USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 39
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 39
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engaged in railroad work for several years. Later he returned to Merillan where he now resides with his wife.
J. W. Lane, a progressive farmer of Merton township, was born in Merton township in 1877, on February 24. He acquired his education in the district schools of Merton township after which he engaged in farming. In 1898 he rented his father's farm and at the time of his death became owner of the farm. where he has done a general farming business ever since. He has made a specialty of stock raising. Mr. Lane was married on January 19, 1898, to Nellie S. Carson. Their home has been blessed with five children-John Albert, Alice, Mertie, Cloe and Florence, all at home. Mr. Lane politically is a Republican. He holds stock in the Merton Creamery and is a good citizen. John Lane and Saralı, his wife, parents of J. W. Lane, were natives of the state of Ohio, coming to Minnesota and locating in Merton township, where they homesteaded land before the war. Mr. Lane responded to the call for volunteers at the time of the Civil War and enlisted in the Tenth Minnesota, being in the service three years. At the close of the struggle, he returned to the home farm where he farmed until his death in 1901. His wife died in 1882.
D. D. Hansen, a progressive and up-to-date farmer of Lemond township, Steele county, was born in Waseca county, Minnesota, January 30, 1870. After leaving school he at once engaged in farming and his present farm of a 160 acres of highly productive land is ample evidence of his success. Eighty of this is under cultivation, the remainder rendering good returns as woodland and as pastirage for his numerous stock. Durham cattle of good blood are raised. the milk being very profitably disposed of to a near by creamery. Poland-China hogs also help to swell the profits. The machinery and buildings are all of the best patterns for modern farming. In politics, he is a believer in the doctrines of the Republican party, and has always taken an active interest in local affairs, having served on the town board eight years, four years as chairman, and as a school officer. In 1894 he was united in marriage with Tilda Jacobson, daughter of Peter and Lena Jacobson. Mr. and Mrs. Hansen have eight children-Holly, Hazel, Eldora, Guy, Helen, Ethel, Alice and Deloris (deceased in infancy). The family attend worship at the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Torger and Mary Hansen, parents of our subject, came over from Norway, their native land, about fifty years ago, locating in Minnesota where the father followed farming. He is now residing, retired, at New Richmond, Minn., with his wife. Seven children were born to them, all of whom are living.
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HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Joseph F. Wolesky, the popular and efficient buttermaker of the Steele Center Creamery, was born in Zhor, near Aska Trebova, Bohemia, June 27, 1878. After receiving an education in the old country, he emigrated to the United States at the age of fourteen, locating at Bixby, Minn., and working a year and a half on the farm of P. A. Reichstatter, and then a year for William Boyle, after which he spent eight months on a Summit township farm, subsequently working for Christ Larson in Somerset township. His first creamery experience was next acquired, serving as helper in the same creamery he now operates for eighteen months, and deciding to make this line of work a life profession, he entered a dairy school at St. Anthony Park. Minn., and completed a course in butter and cheese making. He showed his ability to use his knowledge in practice when shortly after returning to Steele county, he started the creamery at River Point and successfully operated it for two years. Leaving here, he conducted the Cooleyville Creamery for a time, and then took charge of the River Point creamery again two years and three months longer, being called to the Steele Center Creamery where he is now giving the best satisfaction to all concerned. As to political convictions, he is a Democrat, and has served as constable. October 10, 1898, he was married to Anna Schuster, daughter of Frank and Anna Schuster, of Bohemia. Three children have been born to this marriage-Lonis. Joseph and Alfred. The family attend the Catholic Church. In addi- tion to their comfortable home near the creamery, Mr. Wolesky owns a residence in Owatonna. Joseph and Frances (Zoufal) Wolesky, parents of our subject are natives of Bohemia, where the father followed his trade as a tailor up to his death, Feb- ruary 28, 1909. The mother is still living in the fatherland. Two children were born to them-Joseph F., our subject; and Frank, a buttermaker at Owatonna. whose wife was formerly Lillie Kubicek. They are stanch supporters of the Catholic Church.
