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 90

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 90
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 90

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occupations he followed until 1883. In the spring of 1883 Mr. Hamlin removed to the State of Minnesota, and settled in the county of Wadena, where he has since resided. When he first settled in Wadena he bought out the lumber firm of Knud- sen & Everts. He re-established the yard and continued to operate the business until 1886, when W. S. Horr bought an equal interest and they have since carried on the business. In the spring of 1886 Mr. Hamlin engaged in the livery business in partnership with William Hoff, and they have since carried on the livery and sale stables, devot- ing special attention to the sale of imported horses, and doing an extensive business in selling buggies, wagons, cutters etc.

Mr. Hamlin was united in marriage on the 8th day of January, 1873, to Miss Abbie C. Horr, of Lorain county, Ohio. Mr. Hamlin is a stanch republican in his political affiliations, and always takes an active interest in all local matters. He is very successful in his business relations with everyone, and is highly esteemed both as a citizen and business man by all who know him.

ICHARD HANDY, a prominent mer- chant of Todd county, Minnesota, is a resident of the village of Long Prairie, where he is engaged in the hardware busi- ness. He is a native of England, born in Westbury, Wiltshire, in February, 1842, and is the son of Thomas and Anna (Hill) Handy, also natives of England. The mother died in her native land, and the father re- moved to the United States in 1850, and set- tled in Erie county, Pennsylvania. He was accidentally drowned in April, 1866, at Dundas, Rice county, Minnesota. He had charge of the Archibald Mills at that place, where he had moved in 1863. The father

and mother of our subject were the parents of the following-named children-Elizabeth, Richard, Charles and John.

Mr. Handy, the subject of this article, re- mained in his native land until he was eight . years old, at which time he emigrated to the United States, and settled with his father at Erie. He remained there two and a half years. In the year 1853 the family removed to Dundas, Canada West. At the age of eleven he left the paternal home to seek his own livelihood, and at the age of fifteen ceased his educational career. For some time he secured work in a hotel, and soon afterward commenced the tinner's trade. In 1866 Mr. Handy removed to Minnesota, and settled in Rice county, Minnesota, where he remained three months. At the expiration of that time he went to Dodge county, where he worked at the tinner's trade for two years. He next moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he worked at the bench for five or six months, moving from there to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and took 160 acres of land, on which he remained two sum- mers engaged in farming. In 1868 he was engaged by Henry Keller, of Sauk Centre, as tinsmith, and in. the fall returned to Sauk Centre, Minnesota. He staid in Sauk Centre, engaged principally at the tinner's trade, until 1873. In 1873 Mr. Handy went to Long Prairie, Todd county, Minnesota, and estab- lished his present hardware business. He carries one of the largest stocks in the village and handles all kinds of shelf and heavy hardware.

Mr. Handy was united in marriage in March, 1872, to Miss Mary E. Gough, and this union was blessed with six children- Amy, Beatrice, Pauline, Bessie, Ruth and Rolland. Mr. Handy is a republican in his political affiliations, and is one of the sub- stantial and esteemed citizens of the village. He and his family belong to the Baptist church, of which he is a deacon. He has

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been president of the village school board and a member of the village council. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd- Fellows and a representative man of the village.

ILLIAM SMITH, a successful mer- chant of Todd county, Minnesota, is a resident of the village of Eagle Bend, where he is engaged in the general merchandising business. He is a native of Kentucky, born in Pikesville, Pike county, Kentucky, on the 21st day of October, 1844, and is the son of Aaron and Jennie (Justices) Smith, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. The father is still engaged in farming on the old home in Kentucky. The mother was educated in her native State, and died there August 28, 1865. They were the parents of three children-William, John and George. John is in Virginia and George is living in Kentucky.

