History of Stearns County, Minnesota, Volume II, Part 47

Author: Mitchell, William Bell, 1843-
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago : H. S. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1110

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Helmet I. Glenz, an active young farmer of Lake Henry township, was born on the old homestead, just over the line in Roseville township, Kandiyohi county, September 18, 1888. He attended the district schools and was thor- oughly taught the business of a farmer. On October, 1912, he married Lydia Marquard, the daughter of August Marquard, and rented the Marquard homestead of 160 acres. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical church.

Ernst Emil Kurth, a farmer of section 36, Lake Henry, was born Decem- ber 31, 1884, son of Ernst and Amelia (Koler) Kurth. He was born in a log cabin on the home place, and has remained with his father. As a youth he attended district school, and all his interests have been along agricul- tural lines. In 1907 he took over the active management of the farm. His 200 acres includes the homestead taken by his father. He lives in the house erected by his father. The barn was built by himself. He raises general crops, has a nice little orchard, and makes a specialty of full-blooded Jersey cattle and good grade swine. Mr. Kurth was married June 6, 1907, to Martha Schwartz, daughter of Lewis Schwartz, of Kandiyohi county. They have one child, Verona. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Church.

Ernst Kurth was born in Germany, March 20, 1836, son of Christian and Mary (Krueger) Kurth, who spent the span of their years in Germany. He came to the United States in 1863 and located in Racine, Wis. From that city he came to Stearns county in 1877, and settled on 160 acres of wild land in Lake Henry township. They built a log cabin and a barn with a straw roof, and began farming with an ox team. Like his neighbors, he pros- pered and became a prominent man. He was married in Wisconsin to Minnie Koler, and they had nine children. She died in 1883. In 1885 he married Amelia Koler, a cousin of his first wife, and by this union there was born one son, Ernst Emil, now operating the home farm. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Church.

Michael Kraemer, a farmer of Lake Henry township, was born in Ba- varia, Germany, April 14, 1849, son of Michael, Sr., and Margaret (Searl) Kraemer. Michael Kraemer, Sr., with his wife, and son Michael, left Germany in 1851, on a sailing vessel, the voyage to America consuming two months. For about six months the family lived at St. Louis, Mo., and then located in

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Keokuk county, Iowa for two years. Subsequently they came to Minnesota in 1856, and secured a claim of 160 acres in section 14, Lake Henry town- ship. The claim was in the wilderness with no roads and almost no trails. They built a log cabin and a log barn and started farming with a yoke of oxen and a cow. Their wagon was a crude affair with wooden axles. But with the passing of the years they prospered with the community. The father died in 1906 at the age of eighty-eight. The mother died in 1898 at the age of seventy-six. They had four children, Michael, who came here with them, and Margaret, George and Jacob, born in Lake Henry township. Michael remained with his parents until 1882. Then for twelve years he was post- master and hotel-keeper at Lake Henry village. He now devotes his time to farming. He owns 660 acres of good land, has erected some splendid build- ings, and is a successful man in every way. He has various interests in the village of Lake Henry, and is a stockholder in the Lake Henry Farmers' Creamery. Mr. Kraemer was married in 1881 to Hedwig Micholetz, a native of Austria-Hungary, who died in February, 1912, at the age of fifty-seven. In the family there are five children: Jacob, Nicholas, Michael, John and George.

