The history of Mower County, Minnesota : illustrated, Part 102

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co.
Number of Pages: 1246

USA > Minnesota > Mower County > The history of Mower County, Minnesota : illustrated > Part 102

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George Kuhn, a represenative citizen of Grand Meadow town- ship, was born in Germany, October 25, 1854. son of George and Margaret Kuhn. He came to America in 1873, at nineteen years of age, and reached New York, March 1. After landing he went at once to Milwaukee, and there lived five years, working at his trade as harness maker. In 1878 he came to Grand Meadow

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and located in section 36, where he carried on general farming for some years. He now owns a farm of 120 acres in section 35, where he lives, and also a fine place of 240 acres in Clayton township. Mr. Kuhn married for his first wife, Augusta Spilett Spdæser, and five children were born. Of these three are living: Charles, George W., and William. The present Mrs. Kuhn was Amelia Quarst.

A. L. Sims, retired hotel keeper of Brownsdale, and veteran of the Civil war, was born in Erie county, Ohio, December 7, 1840, son of Abraham and Susan (Barr) Sims. He was reared on the farm, and in 1862 enlisted in Company C, Fifty-first Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry. He saw much active service and participated in the following engagements: Battle of Dallas, Georgia ; battles of Chickamauga and Mission Ridge; battle of Stone river; battle of Franklin; battle of Peach Tree creek ; siege of Atlanta, Geor- gia, and charge of Kennesaw mountain. He was wounded at the battle of Dallas, Georgia. Mr. Sims was discharged March 9, 1865, after three years of service. In 1867 he married Mary Ann Nichols, of Iroquois, Illinois, and that same year came to Browns- dale, where he farmed and conducted a hotel for several years. Mr. Sims is prominent in G. A. R. circles and has been a member of Colonel Rogers post, No. 11, G. A. R., for many years. He is the father of three children: Frank, Nellie and Mary.

Samuel Scribner, the pioneer, was born in New York state, and married Hanna Chapman. He brought his family west to Dela- ware county, Iowa, in 1852; and in 1855 continued his trip, and took up his residence in 1856 in section 10, Frankford, where he preëmpted a quarter section of land, his oldest son, Andrew, pre- empting eighty acres in section 2. Upon their arrival here, they erected a small log house 12 x 16 feet, and the following year an addition was made. This addition was roofed with rag carpets and floored with earth. The severe winter of 1856-57 found the family thus housed, and at one time for three weeks the snow and intense cold prevented their reaching hay which was stacked forty rods away. But the years passed, the land was broken, a comfortable house replaced the old log cabin, and the crops were good. Samuel Scribner died in February, 1881, and his good wife, December 6, 1899. They had twelve children: Andrew J., George W., Ann Eliza, Adeline, Martin V. B., Markus H., Anna M. and Luther C.

Andrew J. Scribner was born November 12, 1827, came west with his parents, assisted his father in preempting land, and still resides in Frankford township, on the west half of his father's preemption. George W. Scribner was born in New York and married Sarah Coolidge, in Delaware county, Iowa. They lived a time in Iowa and then went to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma,

L. C. SCRIBNER

MRS. L. C. SCRIBNER.

L. C. SCRIBNER'S RESIDENCE.

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where he died. Ann Eliza married Henry Doane, of Ohio. She died at her home in South Dakota, in 1909. Adeline married Charles H. Chamberlain. She died in Beloit, Kansas, in 1909. Martin V. B., at one time enrolling clerk in the Minnesota senate, married Ruth Sweet and farmed in Minnesota. In 1864 he enlisted in the Union army. Upon his return he purchased the Grand Meadow newspaper, continuing in the newspaper business in Minnesota, South Dakota and Montana the remainder of his life. He died December 6, 1909. Marcus II. devoted his life to farming and died in 1872. Anna M. married Henry B. Corey, former sheriff of Mower county, and now lives in Trinidad, Colorado.

Luther C. Scribner, a substantial and honored citizen of Frank- ford township, was born in Livingston county, New York, Febru- ary 17, 1852, son of Samuel and Hanna (Chapman) Scribner. He came west with the rest of the family in 1852, and to Frankford in 1856. In this township he has since made his home. He served in town offices for many years, and in 1897 and 1899 served with distinction in the Minnesota state legislature. He served on the school board for many years. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, and he belongs to the Masons and the Woodmen. The subject of this sketch was married October 31, 1874, to Martha Shaw, and this union has been blessed with four children: Edna, a teacher in the town of Marshall; Roy, who is in the automobile business in San Francisco; Clarence M., who lives in Portland, Oregon, and Louverne G., who is a pupil in the Stewartville high school.

