USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 37
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 37
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present farm of a hundred and sixty acres, which he has cleared and raised to a high state of productiveness entirely by his own efforts. Durham cattle and Poland-China swine are raised very successfully, contributing much to the profits of the farm. He spent five years in Owatonna while educating his family, work- ing for a lumber company and hauling gravel, afterwards return- ing to the farm, where he now resides. A comfortable house at 144 Rose street, Owatonna, is his property also. In political convictions he is a Republican and has always borne his part in local affairs, having served as school supervisor for many years. In 1882 he was married to Julianna Hendrickson, by whom he has four children: Harry, living at home; Jesse, interested in the automobile business in South Dakota; and Raymond and Grace, who are both living at home. The family are loyal attendants of the Lutheran Church. Hans Larson, father of our subject, came over from Norway in 1866, locating in Lemond township, Steele county, where he was engaged in farming up to the time of his death.
August Linse, a prosperous farmer of Aurora township, Steele county, was born in Germany, September 7, 1851. After receiving his education in the Fatherland he emigrated to this country with his parents at the age of seventeen, locating with them on a farm in Dodge county, Wisconsin. In 1872 he removed to Steele county, doing farm work for a time in Somerset town- ship and then in Owatonna, gradually acquiring the means to purchase the 160 acre farm he now owns in Aurora township, and on which he is still engaged in general diversified farming, making a specialty of the breeding and raising of high class Poland-China hogs and Shorthorn cattle. A nearby creamery affords a good market for his milk and helps to make the dairy end of his business a profitable one. In politics he follows the guidance of the Democratic party and has always been actively interested in local affairs, at present serving as a member of the school board and has had several years in office as super- visor. In 1875 he married Sophia Mueller, by whom he has five children : Mary, wife of August Longrchen, a farmer of Havana township : Minnie, married to Paul Howe, a railroad man of Minneapolis; Laura, wife of Ernest Ilargefelt. a harnessmaker of Owatonna; William, a carpenter by trade, living at home; and August, who assists in running the home farm. Gottlieb and Minnie (Herford) Linse. parents of our subject, left Ger- many in 1868 for America, locating in Dodge county, Wisconsin, where the father followed general farming until his death in 1872. The mother later made her home with a daughter in Somerset township, and died there in 1893.
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Edward Linse, a progressive farmer of Aurora township, was born on January 8, 1880, in Aurora township, where he received his education in the district schools. He then took up farming with his father until he became of age. Purchasing eighty acres from his father in Section 16 of his home township in 1901, and adding sixty more, making 140 fertile acres, Mr. Linse has greatly improved and developed his land. He has erected a new home and outbuildings in the past few years and carries on his splendid farm in a very up-to-date manner. On May 1, 1901, Mr. Linse was joined in marriage to Emma Ahlborn and their home has been made bright by four children: Ervin, Mamie. Elmer and Edwin. The subject is independent in his voting, a member of the Lutheran Church and a good citizen, respected by his community. Carl Linse and Augusta Lutz, his wife, parents of Edward Linse, are natives of Germany, coming to America at an carly date. In 1874 they removed to Steele county and purchased 100 acres, which he sold later and again purchased 160 acres in Section 17, Aurora township, to which he added from time to time until he owned nearly 700 acres, all in Aurora township. He continued his general farming business until 1907, when he retired and removed to Owatonna, where he still lives.
Ferdinand Liebrenz, a very successful farmer of Merton township, is a native of Germany, having been born on May 28, 1872. Ferdinand attended the schools of his native land, coming to America when he was eighteen years old and locating in Rice county, where he worked out on different farms for two years. Removing to Steele county, he worked out until 1898, then pur- chasing 245 acres in Section 28, Merton township. Since that time Mr. Liebrenz has sold forty acres, icaving 205 acres, upon which he has done general farming up to the present time. He has made many splendid improvements. Within the past few years Mr. Liebrenz has planted an apple orchard and made a grove around his home. In 1897 he was joined in marriage to Hattie Schueler, to whom has been born three children: Annie, Alfreda and Myrtle. Mr. Liebrenz politically is a Republican and religiously is an attendant of the German Methodist Church. The subject is a self-made man, for whom his community has respect and admiration.