Mr. Smith, the subject of this biographical article, remained in his native village, Pikes- ville, until he was twenty-five years old. Until he had attained the age of seventeen years he attended the common schools of his native town, and in 1870 removed to West Virginia, where he remained two years. At the expiration of that time he went to the State of Minnesota, and settled in Meeker county, Minnesota, near Dassel, where he purchased a farm, and engaged in agricult- ural pursuits for about seven years. In 1879 he removed to Todd county, Minnesota, and homesteaded a tract of land on section 2, Wykeham township, where he remained five years, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was one of the earliest settlers in the township and a successful farmer. In 1884 Mr. Smith removed to the village of Eagle Bend, Todd county, Minne- sota, and engaged in the liquor business for

two years. He then opened his present store and has since been engaged in the business. He carries a complete stock of general merchandise and is doing a good business.

Mr. Smith was united in marriage on the 12th day of January, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Ford, a native of the State of Kentucky, and the daughter of William Ford, a farmer and merchant. She is one of twelve children, being the fourth in order. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of the following-named children-James, Malinda, Mary, Minnie, Ida, Rosy, Arlery, Katie and Lizzie. Malinda is the wife of John Goble, a resident of Todd county, and Mary is a Mrs. Burton of Eagle Bend, Todd county, Minnesota. 'The subject of this article is a democrat in his political affiliations and an active participant in all movements of a local nature. He is one of the leading citizens of the village in which he lives and has held various offices, including treasurer, school director, etc. A man of the strictest integrity, he stands high in the community in which he lives, both as a business man and an exemplary citizen.

JOHN H. WIGGINS, of the firm of Wil- liams Brothers & Company, prominent millers of Kandiyohi county, Minnesota, is a resident of Willmar, where he is engaged in the milling business with the above-named firm, being the company of the same. He is a native of Prince Edward Island, born in 1850, and is the son of James and Eleanor (Green) Wiggins, natives of Grand Lake, New Brunswick, Canada, and Prince Edward Island, respectively. Early. in life the father was a house carpenter by trade, then followed farming and later in life engaged in the lumbering and milling business in Prince Edward Island, in the village of Alber- ton. The mother died in 1883, and the father is now retired from active life. They

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were the parents of ten children, the follow- ing-named being the only ones now living- Virgenia, the wife of T. F. Walker ; Sarah, now Mrs. Wright; Elizabeth, who married J. French; John H. and Samuel H.

John H. Wiggins, the subject of this article, remained in his native island until he was twenty-one. During that time he had attended school in the winters and in the summers assisted his father operate the home farm. At the age of majority he commenced in life for himself, and for the succeeding five years followed agricultural pursuits. At the expiration of that time he entered the milling business in partnership with his father and brother, but after three years they were burned out, losing all he had.

Our subject had to commence at the foot of the ladder once more. He now spent two years working in a machine shop on his native island, then went to New York City, where he secured a position in a machine shop, where he worked for one year. Then, in 1880, he removed westward and settled in Kerkhoven, Swift county, Minnesota, where he remained for a period of five years, engaged in elevator work. In 1885, in part- nership with Williams Brothers, he pur- chased a custom mill at Willmar, Kandiyohi county, Minnesota. After three months the mill was destroyed by fire, and they pur- chased several lots and erected their present mill. It is one of the finest in the county, and they are doing a heavy local and ship- ping business. They employ five men, and are among the prominent and leading millers in that part of the State.

Mr. Wiggins, of whom this article treats, was united in marriage in 1870 to Miss Sarah D. Williams, a native of Prince Edward Island, and the daughter of William S. and Charlotte (Greene) Williams, natives of England and Prince Edward Island, respect- ively. Mr. and Mrs. Wiggins in this union have been blessed with one child-William

D. In his political affiliations Mr. Wiggins is an adherent to the principles of the repub- lican party. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has a fine residence on Benson avenue, surrounded with beautiful evergreen and shade trees. In all public matters, whether political or local, Mr. Wiggins is actively and promi- nently identified with them, always giving his support to any laudable enterprise. He is an exemplary citizen, and is highly esteemed and respected by all who know him.

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PETER I. HOLEN, of the firm of Olson & Holen, general merchants of the village of Argyle, Marshall county, Minne- sota, where they are engaged in a general merchandising business, is one of the prom- inent and respected business men of the county in which he lives. He is a native of Norway, born in Guldbransdalen, on the 12th day of February, 1859, and is the son of Iver and Johanna (Korstad) Holen, natives also of that kingdom. The mother died in 1861, and the father in 1873. .

