USA > Minnesota > Wright County > History of Wright County, Minnesota > Part 35
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61
303
HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY
sity, at Collegeville, this state, one year. September 17, 1913, he married Marie Remshardt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Remshardt, of Red Wing, Minn. Mr. Burrows is a member of Buffalo Lodge No. 141, I. O. O. F. Mr. and Mrs. George Burrows occupied a position of mueh trust and respeet. Mrs. Burrows has served on the board of education for the past six years, having the honor of being elected president of that organization five years in sueeession. She was also president of the Ladies' Ilis- torieal Club for three years, and a member of the Library Board. Mr. Burrows was leader of the Buffalo Cornet band for a number of years, and also took an active part in many home talent enter- tainments. Standing as he did in the community, it was natural that he should be called to serve three years as eity reeorder and two years as mayor. It was through his untiring efforts that the eleetrie light plant was installed during his administration. llis residenee in Buffalo is one of the most sightly and best loeated homes in the city. Mr. Burrows was a great lover of musie, of his home life, and of Buffalo. Ile died May 19, 1914, and his death was sincerely mourned.
Swan E. Bratt, a prosperous contractor and earpenter of Buf- falo, was born in Sweden, June 3, 1862, a son of Eriek Erickson and Christina Larson, who spent the span of their years in the old country. Erick Eriekson was a builder, and erected many of the dwellings in his native town. He was twice married. By his first wife he had two children, Eriek and Peter, and by his second wife, three children, Carrie, Stena and Swan E. Swan E. was the only one of the family to come to America. He was reared in his native land, thoroughly learned the building trades from his father, and in 1886 eame to Buffalo, where he has since re- sided. Times were hard and at first it was almost impossible for him to get work in the building line. In faet, it was nearly two years before he got started. But after he seeured his first work, his rise was rapid. He is a thorough master of the building trades, being a general meehanie, woodworker and finisher. When he takes a contraet for a house he starts with a hole in the ground, and turns the house over to the owner ready for oeeu- paney. He has erected some of the best buildings in Buffalo and hundreds of more throughout the county. The buildings occupied by the Nelson hardware store, the Sternberg general store, the Rettke confectionery and jewelry store, the Ellis hard- ware store, the Fryburg general store, the Berkland store and the Smidt store all stand as monuments to his building ability and fidelity. He did the earpenter work on the postoffice build- ing at Buffalo and erected the Montrose Farmers' Co-Operative Store. He ereeted and at one time owned the Lamson, Ling- berg, Sehmidt and Almes residenees. Among other dwellings built by him may be mentioned those of the Messrs. Saiders,
304
HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY
Dahlstrom, Kirkpatrick, Adams, Nelson, Frisk, Viekstrum, Ber- quist, Sudines, Rettke, Templeans, Norman, Lingstrum, Grant, Peterson, Anderson, Swenson, Dickson, Illstrup, Westphal, Sunt, A. Nordberg, A. G. Nordberg, Mccullough and many others. The Methodist and Presbyterian parsonages and the Free Mission Church, of Buffalo, are also his work. Mr. Bratt was married in 1893 to Mary Olson, born in Sweden, March 12, 1861, daughter of Olof and Gertrude (Larson) Olson. Mr. and Mrs. Bratt have five children, Erick Hiram (deceased), Walter, Harold, Clarence and Leonard. Olof Olson died in Sweden, leaving a widow and three children, Walberg, Christine and Mary. The widow mar- ried John Erickson, who brought the family to Buffalo in 1868. He died here, but she is still living at the good old age of eighty- four, and lives with Mr. Bratt. The family are members of Swedish Mission Church, of which Mr. Bratt is one of the trustees. Mr. Bratt has a very beautiful home, which he built in 1902, with all modern conveniences, and a large sloping lawn with a fine evergreen hedge, overlooking Buffalo Lake.
