Compendium history and biography of North Dakota; a history of early settlement, political history, and biography; reminiscences of pioneer life, Part 79

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago, G.A.Ogle
Number of Pages: 1432

USA > North Dakota > Compendium history and biography of North Dakota; a history of early settlement, political history, and biography; reminiscences of pioneer life > Part 79

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Our subject was born in Fayette county, lowa,

October 3, 1865. His father, Christian Peterson, came from Norway to America about 1853 and set- tled in Iowa, where he followed farming. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Enger Hanson, was also a native of Norway.

Mr. Peterson was the fifth in a family of seven children, and was raised on a farm. His schooling was limited, but he was raised in the strict Luth- eran faith and was early put to work on the farin. He went to North Dakota at the age of eighteen years, and worked out in various places for about eight years. He worked out near Carrington three or four years, beginning about 1884, and in 1888 entered claim to the northeast quarter of section 28, township 140, range 65, and erected a 12×12 shanty in which he lived alone and followed farming two years on his land and also rented additional land. He disposed of his personal effects in 1889, and took charge of the violent ward at the North Dakota in- sane asylumı, at which he was employed two years. He removed to the southeast quarter of section 30, in township 146, range 65, in 1892, and bought horses, machinery, and began farming. Two years later he purchased the same property, and added to his acreage from time to time, and is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land, all of which he uses in the cultivation of grain or in stock raising. He is now one of the substantial men of his community, and has made every arrangement for the enjoyment of country life, and his farm is among the best in the vicinity.

Our subject was married, in the spring of 1892, to Miss Hannah Anderson, who was born and raised in Sweden, where her parents still reside. Mrs. Peterson came to America about 1884, and was em- ployed at the North Dakota insane asylum. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, as follows : Harry, deceased ; Pearl, Harris and Carl. Mr. Peterson is well known throughout his locality, and is enterprising and progressive. Politically he is a Republican.

JOHN HOGENSON, the popular postmaster of Romness. North Dakota, near where he conducts one of the finest farms in Griggs county, is a man of exceptional tact and is widely and favorably known as a citizen of trne worth. He has acted as postmaster of that thriving town for the past ten years, and is one of the pioneer settlers of the county. He has passed through many pioneer hardships, and can review the early history of that region. His present home is one of the best located and most modern style of any in the township, and his farm in section 16, of Romness township, bears every evi- dence of careful tillage and modern methods.

Our subject was born on a farm in Norway, June 22, 1847, and was the only son and second child in a family of five children, born to Hogen and Martha ( Johnson) Hogenson, both of whom were natives of Norway. His father was a farmer by oc- cupation. Our subject lived in his native land until

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COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY.

1867, when he came to America, and located at Am- herst, Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he worked at farming until he went to Griggs county, North Dakota, in the spring of 1880. He "squatted" on the place which he now owns and occupies, and filed a claim to the land in 1882. He is now the fortunate owner of four hundred acres of land, and he has made a success of his chosen calling. His farm is fully improved, and his residence is situated in a picturesque spot on the banks of the Sheyenne river. It is a substantial structure of modern architecture, as are all of the buildings on the place, and altogether the estate presents a pleasing appearance.

Our subject was married in Fillmore county, Min- nesota, in 1876, to Miss Karen Vestern. Mrs. Hogen- sen was born in Norway, December 23, 1855, and came to Filmore county, Minnesota, when a girl aged twelve years. She is a daughter of Erick and Ber- tha Vestern. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hogensen, as follows: Helen, Edward, Clara, Josephine, Louis, Joseph, Ida, Otto and August. The two eldest children were born in Minnesota, and the other children in North Dakota. Helen, the eldest daughter, is now Mrs. Ole Ander- son, and resides in Wells county, North Dakota. Mr. Hogenson is prominent in public affairs, and served three years on the board of county commis- sioners, having been elected to that office on the Re- publican ticket. He has also been clerk of the town- ship in which he resides continuously since its organ- ization, and has served as clerk of the school dis- trict. He has met with unbounded success and is recognized as a leading citizen. In political faith he is a Populist, and is a man who is strong in his convictions for right.

