Fillmore County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (2 of 11 so headed), 1882

Hon. Seger Berg was bom in Norway in 1820. He was married in his native country in 1843, to Miss Guuelia Olson. They came to America in 1853, locating in Boone county, Illinois, where Mr. Berg learned the wagon-maker's trade. He moved to this place in 1856, and took government land in section twenty-four, which he has improved, and uj)on wliich he now lives. Of eight children born to him, four are living, Halver, Ole, Rallef, and Otto Samuel. Halver, the eldest, resides in Yellow Medicine county, where he is J udge of Probate; Ole is an attorney at Rushford. Mr. Berg, the subject of this sketch, has held many local offices, and in 1877, was a meml>er (»l the Legislature.

Peter Bebo is a native of Norway, born in 1829. He came to America when twenty years old, and for a few months lived in Wisconsin; then moved to Illinois, and was employed on the Chicago & Galena railroad about seven months, after which he was engaged in different occupations in the State. In 1854, he made a trip through Wisconsin in search of a home, but the country not reaching his expectations he finally returned to Illinois. He was joined ' in marriage in 1855, with Miss Harriet Ellingson, a native of Norway. In 1856, Mr. Berg made another trip to this part of the country, and soon took land in Pilot Mound which is still his home. His children are John A., Ole, Mary Ann, Hannah, Halver, and Helena P.

Tebbence DoijAN is a native of Ireland, bom in Cavan county in 1838. He came with his parents to America in 1850, first locating in Poughkeepsie, New York. In the fall of 1852, his father moved to Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and thence to Bedford county. There Terrence commenced to learn the blacksmith trade, but his father, not being able to make a permanent location in his vocation as tiller of the soil, concluded, in May, 1855, to start for the West. Accordingly he set out with all his earthly belongings, and, coming by the way of Iowa, arrived in Chatfield, Fillmore county, in June of the same year. He immediately located in Chatfield township, where he resided until his death, which occurred on the 12th of May, 1875. His wife followed him to the bright beyond on the 7th of March, 1877. Mr. Dolan was a man gifted with more than ordinary qualifications. He had a sound mind, clear judgment, a large share of benevolence, very compassionate, and yet firm of purpose. He was strictly honorable in his dealings, and commanded the good-will and esteem of all who knew him. He and his wife, whose maiden name was McGovern, enjoyed a married life of unalloyed happiness for jver sixty years. They died as they had lived, faithful believers in the Roman Catholic Church. Of their children that are yet living, three sons and one daughter reside in Chatfield and Pilot Mound; one son in Winona county, and one daughter in Renville county.

Terrence, the subject of our sketch, took a claim in Pilot Mound, using his pre-emption right in t'le land office, then at Chatfield, on the 20th of November, 1860. He still resides on the old place.

having made valuable improvements. He was married on the 6th of February, 1872, to Mias Anna Williams, also of Irish birth. Their children are John Henry, NelUe F., Mary G., James E., and Esther A. ; another, Charles A., died in infancy.

Geoeqe W. Hammeb, deceased, one of the pioneers of Fillmore county, was bom in Indiana in 1818. He was married at the age of twenty-two years to Miss Maria Newman. They came to Minnesota in 1855, and located a farm in section twenty-two, Pilot Mound, which was their home until their death. Mr. Hammer was known as "Uncle George" and noted for his hospitality, visitors always being sure of a welcome when going there. He died in October, 1871, at the age of fifty-three years. Of nine children bom to him, seven are living. Mrs. Hammer died soon after her husband.

John K. Hammeb was bom in Washington county, Indiana, on the 9th of October, 1825. When he was young his parents moved to Cook county, Illinois, and in 1846, to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. John resided at Wolf River in the same county about nine months and engaged in building the first saw-mill in that section. He then took a farm eight miles west of Oshkosh. He was married at Algona on the 18th of March, 1852, to Miss Harriet L. Hewitt, a native of Oneida county. New York. In 1860, Mr. Hammer accompanied a party to Colorado and Nevada in search of gold. His company was the first to explore the region about Virginia City, and gave it its name. They also built the first quartz mill in that section. After about sixteen months Mr. Hammer sold his interest for $200, and in December, 1861, crossed the Sierra Nevada mountains to San Francisco, from which place he started for New York, crossing the Isthmus of Tehuan tepee. He came directly to his home in Wisconsin and in 1863, moved to Minnesota, buying a farm in Saratoga, Winona county. In August, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, of the Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry; went immediately to the front and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. While in service he contracted a disease from which he has never fully recovered. In 1877, he rented his farm near Saratoga, and moved to Pilot Mound where he has since lived. Mr. and Mrs. Hammer have a family of six children; Alma A., Serelda A., Minnie Ed. A., Florence A., and Orra A.