Frederick Liebrenz and Tina, his wife, parents of Ferdinand Liebrenz, were natives of Germany. The father died in 1905, the mother in 1907.
John Lageson, who conducts a general mercantile business at Ellendale, is a native of Houston county, Minnesota, where he was born March 1, 1875. He received his early education at the district schools. John then became interested in a general store
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at Cooleysville. Upon leaving the store he attended the Valder Business College at Decorah, la. Returning from college, he again started in business, remaining until 1901. At this time Mr. Lageson formed the Ellendale Mercantile Company, of which he is general manager. On September 30, 1899, the sub- ject of this sketch was married to Isabella Torgerson. Four children have been given Mr. and Mrs. Lageson : Edgar, Julian, Arnold and Melvin. Mr. Lageson is a Republican politically and a member of the Lutheran Church. Ile has served as alder- man for three years. is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator of Ellendale and is interested in the Ellendale Rural Telephone Company. Mr. Lageson is a self-made man and a citizen much respected in his community.
Elling Lageson and Martha Bakke, his wife, parents of John Lageson, were natives of Norway. They emigrated to America at an early date, locating in Wisconsin in 1851. Elling Lageson removed to Houston county, Minnesota, where he carried on a farm until 1876. Coming to Berlin township. Steele county, he conducted a farming business until compelled because of old age to retire from active life. Mr. Lageson died in December. 1006. Mrs. Lageson still lives on the old home farm.
Louis Monson, a sturdy old pioneer of Steele county, Minne- sota, is a native of Lerdoll. Bergen Stift, Norway, being born in 1845. His boyhood was passed on his father's farm. having the usual experience of a Norwegian farmer boy and acquiring his education in the public schools. Leaving school at the age of eighteen, he spent a couple of years at various kinds of work in Christiania, and then emigrated to America. making the voyage on the "Quebec," one of the fast sailing ships of that period. Arriving in this country, he located near Decorah, Illinois, where he spent a summer working on a farm. The following year. 1865. he removed to Steele county, and after several years of hard farm work amassed the means necessary for the purchase of his present well improved farm of eighty acres. In politics he inclines toward the doctrines of the Democratic party, but always casts his ballot for what he believes the best interests of the community. He was married, in 1875, to Ida Anderson, by whom he had eleven children. six of whom are living: Ole A .. a farmer of Summit township: Martha, wife of William Wein- knecht ; Dora, married to Gunar Fenkedall. a carpenter : Martin, who resides at home; Richard. of Summit township, and Edna, living at home. The family attend worship at the Lutheran church. The parents of our subject were natives of Norway. the father being engaged in farming all his life.
Theodore Monson, a live and energetic young farmer of Steele county, is a native son of that county, his natal date being
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January 20, 1882. After receiving his education in the district schools he engaged in farming with his father and now conducts the old home place of 180 acres with his brother Mons. The brothers are believers in modern buildings and machinery and their farm is a splendid example of up-to-date agriculture. About sixty acres is under the plow, but much of the farm is devoted to stock raising, Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs being their specialty. Andrew Monson, father of our subject, was born in Lerdahl, Norway, May 9, 1846. Completing his educa- tion in the Fatherland, he emigrated to this country at the age of twenty, first settling in Wisconsin and then in Steele county, Minnesota, where he followed farming until his death in 1908. He was married to Betsie Thompson, also a native of Norway, by whom he had eight children, six of whom are now living : Mons, born in Steele county, April 12, 1872, is engaged in farm- ing in Havana township; Louis is a farmer of Waseca county; Anna is the wife of Edward Hanson, a farmer of Lemond town- ship; Theodore, the subject of this sketch; Andrew is located at Waterloo, Ia., and Margaret is living at home. The family are loyal members of the Lutheran Church, in which the father held many offices of trust. In politics he was a Republican.
