The history of Renville County, Minnesota, Volume II, Part 57

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn; Renville County Pioneer Association
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Chicago : H.C. Cooper, Jr. & Co.
Number of Pages: 986

USA > Minnesota > Renville County > The history of Renville County, Minnesota, Volume II > Part 57

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Hans H. Sagnes (Sensdeby), one of the pioneer Scandinavians of the western part of Renville county, was born in Norway, Nov. 22, 1826, of a long line of Norwegian ancestry. There he attended the parish schools, grew to manhood, and engaged in the timber and hnuber business until 1867. when he brought his wife and four children to America, and located in Waseca county, Minne- sota. There for a year he worked out as a laborer on various farms in the neighborhood. In 1868 he started overland Tor Ren- ville county, bringing his family and his household goods on an old ox-eart, drawn by a yoke of three-year-old steers. People of the present day can hardly picture this trip through the wilder- ness. Trails were few. the way was rongh, there were many swamps, and in addition to these difficulties there were many real dangers. They took a homestead of 80 aeres in section 22, Hawk Creek township, and a pre-emption claim of eighty aeres in the same section. This was the only family in that neighborhood that seenred more than eighty aeres until the railroad land came into the market, Mr. Sagnes being shrewd enough to take ad- vantage of both the homestead and pre-emption laws. With their steers and their two cows the Sagnes family started farming. For a time they lived in their covered wagon, then they moved into a dugont. The first spring one of their steers died, and this was a

1168

HISTORY OF RENVILLE COUNTY

serious handicap in breaking their land. But a neighbor, Ole Skalbark by name, had two yoke of oxen, and he broke a few acres for them. Practically all this breaking they planted to potatoes. Consequently about all they lived on during the first winter was the potatoes they raised and the milk from their vows. The nearest market for the Hawk Creek settlers at that time was at New Ihm and there they had to drive for supplies. Another point was New London, to which point they also occa- sionally made trips. For three years the family lived in the orig- inal dugout. Then they constructed a larger dug-ont. making the sides of logs, and the gable roof of rails covered with straw and sod. In this structure they lived for several years. Their next home was'a log house. in which the minister, the Rev. John Bergh, lived with them for some two years. Finally they erected one of the first frame houses in the township, which is now a part of the present home. The limber for this early frame house was hauled by ox team from Willnar. The family experienced all the rigors of pioneer life. The winters were cokl, the mos- quitoes were plentiful, blackbirds were a menace to the crops, food was scarce, prairie fires came, and the pioneers had to toil early and late to keep their families from starvation. For a time prosperity was delayed by the grasshoppers, and even after they were gone, the wheat crop was poor for several years. But as the years passed, the hardships diminished and success came in abundant measure. To the 160 acres, eighty acres of railroad land was added. Land was broken a little at a time. fences were constructed, buildings were erected as necessary. farm equip- ment was purchased. and in time the farm became a highly im- proved and modern place in every particular. Hans H. Sagnes became one of the leading men of the community. He was highly esteemed, his judgment was always good, and his advice was sought by his neighbors on many subjects. He believed in prog- ress and in education. and took his part worthily in the upbuild- ing of the community. He was one of the prime movers in the establishment of Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran church of the Norwegian Synod. He never aspired to public office, though he was often urged to serve in township positions. In 1890 he retired from farm work and moved to the village of Sacred Heart where he purchased a pleasant home in which he lived the re- mainder of his days. His death, October 13, 1911, was sincerely mourned throughout the entire community and his remains were followed to their last resting place by a large concourse of sor- rowing mourners. Mr. Sagnes was married in 1849 in Norway to Bertha Sagnes, born Nov. 22, 1824. Mrs. Sagnes was a God- fearing woman, who proved a faithful hard-working wife and a loyal mother. Amid the discomforts and privations of pioneer life she worked by her husband's side and though her days were