John H. Beutner, proprietor of the Owl Drug Store at Buffalo, is one of the leading business men of the city. His selection of this place as a location showed his strong faith in its future, and that faith has been more than justified. John Bentner was born in Winona, Minn., February 27, 1878, son of Peter and Bertha (Klyee) Beutner. Peter Beutner was by trade a painter and decorator. He was born in Wisconsin, and there married Bertha Klyce, a native of the same state. In the seventies they located in Winona, where he died in 1914 at the age of fifty-nine years, and where she still resides. The children in the family were : John, Henry, Romey, Etta, Philip, Lillian and Herbert. John, the oldest of this family, was educated in the graded and high schools of Winona. After graduating from the latter institu- tion, he entered the drug store of J. W. Lauer, in that city, and worked for three years. Then he entered the School of Pharmacy in Minneapolis, graduating in 1896. With this preparation, he returned to Winona and entered the employ of Frank Pittman, wholesale chemist. Four years later he went to Minneapolis, and for five years was in the preseription department of T. K. Gray & Co., wholesale and retail druggists. During all of these years he kept in mind his resolve to enter in business for himself, and at last the opportunity was presented. He had heard much of Wright county, and decided that Buffalo was a coming busi- ness center. Accordingly he came here in 1907 and opened a drug store which he named "The Owl." His success was assured from the very start. ITis stock is large and well-selected, and consists of drugs, chemicals and medieines of the best and purest nature, stationery, cigars, toilet articles, temperance drinks and novelties. Ile is a registered pharmacist, and prescriptions are
FRANK BANNOCHIE
305
HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY
compounded with the greatest care and accuracy. The store is housed in a sightly, sanitary, light and airy structure, most ad- mirably adapted to its purpose. The neat soda fountain does a large business. Aside from being skilled in his profession and a good business man, Mr. Beutner is a most pleasant and affable gentleman, and a general favorite among his friends. He is one of those men who have "made good," and his sueeess is well deserved. Mr. Beutner is a member of the I. O. O. F., the M. W. A. and the Buffalo Commercial Club. Mr. Beutner was married September 20, 1900, to Mamie Myrtle Mulford, of Winona, daugh- ter of Charles and Emma Colvin. There are three children in the family, Harry, Rayburn and Marjorie. Mrs. Beutner is a member of the Buffalo Lodge of Rebekahs. Her father, Charles Colvin, is a druggist in Portland, Ore.
Frank Bannochie, the popular and genial proprietor of the Lake Pulaski House, on the shores of beautiful Lake Pulaski, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, March 19, 1863, son of Alexander and Agnes (Smith) Bannoehie. Alexander Bannochie was a eattle buyer in Scotland. He was the father of eight children, Frank, Alexander, Jr., William, Agnes, Elizabeth, Aliee, Nellie and Mary. Frank Bannoehie was reared in his native land, and there re- eeived a good education and a good business training. His four years apprenticeship was spent in a wholesale drygoods house in Aberdeen, Seotland. In 1882 he came to America, having been sent to Providenee, R. I., as a representative of a Scottish dry- goods syndicate. A year later he engaged with a similar eon- eern in Buffalo, N. Y., and still another year later he became buyer for the John Taylor Dry Goods Company, Kansas City, Mo. In 1885 he returned to the land of his birth, and there married Helen Finley Thompson, a native of Scotland, daughter of James and Hannah (Kennedy) Thompson. Then he returned to Providence, R. I., and was three months with the Seoteh house of David Harley, dealer in drygoods. Then for two years and three months he was with William Donaldson, of the Glass block, Minneapolis. Subsequently, after two years with M. B. Fauleo- ner, of Omaha, Neb., he was with the Minneapolis Dry Goods Company until 1893, having entire charge of their furniture de- partment. Then for six years he was head decorator and draper for Field, Slick & Co., of St. Paul. April 6, 1900, he came to Lake Pulaski and purchased Ween Olson's summer home and four and a half aeres of land for the purpose of ereating an ideal summer resort. Bannochie's resort is one of the most popular in the Northwest. Beautifully situated on the banks of a erystal lake, in the midst of a spreading grove, with the best of roads stretching in every direction, the place has advantages which keep it erowded with guests throughout the summer season. and also brings them at other seasons of the year. The main building
