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 77

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 77
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 77

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Mr. Hart was married May 29, 1879, to Miss Sarah Jane Henderson, the daughter of William and Sarah Henderson. This union has been blessed with the following-named children - William, Alexander, Harry and May. Our subject is a member of the

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Masonic fraternity, Bathgate Lodge No. 80, A. F. & A. M., and of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, Gateway City Lodge No. 4. In political matters he is an adherent to the principles of the democratic party, and is one of the representative citizens of the place. A man of integrity and honor, highly esteemed by all who know him.

HERMAN GARDNER. Prominent among the many " brave boys in blue " who found homes in the fertile regions of Northern Minnesota and the Red River Valley, is the gentleman whose name heads this article, a resident of the southwest quar- ter of section 8, township 134, range 35, Wadena county, Minnesota. He is a native of the State of New York, born in Jefferson county, on the 20th day of May, 1842, and is the son of Peleg and Julia Gardner, natives of Jefferson county, New York.

Mr. Gardner, of whom the present article treats, remained in his native home until he had attained majority. During his younger days he attended the common schools in his native State, and in the spring of 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-fifth New York Infantry, and was mustered in on the 14th day of October, 1861. That fall the regiment was ordered to Arlington Heights, where they remained during the winter of 1861-62. In the spring of 1862 Mr. Gardner participated in the Second Battle of Bull Run, and was in active service all that summer. He was in the battles of Antietam and South Mountain, in which he was slightly wounded. He served through Virginia and was at Fredericksburg. On the 5th of June, 1863, he received an honorable dis- charge and then returned to Jefferson county, New York, where he remained until 1872. In 1872 he left his native State and migrated, with his brother, to the

new Northwest. Upon reaching Minnesota they took the railroad as far as St. Cloud, where they remained a day or two looking over land in that section of the country. While there they met an old friend from New York State, who advised them to settle in Wadena. Accordingly they went overland to Wadena county, Minnesota, and there found but few settlers, several old "lean to's" in the village, and that was all. After looking over the country they decided to settle, and the subject took a tract of land on section 8, where he has since remained. He is carry- ing on successfully a general farming and stock-raising business, and is one of the sub- stantial agriculturists in the township.

Mr. Gardner, the subject of this biograph- ical article, was united in marriage on the 26th day of March, 1873, to Miss Sarah Allen, a native of the same county as our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have been blessed with five children, namned as follows -Julia Etta Gardner, Benjamin Gardner, Ida Gardner, Mora May Gardner and Luanna Gardner. Mr. Gardner is a member of tlie Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 101. He is actively interested in all local move- ments, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

W ILLIAM BECKER, the proprietor of the pop factory in the village of Wadena, Wadena county, Minnesota, is one of the successful and esteemed business men of that region. He is a native of Germany, born in the Province of Hessen, on the 24th day of August, 1848, and is the son of Jacob and Katreina Becker, also natives of that kingdom. The father and mother of our subject remained in their native land all their lives, and the father of our subject was engaged at the carpenter's trade in that land. They were the parents of the follow-

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ing-named children - William Becker, John Becker and Martin Becker.

Mr. Becker, the subject of this biograph- ical article, remained in his native land until he was fourteen years of age. During that time he had attended the excellent common schools of that country, early instilling into his mind the principles of integrity, honor and frugality, which so distinguish the nationality from which he springs. At the age of fourteen years he commenced in life for himself by learning the skate maker's trade in Remscheid, Reinland, Westfahlen, kingdom of Prussia, and after completing his apprenticeship he worked at his trade in Remscheid for eleven years. In 1874 he emi- grated to the United States, and after a voy- age of eleven days landed at New York. He at once removed to Minnesota and located at Red Wing, where he secured work in a carriage-making establishment, and after being employed at that vocation for the win- ter he went to Chicago, Illinois. He remained there some little time and then removed to Pekin, Illinois, where he gained a position in a plow factory, and worked there for about two years. He then went to Rock Island, Illinois, and after working for some time in a plow factory there, returned to Red Wing, Minnesota. In 1879 he removed to Wadena, Wadena county, Minnesota, and was employed with his brother John in the mercantile and liquor business. They remained in the business for three months and then removed to Minne- apolis, Minnesota, where our subject was in the employ of the Harvester Works for three years. At the expiration of that time he returned to Wadena, Wadena county, Minnesota, where he was in business with his brother until October, 1886. Our sub- ject then bought the bottling works at Detroit and moved them to the village of Wadena, where he has since carried on the business. It is the only establishment of the

kind between Brainerd and Fergus Falls, and it commands all the trade of the regions in which it is located. He has a good local trade in addition to the heavy shipments. and is doing an active business.