FRANK E. WHITAKER, a well-known farmer of Lamars township, stands among the foremost men of his calling in Richland county. His home farm is on section 11, and he has gathered about him the usual adjuncts of a model country home, by hon- est dealings and strict attention to his business affairs, and also gained the esteem of his fellowmen.

Our subject was born in West Windsor, Ver- mont, February 21, 1861, and was the second in a family of four children. His father, the late Horace E. Whitaker, was a native of Vermont, and died in West Windsor, that state, in December, 1897. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Eliza Bannister, and was a native of Vermont. She still survives her husband.

Frank E. Whitaker was reared and educated in his native state, and remained there until 1882, when he went to Wahpeton, North Dakota, and followed different occupations until 1885. He then settled in Lemars township, where he has since resided. He is the owner of six hundred and forty acres of land and the value of his property has been greatly en- hanced by the fine improvements which he has placed on the farm, while every comfort for the family and stock has been provided.

Our subject was married in Wahpeton, North Dakota, October 14, 1890, to Miss Mary Green, who was born in Roxbury, Wisconsin, March 26, 1862. Mrs. Whitaker was the fourth in a family of eight children born to John and Winnifred ( Cal- lanan ) Green, of Lodi, Dane county, Wisconsin. Mrs. Green died in Dane county, June 19, 1893. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Whit- aker, named Edith F. Mr. Whitaker takes an active part in local affairs and has served as supervisor in Lemars township, school treasurer and other minor offices of trust. He is an earnest worker in church affairs and is a supporter of the Methodist Episcopal denomination.

MILTON F. MERCHANT, M. D., of the firm of Merchant & Walker, the leading physicians of Dickey county, is a gentleman of intellectual worth, and occupies a prominent position as a conscientious and skillful practitioner. Mr. Merchant was born on a farm in Sempronits township, Cayuga county, New York, September 11, 1856.

The father of our subject, Gurdon Merchant, was born in New York, in 1829, and is a miller and farmer by occupation. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Ellen Fox, was born in 1833 and was of Dutch extraction, her family hav- ing located in Herkimer county, New York, and the father of our subject was of English extraction. The parents now reside in North Dakota on one of the stock ranches of our subject.

Milton F. Merchant lived on the home farm, as- sisting with the farm work and attending school until twelve years of age, when his parents moved to Dresserville, Cayuga county, where he lived until 1872, and then entered the Morovia Union high school, and later became a student in the high school at Auburn, the county seat of his native county. He remained in this school one year and then began read- ing medicine in the office of Dr. D. H. Armstrong, and continued his studies in that office one year and then went to Iowa City, Iowa, where he read medicine under Dr. C. M. Hobby, spending three years in his office. He graduated from the Iowa University in the class of 1879 and then returned to New York and began the practice of medicine at Summer Hill, where he remained one year, and then removed to Morovia, where he continued his practice until 1887, in which year he went to Ellen- dale. He at once established his office in that city and has steadily increased his business and enjoys an extensive practice, and was vice-president of North Dakota State Medical Society in 1890. He is also connected with other business enterprises and has two stock ranches in Dickey county, on which he has hundreds of cattle, including many pure-bred Aberdeen Angus. He is a director and stockholder in the Ellendale Roller Mills Company and alto- gether is one of the substantial men of the county. Our subject was married, in Rockford, Illinois, in October, 1894. to Mrs. Ella Keith, nec Perry.

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COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY.

One daughter has been born to this union, who bears the name of Edith. Mrs. Merchant has one daugh- ter by her first marriage, named June. Mr. Mer- chant is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. He is strictly independent in political faith and was a nominee for congress on the Greenback ticket in the twenty- sixth district, of New York, and was a candidate for the office of commissioner of labor and agricult- ure in North Dakota, in 1893, on the Independent ticket. He takes an active part in the affairs of a public nature and every enterprise tending toward the development and advancement of his locality meets with his hearty approval and support. Mr. Merchant is one of the deservedly popular men of Dickey county.

KNUD HERTSGAARD. This gentleman was one of the first settlers of Norman township, Cass county, and has been engaged in farming there for nearly thirty years. He has developed a fine farm and is now one of the well-to-do men of his locality and enjoys an enviable reputation as a farmer and worthy citizen. His home is located on section 34, and he has gathered together a fortune and is en- joying the result of a well-spent career.

