USA > Minnesota > Mower County > The history of Mower County, Minnesota : illustrated > Part 69
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Silas Burton Hart, a substantial and well-liked farmer of Windom township, was born July 19, 1855, in Clayton, N. Y., son of Benjamin and Mary (Bachelder) Hart. He was reared in Iowa, and educated in the public schools of that state, after which he took up farming with his friends for a time and then started out in life for himself. He now owns 120 acres of good land in section 32, Windom, and successfully conducts farming operations, his home being comfortable, his barns ade- quate, and his machinery modern and well kept. Mr. Hart is a Republican in politics and being of a sociable nature he has allied himself with the Woodmen and the Workmen, in both of which he is a popular member. He married Jennie Varco, daughter of
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Thomas and Emeline Varco, of Austin township, this county. The ceremony was performed March 12, 1882, at the bride's home, and their union has been blessed with eight children. There are three dead, Delilah A., born August 25, 1888; Grace V., born August 28, 1894, and one unnamed infant born November 22, 1896. The living are: Benjamin Thomas, born December 30, 1882, now liv- ing in Austin ; S. Emeline, born September 20, 1884, now living at home; Paul B., born August 28, 1886, now living in Austin; Gladys I., born March 21, 1890, now wife of Arthur De Remer, of Nevada township; and Ada J., born May 13, 1892, now living at home. Emeline and Ada are both successful teachers. Benjamin Hart, and Mary Batchelder, his wife, were born respectively in New York state and Vermont. The former was a shipbuilder and died June 26, 1861, at the age of 53. The latter died Febru- ary 22, 1873. By their marriage, which occurred June 8, 1828, they had twelve children. Of these Silas B. is the youngest. Four of the family are now living. It is worthy of note that three of the brothers were in the Civil war. One, now living in Plymouth, Mich, was severely wounded and one, Benjamin, was born September 3, 1841, enlisted in Company K, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and died January 3, 1863, at Jef- ferson Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., while in the United States service.
Joseph Hagan conducts an excellent farm of 160 acres in Red Rock township, is an estimable citizen and has done public serv- ice as a member of the township board of supervisors, and of the school board of his district. He was born in Columbia county, Wisconsin, November 23, 1872, son of Frank and Bridget (Costello) Hagan. In 1878 he was brought to Red Rock township by his parents and was reared to manhood on the farm, working summers and attending school winters. After he was twenty- one he left the home roof and farmed for some years before purchasing his present farm. He married Margaret Ryan in 1904, and they have two children: George E., aged four years, and Genevieve M., aged two years. Mrs. Hagan is the daughter of John and Johannah (Sheehan) Ryan.
Frank Hagan was born in Ireland, and married Bridget Cos- tello. In 1840 he located in Canada and worked for a time in a flouring mill. Later he moved to Portage City, Wis., when the site of that city was occupied by nothing but a fort. At this point his father erected a flour mill, and in 1878 came to Red Rock township, Mower county, where they settled on a farm in section 20.
Peter Hanson, a retired farmer of Austin, is a native of Den- mark, his natal date being January 24, 1850. His education has been largely self-acquired, though he attended the public schools
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of his native land for a time. In 1869 he crossed the Atlantic to America, locating at Milton Junction, Roek county, Wiscon- sin, working on a farm a while and then going to Milwaukee, where he remained four years. In 1876 he came to Minnesota, settling at Rose Creek, Mower county, and purchasing some land, started farming operations on his own account, continning in this line of work until his removal to Austin nine years ago, where he has sinee lived retired, enjoying a well-earned rest after his years of toil. His polities are Republican, and he has always borne his part in local affairs, serving as supervisor during his fifteen years' residence in Nevada township, and in the same office in Brownsdale, where he lived eleven years. He is identified with the Masons, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Com- mandery, and the Eastern Star Lodge. He was master of the lodge two years. In 1876 he was married to Hannah Hanson, by whom he has two children: Albert H. and Elizabeth D. Peter and Katharine Hanson, parents of our subject, lived all their lives in Denmark, the father working as a mechanic.