Mr. Becker, of whom this article treats, was united in marriage on the 31st of December, 1881, to Miss Mary Kallusky, who was born in the kingdom of Germany, near Berlin. Mr. Becker is an independent in his political affiliations, and an active par- ticipant in all movements of a local nature. He is a man highly esteemed by all who know him and a thorough business man in every sense of the word.

ETER RASMUSSEN is the popular proprietor of the West Hotel in Stephen, Marshall county, Minnesota. The land of his nativity was Denmark, where he first saw the light on April 6, 1848.

Mr. Rasmussen's parents were Erick and Christina (Hanson) Rasmussen, natives of Denmark and farmers by occupation. When their son Peter was born they were living in Langlan, Denmark. The father died and the mother still lives in Denmark.

The subject of our sketch lived with his parents, and attended school until he was fourteen years of age. He then engaged in farm work until he came of age, when he left his native country and came to America, landing in New York City in May, 1869, whence he went to Eau Claire, Wiscon- sin. Two winters thereafter were spent at work in the pineries, the summers being occupied with work in a saw-mill. Remov- ing thence he went to work teaming for a firm in Oconto, Wisconsin, continuing work for the same firm for twelve years. He then came to Minnesota, settling on a farm of eighty acres, three miles from the town of Stephen, in Marshall county. He farmed

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his land for a couple of years, and then moved into the village, where he ran the Decorah Hotel for two years. June 1, 1888, he took possession of the West Hotel, where he is now doing a first-class hotel business.

October 3, 1875, Mr. Rasmussen was united in marriage to Miss Ingle Jacobson at Oconto, Wisconsin. Mrs. Rasmussen (nee Miss Jacobson) is a native of Sweden and is a daughter of Jacob and Marta Anderson, natives of Sweden and farmers by occupa- tion. Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen have been blessed with three living children-Andrew, Mary and Wilhelm.

Mr. Rasmussen is thorough as a hotel keeper, and makes every effort to provide the best accomodations for his numerous guests. He runs a first-class hostelry, as all know who partake of his hospitalities. Mr. Ras- mussen has been supervisor two years, and for one year has held the position of school director. He is a prominent member of the Lutheran church and for thorough and con- scientious integrity is highly respected by all who know him.

: ARTIN JORGENSON. The subject of this article is a resident of the city of Willmar, Kandiyohi county, Minne- sota, where he is engaged in the manufact- ure of harness and saddles, also handling a full line of whips, trunks, traveling bags, robes, blankets, etc. He is a native of the kingdom of Norway, born on the 10th of October, 1839, and is the son of Casper C. and Maren D. (Smith) Jorgenson, also natives of Norway. The father, who was a tanner and prosperous farmer by occupation, was one of the prominent men of Norway. He was one of the signers of the constitu- tion of Norway, and raised a large family, all of whom were prominently identified with the history of their native land.

Mr. Jorgenson, of whom this sketch treats, received his education in his native land, where he attended school until he was seven- teen years old. He then secured a position in a store as clerk, and after one year entered an agricultural school, where he remained two years. He then remained one year with liis brother, and at the expiration of that time took charge of the home farm. When he was twenty-one years of age he emigrated to America, and after landing in Canada, went to Chicago, Illinois, and work- ed at the harness trade, which he had learned in his native land. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Fifteenth Wisconsin Infantry, and after serving three years enlisted in the the Sixth Regiment, Company B, Hancock Corps, as sergeant, which position he held until the close of the war. He was in a great many battles and skirmishes and was wounded at the battle of Stone River. After receiving his dis- charge on the 26th of March, 1866, he removed to Minnesota, settling in Dimon Lake, where he took Government land and, in connection with farming, followed the mercantile business in the village. In 1873 he went to Rushford, Fillmore county, Min- nesota, where he purchased a harness shop, and after one year removed his stock of goods to Willmar, Kandiyohi county, Minne- sota, where he has since remained actively engaged in this line. He has one of the best stocked harness shops in the city and is hav- ing a good trade. Since settling in Willmar he has built himself a fine residence opposite the court house.