Charles Kruger was born in Prussia, Germany, February 14, 1848, son of William and Johanna (Grouse) Kruger, the former of whom was a wagon maker by trade. In the family there were four children: Louisa, Herman, Charles and Robert. Charles and Herman came to America in 1866, and located in Racine, Wis. Some three years later they made a trip to Minne- sota, finally reaching Paynesville, where they spent about a year. Then they went back to Racine. In 1868, the parents and the rest of the family came to Racine. It was about 1871 when Charles again set out for Minne- sota. Upon reaching Minnesota, he settled on 220 acres of land in Lake Henry township, this county. Some of this land had been improved, and on it was a log house and a shed. Mr. Kruger devoted most of his time for the next thirty years or so, in developing this farm. His worth was recog- nized, and he was for two years one of the supervisors of the township. He also took an active part in the affairs of the Grove Evangelical Church. The Farmers' Creamery at Paynesville received his support and encourage- ment. After bringing his Lake Henry farm to a high stage of improvement he bought land in Roseville, Kandiyohi county, and built a new house and barn thereon. In 1907 they retired and moved to Paynesville, where they still reside. The parents of Charles Kruger came to Stearns county from Racine, Wis., and farmed near Paynesville in Paynesville township. The father died in 1908 at the age of eighty-five. The mother died many years ago at the age of sixty.

Charles Kruger was married in 1871 to Amelia Hemple, who was born in Prussia, Germany, December 2, 1853, daughter of John and Caroline Hemple, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Hemple came to America in 1854, with their three children, William, Charles and Amelia. They located in Racine, Wis., where another child, John, was born. In 1870 they came to Stearns county and located in Lake Henry township. Mr. Hemple died in 1888 at the age of seventy-two. His wife died a few years later at the age of seventy-

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HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY

eight. Charles Kruger and his wife had seven children. Two died in infancy. Edward, William and Albert live in Paynesville. Walter lives on the old homestead in Lake Henry township. Benjamin F. lives with his parents. Walter Kruger is one of the prosperous and progressive men of his town- ship. He was born on the place in Lake Henry township where he still lives, in 1879, was educated in the district schools and was reared to farm pursuits. He was married in 1907 to Helena L. Glenz, of Roseville township, Kandiyohi county, and they have three children, Raymond, Milton and Ethel.

Frederick William Manz, proprietor of the Evergreen farm, in section 35, Lake Henry township, was born February 17, 1874, on the old homestead in section 30, Zion township, son of Herman Ludwick and Amelia (Ladwig) Manz, the pioneers. He received a good education in the public schools, and learned farming from his father. He now lives on the place which his father purchased many years ago. The hedge which his father planted from seeds imported from Germany of the German forest pine variety is still standing, and the old log cabin which his father erected is still in use. As a residence, however, the cabin has been replaced by a modern frame dwelling; and com- modious and well-equipped barns take the place of the original straw shed. Mr. Manz takes great pride in the appearance of his farm, his home, his barn, his granary and his other buildings. He does general farming and makes a specialty of grade Holstein cows, and pure blooded Rhode Island Red poultry. He also makes a specialty of raising Norway poplar trees, evergreens, strawberries, raspberries and gladiolus, both for home and com- mercial use, and is a pioneer in establishing a large commercial orchard.

Mr. Manz is a director in the Zion-Paynesville Farmers' Telephone Co., and in the Paynesville Farmers' Elevator Co. He is a trustee of the Grove Evangelical Association Congregation, whose church is located in section 36, Lake Henry township. He is also state director of the American Society of Equity, a farmer organization made up of national, state, county and local unions, and stands for the intellectual, the moral and the social uplift and better business side of farming by securing profitable prices for all farm prod- ucts by closer co-operation between the producer and the consumer. Fred- erick William Manz was married in 1895 to Anna Schneider, born in Ba- varia, Germany, January 13, 1878, daughter of August and Anna Schneider. August Schneider, and his wife, with their two children Charles W. and Anna, came to the United States in 1879. Another child, Walter, was born after their arrival. Upon coming to America the family lived in Frontenac, Minnesota, and later took up their residence in St. Paul. Mr. and Mrs. Manz have four children: Margaret, born August 7, 1906; Marcella, born May 18, 1908; Dorothea, born July 25, 1909, and Hildred, born March 8, 1914.