1169

HISTORY OF RENVILLE COUNTY

filled with busy eares, found the time to instill in her children the staunch principles which she had inherited from her sturdy ancestors. After a useful life, well spent she died October 22. 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Sagnes were the parents of four children. all born in Norway. Hans was born October 30, 1850, and now resides at Granite Falls, Minn. Elisa Maria was born April 24. 1854, and married Ole Il. Agre, of Sacred Heart township. Dena was born May 24, 1862, and is now Mrs. A. H. Anderson, of Sacred Heart township. lohn H. was born April 17, 1866, and is now a prominent farmer of Hawk Creek township. When Hans II. Sagnes was a boy he bore the name of Hans H. Sensdeby, from the estate upon which he resided. But when he moved to the vicinity of Sagnes, where his wife was born, he took that name, and was ever thereafter known as Hans H. Sagnes. In the Sagnes family there are many interesting stories that will be treasured for generations to come regarding the experiences of the father and others in the early days. Two especially interesting ones are told regarding trips to New London and to Redwood Falls in the pioneer times. Late in November, 1869, llans H. Sagnes and Andrew Tomte, a neighbor, started for New London, north of Willmar, with a load of wheat to be ground in the mill there. The trail was rough, and though they left their home in Hawk Creek at three o'clock in the morning, it was late at night when they were still only a short distance north of Willmar. In order that the oxen might eat, they stopped for a while. While they were thus lingering a terrific rain and thunder storm broke upon them, and the two men rolled up in their blankets under the wagon box and went to sleep. While they were sleeping the rain turned to sleet, the weather grew suddenly cold, and covered the ground with a glare of ice. When they awoke, it was found that Tomte's long hair was frozen solid to the ground. and it took Sagnes quite a while to cut him loose with a hatchet. Peo- ple who remember Mr. Sagnes will never forget the gusto with which he told this amusing tale and his laugh as he told of the difficulties he encountered in trying to avoid hitting Tomte's head with the hatehet while trying to sever the hair. In 1874 Hans II. Sagnes, with his wife and four children, and a friend, Halsten Otos, started with an ox team for Redwood Falls to get a family photograph taken. In going over they crossed the river ford in safety, but upon their return trip the passage was not so easy. They planned to make the crossing at a ford near the home of Gunhild Rude, where they had crossed many times before. and with this object in view they followed along the west bank of the river. When they reached the spot the river was unusually high. and when they got in the middle of the river the water was so deep that the wagon box began to float from the wagon frame. It looked for a moment as though the wagon box was to float

1170

HISTORY OF RENVILLE COUNTY

down the river, in which case it seemed sure that some if not all of the party would be drowned in the raging torrent. But Mr. Sagnes was equal to the emergency. Groping with his feet down under the water he fastened his legs in a firm loek around the wagon tongue, and by holding his body firmly on the edge of the seat he kept the wagon box on the frame by sheer strength of will and musete. Oxen, wagon and all were carried down the stream, but finally the deep water was passed. Even then the danger was not over, for the banks were too steep to make a land- ing. So the oxen had to be turned up the river, and went for many rods with the water nearly np to the wagon box, before safety was finally reached. Wet, cold, excited, there was still a long trip ahead of the family before they reached their home. But the picture came out elearly and is still preserved in the family as a precious heirloom, its value and interest increased by the story which is connected with its taking.

Hans H. Sagnes, Jr., for many years a leading farmer of Ren- ville county, now living in retirement at Granite Falls, was born in Totan, Norway, Oet. 30, 1850, son of Hans Il. and Bertha Maric (Sagnes) Sagnes, the pioneers. He received his education in Norway, came with his parents to America in 1867 and to Ren- ville county in 1868. He remained with his parents until twenty- one years of age, and then took a homestead of eighty aeres in section 18, Ericson township. The tract was at that time in the midst of a wild prairie. He put up a small log shaek for himself and a straw shed For his animals, and started breaking the land preparatory to farming. lle started with an ox team and with but meagre equipment, and experienced all the hard- ships and privations of pioneer life. He took a special interest in the planting of trees, setting out something like six aeres all together. These trees still stand as a monument to his faith in the future. It is interesting to note that in 1875, he set out three acres of trees, between Christmas and New Years day. Althongh this was a most unusual time of the year to be setting out trees, the grove flourished, and is now a sturdy collection of noble trees. As the years passed, Mr. Sagnes achieved success. He added to his original farm until he owned 325 aeres, and in addition bought another farm of 140 aeres in sections 17 and 20 in the same township. His own farm he developed into one of the best in the county. In 1889 he ereeted a sightly frame house, and from time to time he constructed the necessary outbuildings. In 1910 he ereeted one of the best barns in his community. It is 48 by 65 feet, modern and sanitary in every respect. In 1912 he built a panel siło, with a capacity of ninety tons. He fenced and equipped the farm in good shape, and by working early and late won for himself a high place in the regard of his fellow citizens. He kept full-bred sires, and made a specialty of breed-