Mr. Jorgenson was united in marriage to Mrs. L. G. Paulson, of Fillmore county, Minnesota, and this union has been blessed with four children, namned as follows- Johannah, Charles, Laura and Amy. Our subject is a stanch republican in his politi- cal affiliations and is actively interested in all local matters. He is stockholder and

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director of the Willmar Bank and was one of its organizers. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and is one of the representative business men of Willmar. He is a man of the strictest honor and integrity and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

OHN E. OSTROM, who is engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business in the village of Warren, Marshall county, Minnesota, is a native of the kingdom of Sweden. He was born in Kolback parish, Westmanland, Sweden, on the 31st day of July, 1858, and is the son of John and Maria (Johnson) Ostrom, also natives of the kingdom of Sweden. The father of our sub- ject was a prosperous farmer in the Old World. The father and mother of the pres- ent subject were the parents of the following named-children - Catharina Carolina, John E., Anders Gustaf, Sophia Maximiliana, Per August, Ida Josephina and Amalia Charlotta.

Mr. Ostrom, the subject of this biograph- ical memoir, remained in his native land until he had attained the age of twenty-one years. During that time he attended the excellent common schools of his birthplace and also assisted his father operate the home farm. In 1879 he emigrated to the United States, and after a voyage of twenty days landed in New York. He at once removed to the State of Illinois, where he settled in Henry county, and engaged in farming

among the neighboring fariners.

After

working at various occupations in different places in Illinois, for one year and a half, our subject went to Michigan, where he secured work in the mines. On the 25th of June, 1881, he removed to Minnesota and settled in Marshall county. He filed on a homestead on section 18, township 154, range 48, and after remaining upon the farm for some

tine sold out, and in 1883 settled in Warren, Marshall county, Minnesota, where he clerked in a store for three months. He then secured the position of assistant postmaster and worked in that capacity for three years. At the expiration of that time he engaged in his present business, real estate, insurance, loans, etc. He is doing an active business. He owns over 1,000 acres of farming lands and is one of the prominent business men of the village.

Mr. Ostrom was united in marriage on the 7th day of May, 1887, to Miss Matilda Lund- gren, and this union has been blessed witlı one child-Arthur William. Mrs. Ostrom is a native of Sweden, and the daughter of Swan Lundgren. The subject of this sketch is an adherent to the principles of the demo- cratic party and is actively interested in all local matters. He is a man of the strictest honor and integrity and bears the esteem of all who know him.

R OBERT BROOKE BLAKEMORE, real estate dealer, loans and general col- lections, of Fargo, although quite a young man, is one of the prominent, public-spirited and enterprising business men of that city.

He is the only son of George B. and Clara A. (Gist) Blakemore. His father, the oldest son of Thomas and Betsy (Brooke) Blake- more, was born in Clarke county, Virginia, and passed his youth with his relations in the Old Dominion, and subsequently was for many years engaged in mercantile pursuits in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, where he met his wife. Soon after their marriage they removed to Kentucky, first settling at Oak Grove, in Christian county, and soon after- ward removed to Hopkinsville, the county seat, where Mr. Blakemore prosperously engaged in the dry-goods business until 1861, . when he laid aside his ledger and abandoned