Charles W. Mott, an industrious farmer of Grand Meadow township, came to this county in 1902, and settled on section 5, where he still resides. He has erected a fine home, suitable out- buildings, and a large brick granary. His farm consists of 280 acres of rich land, all under cultivation, and on this place he suc- cessfully conduets farming on a large scale. Although a new- comer, he has taken an interest in Grand Meadow affairs and has served as elerk of his school district for six years. The subject of this sketch was born in Monroe county, New York, March 19, 1866, son of John and Elizabeth Mott, who came west in 1878, to Waverly, Iowa, where John farmed for a while. Then they went to Clarksville, in the same state, and there John took up the monument business, in which he is still engaged. Charles W. attended the sehools in Spring Lake, Iowa, and at Victor, Butler county, in the same state. Ilis early life was spent on the farm. He married Mary Ray, daughter of John Ray, and they have one daughter, Gladys L., aged seventeen.

Christ Nelson is a popular farmer of Grand Meadow, in which township he was born April 8, 1872, son of Martin and Maria

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Nelson. The father, Martin, was born in Norway, and came to America in 1868, settling in Frankford township, where he lived two years. Then he came to Grand Meadow, lived here for a while, and then moved to Pleasant Valley, where he now resides. Christ, the subject of this sketch, attended school in Pleasant Valley township, and spent his early life on his father's farm. He now owns 160 acres in section 12, Grand Meadow township, and successfully conducts farming operations and stock raising. He married Anna Green, daughter of Truls Green, and they have six children : Melville, Clarence, Alfred, Elmer, Inez and the baby. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Borgen Anderson is one of the progressive farmers of Frank- ford township, and works eighty acres in section 8, on which he carries on general farming. Mr. Anderson is a quiet man and has never cared to mingle in public affairs, but in developing his farm has taken his share in the general progress of the county, and is regarded as one of the substantial men of his community. Borgen Anderson was born in Norway, September 15, 1842, son of Andrew and Carrie Christianson, who spent the span of their years in that country. He was reared on the home farm, and at the age of twenty set sail for America. He came directly to Mower county, and after his marriage located on his present farm. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Lutheran church. His wife, who originally owned the farm where he now lives, was Mrs. Elsie Olson before their marriage, July 7, 1886. By her marriage to Mr. Olson she had two children, Otto, now of Frankford township, and Christia, wife of Otto Hovda, of North Dakota.

Ferdinand Schuett, one of the leading farmers of Waltham township, was born in Watertown, Jefferson county, Wisconsin, June 20, 1861, son of Frederick and Augusta Schuett, the former of whom was born in Germany, came to America as a young man, located in Wisconsin, and there married and raised his family. Ferdinand attended the schools of his native place, and while still in his teens learned the trade of cheese making in Hustis- ford, Dodge county, this state. He worked at this trade there some fourteen years. In 1891, Mr. Schuett came to Waltham township, and purchased 167 acres of land in section 31. Though coming at a modern date, he experienced some of the character- istics of pioneer life, for his land when he came contained nothing in the shape of buildings but an old shack. The present home and barns are a compliment to the industry and good taste of the Schuett family. The farm is an excellent one, all except ten acres of the timberland being under cultivation. Mr. Schuett carries on general farming successfully, and raises the usual crops and live stock. By his marriage to Emma Lindumer, daughter of

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Henry and Amelia Lindumer, he has five children : Arnold attends the Southern Minnesota Normal College, in Austin ; Edgar is tak- ing a seminary course at the Concordia college, in St. Paul ; Arthur is taking a business course in the Southern Minnesota Normal College; Esther and Rona attend the district school in District 93, Waltham township. Mr. Schuett has been supervisor three years, assessor three years and a member of the school board several terms. He and his family worship at the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity church of Waltham.

John H. Rongley, now deceased, was a quiet, hard-working and industrious citizen of Bennington township. A good husband and considerate father, he left behind him a pleasant memory of a life well lived. John H. Rongley was born in Norway in 1843, and came to Ameria in 1868, locating in Mower county in 1877. Here he purchased 240 acres in sections 34 and 27, and there farmed the remainder of his life. He was a Republican in politics, but never sought public office. He was married June 30, 1878, to Sophia Matson, who was born in Norway, August 23, 1853, and came to America in 1876. Four children were born in the family : Henry M., December 29, 1882; Alma, August 29, 1885; John H., May 25, 1888; Clara, born February 20, 1891. Mr. Rongley departed this life, May 20, 1893.