Henry Behne, an energetic and progressive farmer of Steele county, was born in Aurora township, this county, December 18, 1873. His education was acquired in the district schools, after which he worked on a farm for several years, and then rented a farm which he conducted successfully for four years when he acquired his present place. It consists of 120 acres of pro- ductive land, sixty-five of which is under the plow, the remainder being profitably devoted to pasturage and woodland. Dairying is an important factor, cream being sold to a near by creamery at good prices. In politics, he votes absolutely independent of party, giving his support to the man he believes best qualified to serve the people. April 16. 1898, he was married to Elizabeth Kruckeberg, sister of Henry and John Kruckeberg whose
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sketches appear herein. They have five children-Lawrence, Herman, Robert, Helen and Myrtle. The family attend worship at the German Lutheran Church. August and Mary (Ahrns) Behne, parents of Henry, are natives of Hanover, Germany, the father coming to this country at the age of seven years, and locating in Steele county, where, after attaining maturity, he engaged in farming. He is still living in Aurora township with his wife, actively interested in the management of his farm. He is a Democrat, and prominent in the German Lutheran Church, having served as a trustee. Eleven children were born to them, all living except one.
Fred Ahrens, a wide-awake and up-to-date farmer of Steele county, was born in Germany, June 17, 1850. He passed his boyhood and received his education in the fatherland, coming to America with his parents in 1866, and locating in Havana township, Steele county, where he followed farming for a few years with his father. He then purchased eighty acres of the parental homestead, acquiring tracts of wild land from time to time, which he cleared and improved. now owning 640 acres of the best farming land in the county, 520 acres of this being located in sections 28 and 33 in Havana township, and the remaining 120 in section 3. Aurora. Mr. Ahrens is a stanch advocate of scientific, intelligent farming and every acre of his vast estate is utilized to the best advantage. The buildings are all of the most modern type, and in machinery and other equip- ment he is well abreast of the times. Dairying and stock raising are carried on on an extensive scale, having 125 head of cattle, seventeen horses and seven mules, besides a large amount of thoroughbred stock. Mr. Ahrens makes a specialty of breeding Shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hogs, and Shropshire sheep. In politics, he is a supporter of the Republican party, and in spite of his large agricultural interests, he has always found time to take an active part in community affairs. He has served four years as county commissioner during the time the erection of the court house was in progress, and was chairman of the Havana town board four years. The German Lutheran Church numbers him among its loyal followers. June 6, 1875, he was married to Dora Miller, by whom he has seven children-Elvina, now Mrs. Robert Bartsch: Hulda, wife of George Hintz; Bertha, who resides at home: Mary, married to Peter Nelson of Red Wing, Minn .; and William, Robert and Fred H., who live at home. Christopher and Corodena (Myer) Ahrens, parents of Fred, were natives of Germany, coming to this country, in 1866, and locating in Havana township, Steele county, Minnesota, where the father followed farming until his death. The mother is also dead.
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M. T. McCrady was born in Fond Du Lac county, Wisconsin, February 3, 1859, he is a son of Peter and Ellen (Shay) McCrady, his father was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and his mother of Kilkenny, Ireland. His father came to America in 1826, and his mother in 1846, the father first located in St. Lawrence county, New York, from there moved to MeHenry county, Illi- nois, and thence to Wisconsin where he was married in 1853. He came to Steele county, Minnesota, in November, 1866, and located on section 15, in Aurora township, where he bought 160 acres of wild land which he broke and developed, erecting a home and out buildings and followed general farming for the remainder of his life. He died in June, 1894, and the mother died in Feb- ruary, 1901. Mr. McCrady received his education in District No. 13, Aurora township, and then engaged in farming with his father until 1893, when he began to work for himself on the old "Cogswell" farm owned by the Hon. Amos Cogswell, his wife's father. This farm covers 200 acres in sections 9, 10 and 15 of Aurora township. There he has erected his home and out buildings and has greatly improved his land and follows general diversified farming, making a specialty of raising White Leghorn fowls. Mr. McCrady was married June 3, 1893, to Abby Cogs- well, a daughter of Hon. Amos Cogswell. She was born on the farm where she now lives on March 29, 1861. Four children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. McCrady-Francis C., born October 4, 1894; Amos C., born April 21, 1896; Lynn C., born July 11, 1899, died April 11, 1906; and Mark C., born May 2, 1901. The family faith is that of the Catholic and Presbyterian churches. Mr. McCrady is a member of the A. O. U. W. and the M. W. A. He has served his town as assessor for one year, served as clerk for eight years, and has been both treasurer and clerk of School District No. 13. He is a director of the Pratt Rural Telephone Company and was for two years secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He has twice been a delegate to the conventions of the Modern Woodmen of America held at St. Paul in the years 1899 and 1901, and in 1901 was also a delegate to the National Convention of the M. W. A., which was also held in the city of St. Paul. In 1902 he was a delegate to the Republican State Convention held at St. Paul. He is one of Steele county's prosperous and successful farmers and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.