TLA W YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR. LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS

JOHN H. SAGNES AND FAMILY

1171

HISTORY OF RENVILLE COUNTY

ing high grade stock. Ile was known for his good judgment, and his opinions on various subjects were eagerly sought by his neighbors. He served as supervisor several terms, and was road overseer for a considerable period. He was also a member of the school board of district 98 for many years, both as director and treasurer. In addition to bringing his original farm to so high a degree of development he also improved his other larm by building a silo and making general developments. In the fall of 1914 after a busy life of hard work he rented his home farm to his sons, and moved to Granite Falls, where he erected a splendid bungalow in which he and his wife are spending the afternoon of life surrounded by the comforts they so richly deserve and made happy by the esteem in which they are held by neighbors and friends. Mr. Sagnes was married March 28, 1875, to Maria Mutta, born in Norway, Oct. 26, 1856, daughter of Ilalvor Mutta, and this union has been blessed with eleven children : Helmer, Anna Helen, John H., Bertha Marie, Gina Matilda, Lena Helmina, Melvin IL., Bert H., Hans N., Halvor H. and Edwin H. Helmer was born Sept. 6. 1876, farms in Erieson township, married Hilda Walstad, and has two children, Ella and Thelma. Anna Helen was born May 31, 1878, married Ole II. Engelsgaard, of Fosston, Minn., and has six children : Henry M., Rikka, Arthur, Hazel, Bertha and Ella. John H., was born Ang. 18, 1880, lives on the old homestead, and married Julia Tostenson. Bertha Marie was born Sept. 3, 1882, married C. M. Nelson, of Granite Falls, and has two children, Morris and Herbert. Gina Matilda was born Nov. 23, 1884, married Edward Thompson, of Sacred Heart and they have four children, Harvey, Jerome. Elsie and Daniel. Lena Helmina was born July 8, 1887, married Henry Tostenson, of Ericson township, and has one child, Marcella. Melvin Il. was born Aug. 5, 1889, married Ida Faglie, and farms in Erieson township. Bert II., born Oct. 31. 1891, is at home. Hans N. was born Jan. 4, 1894, and lives on the home farm. Hal- vor H. was born Jan. 7, 1896, and lives on the home farm. Edwin II. was born June 19, 1901, and lives with his parents.

John H. Sagnes, a prosperous farmer of Hawk Creek town- ship, was born in Norway, April 17, 1866, son of Hans H. and Bertha (Sagnes) Sagnes, who brought him to America in 1867 and to Hawk Creek township in 1868. He attended the district schools of his neighborhood. completing his education with a course in the Willmar Seminary. With his father he Jarmed until 1887, when he rented the home farm, and started business on his own responsibility. In 1892 he purchased the place. To it he later added eighty acres which be purchased from Ole Lenby, a pioneer, in section 22, thus making him in all a splendid farm of 320 acres. Starting with the improvements that his father had made, he has made wonderful progress in its development.