John Miller, a law-abiding citizen of Grand Meadow, has a well-improved farm of 160 acres in the northwest quarter of sec- tion 18, and here carries on general farming, making improve- ments from time to time as necessity requires. He has remodeled his home, erected a granary, and made other repairs. The sub- ject of this sketch was born in Denmark, May 26, 1850, and eame to America when he was twenty-two years of age, locating for several years in Rochester, this state. Then he came to Grand Meadow and purchased his present farm. He married for his first wife, Mary Nissen. The present Mrs. Miller was Anna Jacob- son, daughter of Jens Jacobson, and they have five children : Jens C., Christ, Mary, Arthur, and Ole.

James Joyce, who has been town clerk of Grand Meadow since 1892, except the years 1897 and 1903, has taken his share in the upbuilding of the community, and has shown his interest in educa- tion by his service as clerk of his school district. Being of a socia- ble nature, he has allied himself with the M. W. A. and with the B. P. O. E. at Austin. The subject of this sketeh was born in St. Catherines, Canada, November 12, 1858, son of John and Ann Joyce. He came to the United States with his parents in 1865 and located in Eyota, Olmstead county, this state. After a short time there, the family moved on a farm in Dover township, in the same county, living in that vicinity from 1865 to 1878. In the latter year they came to Grand Meadow, and settled in the southeast

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quarter of section 10. James spent the greater part of the time from 1880 to 1885 in Chicago and was married in 1892, when he moved to his present residence, where he has since resided, with the exception of one year, 1903, which he spent in Minneapolis as deputy state weigh master. He married Catherine MeDonough, and has eight children: Victor J., Raphael, Madaline, Daniel, Maude, Clarice, Dewart and Everette.

William Christie, of Austin, an extensive dealer in farm implements, wagons and buggies, has at different times given southern Minnesota marked service as chairman of the boards of county commissioners of two counties, and is now serving in that capacity in Mower county. He was born in Highgate, Franklin county, Vermont, March 24, 1844, son of Adam and Mary Christie, who brought him to Wisconsin in 1855. In October, 1864, the sub- ject of this sketch came to Minnesota, and started farming, pur- chasing a quarter section in 1871, located in Oakland township. In 1898 he came to Austin and engaged in his present business. Mr. Christie was assessor of Oakland township in Mower county twenty years, and also served as town treasurer, town super- visor and clerk of his school district. In 1883 he was elected chairman of the board of supervisors of Freeborn county and served with credit in that capacity for six years. In the fall of 1892 he was elected to the legislature and served one term. In 1904 he was elected county commissioner of Mower county for a four-year term and was reelected in 1908. Four years he has served as chairman of the board.

George Berg, an estimable citizen of Grand Meadow village, was born in the Kingdom of Posen, Germany, December 6, 1846, son of Friedrich and Henrietta Berg, who brought him to Bran- don, Wisconsin, in 1863. He assisted on the home farm until after his father's death in 1881, when he and his brother disposed of the farm. George came at once to Frankford, settled on section 31, remodeled the farmhouse, erected a granary, made other improvements and successfully conducted general farming until 1910, when he moved to the village of Grand Meadow, where he now resides. He married Minnie, daughter of Friedrich and Annie Hewer, and they have had three children: August H, William and Emma (deceased). William resides in Frankford township and has charge of the home farm. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran church.

B. Underdahl, a substantial farmer of Clayton township, was born in Norway, September 29, 1863, son of Ole and Bertha Underdahl, who came to America in 1886 and who are now living on rented land in the township of Clayton. The subject of this sketch came to America in 1882, and from New York came directly to Mower county. On his arrival here he worked out

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five years, and then purchased 160 acres in section 32, Clayton township. On this place he has since conducted general farming. His well-equipped barns were erected in 1900 and his comfortable home in 1903. Mr. Underdahl breeds Shorthorn cattle for beef and dairy purposes and also raises Poland-China hogs. He is a Republican in politics and has been school director of District 83 eight years and road overseer four years. Mr. Underdahl was married March 26, 1887, to Engre Hegge, a native of Mower county, and this union has resulted in ten children : Ole, Rachael, Alfred, Leo, Alma, Berdina, John, Stella, Thelma and the baby.