Isaac N. Howe, owner and proprietor of a prosperous rng manufactory in Austin, is an old-time resident of Mower county, and a veteran of the Civil war. Ile was born in New York state, his parents being Lyman S. and Mary Ann (Benham) Howe. The family migrated to Illinois, and lived in Cook county five years, afterward taking up their residence in Grundy county, in the same state. The subject of this sketch enlisted in the Union army at Joliet, and served in Company M, Twelfth Illinois Cav- alry, being discharged at Madison, Ind., May 13, 1865. In the fall of that year he came to Fillmore county, this state, and in 1880 to Mower county. In 1895 he went to Day county, but in the fall of 1900 came back to Mower county, where he has since lived. The rug manufactory of which Mr. Howe is the proprietor manufactures what is called the Fluff rug, and is the only concern of its kind in the county. Mr. Howe is a member of the G. A. R. He was married December 7, 1865, to Augusta Jane Benham, and they lived together nine years. To this union were born three children: Elias N., Albert and Etta. In 1880 he married Ellen Josephine Bailey, and to this union three children were born, William S., Cora A. and Etta M. Mrs. Ellen Howe died in 1888, and in 1892 Mr. Howe was married to Sarah L. Bailey, a native of Austin, daughter of Benjamin F. Bailey.
Thomas W. Hines, a former farmer of Windom township, was born in Janesville, Wis., September 15, 1871, son of Walter and Mary (Joyce) Hines, both natives of England. The family moved to McGregor, Iowa, when Thomas W. was an infant, and here Walter Hines, the father, condueted a grocery and dry goods store a short time. In 1874 the family came to Windom township
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and here Walter Hines, the father, farmed until 1901, when he died at the age of seventy-five years, his wife dying at the age of sixty-nine. Thomas W. was reared on the farm, attended the district schools, and carried on agricultural operations until 1907, in which year he came to Austin, where he still resides, the farm in Windom township being rented. His sisters, Margaret and Scharlotte, are dead. His brother, George, lives in Rose Creek and his sister, Mary, is the wife of N. H. Garrison. Mr. and Mrs. Garrison have one child, Lillian. The subject of this sketch is a member of the M. W. A.
Eugene V. Hart was born December 16, 1870, at Owatonna, Minn., son of J. Allen and Amy (Varco) Hart. In the fall of 1879 the family moved to Mower county, purchasing the northeast quarter of section 25, Austin township. He received his educa- tion in the district schools of Austin township, but at an early age was forced to leave school and take up the responsibilities of the farm, this move being made necessary by the death of his father. With courage and ability he set at work and his efforts have been crowned with success. He is honored in the community and has been treasurer of the township several years. He is also steward of the Grange. Mr. Hart has a fine farm of 228 acres, on which he conducts general farming and stock raising. He was married December 10, 1902, to Rachael Brooks, and two daughters, Irene and Bernice O., have blessed their union. The family faith is that of the Baptist church.
Riley Brooks was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, November 22, 1846, son of Aaron and Susan (Bishop) Brooks, of Pennsylvania. At the age of eight years Riley was taken to Indiana, and there at the age of seventeen he enlisted in Company C, Seventeenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving until mus- tered out and honorably discharged at the close of the war. He came to Fillmore county in 1866, stayed a few years, then located a claim in Rock county, this state, after which in 1867 he came to Mower county. In 1880 he purchased 160 acres in section 27, Austin township, where he made many improvements, and to which he added from time to time until he now owns a very large place. He has served as supervisor of his township for a dozen years, and has been a member of the school board for a still longer period. Riley Brooks was married January 1, 1878, to Cora Lott, daughter of Abraham Lott, and to this union have been born five children: Rachael, Abraham, Edith O., Lyman and Amanda. Rachael is the wife of Eugene Hart, while the other four are at home.
