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 69

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 69
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 69

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Dr. Wheeler attended common schools until he was sixteen years of age, when he entered Carlton College, at Northfield, Min- nesota, where he had removed with his parents in 1854. From Carlton College he went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he entered the medical department, from which he graduated, with high honors, in March, 1877. He then went to Chicago, Illinois, where he took a special course and private lec- tures on the eye and ear, in the Cook County Hospital. He then returned to Northfield, Minnesota, where he engaged in the practice of his profession until 1879. He then went to New York City, where he took an addi- tional degree in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating in March, 1880. He again returned to Northfield where he remained until July, 1881. While there, in 1876, he participated in the movements brought about by the famous raid of the Younger and James brothers. He was in front of his father's drug store, and saw three men ride up on horseback, dismount, tie their horses, talk a few minutes and then enter the bank. Our subject supposed them to be stockmen, from their general appearance, but his suspicions were aroused by a farmer, who, as he passed by, made the remark that there was too many saddle horses in town and that he thought something was wrong. In a few moments Dr. Wheeler saw two other men come down the street on horses, stop, dismount, and while one was carelessly adjusting his saddle girth, the other approached the bank door and appeared satisfied with what was trans-

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piring within. Then the suspicions of the Doctor were confirmed, for as Mr. Allen, a prominent hardware merchant, attempted to enter the bank, he was caught by the shoul- der, and with the persuasive force of a revol- ver was induced to alter his intentions. At that moment Dr. Wheeler and a man named Harry Riddle stepped into the street and hallooed, "robbers," and at once the two desperadoes ordered the street cleared, and discharged their revolvers over their heads. Apparently this was a preconcerted signal, for three others, mounted, firing revolvers, and shouting, dashed up to the bank square. Our subject, who had divined the purpose of the noted James and Younger band, for it proved to be them, at once started for the residence of C. A. Wheaton, for the purpose of securing a gun and ammunition, and as he reached the alley in the rear of the store, remembered that there were two guns in the hotel, which stands on the corner opposite the bank. He hastened there, secured ammuni- tion and the gun from the clerk, and took his position in the corner room, which has since become noted as a witness to this terrible tragedy. He at once opened fire on the robbers, and, before he was discovered, suc- ceeded in killing one and wounding another. The retreat was then divined by some of the noted " gang," and at once the window was riddled with bullets from the weapons of the band. The one killed proved to be Clell Miller, a desperado of the worst type, and the wounded one was Bob Younger, who is now in state's prison, sen- tenced for life. Meanwhile a fearful scene was being enacted inside the bank building, where the noble cashier sacrificed his life in defense of the interests he had in charge. As the details are familiar to all they need not be spoken of here further than the fact that our subject joined in the pursuit for one week. The trail was lost near Lake Elysian, and our subject returned to Northfield.

In 1881 Dr. Wheeler removed to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he engaged in the medical profession in partnership with Dr. Collins, with whom he remained until November, 1884. They then dissolved and our subject practiced alone until August, 1887, where he entered into partnership with Dr. Logan and they have since remained together. They are among the leading and most successful practitioners in the city and have a large practice.

Dr. Wheeler was united in marriage October 9, 1878, to Miss Adeline Murray, who died at Northfield June 17, 1881, and our subject was married then to Miss Jose- phine Connelle on the 23d of January, 1883. Our subject is a member of the A. F. and A. M., both Blue Lodge and Chapter. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd- Fellows. He is one of the public-spirited' citizens and affiliates with the republican party.

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J. DALY, of the firm of Baxter & Daly, attorneys-at-law, is one of the leading and most prominent lawyers in the village of Perham, Otter Tail county, Minnesota. He is a native of Minnesota, born in the city of St. Paul on the 13th day of March, 1861, and is the son of M. F. and Mary (Marky) Daly, natives of Ireland. The father, who was educated in the city of Cork, emigrated to the United States when he was twenty-one years of age and settled in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he remained for a period of fifteen years. He was engaged in book-keeping for Berkley, of St. Paul, and also Eddy & Archy, of that city. He is now a resident of Carver county, Minnesota, where he is extensively engaged in a general stock- raising business.