JOHN H. SAGNES AND FAMILY

1171

HISTORY OF RENVILLE COUNTY

ing high grade stoek. Ile was known for his good judgment, and his opinions on various subjeets were eagerly sought by his neighbors. Ile served as supervisor several terms, and was road overseer for a considerable period. He was also a member of the school board of district 98 for many years, both as director and treasurer. In addition to bringing his original farm to so high a degree of development he also improved his other farm by building a silo and making general developments. In the fall of 1914 after a busy life of hard work he rented his home farm to his sons, and moved to Granite Falls, where he erected a splendid bungalow in which he and his wife are spending the afternoon of life surrounded by the comforts they so richly deserve and made happy by the esteem in which they are held by neighbors and friends. Mr. Sagnes was married March 28. 1875, to Maria Mutta, born in Norway, Oct. 26, 1856, daughter of Halvor Mutta, and this union has been blessed with eleven children : Helmer, Anna Helen, John H., Bertha Marie, Gina Matilda, Lena Helmina, Melvin II., Bert H., Hans N., Halvor Il. and Edwin H. Helmer was born Sept. 6, 1876, farms in Ericson township, married Hilda Walstad, and has two children, Ella and Thelma. Anna Helen was born May 31, 1878, married Ole H. Engelsgaard, of Fosston, Minn., and has six children : Henry M., Rikka, Arthur, Hazel, Bertha and Ella. John H., was born Ang. 18, 1880, lives on the old homestead, and married Julia Tostenson. Bertha Marie was born Sept. 3, 1882, married C. M. Nelson, of Granite Falls, and has two children, Morris and Herbert. Gina Matilda was born Nov. 23, 1884, married Edward Thompson, of Sacred Heart and they have four children, Harvey, Jerome, Elsie and Daniel. Lena Helmina was born July 8, 1887, married Henry Tostenson, of Ericson township, and has one child, Marcella. Melvin H. was born Aug. 5, 1889, married Ida Faglie, and farms in Erieson township. Bert II., born Oet. 31, 1891, is at home. Hans N. was born Jan. 4, 1894, and lives on the home farm. Hal- vor H. was born Jan. 7, 1896, and lives on the home farm. Edwin II. was born June 19, 1901, and lives with his parents.

John H. Sagnes, a prosperous farmer of Hawk Creek town- ship, was born in Norway, April 17. 1866. son of Hans H. and Bertha (Sagnes) Sagnes, who brought him to America in 1867 and to Hawk Creek township in 1868. He attended the district schools of his neighborhood, completing his education with a course in the Willmar Seminary. With his father he farmed until 1887, when he rented the home farm, and started business on his own responsibility. In 1892 he purchased the place. To it he later added eighty acres which he purchased from Ole Lenby, a pioneer, in section 22, thus making him in all a splendid farm of 320 acres. Starting with the improvements that his father had made, he has made wonderful progress in its development.

1172

IHISTORY OF RENVILLE COUNTY

Ile has remodeled the home into a modern residence replete with comforts and convenienees, he has built a model barn, he has erected a silo, he has built numerous outbuildings, and he has shown his modern spirit prominently in the fencing he has done, having one of the best fenced farms in the neighborhood. His tools, implements and machinery are also of the best. In all he has 275 acres under cultivation. He carries on general diversi- fied farming along the latest approved methods, and his place shows thrift and prosperity in every way. For many years Mr. Sagnes has been extensively engaged in live stock dealing. buy- ing, feeding and shipping to the markets. Part of the time he is on the road for a commission firm in South St. Paul. His son Hans Albert, is associated with him in conducting the farm, and a specialty is made of Aberdeen-Angus cattle, both Mr. Sagnes and his son being good buyers as well as good judges of cattle. Mr. Sagnes is one of the leading men of the community, and is a substantial, well-to-do member of the community. He has served for several years on the town board both as chairman and as supervisor, and for six years he was assessor. He has also done good service as a member of the school board. He is president and stockholder of the Sacred Heart Automobile Co. Mr. Sagnes has made one venture in real estate dealing. In 1898 he bought a farm of 80 acres from Andrew Hegna, of Hawk Creek town- ship. This place he conducted in connection with his own for three years, then selling out at a good profit.

Mr. Sagnes was married May 21, 1890, to Matilda Carolina Tolander, born in Renville county, Sept. 27. 1870, daughter of Andrew and Maria Christina (Gustafson) Tolander, and this union has been blessed with one child, Hans Albert, born March 21. 1891. now in partnership with his father on the Sagnes farm. He married Hulda Christopher, and they have two children. Alvin and Jerome. The family faith is that of the Our Saviour's Church of Sacred Heart, of which John II. Sagnes has been a trustee.