Robert L. Johnson, prominent in the business and political life of Austin, is a native son of Mower county, being born at Wal- tham, Minn., September 14, 1863. He received his education in
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the district schools of this county, coneluding with a course in the Rochester business college of Rochester, Minn. After teaching school for a few terms near home, he gave his attention to the operation of the old home farm until 1889, when he moved onto a 360-aere farm of his own in section 13, Waltham township, on which he followed general farming for the next three years. In the fall of 1892 he was elected auditor of Mower county, sue- ceeding himself for the ensuing ten years, and then, refusing another term, he engaged in the insurance business at Austin, enjoying a large patronage throughout this section of the state. Mr. Johnson is secretary of the Austin Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Minnesota, has served as secretary and bookkeeper of the Minnesota Farmers' Elevator Association sinee 1908, and was instrumental in the organization of the Farmers' Briek and Tile Company, December, 1909, now acting as treasurer and director. His politics are Republican, his long service as auditor attesting to his popularity throughout the county. He is asso- ciated with the Masonic order as a Knight Templar, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. January 14, 1889, he was married to Lizzie V. Lyons, at Lansing, Minn. They have two children: Louise L., born September 29, 1898, and IIazel 1., born March 1, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their home is at 104 South St. Paul street. George and Dorothy (Bailey) Johnson, parents of our subject, were natives of Leicestershire, England. After coming to the United States they first located at Buffalo, N. Y., subsequently removing to Marquette county, Wisconsin, and engaging in farm- ing for a time. They were among the pioneers of Mower county, the father carrying on farming in Red Roek township for two years, and then purchasing a quarter section in Waltham town- ship, gradually adding to this until he owned a section of wild land. With true pioneer courage he took up the immense task of «learing and rendering the land fit for farming purposes, erect- ing a house and farm buildings, and adding improvements from year to year, successfully following general farming up to the time of his death, which occurred July 2, 1872. His wife died in October, 1892.
Nathaniel T. Johnson, one of the extensive land-owners of Mower county, now resides at 110 South Kenwood avenue, in the city of Austin, and rents his rich acres to several capable parties. He was born in Marquette county, Wisconsin, April 20, 1856, son of George and Dorothy (Bailey) Johnson, who brought him to Mower county at the age of six years. He was reared on the family farm in Waltham township, and at an early age .took charge of the place, continuing general farming and making a
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specialty of raising hogs, sheep and cattle, until his retirement from farm life in the fall of 1909. He now owns the home farm of 360 acres and an additional forty acres which he purchased in Wal- tham township, as well as another farm of 400 acres in the same township, making in all 800 acres which he owns in this county. Mr. Johnson is a Republican in politics, served as county commis- sioner four years, was chairman, supervisor and treasurer of his township at various times, and clerk and director of school district No. 61. He belongs to the Blue Lodge and the Commandery, in the Masonic order, and attends the Methodist church. The subject of this sketch was married March 28, 1894, to Louisa Duff, and this union has been blessed with two children: Glenn I., born December 8, 1895, and Robert C., born January 5, 1899.
George Johnson, now deceased, one of the early farmers of Mower county, was born in Leicestershire, England, and there married Dorothy Bailey. They came to America in 1852, located for a time in Erie county, New York, and in 1854 took up their residence in Marquette county, Wisconsin, where they engaged in farming until 1862, when they came to Mower county and located in Waltham township, purchased eighty acres of land for 100 sheep and $100 in money. To this farm they added from time to time, until they owned a fine place of 680 acres, most of which they broke and improved themselves. George Johnson died July 24, 1872, and his widow survived until October 25, 1892, when she, too, passed to the Great Beyond.
John O. Johnson, farmer of Lyle township, just on the out- skirts of the village, was born in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, July 16, 1859, son of Ole A. and Isabelle (Fossey) Johnson, natives of Norway. These worthy people came to America in 1859, located in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, and in 1868 came to Freeborn county, Minnesota, locating in Albert Lea township, where they own 320 acres of highly improved land. John O. received his education in the public schools and after leaving school took up farming in Hayward township, in Freeborn county, working 162 acres until 1891, when he rented his farm and moved to the village of Hayward and engaged in the mercantile business for nearly eight years. During this period lie was also interested in a general store in Lyle, for which he hired a local manager. In 1899 he sold his mercantile interests, and in the following spring purchased the "City View" farm of 140 acres, on which he now conducts general farming, having made many improvements on the place. He raises diversified crops, but makes a specialty of Shorthorn cattle and high-grade Percheron horses. Mr. Johnson is also interested in many other places, and has a large tract of land in Cuba. He owns stock in the cement plants at Mason City, Towa, and at Dallas, Tex. He also holds stock in the Farmers'
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Brick and Tile Company at Austin, Minn., and in a box factory at Denver, Colo. He was married September 25, 1888, to Matilda Arneson, and their union has been blessed with two sons: Odin J., who is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, and Chester W., who is a student there. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Johnson is a Republican in politics and has served as a member of the school board of Lyle.