S. D. Morford, a sturdy old pioneer of Steele county, Minne- sota, was born in Ontario township, Wayne county, New York, May 11, 1843. Shortly after his birth his parents removed to Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he received an elementary education in the district schools, concluding his schooling after coming to Owatonna in 1858. War breaking out in 1861, he
1170 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
entered the service of his country in May of the same year, at Owatonna. being formally mustered in as a private in Company G. First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, at Fort Snelling, May 23. 1861. lIe was actively engaged in all the battles of his regiment up to Second Bull Run, bearing arms in the first battle of Bull Run, at Berryville, W. Va., Gainsville, Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Seven Day Battle, Savage Station, Peach Orchard and Mel- bourne Hill, most of these occurring under Mcclellan in the famous Peninsular campaign. During the summer of 1862 he was confined four weeks in a hospital at Harrison's Landing with malarial fever, and while serving in Pope's campaign, he was disabled by a spent ball and honorably discharged May 23, 1864, having proven himself a valiant and courageous soldier and winning the respect of his fellow comrades-in-arms. After leaving the service he returned to Owatonna and gave his attention to farming, later, in 1872, buying an eighty acre farm in Clinton Falls township, on which he remained till 1885, when he disposed of this property and purchased a 120 acre tract in section 20, Havana township. ITere he followed general diversified farming up to the time of his retirement from active work in 1897, having erected new modern buildings throughout, and by application of the principles of scientific agriculture and hard work built up one of the finest farms in the county. He is now living retired at Havana Station, enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. Mr. Morford has ever been a loyal supporter of local enterprises, and served as a member of the board of directors of the Havana Creamery, of which he is still a stockholder, over twelve years, acting as president of the board three years, and as manager eight months during the absence of the regular manager. In politics, he is a supporter of the Republican party, and is actively inter- ested in all that tends for the improvement of the county. He is now serving the community as town clerk. September 24. 1864, he was united in marriage with Tirzah E. Woods, of Som- erset township, Steele county, by whom he has three children- Nellie, a graduate of the State Normal School at Winona, now teaching at Faribault ; Roy D., married to Nellie Hickok, lives at Havana Station, but conducts the old home farm : Gertrude M., a State Normal School graduate, teaches school at Faribault. The family attend the services of the Baptist Church. C. W. and Mary A. (Dwight) Morford, parents of our subject, were natives of New York and Massachusetts, respectively. After the death of the mother in New York, 1843, the father migrated west with his family, settling in Dodge county, Wisconsin, and engaging in farming, encountering the usual hardships and priva- tions of those pioneer days. He also devoted a large share of
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his time to his trade as a carpenter, doing the first work in his line on the Waupun state prison. His decease occurred in 1857.
John Kruckeberg, a prosperous farmer of Aurora township, Steele county, his birthplace, was born September 29, 1860. After receiving what education he could from the pioneer district schools, lie engaged in farming with his father, now owning the old homestead consisting of 480 acres, 150 of which is under cultivation. In addition to general farming, stock raising and dairying is carried on very successfully, a large herd of high bred Durham and Shorthorn cattle supplying milk of a quality which commands top prices at a neighboring creamery. Poland- China hogs crossed with Duroc Jerseys are a paying factor. All improvements tending to facilitate up-to-date and economical farming have been added. A commodious, modern barn, and a beautiful dwelling house are conspicuous. As to political con- victions, he is a Republican, and has served in numerous school offices, and six years on the town board, one term as chairman. On January 3, 1883, he was married to Emelia Ohrmann, daugh- ter of William and Sophia (Behne) Ohrmann, by whom he has eight children, all living at home: George, John. Erna, Lydia, Arnold, Emelia, Nettie and Alfred. The family are loyal attend- ants of the Lutheran Church. Fred and Sophia ( Meyer) Krucke- berg, parents of our subject, came from Hessen, Germany, in 1854, locating in Illinois for a short time and then in Aurora township, Steele county, Minnesota, where the father home- steaded eighty acres of land, gradually adding to this until at one time he owned over 1,000 acres. He died in 1894, and the mother in 1892. Thirteen children were born to them, ten still living.