Charles Dexter Pollard came to LeRoy township just after the Civil war, and here spent the remainder of his life, achieving success and respect by his industry and virtues. He was born in Whately, Franklin county, Massachusetts, came to Stoughton, Wisconsin, at an early date, and then to Mower county. Here he married Helen Leach, who was born in Kirby, Caledonia county, Vermont, came to Stoughton, Wis., in early life, and then to Mower county. In 1866, Charles D. Pollard purchased 200 acres of land in section 10, LeRoy township, the purchase being made from Mr. Burns at ten dollars an acre. Here C. D. erected the necessary buildings and carried on farming extensively until his death, February 28, 1883. His wife died February 7, 1908. They were the parents of four children : Edward C., Frank M., Grace May, and Mabel Clare.

Edward C. Pollard was born in a pioneer log cabin on the farm where he still resides, September 3, 1868, son of Charles Dexter and Helen Elvira (Leach) Pollard. He received his eduea- tion in the district schools of LeRoy township, and engaged in farming on the old place with his mother and brother. At the age of twenty years he took entire charge of the farm. Later it was divided and Edward C. received 286 acres. On this large farm he conducts general agricultural operations. In 1894 he engaged in raising Black Poll Angus cattle for beef, and now has a herd of sixty head, having previously had as high as a hundred head. Mr. Pollard is an independent voter.

Charles Bell, a venerable old pioneer, lived in LeRoy over a half a century, and in all that time maintained an enviable record for honor, integrity and uprightness. He was born February 5, 1827, in Henry county, Indiana, son of William Bell. William Bell was a native of Tennessee, but was reared in Kentucky, and came to Henry county, Indiana, with the early settlers. He took government land and farmed thereon until his death. It was here that Charles Bell grew to manhood. In 1848 he married Mary Zook, and rented a farm for two years. Then he managed his father's place until 1856, when with a team he started for Minne- sota, arriving in LeRoy township after twenty-six days of travel.

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He lived two months with A. D. Parks, and during this time he erected a log house on land which he had entered in the northeast quarter of section 19. In this cabin he lived until 1863, when he sold out and moved to the Frank farm. On December 25, 1863, he enlisted in Brackett's Battalion and went to the frontier in pursuit of Indians, serving until his discharge May 18, 1866. Dur- ing his term of service his wife purchased a residence in seetion 29, LeRoy township, and in this the family lived until 1867, when Mr. Bell purchased the south half of the northeast quarter of sec- tion 17. This land he improved, and later he purchased the north half of the same quarter, thus giving him 240 acres. Mrs. Mary Zook Bell died November 9, 1875, leaving six children: Elizabeth, wife of Michael Kelley; Josephine, wife of James Leary; Ellen, wife of James McGilvery; Stephen D., livng in Rochester; Charles, living in Billings, Montana; and Cora, wife of William Prebble, of Blue Earth, Minnesota. November 1, 1878, Mr. Bell married Jennie Hurlburt, and to this union was born one child, Maude, wife of Joseph Darrow. Joseph Darrow died in 1904. Mrs. Jennie Bell was born in New York state, June 16, 1845. She married John Cox, January 1, 1863, in the town of Union, Rock county, Wisconsin. Mr. Cox died in 1870, leaving one child, Viola, now wife of Henry Hermes, of Spring Valley, and mother of one son, Kenneth. The widow of John Cox married Miles Hurlburt in 1873, and ou November 1, 1878, she married Charles Bell. For thirty-two years they shared the joys and sorrows of life together, until September 14, 1910, when Charles Bell passed into his eternal rest. Several years before his death he sold his farm and bought four acres just outside of the limits, where he built a home in which he lived a retired life until his death.

John J. Fardahl, one of the extensive land owners of Marshall township, was born in Norway in 1861, the son of John S. Fardahl, who came to the United States in 1875 and located in Philadel- phia, later coming to Mower county. John J. Fardahl attended the schools of Norway from the age of eight to fourteen and then came to America. After reaching Mower county he attended the schools of District 105 for three months. At the age of twenty- three years he purchased the old home farm of eighty acres, and by industry and frugality, coupled with ability, he has been enabled to acquire other land, until he now owns 240 acres, his home being located in section 34, Marshall township. A larger part of this land was cleared of timber by Mr. Fardahl, and has now been brought to a high stage of cultivation. His chief work has been with grain and cows, although he carries on some gen- eral farming. He is a Republican in politics, and has been treasurer of School District 105 for several years. In 1886, the subject of this sketeh married Gonhilde Skarshö, a native of

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Norway, and this union has been blessed with six children : John, deceased; and Alfred M., Carolina, Lewis, Melvin and Nils, all at home. John, the oldest, a most estimable young man, met with an accidental death in the state of Washington, in 1909. He was employed in the woods when a steel cable broke, causing injuries which resulted in his death. His former employers speak in highest terms of his work and character, and his companions and friends lamented his untimely death. S. J. Fardahl, a brother of John J., died in 1910. He and John J. were home boys together, and their companionship was closer than that which usually exists even between brothers.