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his business to take up his sword as a repre- sentative of his country in a vain struggle for independence, leaving his wife with the family of James M. Glass, in Hopkins- ville, at whose house the subject of this sketch, Robert Brooke, was born on the 14th of September, 1866. His father at the close of the war in 1865 engaged in business in New Orleans, establishing the commercial house of Blakemore, Wooldridge & Co., of which he was the senior partner, and which under his leadership commanded such a high commercial standing until his death from yellow fever, on the 10th of June, 1868. Robert's mother had remained at Mr. Glass', where she died two years later, leav- ing Robert an orphan at four years, with her friend and companion of thirteen years, Mrs. James M. Glass, to whose kind and motherly hands he owes his bringing up. He attended private school in Hopkinsville until the age of eleven, and then entered the military school of Major Ferril at tliat place, where he remained until thirteen years old, when he was taken to live with his mother's sister, then Mrs. John B. Stewart, who lived in Anne Arundel county, Maryland. He entered St. John's College, at Annapolis, where he remained four years, and after passing his Sophomore year decided to earn his livelihood in the West, consequently he started direct to Fargo, where he arrived July 14, 1883, and soon entered the leading hardware house of Judd & Ward in this city, with the position of cashier. In the winter of the same year he returned to Maryland to pursue a course of study in Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Baltimore. Upon receiving his diploma at this institution at the end of six months, he immediately returned to Fargo, entering the employ of E. H. Dickson, attorney, loans and collections, with whom he remained until the fall of 1887, when he returned to Annapolis, Maryland, to be married Feb-

ruary 13, 1888, to Miss Clara Cornelia Taylor, daughter of George M., Jr., and Alice (Irving) Taylor, natives of Maryland. Mr. Blakemore returned to Fargo with his wife, where they have a beautiful home.

Mr. Blakemore, as successor to Mr. E. H. Dickson, who removed to Texas, has estab- lished a business of which he may well feel proud, being connected with some of the largest corporations in both the United States and Europe, and annually collects and loans for them many thousands of dollars.

He is a firm advocate and believer in the future greatness and prosperity of North Dakota, and is always identified with any public-spirited enterprise as one of its leaders, and may be counted upon to become one of her leading men at a not far future. Mr. Blakemore, although identified on the side of democracy, is not so biased as to overlook the interests of his local govern- ment, and is democratic in the broadest sense of the term, and an unflinching fol. lower in his opinions of right and justice. He is a member of the Episcopal church, and a faithful member, as is also his wife, who is a most beloved and estimable lady - being both domestic and sociable, she is eagerly sought in the society of Fargo.

WAN P. THORNQUIST, a prominent and respected business man of the vil- lage of Long Prairie, Todd county, Minnesota, is a native of the kingdom of Sweden. He was born near Soderham, on the 12th day of June, 1843, and is the son of Peter and Greta S. (Hammarlund) Olson, also natives of Swe- den. The father of the present subject was born in 1816 and the mother in 1822. The father emigrated to the United States in 1865, and located in Watertown, Carver county, Minnesota, where he engaged in farming. He 'is now living in Tacoma, Washington Terri-

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tory, where he removed in 1888. The father and mother of our subject are the parents of the following named children-Swan P., the subject of this biographical article; Anna,now the wife of John Lind, of Chicago, Illinois ; Erick, who is engaged in general farming operations in the township of Little Sauk, Todd county, Minnesota ; Bertha, who mar- ried N. G. Peterson, of Minneapolis, Min- nesota; Carrie, now Mrs. Andrew Brink, of Tacoma, Washington Territory; and John, who married Miss Emma Olson, and is en- gaged in the dry-goods business in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Mr. Thornquist, the subject of this memoir, remained at home in his native land, attend- ing the excellent common schools of that country until he had attained the age of sixteen years. During that period in life he had assisted his father operate the home farm, and at the time mentioned he started in life for himself. He went to the city of Soderham, Sweden, where he learned the tailor's trade, and when he had attained the age of twenty-one years he emigrated to the United States. After a voyage of thirteen days he landed in New York City, and at once went to Watertown,"Carver county, Minnesota, where he worked out on a farm until the fall of 1864. He then removed to the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he engaged in his trade for six years. He then removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he followed the tailor's trade for onc year. At the expiration of the twelve months he removed to Watertown, Carver county, Minnesota, and purchased fifty-five acres of land and engaged in farming. In 1872 he sold his farm and removed to Todd county. Minnesota, and homesteaded 160 acres of land on section 2, Little Sauk township. After living on his farm, engaged in general farming and stock-raising operations, four- teen years, until October 1, 1886. Mr. Thorn- quist removed to the village of Long Prairie,

Todd county, Minnesota, where he has since remained, engaged in the sewing-machine business. He handles a full line of the Davis sewing machines, and is doing a large and increasing business.