Mr. Daly, the subject of this biographical review, received his education in the public schools of Minneapolis, where he attended

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school until 1884. He then went to Iowa, where he entered the law department of the . Iowa State University, at Iowa City. In two years, after graduating with high honors, the subject of this article removed to Minne- sota and located in the city of Fergus Falls, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he opened an office for the practice of his pro- fession. After remaining a short time in Fergus Falls he removed to the village of Perham, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he opened a law office in partnership with Mr. Baxter, of whom a sketch will be found in another department of this work. They have since been actively engaged in an exten- sive and rapidly increasing law business, and are among the prominent and influential lawyers of the northern part of the State. Our subject is actively interested in all local matters and affiliates with the democratic party. He is a sympathizer of the doctrines of the Catholic church. He is one of the rising and independent young business men in the village and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

UCIUS L. MATTERSON, postmaster, and who is engaged in the mercantile business in the village of Round Prairie, Todd county, Minnesota, is a native of Penn- sylvania. He was born in Erie county, on the 29th of June, 1845, and is the son of Olliver and Lydia (Edmunds) Matterson, natives of New York State. The father came to Minnesota in 1855, and has since remained.

Mr. Matterson, the subject of this bio- graphical memoir, received his education, principally in New York, although he also attended school a good deal in Minnesota. At ten years of age he removed with his parents to Minnesota, and located at St. Paul, Minnesota, where he remained one year. Until he had attained the age of twenty-

three years he resided in various places in Minnesota,and in 1869 moved to Todd county, Minnesota, and June 1st homesteaded a tract of land in Berchdale township, where he followed farming until 1886. He then opened his present store in the village of Round Prairie, where he has since remained. He carries a full line of general merchandise, dry goods, boots and shoes, hats, caps and groceries, and is doing a good business. Since he has resided in the county he has been prominently identified with its history and progress. A man who takes an active interest in all local matters, he is highly esteemed by all who know him. He helped to organize the township in which his farm lies and was always a leading citizen of the same.

Mr. Matterson was married on the 21st day of October, 1867, to Miss Abbie Draper, and this union has been blessed with five children named as follows-Merton, Maud, Lora, Eva and Minna. Mr. Matterson is a prohibi- tionist, both in precept and practice. In addition to his business interests he is engaged in the real estate business and owns between 300 and 400 acres of land, besides his original farm. He is one of the sub- stantial business citizens of the county and is a man of honor and integrity. He has been postmaster at Round Prairie for the past two years and a half.

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A LBERT SWANSON. The subject of this biographical sketch is a resident of the village of Audubon, Becker county, Minnesota, where he is entensively engaged in a general merchandising business. He is a native of Norway, born in Dovre Gud- bransdalen, Norway, on the 12th day of August, 1859, and is the son of Swend Olson and Anna Thorson, also natives of that king- dom. The parents of our subject were

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engaged in farming pursuits in their native land where they still remain. They are the parents of the following-named children - Ole, Thor, Gunild and Albert.

Mr. Swanson, the subject of this article, remained in his native land until he was twenty-one years old. Until he had attained his sixteenth year he attended the excellent common schools of that country, and after completing his education, assisted his father to operate the home farm. He then emigrated to the United States, and, after a voyage of ten days, landed at Baltimore. He at once went to Montevideo, Chippewa county, Min- nesota, where he remained a short time and then removed to Becker county, Minnesota, where he has since remained. For the first tyyo years he engaged in farming, and at the expiration of that time settled in the village of Aububon, where he clerked for four years. He then opened a general merchandise store on his own account, and since then has been one of the leading and successful bus- iness men of the village. He carries a full line of goods and has a large share of the general patronage throughout that part of the county. He is a careful and shrewd business man and is highly esteemed by all for his upright and fair transactions. In 1889 he was elected to the office of village recorder, and is one of the solid representa- tive business men of the place.

Mr. Swanson was united in marriage on the 27th day of January, 1887, to Miss Emma Sinnen, a native of Wisconsin, where she was educated. Mr. Swanson and his estimable wife belong to the Lutheran church. In political matters he affiliates with the republican party and is actively interested in that party's campaigns.

