Illustrated album of biography of the famous valley of the Red River of the North and the park regions of Minnesota and North Dakota : containing biographical sketches of settlers and representative citizens, Part 27

Author: Alden, Ogle & Company
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Alden, Ogle & Company
Number of Pages: 872

USA > Minnesota > Illustrated album of biography of the famous valley of the Red River of the North and the park regions of Minnesota and North Dakota : containing biographical sketches of settlers and representative citizens > Part 27
USA > North Dakota > Illustrated album of biography of the famous valley of the Red River of the North and the park regions of Minnesota and North Dakota : containing biographical sketches of settlers and representative citizens > Part 27

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uated from the last mentioned institution in the spring of 1875.

From there the young man went to New York City, and his talents were soon employed on the Sun, the great democratic sheet, of the country, with which he remained about a year. Going to the World in the spring of 1876, in the fall of that year he was sent by that great metropolitan journal to Louisiana with the congressional conmit- tee who were investigating the election returns. He acted in the capacity of re- porter for the paper until the spring of 1877, wlien, taking the Black Hills fever, he took a trip to that wonderland, and in Deadwood started a daily paper in company with Charles Collins, to which they gave the name of the Champion. He presided over that sheet until September following, when he sold out the business and made a trip with a government surveying party through Idaho, as far as Walla Walla, Washington Territory. From the latter place lie went to San Francisco, and from there back to Bismarck, making the most of the trip on horseback.

Going to Minneapolis, Mr. Puller found em- ployment with the Pioneer Press, in the fall of 1877, and remained in that city, on that journal and the Tribune until December, 1879, when he paid a visit to Ada. Liking the outlook of the place, he returned here, permanently to settle, in February, 1880, and established a weekly paper, to which he gave the name of The Norman County Alert, the first issue being dated April 5. The ques- tion of the division of Polk county, and the organization of the southern half as a new county was commenced that season by Mr. Puhler, although both of the representatives from the district in the legislature were op- posed to the movement. In the winter of 1880-81 Mr. Puhler and J. V. Campbell were sent to St. Paul as a committee to press the matter through the legislature, and, after

eight weeks' hard work in the lobby, suc- ceeded in having an act passed submitting the question to the qualified electors of the county. Throwing himself into the contest with his usual vigor, and supported by the leading citizens of the lower half of the county, after a hard and bitter fight he at- tained the end he aimed for, and the divis- ion carried. A convention was held in the fall of 1881 to nominate for appointment by the governor the men to form the board of commissioners to organize the county, but the choice of that convention not meeting the views of those who had been instrumental in the division of the county, Mr. Puhler was sent to St. Paul to interview the governor on the part of these influential citizens, and suc- ceeded in having others appointed to those offices. At the election off the fall of 1881 our subject was cliosen clerk of the court, and filled that office for one year. During nearly all that time, until the spring of 1883, he con- tinued his paper, which he finally sold to Lightbourn & Foote. In the fall of 1880 he drew up the articles of incorporation for the village of Ada, which were passed by the legislature at the same time as the act of division of the county, and on the organiza- tion of the same was appointed its first recorder, an office which he occupied for three years. In the fall of 1882, at the time of the contest between Kindred and Nelson in their political campaign, Mr. Puhler espoused the cause of the former, and by his activity and success gained from his oppon- ents the title of the " Notorious Puhler."

In the spring of 1883 our subject went to Brainerd and purchased the Dispatch, but eight months later sold that journal and established a democratic paper in Duluth, which he ran for about a year. At the ex- piration of that time he returned to Ada, and there instituted the Journal, a democratic newspaper, and occupied the editorial chair until June, 1887. This was the first paper

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of the democratic persuasion in this part of the State, that political party being much in the minority, but soon had a good circulation and advertising list. In June, 1887, Mr. Puhler disposed of the good-will of the Journal to the Index, and removed the ma- terial to Fertile, where he now publishes a paper of the same political complexion.

Mr. Puhler was appointed postmaster at Ada in November, 1886, and now fills that important position, and is highly popular and efficient in the discharge of his duties.

Mr. Puhler was married April 15, 1878, at Minneapolis, to Miss Emma J. Brown, and they have one daughter, Grace, aged seven years.

OPHUS N. MILLER is one of the repre- sentative citizens of Alexandria, Doug- las county, Minnesota, and has an extensive business in real estate, loans and insurance.