Mr. Thornquist was united in marriage on the 25th day of June, 1867, to Miss Betsie Peterson, and this union was blessed with two children-Emma, who married W. W. Chandler, of Long Prairie; and George, who died at the age of six years. Mrs. Thornquist passed away from the scenes of earth to her final reward on the 12th day of April, 1870. The subject of this article was united in mar- riage the second time to Miss Christina Peterson, July 15, 1870, and they have been blessed with the following named children- Amanda, Erick (who died at the age of two years and three months, and is buried in the Lutheran cemctery at Little Sauk), Carrie, Bertha, Leonard and Swan Clinton. Mr. Thornquist and his family belongs to the Lutheran church. He has always been a republican in politics until 1888, when he classified himself with the interests of the democratic party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and one of the represent- ative citizens of the village of Long Prairie.

REDRICK KRUEGER, the popular pro- prietor of the Northwestern Hotel, and livery and feed stables in the village of Red Lake Falls, Polk county, Minnesota, is a native of Germany. He was born in that kingdom on the 1st day of July, 1840, and is the son of John and Reaka (Lawrence) Krue- ger, also natives of Germany. In 1853 the father and mother of our subject emigrated to the United States and settled in Wiscon- sin, where they have since remained.

Mr. Krueger, the subject of this biograph- ical memoir, remained in his native land until he was thirteen years old, when he emi-

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grated with his parents to the United States. He at once removed to Wisconsin, where he settled in Manitowoc county with his parents. He remained at home, attending school and helping on the home farm until he was twenty-one. He then commenced in life for himself, by working in the pineries. After working at this employment for six years he returned home and bought a farm. He erected buildings and commenced to improve the farm. He remained there, engaged in general farming and stock-raising for fifteen years. In 1882 he sold out and went to Minnesota, where he settled at Red Lake Falls, Polk county. He put up a large hotel building in Kretzshmar's addition and con- tinued to operate the hotel until the spring of 1888. He then removed his buildings to Holme's railroad addition, where he has since remained. He runs a first-class house, and conimands a good share of the patronage of the traveling public. He is highly esteemed both as a citizen and business man.

Mr. Krueger was united in marriage in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, on the 5th day of January, 1869, to Miss Augusta Krousa, a native of Germany, and the daughter of Frederick and Augusta Krousa, also natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Krueger have been blessed with the follow- ing-named children-Herman, Clara, Edith, August, William, Albert, Charles and Elvina, all of whom are living and at home. Mr. Krueger and his family belong to the Lutheran church. He has held the offices of school director, a member of the village council, etc., and is an active participant in all local movements.

OHN F. SELBY, a prominent attorney of Hillsboro, North Dakota, where he is engaged in an extensive law practice, is a native of the State of Pennsylvania. He was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, 1

on the 24th day of December, 1849, and is the son of John F. and Jane (Rogers) Selby, natives of Ohio. In 1855 the family removed to Hayfield, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where the mother died in 1882. The father was a soldier in an Ohio regiment, and died in the army hospital at Chattanooga, Ten- nesee. They were the parents of the follow- ing-named children - William A., Mary L., Eva P. and John F.

John F. Selby, the subject of this article, attended the common schools and the normal school at Edinborough, Pennsylvania, until he was about twenty years old. During that time, and after his father's death, he had helped support the family, and in 1865, after his brother William had returned from the army, they engaged in the oil business in Venango and Clarion counties, Pennsyl- vania, until 1874, when they both registered as students at law under C. W. Gillfillan, their immediate preceptor being R. G. Lam- berton, of Franklin, Venango county. They were admitted to the bar on the 12th day of May, 1876, and then removed to Edenburg, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, where they were engaged in their profession until March, 1880. William then removed West and set- tled in Traill county, Dakota, locating at Caledonia. Our subject remained in Penn- sylvania until the 1st of April, 1881, when he removed to Hillsboro, North Dakota, where he opened an office for the practice of his profession, and has since remained. He is one of the leading attorneys, and his practice is rapidly increasing. In November, 1884, he was elected county attorney, and previous to that had been attorney for the board of county commissioners. He has been admitted before the supreme court of Pennsylvania and also of Dakota Territory, and is one of the most prominent and highly esteemed lawyers in the county.

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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 77

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