Albert G. Larson, an enterprising and progressive merchant of LeRoy, was born in the "Old Town" of LeRoy, September 26, 1865, son of Gordon and Anna Larson, the former a native of Norway, and the latter of Denmark. Gordon Larson came to America in 1863 and located in Decorah, Iowa, where he died. His wife, Anna, came to the old town of LeRoy, after his death, and here Albert G. was born. When he was eleven years old, he left LeRoy and did not return permanently until 1891. When he was sixteen years of age, he started clerking for Smith Brothers, at Lydon, Wisconsin. Then he came to Houston, Minnesota, and clerked for Field & Briggs. Subsequently he was clerk for I. Abrahamson for three years. About this time he married Rose Williams, daughter of J. B. Williams and Elitha Gardner, his wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Larson have been born two children, Floyd J. and Marjorie E. After his marriage, Mr. Larson went into business with his father-in-law, J. B. Williams, at Yucatan, Min- nesota. He became postmaster of that village, and remained two and a half years. Then, still continuing in the partnership with his father-in-law, he went to Money Creek, Minnesota, and opened a store. He became a prominent citizen, was appointed postmaster. and remained in the place twelve years. LeRoy appealed to his business judgment as a good commercial location, and accordingly he formed a partnership with C. S. Palmer and established a store here and at Chester, Iowa. Later he bought Mr. Palmer out and has since continued in business alone at LeRoy, having sold the Chester store. He conducts a modern and well-kept store, and handles a large stock of dry goods and general merchandise. Mr. Larson is a member of the Orient Lodge, No. 84, A. F. and A. M., at Money Creek, Minnesota; of LeRoy Chapter, R. A. M .; of the B. P. O. E., at Winona; of the I. O. O. F., at LeRoy, and of the M. W. A., the Eastern Star, and the Rebekah degree at LeRoy. It is worthy of note that Mr. Larson has been a sue- cessful merchant for over twenty-five years and his father-in-law, J. B. Williams, for over forty-five years.

William McFarland, now of Austin, was for many years a

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prosperous farmer in Nevada township. He was born in Illinois, November 20, 1849, son of Jonathan and Cinthia A. (Trout) Mc- Farland, the former of Scotch and the latter of Dutch descent, both being born in Ohio. He left Illinois with his parents at the age of six years, and the family then settled in Delaware county, Iowa, moving after a short time to Mitchell county, Iowa, and, then in 1857 to Nevada township, this county, which at that early date had been but recently settled. William grew to manhood on the farm, worked with his father for a time, then bought and still continued on the home place after his father had moved to Oregon, remaining on the farm twenty-eight years. He is now engaged in repairing and looking after the county bridges. March 18, 1874, he married Ella H. Bowen, born June 16, 1852, in Ver- mont, daughter of Mark and Sarah L. (Harris) Bowen, the former of Welsh and the latter of English descent, both being born in Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. William McFarland were the parents of four children, Mark B, deceased ; Albert J .; Nellie C., deceased ; and Sadie A. Albert J., who, with his father, has various interests outside of his road and bridge repairing, married Winifred Bal- lard, of Kansas, and they have one child, William H. Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan McFarland had issue as follows: James, deceased; Margaret, now Mrs. Stephen Webb, living in Illinois; John, de- ceased ; Theisa, deceased; William, living in Austin ; Lucinda, now Mrs. John Thayer, living in California; Albert, now living in Oregon ; Lydia, now Mrs. Irvin Barbre, living in Oregon ; Libbie, deceased, and Charles, living in Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bowen were the parents of six girls and one boy. Of these four are living : Mrs. Fanny Waldo, of Vermont; Mrs. Carrie Fair- banks, of the state of Washington; Mrs. Louise Ballard, of Kan- sas, and Mrs. Ella H. McFarland, of Austin, Minnesota.

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The history of Mower County, Minnesota : illustrated, Part 102

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago : H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co. Number of Pages: 1246

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co.
Number of Pages: 1246