Our subject was born in Norway, October 8, 1843. His parents, Jorgen and Ingri (Inselhus) Hertsgaard, were natives of Norway, and the father died in his native land. The mother died in the United States in 1896. Three sons and four daugh- ters comprised the family, all of whom are in the United States, and three sons and one daughter live in North Dakota.

Mr. Hertsgaard was reared and educated in Nor- way, and in 1869, in company with his mother, brother and three sisters came to America, and located in Rock county, Wisconsin. He remained there one year and then removed to Lansing, Iowa. and in 1871 went to Cass county, North Dakota, and entered a homestead claim in section 34, where he has resided continuously since. He erected a log house and began at once to break the wild prairie land, and now has one of the well developed farms of that lo- cality. He now owns over three quarter-sections of land, all of which is fully improved, and on his home farm he has erected a complete set of substantial buildings, and enjoys prosperity.

Our subject was married, in 1877, to Christie Maikin, a native of Norway, who came to America with her parents in 1869. Her parents are now res- idents of Sargent county, North Dakota. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Herts- gaard as follows: Jergon, Ida C., Otto E., Iver B., Henry O., Inger K., Selma T., Carl E. and Albert M. The family are members of the Lutheran church of Kindred, and are highly respected in their com- munity. Mr. Hertsgaard is a director of the school district and is active in school affairs. He is inde- pendent in politics and is a man of good judgment and practical ideas.

JOHN CHILBERG, whose home is on section 2, township 141, range 58 west, is one of the earli- est settlers of Barnes county and has been an im- portant factor in its development and upbuilding. By dint of great energy, perseverance and economy, he has brought his farm from its original pristine wildness to a condition of excellent culture and it stands to-day a monument to his good management and business qualities.

Mr. Chilberg was born October 14, 1854, on a farm near Heselholm, Sweden, and is a son of Nels Chilberg. The father, who was a native of Norway, died when our subject was only six months old, but the mother survived him many years, dying in 1882, at the age of sixty-six. Our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits in his native land and continued his residence there until 1870, when he sailed for the New World. He first located in Washington county, Minnesota, where he worked on a farm for one year and during the succeeding seven years was employed in saw-mills and in the lumber woods. At Afton, Minnesota, he was mar- ried, in 1875, to Miss Capitola Hackett, a native of Washington county, that state, who died in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, in 1876, at the early age of eight- een years.

On the 3Ist of March, 1878, Mr. Chilberg came to Barnes county, North Dakota, and at once filed claim on the southeast quarter of section 2, town- ship 141, range 58, where he has since resided, his time and attention being devoted to its improve- ment and cultivation. He has become one of the successful farmers of the county and is now en- joying the fruits of his former toil. He was again married, in 1881, in the village of Sanborn, Barnes county, his second wife being Miss Esther M. Secrest, who was born in Minnesota, April 9, 1864, and is a daughter of Samuel and Esther Secrest. By this union our subject has had two children : Clarence V. and Hazel L. The Republican party always finds in Mr. Chilberg a stanch supporter of its principles and he never withholds his support from any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit.

HON. OLE C. HAUAN, of whom a portrait is presented on another page, is successfully pursu- ing farming on the fertile soil of North Mayville township, Traill county. He has a well cultivated and improved estate and is incidentally laying aside a competence for future years, and gaining the es- teem of his fellowmen.

Our subject was born in Overhalden Nordre Throndhjems Amt, Norway, January 25, 1844, and was the third in a family of four children, born to Christen L. and Johanna (Melhus) Hauan. The father died when our subject was three years of age. Mr. Hauan remained in his native land until after lie attained his majority, and at the age of twenty- two years emigrated to America and settled in Spring Grove, Houston county, Minnesota, in 1866.

HON. OLE C. HAUAN.

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COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY.