Mr. Holen, the subject of this biographical review, received his education in his native country, where he attended school until he was twelve years old. After his father's death our subject was compelled to seek his own livelihood, and until he was sixteen he worked out at whatever labor he could obtain. In 1876 he emigrated to the United States, and after a voyage of four weeks landed in New York City. From there he removed directly to Minnesota, and located in Pelican Rapids, where he worked on a farm during the summers and attended school for two winters. At the expiration of that time he secured a position with Pen- dergast & Blyberg, general merchants of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, and with whom he remained one year. After leaving the

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store he took a two weeks' trip into Dakota, to look over the land, and again returned to Pelican Rapids, where he secured a position as clerk in the general store of Theodore Frazee. Our subject remained in that posi- tion for four years, when he removed to the village of Argyle, Marshall county, Minne- sota, and in partnership with Andrew Olson built a store and put in a full line of gen- eral merchandise. They have a double store, one department devoted to groceries, hardware, boots and shoes, and the other to dry goods and clothing. It is the finest and largest stocked store in the village, and they are doing an extensive and increasing business.

Mr. Holen was united in marriage in March, 1885, to Miss Annie Melgaard, the daughter of Lars H. and Anna (Melgaard) Myhre, natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Holen have been blessed with two children - Julia and Oscar. Our subject and his family belong to the Lutheran church. He has been a member of the village council, and is one of the most active and prominent business men of the county.

ILLIAM F. MARKUS, the present incumbent of the office of register of deeds of Wadena county, Minnesota, is a resident of the village of Wadena, where he is engaged in his official duties. He is a native of the State of Minnesota, born in Shakopee on the 17th day of June, 1858, and the son of William and Wilhelmina Markus, natives of Germany. The father and mother of our subject were the parents of the following- named children-Charles, William, Henry, Minnie, Emma, George, Rose, Augusta and Edward.

Mr. Markus, the subject of this biograph- ical article, remained in his native town until he was fifteen years of age. Up to the age of

fourteen years he attended school, and after leaving school he secured work in a drug store. When he was fifteen years old he removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, and found employment in a drug store, where he remained one year. He spent the summer of 1875 in Henderson and New Ulm, Minne- sota, working in a drug store, and during the winter of 1875-76 he had charge of a drug store in Duluth, Minnesota. In the following spring he returned to Shakopee, where he remained until the following August, and then removed to Litchfield, Min- nesota, where he remained several months. In the fall of 1876 Mr. Markus went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he clerked in the International and Sherman hotels until 1879, when he went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and secured the position of clerk in the Mer- chants' Hotel. While at the Merchants' he attended the business college of Curtiss & Hyde during his leisure hours. He remained in that capacity until the spring of 1881, when he went on the road as a " knight of the grip," and in the following spring removed to St. Cloud, Minnesota, and leased the West Hotel for one year. He then removed to Ald- rich, Minnesota, and while there was one of the Aldrich Mill Company. While there he had the misfortune to lose his right hand, and he at once went to the " cities" for superior medical treatment. In the spring of 1884 he was able to return to Wadena county, Minnesota, and after remaining at Aldrich for a few months inade a trip through Dakota and located at Lisbon, where he leased the Headquarters Hotel for one year. In the spring of 1885 he went to Litchfield, Minnesota, where he remained during the summer, and then located at Aldrich, where he engaged in the fire insurance business. In 1886 he was elected to the office of regis- ter of deeds, which position he has since held with satisfaction to all parties con- cerned, and was re-elected in 1888.

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Mr. Markus was married in February, 1880, to Miss Lizzie French, of Litchfield, Minnesota. They have been blessed with four children-Leola, Rene, William and George. In the fall of 1886 they had the misfortune to lose their eldest son, Rene. Mr. Markus has always identified himself with the republican party, and is actively interested in all movements of a local nature. Mr. Markus is also engaged in the loan and fire insurance business. He is a member of the Odd-Fellows fraternity and is the present treasurer of that organization. A man of the strictest integrity, and one of the most capable business men in the county, he is highly respected and esteemed.