Emmett E. Nehring, a successful farmer living on section 36, Lake Henry township, was born on the place where he still resides, February 4, 1881, son of William and Bertha T. (Wagner) Nehring. He attended the district schools, and has devoted his mature years to farming. He has taken an in- terest in the growth of his community, and has served for many years as school clerk of District 112. He married Adelia Hoeft, born in Lake Henry

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HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY

township, a daughter of William Hoeft, now of Paynesville. Mr. and Mrs. Nehring have one child, Luverna.

William Nehring was born in Germany, April 16, 1852. His parents brought him to Wisconsin at the age of three years, and to Stearns county at the age of twelve. He attended the district schools and learned agri- cultural pursuits from his father. After his marriage, he and his wife located on 120 acres in section 36, Lake Henry township. To this they afterward added eighty acres more. Mr. Nehring held several town and school offices. The creamery, in which he held stock, found him an ardent supporter. He held office in the Grove Evangelical Congregation Church, and was one of its earnest workers. The children born to him and his wife are: Selma (deceased), Emmet E., who operates the home place; Helen M., the wife of E. E. Finger; and Phylis, who lives at home. Oscar, an adopted son, is a graduate of a business college at Minneapolis.

Mr. Nehring married Bertha T. Wagner, born in Otter Tail county, daughter of Charles G. and Bertha (Miller) Wagner, who came from Ger- many in 1868 with their two children, Oscar and Bertha T., and after living for a short time in Ohio, settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota.

William C. Wendlandt, a prosperous farmer of Lake Henry township, was born on the old homestead in section 1, Roseville township, Kandiyohi county, Minn., September 28, 1878, son of Christian F. and Gusta (Leibrenz) Wendlandt. At the age of twenty-one, he secured his present farm in section 33, Lake Henry. On this property, in 1905, he erected a modern home, and in 1909 a splendid barn. He carries on general farming along the latest im- proved lines, and makes a specialty of full blooded Holstein cattle. His horses, swine and poultry are all of good blood. Mr. Wendlandt is a popular man in the community. A Republican in politics, he has been justice of the peace and school officer. He is a stockholder in the Elevator Company, and in the Zion Mutual Telephone Company. He is also an accomplished musician, and has served for some years as secretary of the Poplar Grove Cornet band.

Mr. Wendlandt was married in 1905 to Mary Rein, and they have three children, Edna, Elverna and Millard.

Christian F. Wendlandt was born in Pomerania, Germany, August 15, 1850, son of Michael and Johanna Wendlandt, who brought their two sons, Johan and Christian F., to America in 1866, and after living two months in Wisconsin secured a homestead of 160 acres in Zion township, Stearns county. Christian F. remained with his parents for a while, and later secured a farm over the line in section 1, Roseville township. For a time he was storekeeper and postmaster at Paynesville. He was an office holder in both Kandiyohi and Stearns counties, being a town official in one and a highway official in the other. He married Gusta Leibrenz, who with her brothers and sisters was brought to Stearns county from Germany by her mother. Mr. and Mrs. Chris- tian F. Wendlandt have nine children: William C., Emil Aug., Henry H., John, Edward, Aaron O., Selma, Lena and Amanda. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Church.

John Ahles, a pioneer farmer, living on section 15, Rockville township, was born in Prussia, Germany, June 7, 1836, son of Mathew and Margaret

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HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY

Ahles. In the family of Mathew and Margaret Ahles were seven boys and one girl. Mathew, the oldest son, was the first to come to America. The father, Mathew, died in Germany, and the mother, Margaret, brought the remainder of her family to America. She became a respected resident of Rockville, and died at the good old age of eighty. John Ahles was but eighteen years of age when he came to America with his mother in 1854. The voyage was a long, tedious one, made in a sailing vessel. For a time, the subject of this mention lived in Kenosha, Wis. Then he went to Illinois. In 1865 he came to Stearns county and located a farm on section 15, Rock- ville. A part of his 16 by 24 log house is still standing, and is used as a part of a stable. For fifteen years Mr. Ahles did his work on the farm with the assistance of an ox team. Aside from this ox team, his stock originally con- sisted of one cow, which he purchased at the price of $50. Mr. Ahles has be- come a successful man, and has raised a splendid family of children. He is well thought of throughout the community, and his fellow citizens have hon- ored him by electing him to such positions as town clerk and assessor. John Ahles married Lucy Bauer, born in Germany, the daughter of Gottlieb Bauer, the pioneer. She died in July, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. John Ahles have had fifteen children: Gotthard, July 2, 1867 (deceased) ; Margaretha, January 30, 1869 ; Matthias, February 10, 1870; Johannes, March 29, 1871; Paul, March 26, 1872; Gertrude, September 20, 1873 (deceased) ; Gotthard, January 3, 1875, Maria, March 4, 1876; Joseph, December 30, 1878; Christopher, March 1, 1880; Anna Marie, May 27, 1881; Lucy, July 15, 1882; Franz Joseph, March 8, 1884 (deceased) ; Peter, June 3, 1885; Nicholas, March 23, 1887. The mother, Mrs. Lucy Bauer Ahles, came to Stearns county in 1857. She remem- bers when St. Cloud was a small village, and tells of the days of the Indian massacre, when the people took refuge in the various stockades.

John Clark, managing partner of the firm of Clark & McCormack, gran- ite workers of Rockville, was born in Scotland, October 17, 1859, son of Alex- ander and Isabella (Hendry) Clark. Alexander Clark, the father, was born in Scotland. In 1854 he came to Canada, and was employed as a bridge- builder. In 1856 he went back to Scotland, where he remained until 1881. In that year, Alexander Clark, with two of his children, John and Eliza, came to the United States. After landing at New York, the two men worked as stone-cutters at Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio. Then they again returned to Scotland. Upon once more reaching the United States, the father, Alex- ander, and the son, John, worked again for a while at Cleveland and Youngs- town, Ohio, and then went to Stratford, Ontario, Canada. There the family located on fifty acres of land, while the men worked in various places. John, the subject of this mention, while still at home, worked as a stone-cutter in Detroit, Cleveland, and other places, and from his earnings was enabled to add 100 acres to the home place. In 1886 he secured a situation as assistant foreman for Matthew Breen, at St. Paul. In this position he assisted in getting out the stone for many important buildings in St. Paul and Minne- apolis. After the death of Mr. Breen he opened up what are now the Benzie & Campbell quarries in St. Cloud. During this period he got out stone for many St. Paul buildings, including the postoffice. In the spring of 1903 he

JOHN CLARK

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HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY

became vice-president of the P. M. Hennessy Construction Co. While with this company he assisted in building the United States fort located at Bis- marck, North Dakota. April 13, 1907, he and John B. McCormack withdrew from the firm and the partnership of Clark & McCormack was formed. The company opened quarries in Rockville, and has been the most important fac- tor in the upbuilding of the village. Offices are maintained at 138 East Sixth street, St. Paul, and the partners own three different quarries, making in all over 100 acres. The plant at Rockville is 350 by 40 feet, and about 100 men are employed there. The company also has a large two-story hotel for the accommodation of their employees. Over these extensive interests, Mr. Clark has a watchful eye. For twenty-seven years before engaging in busi- ness for himself he was employed by but two concerns. His long experience has made him a master of the granite-working industry and he has made a most decided success of life. Rockville counts him as one of its most useful citizens. He has been chairman of the school board for some three years and in this as in everything else, he has done good service.

Mr. Clark married Mary Alice Hamilton, and they have seven chil- dren: Alexander, John Gordon, Helen, Isabella, Donald Grant, Thomas, and an unnamed deceased infant. The family faith is that of the Central Pres- byterian Church at St. Paul.