Hans P. Paulsen, a very progressive farmer of Blooming Prairie township, is a native of Denmark, the date of his birth being June 14, 1865. Hans received his education in his native land, after which he engaged in farming until coming to America in 1884. Locating in Blooming Prairie township, in 1894, Mr. Paulsen purchased an eighty acre farm in Section 11 and in 1902 sold this property and bought 160 acres in Section 9 of Blooming Prairie township. He has built new and modern buildings, which include a splendid barn, 56x60 feet, and fully improved this land, upon which he makes his home. He makes a specialty of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs and takes pride in his Belgian and Percheron horses. Mr. Paulsen was joined in mar- riage on October 20, 1894, to Mattic Nelson. Their home has been made happy by eight children, who are all at home : Rasmus, Esther, Mable, Emma, Lillie, Arthur, William and Clarence. Mr. Paulsen is a loyal Republican and religiously affiliates with the Danish Lutheran Church. He has always been interested in the welfare of his community, having been constable for two years, and is at present treasurer of the school district, which office he has held for six years. He is a member of the Union Creamery Association and a man highly respected by the people of his section. Christian Jensen and Anna D. Paulsen, his wife, parents of Hans P. Paulsen, were natives of Denmark. Christian Jensen died in his native land in 1888 and Mrs. Jensen still remains in the old Denmark home.
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Herman Frederick Pauzer, an enterprising farmer of Berlin township, was born in Prussia, Germany, thirty-eight years ago, coming to America with his parents in 1876 and settling in Owatonna. In 1896 Herman came to Berlin township and pur- chased eighty acres of land in Section 3. where he now lives. He conducts a general diversified farming business. Mr. Pauzer was married to Hannah Sommers on March 31, 1896, to whom six children have been born: Ernest, who died September 21, 1897 : Grace, William, Herman, Rose. all at home ; Hannah Eliza- beth. died April 24, 1910. Mr. Panzer politically is a Democrat and an adherent of the German Lutheran Church. He has served his township as supervisor for two years, was constable for four years, justice of the peace for two years, and has been a trusted officer of the Deerfield Insurance Company for eight years. Mr. Pauzer is a good citizen, always alert to the needs of his community.
Mr. Panzer's father, after coming to the United States in 1876, worked out by the day until 1877, when he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Somerset township, upon which farming was continued until the time of his death in 1899. The mother died in 1881.
Joseph W. Brierton, of Aurora township. first saw the light of day in Lee county, Illinois. on July 21, 1851, where he acquired his education in district schools. Coming to Aurora township. Joseph farmed with his father until October 1. 1891, then bought the home farm of 160 acres in Section 7, Aurora township, and added 160 acres adjoining in Section 8, making 320 acres. In 1902 he rented his farm and moved to Owatonna and resided there until 1907. when he returned to the home farm.
John S. Renchin, for many years a well known farmer of Aurora township, is a native of Bohemia, his natal date being December 25, 1851. At an early age he emigrated to this country with his parents, who located in Steele county, Minnesota, the father engaging in farming. John S. received his education in the district schools, after which he gave his whole attention to farming, with such success that he acquired his present farm of 160 acres. Sixty of this is under the plow. the remainder being well utilized for pasturage and woodland. Dairying is exten- sively carried on. a fine herd of Shorthorn and Durham cattle supplying milk, which nets a good price at a nearby creamery. Poland-China hogs have also been a factor in the success of this farm. All modern improvements have been added and a beauti- fnl home adds to the comfort of the family. It is an eleven-mile drive from his farm to Owatonna, the usual market. In political faith Mr. Renchin is a Democrat, and though he has never aspired to office, he has served many years as treasurer of
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his school district. In 1890 he was married to Celia Zak, dauglı- ter of Joseph Zak, a retired farmer. Five children have been born to this union: Josie. Johnnie, Walter, Lewis and Alice. The family worship at the Catholic Church. John and Catherine Renchin. parents of our subject, emigrated from Bohemia, locat- ing in Steele county, Minnesota, where the father was engaged in farming up to the time of his death. The mother is still living at Owatonna.