ALTER S. HORR, of the firm of Hamlin & Horr, dealers in lumber and all kinds of building material, has been closely identified with the business interests of the village of Wadena, Wadena county, Minnesota, since the 1st of December, 1885. He is a native of the State of Ohio, born in Wellington on the 14th day of August, 1863. He remained in his native State until 1885. During his earlier days he attended the excellent common schools of Wellington, and then entered the high school of that place, graduating with high honors in June, 1881. He then secured a position as book-keeper with a large wholesale lumber firm in Wellington, with whom he remained for a period of four years. This firm did an · extensive business all through the State and country, and our subject held a responsible position with them. In 1885 he decided to seek new fields in which to employ his ener- gies in the new Northwest, and accordingly started for the West. Reaching Minnesota and seeing the beautiful village of Wadena and the business interests there, he concluded to settle. He purchased a one-half interest

in the lumber establishment of H. B. Ham- lin, whose biographical memoir will be found in another department of this ALBUM, and they have since continued the business together. They carry a heavy stock at all times, and are one of the most extensive lum- ber firms in the county. They carry all kinds of lumber, lath, shingles, lime, siding, building paper, etc., and are doing a heavy business.

Mr. Horr, of whom this article treats, was married on the 8th day of July, 1886. to Miss Julia Bacon, a native of Oberlin, Ohio, and a graduate of Oberlin College in 1883. Mr. Horr affiliates with the republican party, and is an active participant in all local movements whereby the town or county may derive benefit. He is a capable business man, a man of the strictest integ- rity, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

EORGE D. HAMILTON, editor and proprietor of the Detroit Record, published at Detroit, Becker county, Min- nesota, is one of the most popular and highly esteemed citizens of Becker county. He is a native of Wisconsin, born at Two Rivers, April 3, 1856, and is the son of Henry and Dianthy (Smith) Hamilton, natives of New York State. They were married in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, where the father was engaged in the general merchandising, mill- ing and manufacturing business. He enlisted as quartermaster in the Twenty-first Wis- consin Infantry, and served one year. He then engaged in business in Nashville, Ten- nessee, where he remained and was taken suddenly ill and died in 1864. The mother is now living with our subject in Detroit. The father and mother were the parents of the following-named children - Edward, Laura, Henry and George.

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Mr. Hamilton, the subject of this biograph- ical sketch, spent his younger days in attend- ing school in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. At the age of thirteen he cominenced in life for himself. Until he had attained the age of six- teen years he was employed in various manufacturing establishments, and at the age of sixteen entered the office of the Mani- towoc County Chronicle, at Two Rivers, Wisconsin. He helped publish the first paper and remained until September, 1876, when he went to Nebraska, and took the position of foreman on the Saline County News, at Crete, Nebraska. After remaining one year, he returned to Two Rivers, Wis- consin, and took charge of the Manitowoc County Chronicle, remaining there until the fall of 1878. In November, 1878, he went to Detroit, Becker county, Minnesota, and purchased his present paper. The paper is a six column quarto, republican in its political views, and has a circulation of 800 copies.

Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage on the 29th of September, 1880, to Miss Mary G. Dunning, of Detroit, Minnesota, and the daughter of Warren S. and Anna (Maxwell) Dunning, natives of Valparaiso, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have been blessed with one child-Hubbard. Our subject is a republican in politics, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is actively interested in any laudable home enterprise, and through his strict integrity, honorable methods and business capabilities he is recognized as one of the most prominent citizens of the county in which he lives.

REDERICK W. HARTUNG, a retired farmer of Todd county, Minnesota, is a resident of the village of Long Prairie. He is a native of Germany, born in Prussia on the 7th day of March, 1828, and is the son of Casper and Eva Hartung, also natives of the kingdom of Germany. The father

and mother of our subject are the parents of the following-named children - Godfried, Anna, Maria, Frederick W. and Jacob.