He worked the first two years on a farm and at car- penter work, and remained in Minnesota until the summer of 1878, when he located in Traill county, North Dakota, and took government land in North Mayville township on section 24, where he now re- sides. He now owns five hundred and twenty acres of land and has a commodious and convenient dwelling, finished in natural wood, oak, and the fur- nishings bespeak the refinement and good taste of its occupants. Two large barns furnish shelter for forty-six head of stock and other outbuildings of the place are built with an idea to comfort and convenience in the operation of the farm.

Our subject was married, in 1868, to Kjersti A. Lund. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hauan, as follows: Julia, deceased ; Albert S., Julia M., Christian I., John M., Ole K., deceased, and Ole K. Mr. Hauan served as the first assessor of Mayville township, and also as a member of the school board, and was appointed county commis- sioner in 1891. He was elected a representative in the state legislature in the fall of 1898, on the Re- publican ticket and served one term. While a mem- ber of that body he introduced house bill No. 28, relating to the meeting of the township board of supervisors, and also served on the joint committee of the state library, and on the following house com- mittees : corporations other than municipal, agri- cultural of which he was chairman, irrigation, appor- tionment and supplies and expense. He has served as a delegate to state and county conventions, and takes a leading part in public affairs and enjoys the confidence of the people among whom he resides.

OLE J. HERTSGAARD, one of the earliest settlers of Norman township, Cass county, is a man of good judgment and has gained a comfortable competence and an enviable reputation by honest efforts. He is proprietor of one of the best farms of his community and has resided in Norman town- ship for nearly thirty years and is well known throughout the locality as a wide-awake and enter- prising agriculturist.

Our subject was married, in North Dakota, in 1842, and is a brother of Knud Hertsgaard, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. He was reared and educated in Norway and in 1868 came to the United States and located in Rock county, Wisconsin, where he remained three years. He went to Cass county, North Dakota, in 1871, and. located in section 35, in Norman township. This was railroad land and he had to purchase same. He erected a small log house and at once began break- ing a farm and later took a homestead in Walcott township, Richland county. He now owns four hundred and thirty acres of land, all of which is improved and he has built a set of good buildings and arranged every detail for the comforts of life and the economical conduct of the place and is among the solid men of Norman township.

Our subject was married,in North Dakota, in

1876, to Carrie Haugstad, who was born in Norway, and came to America in 1869. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hertsgaard, as follows: Jurgen, Oscar I. and Conrad I. The family are members of the Lutheran church, of Kindred, and enjoy he esteem of those among whom they re- side. Mr. Hertsgaard has served as clerk of the school board and in various local offices and in 1874 was chosen county commissioner and served five years in that capacity. He is a man of active public spirit and is firm in his adherence to the right and to his friends. In political sentiment he is in- dependent.

JOSEPH CLARKE. A prominent position as a business man and citizen is accorded this gentle- man. He is engaged in the mercantile business in Fairmount, Richland county, and for many years was identified with the farming interests of that county. He is active and intelligent and a man of excellent characteristics.

Our subject was born in Watertown, Jefferson county, New York, October 27, 1856. He was reared in his native place and when about seventeen years of age went to Pierce county, Wisconsin, where he worked at farm labor for about four years. He went to Dakota in the fall of 1879 and the following spring settled on a homestead on section 4, of De- villo township, on which he had entered claim im- mediately upon arrival in Dakota. He continued his home there for several years and then disposed of that farm and purchase one half-section of land in Fairmount and Devillo townships, making his home in the last named township until January, 1899, when he purchased a half-interest in the mer- cantile business with A. W. Morris, and in which he has engaged since. He is a successful farmer and business man and enjoys a liberal patronage.

Our subject was married in Maiden Rock, Pierce county, Wisconsin, November 16, 1880, to Miss Ida Sparks, a native of Iowa. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, named as follows: Maud A., Bessie D. and Amy R. Mr. Clarke is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is an earnest supporter of religious work. He is promi- nent in local affairs of a public nature and has held the office of justice of the peace and township as- essor in Devillo township.

JOHN B. VIE. As a young man of ability and prominence this gentleman merits special mention. He has acquired a valuable property and conducts general farming on section 20. of Moore township, and has been a resident of Ransom county since his boyhood. He is well known as a man of active public spirit and has already taken a place among the leaders in his community.