William Hansen, a prominent and progressive farmer, residing in section 7, Rockville township, was born on the place where he still resides, the son of Matthew and Katherine (Fuchs) Hansen. He was reared on the home place, received a good education in the public schools, and became a success- ful farmer. He owns 240 acres of land and carries on general farming and dairying along the latest approved lines. Among the many improvements on his place may be mentioned a new barn, 32 by 72, constructed with a ce- ment floor, and equipped with patent stanchions. Mr. Hansen married Mag- dalena Statz and has five children: Matthew, Frank, William, Nicholas and Aloysius.

Mathew Hansen was born in Prussia, Germany, and as a young man came to Rockville township in the fifties. He took up 160 acres of land, broke the ground, erected a log cabin, and started to hew his fortunes out of the wilderness. Assisted by a team of oxen, he developed the place into a modern farm. In his latter years he delighted in telling stories of the early days when the Indians were still here, and when the pioneers must travel to St. Paul for provisions. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted, and served throughout the conflict. A devout Catholic in religion, he was one of those who assisted in the building of St. James Church on Jacob's Prairie. For two years he lived in Cold Spring. In February, 1898, he died at the old homestead at the age of sixty-eight. His wife died in 1889 at the age of forty-five. They had twelve children.

Frank Herzog, teacher and organist in the village of Rockville, Stearns county, was born November 24, 1891, fourth son of Frank H. Herzog and Elisabeth Blommel. Both his father and mother were born at Damme, Olden- burg, emigrating to this country when they were married. They purchased a farm in section 17, township of Millwood, which they still occupy. Frank

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Herzog has the following brothers and sisters: Joseph A., who is the cashier of the Sleepy Eye State Bank ; Ben A., teacher and organist at St. Rosa ; John, who farms in section 34, township 127, Millwood; Rose, now Mrs. Frank Meyer; and Agnes, Willie, Leo, Christine, Hildegard, and Bertha, who all still live at the parental home. Frank Herzog, the subject of this sketch received his primary education at the St. Rosa school, finishing the grades under Henry Stoetzel who was his teacher for many years. Being excep- tionally talented for music he early acquired ability on the organ sufficiently to be able to play for church services when only eleven years of age. He, at the age of fourteen, began attending the St. Cloud Normal School, fitting him- self for his chosen vocation as a teacher. He taught his first school in dis- trict No. 73, township of Melrose; thereafter he filled the position as princi- pal and organist at St. Anthony, Stearns county, for two terms. He after- wards taught three years in District 164, town of Melrose, becoming principal of the village school at Rockville in the fall of 1913. As principal of this village school he has one assistant.

Michael Hansen, Sr., an early resident of Rockville, and for five years a soldier in the armies of Napoleon Bonaparte, was born in Luxemburg in 1784, there spent nearly all his life, came to America in 1857 with his good wife, and spent the remainder of his days with their son, Michael, Jr., of sec- tion 16, Rockville township this county, dying January 23, 1872. He married Marie Molitor, who was born in 1796, and died at the home of her son, Michael, Jr., November 1, 1858, not long after her arrival in this country.

Michael Hansen, Jr., one of the pioneers of Stearns county, now deceased, was born in the Province of the Rhine, Prussia, Germany, December 16, 1811. He attended the schools of his native land, and was employed on his father's farm until about thirty-two years of age. In 1852 he came to America, and located in Illinois, where he remained for three years. In 1855 he came to Min- nesota, and located on 160 acres in section 16, Rockville township. A thrilling volume could be written of this hegira. Packing his goods on a wagon at Rock- ville, Ill., and bidding good-bye to his friends there, he started with his family for the Northwest. The wagon was drawn by a yoke of oxen. Aside from the oxen and the household goods, his earthly possessions consisted of a herd of twenty cattle, possibly the largest herd brought into Stearns county in the pioneer days. In these days it is hard to picture that trip over the track- less wastes. Forests must be traveled, swamps traversed, rivers forded, and hills climbed. Part of the way there were no trails. Often the members of the family were up to their necks in water, often it seemed impossible to get the wagon out of the mire, and the feeding and managing of the herd became at times a serious problem. The family slept in the wagons, and did their cooking along the way. At last, five weeks after leaving Rockville, Ill., they arrived, as noted in Rockville, Minnesota. They erected a log cabin, broke and cleared the land, and experienced all the hardships of pioneer life. Indians were plentiful and unfriendly, and times were hard. But as the years passed, the family prospered. Mr. Hansen built a fine home and other buildings, and added to his holdings until he owned 240 acres. He was chair- man of the first town board of his township, and subsequently, at different.