Mr. Hartung, the subject of this biograph- ical review, received his education in the land of his birth, attending the excellent common schools of Prussia until he had attained the age of fourteen years. He enlisted in the German army in Frankfort- on-the-Main, serving one year and five months and receiving his honorable discharge in 1851. He remained in his native land until 1868, when he emigrated to the United States, and after remaining one year in this country returned to his native land. He remained a short time, visiting the scenes of his childhood,. and again emigrated to America. After landing on America's shores he removed to the State of Ohio, and after a short sojourn in that State went to Todd county, Minnesota, and took land on section 8, where he lived until 1887. After remain- ing eight years on his homestead Mr. Hartung again paid a visit to his native country, and then returned to his farm. He remained, as above stated, upon his farm until 1887, engaged extensively in general farming and stock-raising operations. He was one of the most successful farmers in the county, and still has a fine farm of 640 acres, besides eighty acres within the incor- porate limits of Long Prairie. He rents a part of his land, and this gives him a moderate income. In 1887 Mr. Hartung, seeing that old age was approaching and that he was becoming unequal to hard manual labor, decided to retire from active life, and accordingly removed to the village of Long Prairie, Todd county, Minnesota, where he has since remained. He owns a fine brick house, which is built from material made on his own farm.

Mr. Hartung was united in marriage on the 15th of March, 1854, to Miss Johannah Anholt, a native of the kingdom of Germany.

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Mr. and Mrs. Hartung have been blessed with three children, named as follows- Jacob, Charlotte and Anna. The two first named are married, and Anna is at home. Mr. Hartung is a republican in politics, and is one of the representative citizens of Long Prairie. He and his family belong to the Lutheran church.

R. E. N. FALK, postmaster at Cale- donia, North Dakota, and editor and proprietor of the Traill County . Times, is one of the most prominent and leading citi- zens of the Red River Valley. A man of excellent business capabilities, enterprising and energetic, he has taken an active part in the development of this region, and his name is indissolubly associated with its his- tory.

Dr. Falk was born in Bergen Stift, Nor- way, on the 24th of February, 1847, and there spent his childhood days. In 1854 he was brought to the United States by his parents, and they settled in Dane county, Wisconsin. There our subject remained on the home farm, receiving his education in the district schools of that vicinity until he was sixteen years of age. At that time, in January, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry, and went into the service. He participated in all the battles and skirmishes in which that gallant regiment was engaged, principal among which was that of Mobile. He saw a good deal of hard service, but came out without a wound. After receiving an hon- orable discharge in December, 1865, he went to Chicago, where he attended Rush Medical College, graduating and receiving the degree of M. D. in the spring of 1870. After this for about two years he traveled through the South and West, and in 1873 he removed to Minneapolis and accepted a position as physician and surgeon for the

Northern Pacific Construction Company, retaining this position for about one year. About this time he located at Northfield, Minnesota, where he was engaged in the prac- tice of his profession until 1877, when he came to Traill county, North Dakota, and located at Caledonia, where he engaged in medical practice. He was very successful in his pro- fessional work, and served two years as county physician. He continued practice until elected to the office of county auditor, when he devoted his attention to his official duties, serving in this capacity for four years. Since that time he has devoted his attention to his newspaper work, having established the Traill County Times in 1885. The paper ranks among the best local pa- pers in the valley, and has a circu- lation of about 600. It is democratic in political matters. The doctor is a man of excellent literary attainments, well read and an able writer. He has always taken an active part in public affairs, and at this writ- ing ranks as colonel on Governor Church's staff. He was appointed postmaster in 1886, and still holds that position. While living at Northfield, Minnesota, he was nominated by his party for secretary of State, his oppo- nent being General Jennison, but was defeated.

Dr. Falk is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, holding membership in a Dane county, Wisconsin, post. He also belongs to the Odd-Fellows fraternity. He is a man of the strictest integrity.

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JOSEPH W. WHITE is engaged in the general merchandise business at Vin- ing, Otter Tail county, Minnesota. He was born in County Armagh, Ireland, January 28, 1856.

Mr. White is the son of James and Mar- garet (Watson) White, natives of Ireland.

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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 90

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