306
HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY
is the Pulaski House, 25 by 42 feet, with a 22-foot addition, fitted in bungalow style. The rooms are all cool and comfortable and well furnished, while the dining room is constantly swept by the cool and refreshing air from the lake. Aside from the main hotel there are seven comfortable cottages where guests are accommodated. There is also a houseboat, fifteen rowboats, a large launeh, several sailboats, and in the winter some excellent iceboats. The large wharf gives opportunity for diving and other aquatic feats, while the sandy beach adds greatly to the enjoyment of bathing. The large daneing pavilion has a stage for the giving of small plays and vaudeville entertainment, and the management furnishes a five-pieee orchestra for the dances. A large steel fireproof vault provides shelter for automobiles, and a bowling alley provides indoor athletic recreation. The food served at the place is excellent, the vegetables being raised on the place, and the milk being obtained from the owner's private dairy. An electric light plant makes it possible to furnish illu- mination at all hours desired, and the flowing well furnishes as good water as can be found in the state. The lake is probably as elear a one as any in Minnesota. It has a sandy bottom, and being fed entirely by springs, the water is at all times wholesome and sparkling. It has been extensively stocked with game fish ; no obnoxious fish are found here, and as Mr. Bannochie has been made special game warden, he is enabled to prevent violations of the law in the way of the destruction of the fish out of season. The lake has a beautiful shore line of seven miles; it is about two and a quarter miles aeross, and in the deepest place about 300 feet deep. It also connects with Little Pulaski lake, which covers about eighty acres. A lover of animals, Mr. Bannoehie is an extensive breeder and importer of pure-blooded Scotch collie dogs, and has acted as judge at many beneh shows. An affable, pleasant gentleman, and a believer in good-fellowship, Mr. Ban- noehie is a charter member of the Maccabees at St. Paul, and a member of the Elks at St. Cloud, as well as several fraternal insurance orders. Mr. Bannoehie and his wife have had four children. Two are dead. James Norville lives in St. Paul. He married Beronica Zahler, of St. Michael, and has a daughter, Helen. Helen, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bannochie's only living daughter, is the wife of Joseph Metzgar, of St. Paul.
John Julius Johnson, owner and proprietor of the Buffalo Flour Mills, Buffalo, was born in Carver county, March 11, 1871, son of John Henry and Mary (Bankson) Johnson, natives of Sweden. John Henry Johnson was a skilled workman, a mill- wright by trade, and a general meehanie of mueh ability. Ile came to America at about the age of twenty, and seenred varied employments. For a time he operated a sawmill at Muskegon, Mich. From there he came to Carver county, Minnesota, where
307
HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY
he operated a sawmill for many years. In the meantime he erected many flour mills, including those at Le Sneur, Belleplaine, Cokato, Delano, Paynesville and Buffalo, in Minnesota, and Cala- mine, in Wisconsin. John Julius Johnson was educated at Belle- plaine, in Carver county, this state, and early took up the milling business with his father on the home farm. This mill was twice burned, but was each time rebuilt. In 1895, when his father, John Henry, erected the mill at Buffalo, John Julius Johnson and a partner, August Meline, took charge of the mill and oper- ated it until 1903, when Mr. Johnson bought out his partner and has since continued in business alone. Ile has made the Buffalo Flour Mills widely known for the excellence of their product. The mill itself is a substantial structure 36 by 52 feet, three stories high with a basement. The boiler and engine room is 36 by 36 feet. The warehouse is 30 by 30 feet, one story with a basement. The establishment has a capacity of about ninety barrels daily. The principal product is the "White Lily Brand" flour, but the mill also turns out rye and graham flour and break- fast food. The venture has been a sneeessful one in every par- ticular, and Mr. Johnson is one of the leading men in the com- munity. Mr. Johnson married Hannah Jackson, of Cokato, daugh- ter of Herman Jackson, an old settler of Wright county. Their children are: Raymond C., Edgar J. (died at four years of age), Harold, Julius Willard, Lloyd Emerson and Alvina, all at home. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Woodmen.