HARLES HOLLINGER, a thrifty repre- sentative of the farming community in the Red River Valley, is a resident of section 3, Huntsville township, Polk county, Minne-

sota. He is a native of Canada, born in Lanark county on the 13th of January, 1847, and is the son of John and Sarah M. (Moore) Hollinger, natives also of that Dominion.

Mr. Hollinger, the subject of this article, remained at home and attended school until 1861. He then commenced in life for him- self, and entered an apprenticeship to the wagon maker's trade. After completing his trade he continued work in Renfrew for five and one-half years. At the expiration of that time he went to Chicago, Illinois, where he remained a short time, and then removed to Dixon, Illinois, where he remained, engaged in the wagon making business, from September, 1867, until September, 1872. He then moved to Sterling, and engaged in his trade, working by the day, for a short time. He then opened a shop of his own, and from July, 1876, until May, 1882, he was engaged in his trade on his own account. In May of that year he left his family in Sterling, and went to Chicago, Illinois, where he secured employment in an omnibus shop, and in which he worked until the following September. He then returned to his family, and soon afterward removed to Minnesota. He settled in Polk county and opened a wagon shop, and then returned for his family. On the 3d of January, 1883, they arrived, and Mr. Hollinger engaged at his trade. In April, 1887, he moved onto his homestead, which he had previously filed upon and which he proved up on January 4, 1887. He has since resided there, engaged in general farming and stock- raising.

Mr. Hollinger was married on the 9th of January, 1869, to Miss Mary Ann O'Brien, a native of Ireland. Her parents died when she was a small child, and she was sent to her sister in New York. She remained with her until she died, and then removed to her other sister in Canada. She then removed to Illinois, where she met and married Mr. Hollinger. Mr. and Mrs. Hol-

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linger have been blessed with the following children - John H., Margret E., Charles J., Frederick W., Leo M. and Sarah M., all of whom are living and at home. Mr. Hollinger with his family belongs to the Catholic church. He is one of the esteemed citizens of the county, and has held the office of the justice of the peace. He has a fine farm, under good cultivation, and with the best of building improvements.

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ILS F. SCHROEDER, president of the village council of Wheaton, Traverse county, Minnesota, is one of the prominent and esteemed citizens of that place. He is a native of the kingdom of Sweden, born in Wermland Province, Middle Sweden, on the 18th day of July, 1852, and is the son of Ole and Christina Schroeder, also natives of that kingdom. The father died in 1870, and the mother is living with our subject. They were the parents of six children, named as follows-Jacob, Nils, John, Caroline, Mary and Christina.

Mr. Schroeder, of whom this sketch treats, receieved his education in his native land, where he remained until he was twenty years old. In 1872 he emigrated to the United States, and after landing removed to Minnesota, settling in Scott county, and after remaining a short time went to Minne- apolis. From that city Mr. Schroeder went to the village of Herman, Grant county, Minnesota, where he was among the earliest settlers. He was the first postmasterin that place, and was one of the prominent citizens. He engaged in the general merchandising business, and from 1884 until 1889 did an extensive and successful trade. He then removed to the village of Wheaton, Trav- erse county, Minnesota, where he has since remained. In the late election at that place he was elected president of the village,

which position he has since occupied. He is one of the prominent and representative citi- zens, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

Mr. Schroeder was united in marriage to Miss Peterson, and this union has been blessed with the following-named children - Alfred W. and Carl. Mrs. Schroeder passed away on the 4th day of February, 1889, and was mourned by all who knew her. She was an estimable lady, and was esteemed for her many virtues. Mr. Schroe- der, of whom this article treats, is an adher- ent to the principles of the republican party, and is actively interested in all local matters. A man of the strictest integrity, he stands high in the community as a business man and an exemplary citizen.

DWARD A. ARMSTRONG is the present probate judge of Pembina county, Dakota. He was born in Westport, county Mayo, Ireland, February 8, 1820. His parents, John W. and Susan (Lundy) Armstrong, were both natives of Ireland. The mother was a sister of the noted Cap- tain Lundy, of Ireland.

The parents of the subject of our sketch died when he was quite young, and Edward was taken into the family of George Law- rence, an uncle, with whom he remained until 1840.