Mr. Miller is a native of Norway, born in 1843, and a son of Prosper P. and Sophia (Bent) Miller. His parents were natives of Germany, but while yet in early life they re- moved to Norway, where the father worked at the cooper's trade. In 1855 he came to America, but remained only a short time, re- turning to Norway, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1860; the moth- er died in 1854. They had a family of five children, four of whom are now living- Frederick, Dinalı, Torval and Sophus N., whose name appears at the head of this sketch.

The educational advantages in the part of Norway where the subject of our sketch spent his early years were of such excellent character that he received a fine schooling. At fourteen years of age a restless disposi- tion seized him, and he took ship and went on the ocean as a sailor, continuing at this dur-

ing the larger part of one year. He then returned to terra firma, and engaged as clerk in a hardware store, in which line he con- tinued for four years. In 1863 he migrated to America, settling in Cambridge, Wisconsin, where he followed railroading for some five months, after which he engaged in steam- boating on the Mississippi river for a short time. Next he went to Janesville, Wisconsin, where for about four years he was clerk in a drug store; thence he went to North- field, Minnesota. In 1868 he settled in Alexandria, Douglas county, this State, and engaged in the mercantile business, which he conducted until in 1870, when he sold out and opened his present prosperous agency. On coming to this county he took a home- stead in Urness township. Ile has purchased other lands until he has a fine farm of 300 acres under good cultivation and with ex- cellent improvements.

Mr. Miller was married in 1866 to Julia E. Thompson, a native of Norway. This union has been blessed with three children- Minnie E., Carrie S. and Charles E. In 1877 death invaded the sacred precincts of the family and carried away the beloved wife and mother. She died at her home in Alex- andria. She was a member of the Lutheran church.

Mr. Miller's business and social relations in Alexandria are of the highest character. He has always been interested in the growth and prosperity of the city and county, and has held many positions of trust. In 1875 he was appointed postmaster of the city, which position he held for nine years. He has been clerk of the school board for nine years. In politics he is a supporter of the republican party ; is a member of the Ma- sonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and is also a member of the Lutheran church. IIe built the first good dwelling in the city, and now lives in a fine residence just outside the city limits, on the banks of Lake Winona.

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Mr. Miller is the local representative of companies of gigantic capital, and by his careful and judicious management has built up for them and for himself a business of large proportions. He is agent for the following companies: The Amer- ican Freehold Land and Mortgage Company, of London, England, capital, $5,000,000 ; the Scottish American Mortgage Company. of Edinburgh, Scotland; and the Land, Mortgage and Investment Agency Com- pany, of America, headquarters at London, England, capital, $5,000,000. For these companies he is the sole agent for what is popularly known as the Park Regions of Minnesota. For the past fifteen years he has been agent for the Corbin Banking Com- pany of New York City, and during this time has done for them a business of $1,500,- 000. So careful and conservative has he been in the management of this company's business that they do not own one foot of land taken through his agency.

OHN HANSON, wheat buyer and also a member of the firm of Larsen, Peterson & Co., the heaviest dealers in general mer- chandise at Brandon, Douglas county, Min- nesota, is a good representative of the best class of business men in the Park Regions. He was born in Norway, and therefore comes of the same nationality which forms such a heavy proportion of Minnesota's citi- zens, and a race proverbial for their thrift, enterprise and economy. John Hanson was born in Wardal, Christiania Stift, Norway, on the 18th of November, 1835, and is a son of Hans and Maria Peterson. The father was a farmer. He lived and died in his native land. The parents had a family of four children-Peter, John, Anna and Petro.

John Hanson spent his boyhood days and received his education in the place of his birth, attending school until he was sixteen

years of age. Then for two years he helped his father on the farm, and at the expiration of that time was employed by a clergyman to care for his horses, etc., and retained this position for three years. He then decided to come to the New World, and accordingly, on April 26, 1857, he sailed from Christiania for the United States, arriving on tlie 29th of the following May. He made his way to La Crosse, and for six or seven years worked upon a farm during the summer months and in the pineries during the winters. At the expiration of that time he rented a farm, which he carried on for a few years. In 1866 he came to Douglas county, Minnesota, and bought a homestead right on land in Moe township, and there resumed his farm- ing operations. He secured 280 acres, where he devoted his time to general -farming for about seventeen years. In 1881, while still on the farm, he bought an interest in the general merchandise business, which is still carried on under the firm name of Larsen, Peterson & Co., and he still owns a one- third interest in the business. In 1887 he commenced buying wheat for the Minneap- olis & Northern Elevator Company at Bran- don, and still continues in that line. He has also taken a prominent part in various public enterprises. He holds an interest in the mill company, and for one year was treasurer of the corporation. He was also treasurer of Brandon village for one year.