Our subject was born in Fillmore county, Min- nesota, September 14. 1868, and was the third in a family of eight children born to Peter O. and Martha

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COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY.

(Vie ) Vie. The mother is deceased and the father is a resident of Moore township, Ransom county. The father went to Dakota in 1881 and our subject went there in 1883, at the age of fourteen years. He com- pleted his education in the public schools of Dakota and in 1892 purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and began farming for himself. He now owns one half-section of land and is contemplating the erection of a residence and barn of convenient and modern design. His farm is a valuable one and he has made a success of hischosen vocation.

Our subject was married, in 1893, to Miss Jo- hanna Lean. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Vie, as follows: Martha, Vida and Clara. Mr. Vie has served as assessor two years and was a member of the board of supervisors. He is much intereted in educational work and is at present school clerk. Politically, he is a Republican and Prohi- bitionist and has attended numerous county con- ventions as a delegate.

ALFRED C. BUCK, the popular druggist of New Rockford, has been identified with the business interests of Eddy county for many years and has aided in the development of that region. He enjoys an extensive trade and is a gentleman of broad views and deservedly successful in his pursuits.

Our subject was born in Steamburg, New York, May 18, 1861. His father, Alfred Buck, was a contractor and builder and died of disease in the United States army in 1861. when our subject was but six months of age. The mother of our sub- ject, whose maiden name was Abigal Woodworth, was of English descent and her family settled in America in the seventeenth century. Our subject's maternal grandmother was of Holland Dutch de- scent and the grandfather was of German descent The family on the mother's side were in the Revo- lutionary war.

Mr. Buck was the only child in the family and attended the common schools and later the academy at Randolph, New York. He came to North Da- kota in the spring of 1884 and settled on land west of New Rockford, on which he built a claim shanty 8x12 feet. He had a small amount with which to make his start and in 1885 he proved his claim and afterward went to New Rockford and served an apprenticeship in the drug store of Warren & Miller. He spent one year with this firm and in 1886 pur- chased Mr. Warren's interest and our subject and Dr. Miller continued in business together until 1891, when Mr. Buck bought the entire store and stock. The business was established in the fall of 1883 by Drs. Warren & Miller and was the first drug store in the county. The present building, 20x40 feet. with a storage room in the rear, was erected in 1886 by our subject. He now conducts the busi- ness alone and carries a complete stock of drugs, wines, liquors, cigars, etc., and enjoys a prosperous business.

Our subject was married, in 1894, to Miss Nellie

E. Malone, who was born and raised in Iowa. Mrs. Buck was a teacher before her marriage and is a daughter of Luther Malone, an attorney, who was of Irish descent. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Buck, as follows : Lawrence and Mar- garet. Mr. Buck was elected judge of the county in 1888 and served one term and he takes an active part in public affairs. Politically, he is a Demo- crat and was a delegate to the first state Democratic convention held in North Dakota. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Knights of Pythias. Ancient Order of United Workmen and Modern Woodmen of America.

JAMES REID. As a representative citizen and farmer of Courtenay township, no man more justly deserves the title than Mr. Reid. He was one of the earliest settlers of that locality and he has la- bored for its advancement and development with a determination and public spirit which makes him one of the highly respected citizens of Stutsman county. He is proprietor of one of the finest es- tates in his township and from a limited start has gained a comfortable competence.

Our subject was born in the northern part of Ireland in 1854. His father, John Reid, was a farmer in Ireland and in 1887 came to America and located in North Dakota, taking up government land. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Eliza Hutchinson, was of Irish birth, and some of her relatives were Irish landlords. She died in North Dakota in the spring of 1897 and the father of our subject died in 1898. Three brothers of our subject are now farming in Dakota and two sisters are married and living on Dakota farms. Mr. Reid's brother, John, came to America in 1885, at the solicitation of our subject and located in North Dakota and the family joined them there one year later, our subject being instrumental also in their emigration to this country and their locat- ing in North Dakota.

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Compendium history and biography of North Dakota; a history of early settlement, political history, and biography; reminiscences of pioneer life, Part 79

Author: Publication date: 1900 Publisher: Chicago, G.A.Ogle Number of Pages: 1432

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago, G.A.Ogle
Number of Pages: 1432