January 1, 1842, Mr. Armstrong was mar- ried at Sligo, Ireland, to Miss Margeret Henry, daughter of James and Fanny (Walker) Henry, the former a native of Ire- land and the latter a native of England. The names of the children that have blessed this union are as follows-Ellen Susan, Fanny J., Henrietta A., Katharine Margaret, Edward William Henry. The last-named is cashier in the receiver's office in Winnipeg, in which capacity he has labored for seven

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years. Fanny J. married John Angus, reg- ister of deeds in Emerson, Manitoba. Hen- rietta A. married Charles Constantine and resides in Regina, Manitoba, where her hus- band is chief of the mounted police. Kath- arine M. married Major Nash, an employé in the register's office in Winnipeg.

After his marriage Mr. Armstrong re- mained in Ireland for about two years, at the end of which time he came to Canada, residing in Montreal for about a year. He then removed to the city of Ottawa, where for ten years he held the position of deputy sheriff. In 1866 he was appointed quarter- master of a brigade of garrison artillery, and saw service through all the Fenian raids in counties Ottawa, Cornwall and Prescott. Retaining his position in Ottawa until 1870, he then resigned, and May 1st, that year, joined the Red River expedition, as quartermaster of the Ontario Rifles. This small army was sent out under the command of Sir Garnet Woolsley for the suppression of the Riel and O'Donaghue Rebellion. On the breaking up of this expedition Captain Armstrong held the office of sheriff of Manitoba for five years, and in 1881 he moved his location to the southern side of the boundary line, within the jurisdiction of the United States. His residence in Pembina was but brief, until the citizens, recognizing his ability, placed him in the office of justice of the peace, which position he has occupied ever since, with credit to him- self and advantage to the community in which he lives. His office is now somewhat complex, as he holds three judicial offices at one and the same time, these being that of city justice, township justice, and judge of probate. His long experience, and comprehensive knowledge of the wants of the Northwest make him a person of public value, and he is now looked upon by the younger members of society as a kind of father in the Red River Valley. He is a man of extensive knowledge of men and affairs,

and throughout his life has exhibited rare executive abilities. To show the relations which he sustained to his superior officers, while in the employ of the British Govern- ment, it is only necessary to state that he was given entire charge of fitting up the second Red River expedition out into the Red River Valley, for the suppression of the Riel Rebellion. He had entire charge of that portion of the expedition. He came up here in 1870 as quartermaster under the pres- ent General Woolsley, and in the summer of 1871 returned to Ottawa, with a detach- ment of the first. And in October of that year had the charge of fitting out the second expedition,which was under the command of the then Captain, now Colonel Scott, of Win- nipeg.

Captain Armstrong is a leading member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity, and was initi- ated in the American order in 1846. In 1856 in Ottawa, Canada, he became a mem- ber of the A. F. & A. M., and is now the oldest Mason in the town in which he lives.

HARLES H. CONKLIN, one of the prominent and successful business men of the village of Wadena, Wadena county, Minnesota, is engaged in the hardware busi- ness in that place, handling all kinds of heavy and shelf hardware, tinware, tools of all kinds, farm machinery, etc. Her is a native of the State of Illinois, born in Peoria on the 23d day of January, 1857, and is the son of George W. and Mary A. Conklin, natives of New York. In about 1862 the parents of our subject removed to Minnesota and settled in Hastings, where they have since remained. The father and mother of the present subject were the parents of the following-named children - George P., Charles H., DeWitt C., Willie W. and Lucy A. Conklin.

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Mr. Conklin, the subject of this biograph- ical memoir, remained in his native State until he was about five years old, when he removed with his parents to Minnesota, and settled in Hastings. Up to the age of twen- ty-one years he remained at home and attended the common schools, in the odd hours engaging in clerical work. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Conklin removed to Bird Island, Renville county, Minnesota, where he opened a hardware store, and for four years engaged in that business. In 1883 he moved his stock of goods to Brain- erd, Minnesota, purchased another stock there, and opened up in the business. In 1887 he sold out his interest in Brainerd and in company with his father bought the Pio- neer Hardware Store, of Wadena, Wadena county, Minnesota. They have since contin- ued in the business, and have a large and increasing trade. They carry one of the most complete stocks in the county, and value their goods at $5,000.