Mr. Hanson was married in 1862 to Miss Matilda Peterson. The family are active and exemplary members of the Lutheran church.

OUIS FONTAINE, the senior member of the firm of Fontaine & Angine, general dealers in dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, hats, caps, ready-made clothing, car- pets, etc., in the city of Crookston, Minne- sota, is one of the oldest, as well as one of the

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most prominent and influential merchants in the city, having established himself there in the summer of 1878. His excellent business abilities, his energy of character and the sterling integrity of his personal character have won him his high place in the regard of the people of the community, and he is looked upon by all as one of the truly repre- sentative men of the place.

Mr. Fontaine was born at St. Hyacinthe, in the province of Quebec, Canada, January 11, 1840, and is the son of Louis and Juistine (Martel) Fontaine. At the age of fourteen he left home and came to the United States to commence the battle of life on his own ac- count, and settled near St. Paul, Minnesota. He labored on a farm in that vinicity until 1858, when he removed to McLeod county, then just being settled, where he took up a claim and commenced agricultural pursuits for himself. He remained there until No- vember, 1861, when, the hand of ruthless traitors daring to assail the flag and govern- ment of his adopted country, and the tocsin of war pealing over the land, he enlisted in Company E, Fourth Minnesota Infantry. He was mustered in at Ft. Snelling, and with the regiment forwarded to the front, " where deeds of eternal fame were done," and gallantly performed his part in all the " stricken fields " where the " Fourth" carried the victorious banner. At Iuka, September 19, 1862; Corinth, October 3 and 4, 1862; Jackson, June, 1863; Fort Pember- ton, March, 1863; Champion Hill, May 15, 1863; in the charge on Duval's Bluff, the siege of Vicksburg, in 1863; Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863; Altoona, October 5, 1864, and throughout the grand march to the sea, under that matchless leader, W. T. Sherman, he followed his colors undauntedly. On the expiration of his term of service he re-enlisted, or, as it was termed, veteranized, and continued in the ranks until the close of hostilities, and participated in the grand re-

view at Washington, which terminated the services of the gallant armies of the Union.

Discharged in July, 1865, Mr. Fontaine returned to Minnesota, arriving in St. Paul one morning at nine o'clock, and be- fore noon he had purchased the stock, fix- tures and good-will of a restaurant and saloon, and before nightfall had commenced business. He remained in that line of trade for three years with excellent financial re- sults, but at the end of that time sold out and entered into the general merchandise trade in that city, in which he continued some ten years. In the meantime he went to Mapleton, Cass county, Dakota, and there took up his soldier's homestead, which one year later he sold. In 1874, while on one of his trips to that place, he came to Crookston, by way of Grand Forks, and from there over the country.

Having been favorably impressed with the location and evident future prosperity of the village, Mr. Fontaine, in the summer of 1878 in company with William Angine, came to this point and purchased the stock and busi- ness of W. D. Bailey, a dealer in general merchandise. Leaving his partner in charge, Mr. Fontaine hurried back to St. Paul to close up his business there, and returned to Crookston in the following September, since which time he has been closely connected with the interests of the city.

The store which they at first occupied was a rough log one, but it was on a par with the two others, there being only three in the place. Not a street was cut out of the timber that then covered the site of the town, nor any improvements, to speak of, made. For two years business was carried on in their primitive store, at the end of which they erected the brick building now occupied as their grocery department. Since then they have added two more rooms to their establishment, thus having three fronts. Each of their departments is filled with a

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varied and full stock of goods in their par- ticular line, the whole stock invoicing in the neighborhood of $75,000, and the firm, such is their business, are compelled to have the assistance of ten clerks to attend to their numerous customers. In 1882 the firm put in a large stock of farm machinery, but the extent of their other business being too great to give it the attention necessary, that branch was abandoned. They have, how- ever, a half interest in a general merchan- dise store at Argyle, Marshall county, which is doing an extensive trade.