Henry L. Jensen, popular general merchant of Rose Creek, was born in the village where he still resides, September 18, 1870, son of Thomas and Matilda (Yunk) Jensen, the former a native of Denmark, who came to America in 1864, and the mother a native of Germany. In the family were three sons: John, now of Washington ; Henry L., of Rose Creek, and Andrew, of Windom township, and one daughter, Mrs. Christ Nelson, who died in 1902. Henry L. attended the district schools, and as a youth learned the carpenter trade, which he followed continuously for fifteen years. In 1907, with Peter N. Weinert as a partner, he embarked in the general store business and the enterprise has been very suc- cessful. Mr. Jensen married Lena Nelson, May 27, 1896, daughter of David Nelson. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
John R. Johnson owns a fertile farm of 200 acres in Marshall township, and carries on general farming, his especial pride being a fine herd of thirty-five Shorthorn cattle. He has taken an active interest in public affairs, is one of the Republican leaders of the county, has served as township chairman, assessor and treasurer at various terms, and has been a member of the board of county commissioners for six years. The subject of this sketch was born in Norway, May 25, 1852, son of J. C. Johnson, Sr., and Mary C. Johnson, his wife. Both parents came to Mower county in 1861. John R. received but little schooling, but has made up that lack by much reading and keen observation. In 1878 he started in life for himself and purchased eighty acres in Marshall township. He stands well in the community, and aside from the offices mentioned above, has been a member of the. school board, district 105, for twenty-five years. In 1878 he married Randi Dahle (came to this country in the year 1866), and this union has been blessed with five children: Mary, now Mrs. Jacob Lund, of South Dakota; Hannah, now Mrs. Peterson, of Iowa; Clara, Ella and Joel, at home. The family worships at the Lutheran church.
Thomas D. Iorms was a respected resident of Mower county eight years, and it has been truly said that his community is the better for his life. He was born in Deddington, England. son of John and Mary (Bennett) Iorms, also natives of that country. He came to Lansing, Iowa, in 1865, and later lived in Grant
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county, Wisconsin, where he farmed for a long period and in later life farmed eight years in Red Rock township. In 1909 he moved to Brownsdale village, and there died April 9, 1910. He was married in 1883 to Frances Palmer, and this union has resulted in four children: Ormal B., Clarissa O. (deceased), Krete L. (deceased) and Lepha P. Mrs. Iorms was born in Brodt- ville, Grant county, Wisconsin, daughter of Philip and Angeline (Brodt) Palmer, farmers of that place. She was reared in her native place, and like her mother before her, taught school for a number of years, her work being performed in her native county.
George Johnson was born in Saxelby, Leicestershire county, England, May 13, 1849, son of George and Dorothy (Bailey) John- son. The grandfather and great grandfather were also named George. The subject of this sketch came with his parents to America in 1851, and with them lived eighteen months in Coldon, Erie county, New York ; nine years in Newton, Marquette county, Wisconsin, and later on section 22, Waltham township, in this county, where they finally settled. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, and then purchased a farm of his own in the southeast quarter of section 23. He still manages his fine farın of 260 acres in Waltham township, but makes his home in Brownsdale. Mr. Johnson married for his first wife, Chloe Simmonson, a native of Wisconsin, who died as a bride of one year. Mr. Johnson later married Lenora, daughter of John and Charlotte (Pears) Miles, the former being a brickmaker in Eng- land. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson attend the Baptist church in Browns- dale and are liberal contributors to its progress, both financially and socially.
Jacob Jacobson, an extensive land owner of Nevada township, and veteran of the Civil war, was born in Norway, December 25, 1848, son of Jacob Knutson and Annie H., his wife, who came to America from Norway in 1861 and in 1867, took a homestead in section 24, Nevada township, both being now deceased. Jacob came to the United States in 1861, and after reaching Nevada worked out by the month three years, after which he enlisted in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, serving one year and being stationed at Chattanooga and Naslıville. Upon his return he worked out and then started as a landed farmer by purchasing eighty acres in section 24. By hard work, frugality, shrewdness and diligence he has increased his acreage until he now owns 615 acres of excellent land, twenty acres of which is an excellent grove of timber. He follows diversified farming, and raises cattle for beef and dairy purposes, selling cream to the Nevada cream- ery. He is a Republican in polities and attends the Lutheran church. Jacob Jacobson married Mary Anderson and they have ten children : Emelia is now Mrs. Martin Nelson, of Nevada town-
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ship; Clara is Mrs. Ole Loston, of Mower county ; Hanna is Mrs. Virgil Bisbee, and lives in Baker, Mont .; Georgina is Mrs. Oliver Berg, of North Dakota; Emma is Mrs. Ed I. Anderson, of North Dakota; and John, Lewis, Josie, Sophia and Laura are at home. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church.