Harry Ludwig Jensen, an estimable citizen of Wright county, now living a retired life in Buffalo, was born in Sweden, April 1, 1845, son of John and Sophia (Nicholas) Jensen, who spent the span of their years in the old country. John Jensen was a man of high standing in his community, being a elergyman of the Lutheran faith. In the family there were four children, Ernest, Hilda, Esther and Harry Ludwig. Harry Ludwig was the oldest of this family. He was reared in Sweden, and in 1868 eame to Cook county, Illinois, and took up farming. In 1883 he and his wife eame to Wright county and seeured 160 aeres of land in Rockford township. There he farmed until 1904, when he retired and moved to Buffalo, where he still carries on farming on a small scale. The son of a pastor, it is natural that he should have taken an active part in the Lutheran ehureh ; and being a man of ability, the people have availed themselves of his services as super- visor of Rockford township and as elerk of the school board of his district. Mr. Jensen was married in Cook county, Illinois, July 2, 1879, to Sarah Bennett, born in Wisconsin, the daughter of Caleb Bennett. She died in March, 1889, at the age of forty two, leaving two children, Lilly and Leah. Esther and Ella May are dead. Mr. Jensen married the second time in October, 1889,
308
HISTORY OF WRIGHIT COUNTY
to Christina Piersen, a native of Sweden, and by this marriage there are two children, Ernest and Elmer.
Arthur J. Kelly, D. D. S., Buffalo, is one of the rising young professional men of Minnesota, and comes of one of the early pioneer families of the southern part of the state. He was born in Yucatan township, Honston county, December 13, 1889, on the farm of his father, and the homestead of his grandfather. The founder of the family in America was James Kelly, Sr. He was born in Scotland, but was of Scotch-Irish descent. His wife, Charlotte Carson, was a native of Scotland, a descendant of one of the substantial lowland families. The young couple came to America and took up their home in what was then the little hamlet of Chatfield, lying on the border between Olmsted and Fillmore counties. Here James Kelly, Sr., followed his trade as a carpenter, erecting many of the pioneer homes in that village. From Chatfield they moved to Yucatan township, in Houston county, and took a homestead. They built a log cabin, and expe- rienced all the privations of pioneer life. The nearest neighbors were miles away, provisions were scarce and the country wild. The ground had to be broken and the wilderness subdued. But with the years they prospered and became leading and substan- tial citizens. Sightly buildings replaced the old log cabin, and the farm was as well developed as any in the neighborhood. James Kelly, who was designed to serve an important part in the political life of southeastern Minnesota, was born in Chatfield. He was reared on the home farm, attended the district schools, and devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. He carly won the confidence of his community by his honesty and ability, and he was elected to numerous school and township offices. In the fall of 1888 he was pursuaded to run for a seat in the lower honse of the Minnesota legislature. He was elected, and in January, 1889, took his seat. In the legislature he was a conspicuous figure. He easily won friends, and early in the session it was apparent that he was a force to be reckoned with. He served on important committees, and did most efficient work for his constituents and for the state. In 1890 his district elected him to a seat in the state senate, and here his inflnence and importance increased. After the expiration of his term of office he retired to the farm, where he still lives. He married Ellen Kelly, a native of Houston county, daughter of John and Mary (Conley) Kelly. Their chil- dren are: Frances M., Arthur J., Charlotte 1., Joseph J. and Mary V. Arthur JJ. Kelly was the second in the family. He was reared on the home farm, and acquired a good education in the district schools. Ilis parents encouraged him in his deter- mination to enter upon a professional career, and with this pur- pose in view he entered St. Thomas College, at St. Paul, where he made an excellent record. In 1909 he entered the dental
309
HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY
college of the University of Minnesota, from which he was gradu- ated in 1912. While at college he was a member of the Delta Sigma Delta. Upon obtaining his degree he came to Buffalo, where he opened his offices. Ilis sneeess was assured from the start. A thorough master of his profession, and a pleasant and affable gentleman, he makes friends of all with whom he comes in eontaet, and his rapidly inereasing practice embraces not only the village and its environs, but also the countryside for many miles in every direction. He has taken his part in the life of the community, has won the esteem and companionship of the lead- ing men of the county, and is in every way a desirable eitizen. His offiees contain the most modern appliances, and are beauti- fully furnished as well as completely equipped.