Mr. Fontaine is a consistent Christian gen- tleman, a member of the church and presi- dent of St. John's Baptist society, and no one is more highly spoken of either in busi- ness or social circles. He was united in mar- riage, September 12, 1865, with Miss Rosie Trombley, a native of Kankakee, Illinois, and daughter of Mitchelle Trombley. By this union their home has been gladdened by the birth of six children, of which the fol- lowing are the names-George, Armen, Vic- tor, Albert, Blanche and Almer.

OHN A. NELSON, the cashier of the Barnesville State Bank, is a native of Sweden, and springs from a race proverbial for their thrift, industry and economy. He was born in 1856, and remained in his native land, attending the schools of that country until in his sixteenth year, when, in 1872, he emigrated to the United States, and after landing settled near Litchfield, Minnesota, where he worked in a general store and at- tended school. After four years, or in 1876, he commenced to learn telegraphy, and shortly thereafter went into the employ of the D. M. Osborne Machine Company, and remained with them for eleven years, work- ing his way up from telegraph operator to assistant general manager. During five

years of that period Mr. Nelson had his headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, and the remaining six in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During his employment with this company, Mr. Nelson had been investing his money in the Northwest, in mortgages, loans, etc., and in the summer of 1885 he, in company with Messrs. F. E. Kenaston and E. G. Valentine, established the Wilkin County Bank, in Breckenridge, Wilkin county, Minnesota, and in May, 1888, removed to Barnesville and opened up the Barnesville State Bank, with a capital of $25,000. The officers of the bank are F. E. Kenaston, of Breckenridge, Minnesota, president; Howard De Mott, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, vice-president, and Mr. Nelson, the subject of this article, cashier. Mr. Nelson holds a good share of the stock in the Wilkin County Bank, as well as in the bank at Barnesville, besides mort- gages and real estate at different places in Dakota. The Barnesville State Bank is in- corporated under the State laws, and trans- acts a general banking business. They buy and sell school and municipal bonds, domes- tic and foreign exchange and commercial paper. They pay special attention in nego- tiating first mortgage farm loans, and act as agents for non-residents in buying, selling or renting lands. The directors of the bank are Messrs. Kenaston, Nelson, De Mott, Modi- sette and Valentine. Mr. Nelson is a repub- lican in political matters, a member of the Knights of Pythias, and an active par- ticipant in all movements of a local nature.

ARL THRONSEN, a prominent and thrifty agriculturist of the famous Red River and Park Regions, resides on his beautiful farm home on section 13, Erdahl township, Grant county, Minnesota. He is a native of Norway, born on the 17th of June, 1842, and is the son of Thron and In-

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ger (Halverson) Thronsen, natives of Nor- way. They were farmers in the Old World, and both died in their native land. They were the parents of the following named children - Peter, Halvor, Thron and Carl.

Carl Thronsen, of whom this biography treats, received his education in his native land and attended school until he had reached the age of fourteen years. At that period in life he entered an apprenticeship to the shoemaker's trade, and, after learning his trade, followed that occupation until he emigrated to the United States. In 1868 he started for the United States, and after a voy- age of seven weeks, landed at Quebec, Canada.

From this point he went to Hudson, St. Croix county, Wisconsin, where he remained one year, engaged in farming. He then re- moved to Douglas county, Minnesota, where he spent the winter, and in the following year went to Grant county, Minnesota. As soon as he entered the county, he home- steaded 160 acres of land in Erdahl town- ship, on section 13, where he has since re- mained, engaged in a general farming and stock business. He now owns over 300 acres of well improved land, and has one of the most desirable farms in that section of the country.

Mr. Thronsen was married May 8, 1867, to Miss Anna Thorsen, and this union has been blessed with the following named chil- dren -Thron, Inguil, Chrislian, Otto, Emil, Alma, Thora, Hans, Carrie and Anna (twins) and Hjalmar. Mrs. Thronsen is a native of Norway, born on the 23d of August, 1841. Mr. Thronsen and family belong to the Lutheran church, of which he has been trustee. He has held the following offices in the township : assessor, supervisor, school treasurer, also school clerk. He is a repre- sentative man of the county, and is highly esteemed by all who bear his acquaintance. He is a republican in politics, and takes an active part in all public movements.