MICHAEL HANSEN'S CABIN, ROCKVILLE, 1856.

MANY YEARS AGO.

PIERRE HANSEN AND MICHAEL HANSEN

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times, held nearly all the local town and school offices. For eighteen years he did excellent service as county commissioner. He died April 18, 1882.

Michael Hansen was married February 11, 1840, to Mary J. Borman, who was born in Prussia, March 1, 1817, and died in Rockville, this county, October 1, 1887. They had four children: Susanna (now deceased) ; Pierre, better known as Peter, of Rockville township; Mary (deceased) ; and Hubert, of St. Cloud.

Pierre Hansen, better known as Peter Hansen, one of the pioneer set- tlers of Stearns county, was born in the Province of the Rhine, Prussia, July 9, 1847, son of Michael, Jr., and Mary J. (Borman) Hansen. Pierre, as a boy, came to America in 1852, with his parents, and in 1855 accompanied them on their now-historic trip through the wilderness from Rockville, Ill., to Rockville township, this county, where they secured a farm of 160 acres in section 16. It was on this farm that Pierre spent his later boyhood, receiving such education as the pioneer schools of the day afforded. As he matured in years he became associated with his father in agricultural pursuits. After his father's death in 1882, he purchased the home farm of 240 acres. He worked early and late, made many improvements on the farm, and has added to his holdings from time to time until the home place now consists of 840 acres. Aside from this he has another farm of 220 acres in section 35, in the same township. Both farms are fully equipped with buildings, stock and implements, and speak in themselves as to the thrift and good judgment of their proud possessor. Mr. Hansen has taken an active part and interest in the affairs of the town and county, and for six years served as a member of the school board of his district. On June 1, 1874, he was united in marriage to Marie Classen, who was born in Luxemburg, December 26, 1853, and came to America in 1872. To Mr. and Mrs. Hansen eleven children have been born. Mamie was born June 22, 1875, and died November 11, 1883. Leo H. R. was born October 1, 1878, and lives in St. Paul. Charles was born August 5, 1877, and died July 25, 1907. Jennie was born January 11, 1880, and died November 11, 1883. John Pierre was born October 10, 1881, and died De- cember 3, 1883. Mary J. was born December 10, 1883, and is now Sister Bernadette, O. S. B. Leona was born September 1, 1886. Harry was born July 15, 1888, and is associated with his father on the farm. He is president of the Farmers' Club, of Rockville. Pierre, Jr., born June 13, 1890, is now Rev. Father Leo, at St. Martin's College, Lacy, Washington. Aloysius, born April 5, 1892, and Secunda, born October 19, 1893, are at home. Pierre and Susanna (Wengler) Classen, parents of Mrs. Pierre Hansen, were both born in Luxemburg, he in 1807 and she in 1817. Both died in their native country, he, July 16, 1878, and she, January 23, 1893. They were the parents of three children : Marie, now Mrs. Pierre Hansen, of Rockville; Mary, now Mrs. John Gregory, of Rockville; and Mathias, who still resides in the old country.

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History of Stearns County, Minnesota, Volume II, Part 47

Author: Mitchell, William Bell, 1843- Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Chicago : H. S. Cooper Number of Pages: 1110

Author: Mitchell, William Bell, 1843-
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago : H. S. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1110