Knudt Jacobson, a successful farmer in Nevada township, was born in Norway, February 10, 1846, son of Jacob and Annie J. Jacobson. He came to America in 1862, in a sailing vessel, occu- pying nine weeks in making the trip. He landed in Quebec, and then went to Iowa and worked out for two years. Later he worked in Goodhue and Rice counties, in this state. It was in 1867 he came to Mower county and purchased eighty acres in section 24, Nevada township. On this land he erected a log cabin 14x16 and lived therein twenty-six years, after which he built his present home. At once upon locating on the farm he started farming operations, in which he was so successful that he was enabled from time to time to add to his place, giving it a present total acreage of 200. At first, like all other early settlers, he raised wheat, oats and corn. Of late years he has devoted his attention to mixed farming, grade cattle and hogs. He now rents his land to his son. Mr. Jacobson is a Republican in politics, and has served as road overseer and as a member of the school board. He was married March 21, 1869, to Annie Anderson, a native of Norway. They have five children: Oliver, Annie, Jacob, Bertha and Andrew. Oliver died in 1910 at the age of thirty-two, after traveling two years for his health. Annie is the widow of A. P. Anderson and lives in Adams township. Jacob is married and keeps a store in Polk county, this state. Bertha is the wife of Olaf Jarandson, a farmer of Clay county, Minnesota. Andrew . lives at home and rents the home farm. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church.
Jens A. Jensen is one of the foremost farmers of Windom township, where he has lived since 1871. He condnets a fine nursery and fruit farm on the northeast corner of section 27, one mile north and one mile west of the village of Rose Creek. He is advanced in his methods, and his small tract of land proves more profitable than many a rich quarter section less scientifically worked. It is worthy of note that Mr. Jensen received a bronze medal at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis, for his excellent apples. The subject of this sketch was born June 27. 1846, son of Jens and Anna Jensen. His youthful days were spent on the farm and in school, remaining at home with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he left his native land, Den- mark, and came to America, landing in Quebec. Ile went directly to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and in 1868 came to Mower county. He was a young man at the time and did not make any
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settlement. He lived in Bennington township a year and then returned to his native land, fall of 1869, to visit friends, after which he came back to Mower county, spring of 1870. In 1874 he 'purchased land in the northeast part of section 27. Being a nat- ural mechanic, he set out to build a house for himself and this he accomplished in so satisfactory a manner that he has often been called upon to do carpenter work for his neighbors. Aside from making a business success of the nursery and fruit line, Mr. Jensen is a sincere lover of his chosen vocation, and takes a deep interest in the horticultural development of southern Minnesota. He has also taken an interest in township affairs and has served in various offices, including three years as member of the town- ship board of supervisors. Mr. Jensen has been twice married. His first wife, Dorathea Johansen, died in 1873, leaving two eltil- dren, Annie M. and Johanna, a third having died. Mr. Jensen was then married, in 1874, to Sinne Nielsen, and Mary, Jens, Nellie, Emma, Agnes and Lillian have been born.' In 1910 he was chosen member of the first Minnesota Preservation Congress.
Jens Jensen, the father, had three children, Jens A., Nels Peter and Christian Julius by his second wife.
Ole Klemestad, now deceased, was for many years the sturdy blacksmith of Udolpho township. He was born in Ringerike, Nor- way, July 8, 1842, came to America in 1875, and a year later married Helen Hanson, of Gjovik, Norway, who came to America in 1875, and who throughout her husband's life proved a good wife and sympathetic and hard working helpmeet. Her mother is still living in the village of Corning at the good old age of eighty-seven years. Mr. Klemestad farmed until his death, but also had a blacksmith shop on his place and did smithy work for the farmers from miles around. He was a good and upright citizen, an affectionate husband and a kind father, his death in 1903 being sincerely mourned. He was a faithful member of the Lutheran church, which his family still attends.
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