Samuel S. Hanson, was born in Lemond township, Steele county, on April 6, 1881, where he received his education. After gaining his schooling. Samuel engaged in farming with his father until September 1, 1906, when he came to Ellendale village and went into the livery business, which he conducted up to July 16, 1910. Mr. Hanson met with success in his light and heavy livery and draying business. He runs an automobile in connection with his livery, is now general agent for the Northwestern National Life Insurance Company, of Minneapolis. Mr. Hanson was married to Julia Jacobson on June 11, 1903, and their home has been made bright with five children-Elsie, who died in infancy: Stanley, Joyce, Lester, Clayton, all at home. The subject of this sketch is a Republican politically, and religiously affiliates with the Norwegian Lutheran Church. He has made his success in life by his own hard work and is a good citizen, respected by his home village. Seming Hanson and Emma, his wife, parents of Samuel S. Hanson, are natives of Norway,
1172 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
coming to America and locating in Steele county in 1860. Mr. Hanson engaged in farming until 1902, when he retired from active life.
Fred E. Ribstein, a well known farmer of Merton township. Steele county, was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, At the age of six he came to Steele county with his parents, receiving his education in the district schools. After school, he assisted his father in the working of the home farm for a while, and then engaged in farming on his own account, now having a highly productive tract of 360 acres most of which is under cultivation. In addition to general farming, dairying and stock raising are important factors. Durham cattle and Percheron horses being specialties. All modern equipment and up-to-date buildings are found here. In politics he is a stanch adherent of the Republican party, actively interested in local affairs, having served on the town board, part of the time as chairman. The Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America number him among their loyal members. Fred and Sophia (Smith ) Ribstein. parents of our subject, were natives of Germany, the father a carpenter by trade. Coming to this country about 1850, he located at Ithaca, N. Y .. continuing at his trade here and after his removal to Dodge county, Wisconsin. Migrating to this county about 1868, he purchased land and engaged in farming up to the time of his death which occurred in 1892. The mother passed away a year later. Nine children were born to them, five of whom are living : Lou, a hardware merchant at Bruce, S. D. : Frank, a wheat buyer, also located at Bruce, S. D .; Edward, in the hardware business in Idaho: Flora, wife of Henry Partridge. of Kenyon, Minn .; and Fred, our subject. The family attend the Lutheran Church.
Joseph Simon, of Aurora township, was born in Austria, Jan- uary 20, 1867. His parents, John and Barbara Simon, both lived and died in the old country. Joseph spent his boyhood in Austria where he received his education. At eighteen years of age, lured by the call of America and the freedom and oppor- tunities it offered, Joseph came to the United States and located at Faribault. Here he remained until 1892, employed by Donald Grant. In that year he purchased 146 acres of wild land in section 28, Aurora township. Steele county, and with his wife located his home there. Here he has since lived. The unbroken prairie. under his industrious management. became fertile, cultivated acres. In 1907 new buildings were erected, including a barn 28 × 70 feet in size. He follows diversified farming and is a stockholder in Oak Glen Creamery. In politics, he is a Repub- lican and in his religious affiliations an adherent of the Catholic Church. On March 23, 1892, Joseph Simon was married to Mary
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1173
Haberman who was run over and killed by a railroad train while taking cream to the creamery on the crossing of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, at Bixby, Minn., September 12, 1903. Mr. Simon was united in marriage on November 20, 1904, to Anna Palinka. Seven children bless his home. Four by his first marriage: John, George, Mollie and Edward. Three by his present wife: Freda, Joseph and Mary.
Wm. Lonergan came to Berlin township in 1857, where he acquired over a section of land that is now owned by his sons, Peter A., Maurice J., H. Robert and Mrs. J. F. Lonergan. His other son, Wm. P., is at present living in Alberta, Canada, where he has two large farms and is engaged in ranching. Mr. Loner- gan has three daughters-Mrs. L. P. Devlin, of Bristol, Wis .; Mrs. F. C. Annett, of New Richland. Minn., and Sister Claudia, of the Winona Seminary, Winona, Minn.
