmer of Blooming Prairie town- ship, was born on August 2, 1849, in the land of Bohemia. John gained his education in his native land. coming to America in 1874 and locating in Summit township in 1880. He then located in Blooming Prairie township, purchasing 160 acres of land in Section 32. Here Mr. Jansa has followed general diversified farming ever since, making splendid improvements upon his
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land. On February 10, 1880, he was married to Albina Pirki, daughter of Bernard Pirkt and Josephina Matejcek. They were married in Somerset township. Six children have blessed their home: John, born December 6, 1880, lives at home ; Annie, born April 19, 1882. is now Mrs. Joseph Pirkl, a carpenter ; Ludmelia, born July 8, 1885, died December 26, 1906; William, born June I, 1889; Martha, born September 28, 1895, is at home; Helen, born September 1, 1899. Mr. Jansa politically is a Democrat and attends the Catholic Church, is a member of the Z. C. B. J. and D. P. J. He has served his township as road overseer for several years and owns shares in the Farmers' Elevator of Blooming Prairie township. Wenel Jansa and Terszi Bures, his wife, parents of John Jansa, were natives of Bohemia, where they both died. Bernard Pirkl and Josephina Matejcek, his wife, parents of the wife of John Jansa, were natives of Bohemia, coming to America in 1869. They located in Summit township, farming there until the time of death came to both of them.
Joseph F. Kvasnicka, a section foreman for the Chicago, Mil- waukee & St. Paul Railway Company, is a native of Bohemia, where he was born August 4, 1881. Ile received his education at the district schools of Aurora township, after which he worked with his father on the farm until he became of age. Joseph then took up railroad work for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company as section laborer, which work he followed until April. 1907, when the position of section foreman was offered him. His section covers six miles of line, three and one-half miles north from Pratt to two and one-half miles south from Pratt. In the year 1907 Mr. Kvasnicka was joined in marriage to Stella Hruska. One child has been born to them- Elizabeth, born June 22, 1908. The subject of this sketch is a Democrat in politics and attends the Roman Catholic church. He served his township as constable for two years. Mr. Kvas- nicka owns his home at Pratt and is a citizen esteemed by the people of his community. Joseph Kvasnicka and Frances Her- dana, his wife, parents of Joseph F. Kvasnicka, are natives of Bohemia. They came to the United States in 1881 and located in Aurora township, where they have conducted general farming ever since.
Lars Larson, a representative Steele county farmer, was born in Norway, July 29. 1855. At the age of eleven he emigrated to this country with his parents and gave what assistance hie could to the building of the new home in Section 16, Lemond township. Steele county, Minnesota. The chances of acquiring an education were very meagre in those days and Mr. Larson, like most other pioneers, is self-educated. Shortly after attaining his majority he launched out for himself and now owns his
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