Dr. Kelly was married April 15, 1915, to Margaret D. Hill, who was born in Winnebago. Wis., June 1, 1890, was brought to Minneapolis in August, 1890, attended the graded sehools, graduated from the East High school in 1909, and from the Col- lege of Seienee, Literature and Arts, University of Minnesota, in 1913. Her father, George E. Hill, was born in Michigan in 1851 of Welsh aneestry and was a mechanical engineer. He was married in Oshkosh, Wis., in 1878, came to Minneapolis in 1890, and died in 1898. His wife, Mary (Neary) Hill, was born in Neenah, Wis., in 1860, and now makes her home in Minneapolis.
Austin Knight, for many years a well-known figure in Wright eonnty life, was born in Canada, May 24, 1839, and died at Minnehaha in 1903. He received his education in Canada, and in 1856 came to the United States with his brother John. They located near Minneapolis and engaged in teaming. Later Austin Knight was a stage driver, carrying mail and passengers, in succeeding years, from Minneapolis to Wayzetta, from Wayzetta to Watertown, and from Delano to Rockford. The roads were bad, four horses were often required to make a short trip, and sometimes horses and stage were piled together in some swampy hole, from which they were with difficulty reseued. It was about 1867 when Mr. Knight first settled in Wright county, coming from Wayzetta and taking up his residence in Roekford. While living in Rockford he operated a sawmill at Howard Lake. In 18- he eame to Buffalo, and with his brother-in-law, Orlando Bushnell, operated a sawmill near the site of the present ereamery. A stave department was added, and Riehard Knight beeame a partner. About a year later, Austin Knight and Orlando Bushnell sold out, and Austin Knight opened a livery stable at Howard Lake. A year and a half afterward, however, he returned to Buffalo and purchased the Winsor Hotel and livery barn. Sev- eral years later he sold the hotel but kept the stables. Subse- quently, however, he sold the stables and retired. During all these years he had been handicapped by poor health. On August
310
HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY
20, 1862, he had enlisted in Company D, 9th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and had served until mustered out as a corporal, June 9, 1865, and in this service he contracted disabilities that made him more or less of an invalid all his days. In his latter years his health became more and more feeble, and he died in the hospital of the Solders' Home at Minnehaha Falls. Mr. Knight was mar- ried July 9, 1866, to Elizabeth Bushnell, born in Beaverton, Ill., September 30, 1839, daughter of Orlando and Abigail (Coe) Bush- nell. Five children blessed their union : Helen, now Mrs. W. D. Seeombe, of Minneapolis; Archie A .; Corinne E., of Minneapolis; Sarah, now of Minneapolis, and formerly for seven years a teacher at Manila, in the Philippines; and John Harold. Mrs. Knight is a charming lady of many accomplishments, and is prominent in church, society and charitable work. Her beautiful home over- looking Buffalo lake is noted for its hospitality and good cheer.