Peter Sorenson, a well known farmer of Steele county, was born in Denmark, July 14, 1863. At the age of nine years lie crossed the waters with his parents, who located on a farm in Lemond township, Steele county, where he passed his boyhood, receiving a somewhat scanty education in the district schools. After leaving school he worked in St. Paul for three years and then returned to this county and engaged in farming on his present place of a hundred and twenty acres, every acre of this having been won from the wilderness by his own efforts. The entire farm is under cultivation, and through common sense agri- culture and hard work Mr. Sorenson has made it one of the model farms of the county. In politics he is a staunch adherent of the Republican party and is keenly alive to all that tends for the welfare of the community. He has served on the town board over ten years. June 13, 1891, hie was married to Lena Erikson, daughter of Martin Erikson, of Bixby. They have five children : Harry, George, Alice, Herman and Clarence. The family are believers in the faith of the Lutheran Church. August and Lena (Hansen) Sorenson, parents of Peter, emigrated to this country in 1873, at once locating on a farm in Lemond town- ship, Steele county, Minnesota, where the father followed farm- ing up to his death in 1891. The mother died a year later. Mr. Sorenson was a Republican and a member of the Lutheran Church. Five children were born to them : Hans, a farmer near Owatonna ; Mary, wife of Frank Johnson, of Owatonna; Chris, who married Sophia Peterson; Henry, engaged in farming in Clinton Falls township ; and Peter, our subject.
A. G. Schmidt, an enterprising farmer of Meriden township, Steele county, was born in West Prussia, Germany, November 2. 1874. At the age of eight he emigrated to America with his parents, who settled on a farm in Meriden township, on which he passed liis boyhood, receiving his education in the district schools. After school he assisted his father on the home farm for a time, and then struck out for himself, acquiring his present farm of eighty acres of highly productive land by hard work and industry. Fifty-five acres are under the plow, the remainder yielding a good income as woodland and pasturage. A large herd of Holstein cows yield liberal returns, the milk being dis-
1154 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
posed of to a nearby creamery at good prices. Poland-China swine are a specialty of Mr. Schmidt's. In politics he is a believer in the doctrines of the Republican party, and though he has never desired office has served three years as supervisor of Meriden township. He is associated with the Mutual Aid Insur- ance Company of Iowa. During 1905 he was married to Minnie Kottke. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt : Alice, Carl, Alvin and Mildred. The family attend worship at the Lutheran Church. Herman John and Carolina Schmidt, parents of our subject, crossed the waters in 1882, locating for a short time in Somerset township, Steele county, Minnesota, and then in Meriden township, where the father followed general farming up till 1904. He then moved to Owatonna with his wife, having since retired from active work. Four sons were born to them : A. G., our subject : August and Emil, of Meriden township : and Rudolph, of Iowa.
O. D. Selleck, a prominent farmer of Steele county, was born in Racine, Wis., June 19, 1854. While still an infant he came with his parents to Steele county, receiving what education pos- sible in the crude schools of those times and afterwards assisting his father on the farm before engaging in agriculture on his own account. flis present place consists of 120 acres of productive land. all of which is under the plow with the exception of twenty acres devoted to woodland. Besides general mixed farming. dairying and cattle, sheep and horse raising is extensively car- ried on, Mr. Selleck having thirty head of high bred Shorthorn and Holstein cattle, which supply milk of the best quality to a nearby creamery, and seventy head of Shropshire sheep, which contribute heavily to the net profits. Good all-around horses are bred and raised. Up-to-date buildings and machinery assist much in the working of the farm. As to political convictions he is a staunch Republican and has filled many positions of trust, having served as town clerk, supervisor, school board member, and four years as county commissioner. The Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen count him among their valued members. In 1874 he was married to Margaret Russell, daughter of Gilbert and Caroline (Ames) Russell, pio- neers of Steele county. Mr. and Mrs. Selleck have one daughter, Ada, who is engaged in teaching. Alson and Mary A. (Kent) Selleck, parents of our subject, are natives of St. Lawrence county, New York. Joining the tide of emigration westward, in 1849, they located in Wisconsin, where the father continued a farmer six years, then removing to Steele county and pre-empt- ing the farm he still owns. After living in a tent for a short while they moved into a then luxurious log cabin, which was their dwelling for many years. Indians and other pioneer trials
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liad to be endured. Gilbert and Caroline (Ames) Russell, parents of Mrs. O. D. Selleck, now deceased, were also pioneers of this county, coming from New York state in 1867.
Joseph Shubert is one of the prosperous farmers of Blooming Prairie township, where he has lived about thirty-five years. He was born in Bohemia and came to America in 1874, living a year in Indiana before coming here. He is assisted on his farm of 200 acres by his son, Anton Shubert, one of the well-liked men of the community.