AUGUST SVANSON, a prominent car- riage manufacturer and blacksmith of the village of Herman, Grant county, Minne- sota, is a native of Sweden, born June 1, 1848. He is a son of Israel and Anna (Hak- ason) Svanson, also natives of that kingdom. The father of our subject, who was a farmer, died in 1886, and the mother is still living. They are the parents of the following named children-John, August, Peter, Otto, Tilda, Helena and Edith. The parents were de- voted members of the Lutheran church. John died in Wisconsin. He emigrated to the United States in 1863, and first settled in Red Wing, Minnesota, and from there went to Wisconsin.

Mr. Svanson, the subject of this article, spent his school-days in the land of his birth, leaving the school-room at the age of twelve years. At the age of fifteen he entered an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, and completed his trade at the age of twenty. He then commenced the wagon-maker's trade, and followed the same for one year. At the expiration of that time, in 1871, he emi- grated to the United States, and in July, after a voyage of twelve days, landed at New York City. He then went to Red Wing, Minnesota, where he engaged in wagon- making for seven years. Mr. Svanson then went to Pierce county, Wisconsin, where he remained a year or two engaged in farming and stock-raising. He then sold his farm and moved to Grant county, Minnesota, and engaged in carpentering. Soon afterward he homesteaded 160 acres in the township of Monson, where he lived five years, engaged in farming. He then rented his farm and removed to Herman village, where he en- gaged in the carriage-making trade and blacksmithing, which he has since followed. He is one of the best carriage makers in the county, and his handiwork compares favor- . ably with any in the State. His is the only establishment in the village, and he is doing

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a big business. He is a republican in his political affiliations, and takes an active in- terest in all local matters. He is a represen- tative man of his residence village, and one of the most enterprising business men. He is a man of honor and integrity, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. He is a sympathizer with the doctrines of the Lutheran church.

OHN M. WESTBERG, of the firm of Lisher & Westberg, proprietors of the meat market in East Grand Forks, Polk county, Minnesota, is a native of Sweden. He was born in Malen on the 16th day of September, 1863, and is the son of Martin and Ellen (Paulson) Westberg, natives also of the kingdom of Sweden.

Mr. Westberg, the subject of this sketch, remained at the home farm and attended the common schools of his native land until he had attained the age of twelve years. He was then obliged to commence in life for himself, and in 1883 or 1884 he immigrated to the United States. After a voyage of three weeks he landed in Portland, Maine, and at once proceeded to Sauk Center, Min- nesota, where he remained about two years, engaged in the butcher's trade. He then re- moved to Ada, Minnesota, where he remained six months, but did no work. Mr. West- berg went from Ada to Fulda, Murray county, Minnesota, where he worked on a farm for a short time, and then went to Grand Forks, Dakota Territory, where he worked at the butcher's trade until the 7th of June, 1888. He then settled in East Grand Forks, Polk county, Minnesota, and opened a butcher shop in partnership with a Mr. Swenson. On the 8th of September, 1888, Mr. Westberg purchased the interest of his partner, and Mr. Lisher went into partnership with Mr. Westberg, and has

since continued under the firm name of Lisher & Westberg. They are the popular meat market firm in the city, and give the best of satisfaction in all their dealings.

Mr. Westberg was united in marriage in Hillsberg, Dakota Territory, in August, 1888, to Miss Mary Peterson, a native of Norway, and the daughter of Paul and Bertha Peterson, natives of Norway.

Mr. and Mrs. Westberg are attendants of the Methodist church. He is one of the active business men of the city, and highly esteemed by all who know him. In political matters he affiliates with the republican party.

LEXANDER ANDERSON, who is engaged in the general mercantile business in the village of Osakis, Douglas county, Minnesota, is a native of Norway. He was born in Thorndhjem, on the 22d of April, 1856, and is the son of Michael and Saralı (Larson) Anderson, natives of Norway. . The father of our subject immigrated to the United States in 1867, and settled in Todd county, Minnesota, where he remained until his death. He died in 1872, and was devoted to the farming industry through life. The mother of our subject is still living in Todd county, Minnesota, at an advanced age. They were the parents of the following named children - Mary, Lewis and Alexan- der.

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Illustrated album of biography of the famous valley of the Red River of the North and the park regions of Minnesota and North Dakota : containing biographical sketches of settlers and representative citizens, Part 27

Author: Alden, Ogle & Company Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Alden, Ogle & Company Number of Pages: 872

Author: Alden, Ogle & Company
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Alden, Ogle & Company
Number of Pages: 872