Mr. Conklin, the subject of this article, was united in marriage on the 23d day of May, 1881, to Miss Estella Stone, a native of Bird Island, Minnesota. In political mat- ters Mr. Conklin affiliates with the republi- can party. He takes an active interest in all local movements and is always ready to help any enterprise whereby the town or county may be benefited.

PETERSON & SON, the heaviest dealers in general merchandise in the village of New London, Minnesota, are rated as one of the most solid and substantial firms in Kandiyohi county. They are men of high personal character and of the strictest integ- rity, and their straightforward and honor- able methods of doing business have built for them a large and increasing trade.

DANIEL PETERSON, the senior member of this firm, was born on the 17th of December, 1822, at Vexio, Province of Smoland, in the southern part of Sweden, and is a son of Peter and Stina Peterson, who were also natives of the same kingdom. Both of his parents died in his native land, the father in 1840 and the mother in 1852. Daniel Peter- son grew to manhood in the land of his birth, receiving the same training as to integrity, frugality and industry that so characterizes his nationality. He never attended school, but studied under the direc- tion of his mother. In 1853 he came to the United States, landing in New York, and proceeded at once to Centre City, Chisago county, Minnesota. There he bought 160 acres of land and engaged in farming, remaining there for eighteen years. In 1871 he removed to Crow Lake, Stearns county, Minnesota, where he also followed agricul- tural pursuits. In 1883 he sold his land, and in company with his son, John G., formed the present firm, and they purchased the general mercantile business of J. H. Neer, at New London, which they have since suc- cessfully conducted.

Daniel Peterson was married September 5, 1846, to Anna Stina Johnson, a native of Sweden and a daughter of John Anderson. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have a family of six children-Louise, born in Sweden December 29, 1847; Christine, born in Minnesota March 29, 1855; Charlotte S., born August 27, 1857; John G., born October 21, 1860; Mary H., born July 12, 1862, and Nancy M., born March 1, 1865. Daniel Peterson has always taken a prominent part in all public matters and is one of the leading men of the locality in which he has lived. He has held various official positions, including assessor, supervisor, postmaster, census enumerator in 1880, besides others. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church, in which organization he is a deacon.

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JOHN G. PETERSON, the junior member of the firm of D. Peterson & Son, was born in Centre City, Chisago county, Minnesota, October 21, 1860, and is a son of Daniel Peterson, whose sketch has just been given. He received his education in Chisago and Stearns counties, Minnesota, attending the district schools, and completed his education at the Cogan Academy, Pope county, Minne- sota, spending one year in that institution. He then clerked in a store at Melrose for a time, after which he came to New London, Minnesota, and for eight months kept books for Johnson Bros. In 1883, as has been stated, the present firm was formed, and since that time they have carried on busi- ness. They carry a full line of clothing, dry goods and groceries, and do an extensive business.

John G. Peterson has taken an active part in every move calculated to benefit his town or county, and has held various offices -he was justice of the peace, chairman of the board of supervisors, and is the present township clerk.

ELS M. LARSON. Prominent among the merchants of the village of War- ren, Marshall county, Minnesota, is the gen- tleman whose name heads this article, who is engaged in the general merchandising business in that village. He is a native of Sweden, born in Sunne, on the 18th day of August, 1862, and is the son of Lars and Ingeborg (Johnson) Larson, natives of the kingdom of Sweden.

Mr. Larson, the subject of this biographi- cal review, remained in his native country until he had attained the age of twenty years. During that time he had attended school and worked on the home farm for his father. In 1882 he emigrated to the United States, and. after a voyage of three weeks, landed in New

York. He removed to the State of Wiscon- sin, where he settled in Pepin county, where he remained six months. In the spring of 1883 he removed to Minnesota, and settled in Marshall county, where he worked on a farm and attended school in the village of Warren during the winter. He then secured a clerkship in the store of K. J. Taralseth, with whom he remained one and one-half years. At the expiration of that time, he went to the college at St. Peter, Minnesota, and after attending four months, again returned to Warren. He resumed his old position as clerk, and after continuing in that capacity for about fifteen months, opened a general store, in partnership with O. S. Erickson. The firm name stands Erickson & Larson, and they are doing a good business. They carry a full line of goods and give the best of satisfaction in all their business trans- actions.

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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 69

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