John Virtue, an old and respected farmer of Steele county, was born in the northern part of Ireland, December 14, 1833. After receiving his education in the Fatherland he emigrated to America, locating in Columbia county, New York, where he followed farming seven years. He then removed to Steele county in 1859, purchased his present 460-acre farm, on which he still resides, his son Emmett attending to the management. In poli- tics he has always been an active Democrat, serving one term as a member of the state legislature during 1893, and has filled all township offices and served as a member of the school board. The Episcopal Church values him as a loyal member. In Octo- ber, 1856, he was united in marriage with Mary Dinan, who came over from Ireland in 1850. The children, five of whom are living, are: D. E., a manufacturer of Owatonna ; W. J., engaged in farming near Owatonna ; Leonard, who owns and conducts a farm near Blooming Prairie: Emmett, who operates the home farm; and Alice M., who lives at home. Emmett J., who con- ducts the home farm, was born on the old homestead, April 17, 1871. After receiving his education in the district schools and completing with a course in the Owatonna high school, he gave his attention to farming, which he has since followed, now having entire charge of his father's farm, and in addition owns 200 acres of fine pasturage. High grade Shorthorn cattle are raised on an extensive scale, and modern improvements and equipments make economical farming. As to political convic- tions he is a Democrat, having served in numerous township offices. The C. O. F. and the Knights of Columbus count him as an active brother. In religious matters he follows the guid- ance of the Catholic Church.
Albert Wilker, a prosperous farmer of Meriden township, is a native son of Steele county, his natal date being February 4, 1878. His boyhood was passed on his father's farm, receiving his education in the district schools. His school days over, he engaged in farming, now owning 240 acres of finely cultivated land. with buildings and equipment of the most modern type. He makes a specialty of breeding and raising Shorthorn and Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. In politics he is a fol-
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HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
lower and believer in the tenets of the Republican party. March 7. 1903, he was married to Lena Ahlers, daughter of John Ahlers. a prominent farmer of Steele county. Two children have blessed this marriage. Edna and Irma. The family are loyal attendants of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Wilker is a son of John and Emelia (Welk) Wilker, the father a retired farmer of Owatonna.
William Woker, an up-to-date farmer of Steele county, was born in Washington county. Wisconsin. October 29, 1858. At the age of eight years he removed with his parents to Steele county, his father soon afterwards settling on a 160-acre farm in Meriden township. After receiving his education in the dis- trict schools he assisted his father in carrying on the home place until 1880. when he bought his present farm, consisting of 160 acres of well improved land, which he has brought to a high state of productiveness through hard work and modern methods of agriculture. Fine Durham cattle and Poland-China swine are his specialties. The Democratic party claims his allegiance in matters of politics and he has ably served on the town board and thirteen years as school treasurer. October 3, 1880, he was united in marriage with Othilia Stelter, daughter of William Stelter, a tailor by trade. Seven children have come of this marriage: George, an engraver and watchmaker of Oskaloosa. la. : and Ernest, Ida. Alfred, Eddie. Luella and Charles, all reside at home. The Lutheran Church counts the family as valued members. Herman and Wilhelmina ( Hager) Woker, parents of our subject, were natives of Lippedepenold, Germany, where the father followed farming. Emigrating to America about 1848, he located near Freeport. Ill., and engaged in farming three years. subsequently removing to Washington county, Wisconsin. In 1866 he came to Steele county and after residing a year in Owa- tonna purchased a quarter section in Meriden township and con- tinued farming until his death in 1887. The mother died five years later. lle was prominent in the Lutheran Church and in the Democratic party, serving four years as justice of the peace while in Wisconsin. Eight children were born to him and his wife: Louisa, Riche. Christian. Henrietta. Minnie. Caroline. William and Fred.
Samuel Wanous, a farmer of Havana township, Steele county, was born in this county, March 7, 1872. Completing his educa- tion in the district schools, he immediately engaged in farming and now owns a fine farm of 160 acres in Havana township. which he purchased in 1902. Two-thirds of this land is under the plow, the remainder being utilized to the best advantage as woodland and pasturage. Strictly modern and up-to-date build- ings and machinery, which have all been added by the present occupant, have been material in raising this farm to its high state
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