Andrew Tolander, a pioneer, was born in Sweden, was there reared, and there married Maria Christina Gustafson. They came to America in 1867 to St. Peter, in this state. In 1869 they came to Ilawk Creek, this county, and located on an eighty- acre homestead in section 26. Like so many of the pioneers, they first lived in a dugout and then built a log cabin in which they lived until 1888, when they built a frame house. They went through all the privations of pioneer life and added to the place until they owned 200 acres, all which they developed into a splendid farm. Andrew Tolander died in the old log cabin in 1887. Ilis widow is still living on the old farm at the age of eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Tolander had seven children. John lives on the old home farm and looks after the wants of his

1173

HISTORY OF RENVILLE COUNTY

mother. Matilda Carolina is now Mrs. John II. Sagnes, of Hawk Creek township. Christina is the wife of John Lund, who owns and conducts the old Tolander homestead. Emma married Albert Noland. She died two years after her marriage. Albertina, and two Alfreds are dead.

Halvor Mutta, a pioneer, was born in Norway, Oet. 15, 1825. and was there married to Anna Larshuis, who was born in that country, Sept. 15, 1830. They came to America in 1867 and after living a year in Freeborn county, this state, came to Renville county. in 1868, and took a homestead in section 22. Hawk Creek township. They lived for a while in a dugout but later erected a log cabin. They started farming with a yoke of oxen, and went through all the experiences of pioneer life. The nearest market was at New Uhn and there they had to go for all their supplies. They broke the land, set out a tine grove, and with the addition of sixty aeres, developed a splendid farm. As the time passed they framed up their log cabin. and sided it, put on a summer kitchen, and made other improvements. They also erected other good buildings. In 1893 they sold the farm and moved to Saered Heart village, where they lived a retired life. Mr. Mutta dying Oct. 22, 1914, and his wife Nov. 7, 1915. They were a fine old family and one of the first in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Mutta had eleven children. Of these seven are alive: Budbjor, Marie, Kari, Hilda, Berte, Paulina and Ilelen. Gudbjor, better known as Julia, was born April 11, 1853, married Joseph Schafer, this being the first marriage in llawk Creek township. Marie was born Oct. 26, 1856, and married Hans H. Sagnes, Jr., of Granite Falls. Kari was born Sept. 3. 1859. and married Eliek Husten, of Granite Falls. Hilda was born Oct. 19, 1863, married Ole Ness, and lives in Sacred Heart township. Berte was born JJan. 27, 1866. Paulina was born March 18, 1869, being the first child in the family born in America. She is now Mrs. Thomas MeDonough, of Great Falls, Montana. Helen was born March 22, 1873, married D. O. Wentworth, of Great Falls. Mon- tana, and has two children. Gerald and Woodrow Wilson.

Ole O. Melsness, one of the early pioneers of Renville county, was born in Norway Sept. 15, 1832, only child of Ole O. and Martha (Peterson) farmers, who lived and died in Norway. He came to America with his wife and two children in 1866, land- ing at Quebee, and then coming to Minnesota, where he stayed a year working for the farmers. In 1867 he moved to Renville county and located on seetion 31 where he seeured a homestead of 160 acres of wild prairie and brush land. He built a log house 16 by 17 which is still standing and made a sod roof and used the ground as a floor. Ile began with an ox team and two cows. The nearest market was Willmar. He suffered much loss on account of the storms, but finally prospered and added more

1174

HISTORY OF RENVILLE COUNTY

land to his farm until now he has 620 acres of land. He built up a fine place and has erected good buildings.

Ile is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and has been its secretary for fifteen years and was one of the organizers of this church. IIe has served as township supervisor for several vears and also as assessor. For twenty-seven years he has been a school trustee of his distriet. Mr. Melsness was married in 1863 to Martha Mangerud, who was born September 12, 1834, in Norway. daughter of Martin Mangerud. She died in 1914. There were eight children born in this marriage: Martin, Peter O., Otto, Toswold, Mina, Ole (deceased). Marie (deeeased), and Knudt (deceased).