William Hegland, a prosperous farmer of Merton township, Steele county, is a native of Goodhue county, his natal date being December 8, 1872. While still in his infancy, his parents removed to Steele county, locating on the farm he now operates. After receiving his education in the district schools, he assisted his father for a time on the home farm, and ever since has been engaged in general farming with the exception of four years spent in Duluth running a dray line. In 1904 he purchased his present farm, consisting of 200 acres all under cultivation and well improved by his father and self. Holstein cattle, Poland- China hogs and Percheron horses contribute heavily to the suc- cess of the farm. In politics he inclines toward the tenets of the Democratic party, but casts his ballot as he considers for the best interests of the community. He was married November 3. 1904, to Randi Strandemo, daughter of E. Strandemo, of Elling- ton, Dodge county. They have two children-Edroy Tillman and Grace Angeline. The family are prominent in the Nor- wegian Lutheran Church, the father now serving as secretary. T. A. and Anna Hegland, parents of our subject, were born and raised in Norway, the family emigrating to this country in 1871 and locating in Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he followed his trade as a carpenter for five years. He then removed to Steele county, buying the farm his son, William, now occupies, conducting the farm and doing carpenter work until his death in 1904. The mother is still living. Nine children were born to them, all living: Ella is married to Peter Ruen who lives in Kenyon; Jennie is a dressmaker in Minneapolis; Annon is a clothing merchant of Duluth; Mary is married to Charles Jacob- son, a Steele county farmer ; William, our subject ; George con- ducts a general merchandise store in North Dakota : James has a harness shop at Minneapolis; Tilla is a missionary, located at
1144 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Madagascar ; and Martin is a professor, a graduate of the United Lutheran Church theological school at Hamline, and a minister of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.
Edward R. Webster, a hard working and enterprising farmer of Clinton Falls township, Steele county, was born in Aurora township, this county, December 12, 1872. His education was received in the public schools of Aurora and Owatonna, subse- quently engaging in farming in which he has had unusual suc- cess. His present place is one of the best improved in the county. consisting of 310 acres practically all under cultivation. Holstein cattle and thoroughbred Belgian horses contribute to the profits. As to political convictions he believes in voting for the man best fitted for the office, regardless of his party affiliations. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows counts him a loyal brother. December 29, 1899, he was married to Fanny Schultz, daughter of D. C. Schultz, of Clinton Falls. Four children have been born to them, who, named in order of ages, are: Harlan, Pearl, Leon and Gilbert. The family attend worship at the Presbyterian Church. Richard and Fanny (Connor) Webster, parents of Edward R., were natives of Portsmouth, N. 11., and Ireland, respectively. The father was a carpenter by trade, working in the navy yards of Portsmouth for four years. He received an honorable discharge. In 1855 he immigrated west, locating in Dixon, Lee county, and engaging in farming. Two years later he removed to Aurora township, Steele county, being one of the pioneer settlers, and purchased a homesteader's rights, following farming up to his death, April 25, 1898. In politics he supported the Republican party. Four of the nine children born to his wife are living. Abbie, wife of Lewis Johnson, a hardware mer- chant, of Beltrami county, Minnesota: Jennie S., teaching at Yakima, Wash .; Fannie E., living at home; and Edward R., the subject of this sketch.
Albert A. Peterson, of Blooming Prairie, was born in Austin, Minn., January 28, 1872, son of George A. and Isabella (Sletter) Peterson, natives of Wisconsin, of Norwegian parentage. The father is a prominent farmer of Dodge county, Minnesota. He is secretary of the A. Solberg Lumber Company, of Blooming Prairie, and director of the Farmer & Merchant State Bank. Albert received his early education in the public and high schools of Blooming Prairie, which was supplemented with a course at the Pillsbury Academy of Owatonna, from which institution he graduated in 1895. Leaving school he took up agricultural pursuits for a few years, he then went into the telephone industry. In 1901, he organized the Steele County Telephone Company of Blooming Prairie, becoming its president and general manager, which position he has since filled. Mr. Peterson has worked up
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