Orlando H. Bushnell, who was for many years connected with the official life of Wright county, was born in Illinois, November 27, 1844, son of Orlando and Abigail (Coe) Bushnell, who were born, reared and married in Hartland, Conn., then lived sueees- sively in New York and Ohio, and ended their days in Illinois. They were pioneers in Illinois, and often traveled to Chicago, then a small town fifty miles away, after supplies. Orlando H. came to Rockford in the spring of 1859 and engaged in farming and lumbering. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, 6th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until mustered out, August 19, 1865. He then returned to Rockford, and lived there until 1872, when he located in Buffalo, where he was engaged in the lumber, sawmill and stave business, with Austin and Riehard Knight. He was prominent in public life and served as eonnty commis- sioner, as well as assisting his township in the offices of town treasurer and town assessor, and his village as mayor. Always active in matters for improvement of the community, a friend to all in need, he was trusted and esteemed by all who knew him. In 1898 he moved to Utah, where he engaged in the lumber busi- ness and operated a small frnit farm. From there, in 1903, he went to Idaho, where he bought a ranch and planted an orehard. A few years later he moved to Eagle, Idaho, where he died January 14, 1911. Mr. Bushnell was married in 1872 to Ella Aekley, daughter of Amassa Ackley, who platted the village of Buffalo. She died in November, 1912. They had two daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. Mary is the wife of Charles Judson, of Eagle, Idaho. Elizabethi also resides in Eagle, Idaho.
Frank B. Lamson, for many years a prominent figure in the official life of Wright county, was born at Mt. Carmel, Conn., October 14, 1867, son of Levi and Adelaide (Bailey) Lamson, of Colonial ancestry, and of Seoteh, English and Dutch extraction. Levi Lamson was a department foreman of the Lamson & Sessions
FRANK B. LAMSON
311
HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY
Bolt Company, of Mt. Carmel, Conn. He remained in the East until 1886, when he came to Minnesota and located in Minne- apolis, where he still resides. Frank B. Lamson was left mother- less in infancy, and was reared by his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Bailey, with whom he moved to Sherwood, in Calumet county, Wisconsin, at the age of two years. There he saw something of pioneer life on a farm. When he was thir- teen years old he started out for himself by finding a place where he eould work for his board while attending the Appleton (Wis.) high school. At the age of seventeen he left school to assume the support of his grandparents. They removed to Dassel, in Meeker county, where Mr. bamson became a teacher, a profession he subsequently followed in Meeker, MeLeod, Chisago and Wright counties. In 1891 he became principal of the schools at Cokato, in this county. In 1889 he purchased the Cokato "Observer," which he edited and published for two years. While in Cokato he served as village recorder and as justice of the peace. In 1892 he was nominated by the Republican party as candidate for county auditor, was elected by a plurality of 169 votes, and in 1894 was reelected by a plurality of 1,563 votes. In September, 1897, he established the Buffalo "Standard," a weekly publica- tion. The first number was issued September 8, 1897. The last issue was published April 25, 1900. Then it was sold to H. S. Saylor, and merged with the Buffalo "Journal." In the fall of 1896 Mr. Lamson took an active part in the political fight in the Sixth Congressional distriet between Page Morris, Republican, and Charles A. Towne, Democrat. In recognition of his services he was appointed postmaster at Buffalo, a position he filled from October 4, 1897, to July 1, 1910. In the campaign of 1910, Mr. Lamson was one of the speakers in the field for the Minnesota Anti-Saloon League, and as such delivered addresses in support of the campaign of Rudolph Lee (son of William E. Lee, candi- date for governor in 1914) for state senator from the district comprising Todd, Wadena and Hubbard counties. Mr. Lamson also campaigned in Wright county, and did field work in Houston and Washington counties. At the conclusion of the campaign he accepted the secretaryship of the Minnesota Progressive Repub- lican League, and had charge of the work leading up to the first convention held in this state for the purpose of organizing the progressive element in the Republican party. He represented the organization before the legislature of 1911, and resigned at the elose of the session. In July, 1911, he accepted the position of deputy auditor of Wright county. Ile is also a member of the Buffalo board of education. The Presbyterian church elaims his religious alliance, and for some years he was a member of the official board of that organization. Fraternally he is also active, and has passed through the chairs in local lodges of the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.