Peter O. Melsness, was born on the homestead of his father, Ole O. Melsness, in Saered Heart township, May 11, 1872. IIe gained his education in the country log school house, and re- mained on his father's farm until 1897 when he was married. Then he located on his present place in section 31, south Saered Ileart on a tract of 320 aeres. He is a prosperous farmer and raises good stock. He is a member of the Swinebreeders' Asso- eiation and a stockholder in the Sacred Heart Consolidated Telephone Company and the Sacred Heart Farmers' Elevator Company. He has served as supervisor for the township and also as assessor. For nine years he was a member of the school board.

Mr. Melsness was married June 9, 1897, to Minnie Riee, born October 21, 1875, daughter of August Rice, and early pioneer of Renville county. Mr. and Mrs. Melsness have had five children : Melvina. born April 3, 1898; Albert, born October 8, 1899 ; Myrtle, born October 6, 1901 and died December 5, 1905: George, born July 14. 1903; and Roy, born May 30, 1908. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Nels Johnson Bakke, one of the honored and sturdy pioneers of Renville county, was born in Vermland, Sweden, March 1, 1826. the son of John and Maria Birkebakken. He spent his boyhood in his native place and as a young man moved to Veglid, Numedal, Norway. There he worked on the government roads, in the pine woods and on various farms. He also did considerable horse trading. It was in Norway that he met and in 1860 wed Christie Danielsrud, who was born in Veglid, Numedal, Norway, May 23, 1834, daughter of Sevre and Caro Danielsrud. In Norway they had two children: John and Maria. With these two chil- dren, they set out in the spring of 1867 for the boundless oppor- tunities of the new world. With them were many of their friends and neighbors. In their immediate party were Ole P. Sheggeby and Ole Holtan and families, who afterward settled in Renville county. The trip was made aboard the wooden sailing vessel. the "Amalia" in charge of Captain Peterson.

----

JOHN BAKKE AND FAMILY MR. AND MRS. NELS BAKKE

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ARTOR. LENOX AND LUEN FOUNDATIONS

1175

HISTORY OF RENVILLE COUNTY

After a long voyage of seven weeks the boat reached Quebec, and the pioneers made the trip by way of the Great Lakes to Wisconsin. The Sheggeby and Holtan families located first in Edgerton, Wisconsin, and then in Stoughton, in the same state, and in 1868 came to Renville county. But the Bakke family kept on to Clayton county, lowa, and there lived for two years. There the daughter, Maria, died. There also a son, Erik, was born. In the spring of 1869 the family set out for Renville county. The wife and the two sons were left at St. Peter while the father came to this county and took a claim in section 10. Then he went back to St. Peter after the family. From St. Peter, which point they had reached by an overland journey. they took a steamboat on the Minnesota River to a point between Red- wood Falls and Beaver Falls. After a few days spent at Beaver Falls they were met by Ole P. Sheggeby, and by him taken with his oxen to Hawk Creek. For a time they lived in a cabin on the claim of Ole Evanson Limbo. In the fall they moved into a dug- ont on their own claim. With this beginning they became pros- perous farmers. Gradually buildings were erected, the farm was developed, 80 acres of railroad land were added to the orig- inal traet, and the comforts of a thickly settled community took the place of the privations and erudities of pioneer days. Mr. Bakke was a devout member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and was ever active in its cause. He helped to erect the first church of that denomination built in this locality, and remained a devoted Christian until his death, March 18, 1914. Mrs. Bakke is still living and makes her home with her son, John Bakke, a prominent farmer of Hawk ('reek township, who now lives on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Bakke had six children. John is appropriately mentioned elsewhere. Maria, as already noted. died in Iowa. Erick farmed with his father all his life and died April 3, 1899. Frederick farms in Chippewa county, not far from Granite Falls. Christina married Olaus Lende, who oper- ates a machine shop and garage in Granite Falls. Anna married Jens L. Romo, a successful farmer of Wang township.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The history of Renville County, Minnesota, Volume II, Part 57

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn; Renville County Pioneer Association Publication date: 1916 Publisher: Chicago : H.C. Cooper, Jr. & Co. Number of Pages: 986

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn; Renville County Pioneer Association
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Chicago : H.C. Cooper, Jr. & Co.
Number of Pages: 986