Indiftna, bom iu December, 1829. In 1832, his parents moved to Cook county, Illinois; thence to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where Evin was engaged in the lumber business. He was united in marriage with Miss Hulda L. Nichols in December, 1853. In 1859, they moved to Pilot Mound where Mr. Hammer bought land in sections ten, eleven, and twenty-one, which he improved and upon which he lived several years. He enlisted in the Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company K, in 1864 ; was with Sherman in his march to the sea, and discharged at the close of the war. Since his residence in this place Mr. Hammer has filled many offices of trust, and was a member of the State Legislature in 1869. He moved to his present farm, in section seventeen, in the fall of 1871, and immediately commenced the erection of his flouring mill which is the only one in town. Of three children born to Mr. Hammer, two are living, Alice J. and Otis E. Elmer M. died at the age of three years. Alice is married and lives in Otter Tail county.

William Harrlson was bom in New Jersey in the year 1839. When he was quite young his parents (by adoption) moved to Pennsylvania locating first in Pike, then in Bradford county. In 1852, they came to Green county, Wisconsin, remained five years and removed to this place, his father taking land in section six. In 1862, William enlisted in the Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company D; was with Sully in his expedition against the Indians, returning to Fort Snelling in the fall of 1864. He then went south and joined Schofield's division; was ordered to Washington, D. C, and thence to Goldsborough, North Carolina, where they joined Sherman^s army and moved toward Charlotte where they remained until the close of the war. He retumed home after his discharge, and purchased a farm in section five where he now lives. Miss J ane M. Eastman, who is a native of Salem, Washington county, New York, became his wife in 1876. Their children were, Charlotte, who died in infancy; Mary Ada; William Emest, who died at the age of two and a half years; Wilton L., and Reuben.

Jacob Julian was bom in Cass county, Indiana, on the 6th of January, 1850. He came to Pilot Mound with his parents when six years old, and attended the first school kept in the district in which they lived. In Febraary, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Brogan, a native of Chicago. The same year Mr. Julian purchased land in section eight where he has since lived. Mr. and Mrs. Julian have two children, Isaac J. and John W.

Isaac Julian is a native c»f Indiana, bora on the 8th of January, 1826. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and resided with his parents until his marriage with Miss Phebe Ann Carr in 1848. Mr. Julian made a trip west in 1855, in search of farming land and on reaching Pilot Mound preempted a claim in section eight, to which he has since added, his residence being in section four. He returned the following spring for his family, and has since made this place his home. His children were, Jacob, Margaret, Jessie, who died at the age of two years, Mary E., Sarah E., Jemima, and Eveline, who died when four years old.

James C. Jones is a native of Elinois, bora on the 16th of April, 1850. When he was four years old his parents came to the then territory of Minnesota and settled in this township, where James attended the first school ever taught in the place. In 1872, he went to California, resided in Stanislaus county a few months; thence to Tulare county where he helped construct a canal for the purpose of irrigation, and owned an interest in the same for five years. He was married in 1876, to Miss Harriet Mitchell. After disposing of his interest in the canal he returaed to Stanislaus county and kept a livery stable for a few months; then engaged in farming. In 1879, he teturaed to Minnesota and located in Pilot Mound. A few months since he purchased a blacksmith shop in which business he has since been engaged. Two children have blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jones.

Isaac Jacobson, one of the early settlers of this county, is a native of Norway, bora in Febraary, 1813. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and when twenty- two years old married Miss Kari Torgerson. They came to America in 1844, and settled in Wisconsin. In 1855, they came to Fillmore county, locating a farm in the present township of Arendahl. Mr. Jacobson proposed the name for the latter township, and upon its orj^anization was appointed Postmaster. In 1874, he traded his farm for a store and continued in the business until 1881, when he moved to Pilot Mound and has since been engaged in mercantile pursuits, the Post-office being located at his store. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson have eight children; Martha,

Hans Kolstad, another of the early settlers of this place, was born in the southern part of Norway, on the 23d of February, 1816. He learned the i^ainter's trade, and being a musician, devoted considerable time to the improvement of that talent. In 1843, he married Miss Else Kolstad. They came to America in 1856, and directly to this place, where Mr. Kolstad pre-empted a quarter section of land in sections tbirty-four and thirty-five and has since made it his home, now owning 360 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Kolstad have had four children; Simon, Engebreth, Hans, and Simon. Simon, the eldest child, died in Norway at the age of three years. Hans died in infancy. Simon was married on the 20th of May, 1875, to Miss Kari Larson; their children are Hclmer E. and Ludwig C. Engebreth still lives at home, and has filled several offices of trust; is at present Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.

Adblbert Clay Knapp is a native of New York, bom in Parma, Monroe county, on the 10th of February, 1848. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, attending the district schools near his home until 1865, when be came with his parents to Iowa. He came to this county in 1874, and located in Bristol, where he drilled the first artesian well in that neighborhood. On the 18th of October, 1876, he was married to Mrs. Olivet Horton Miner, who was bom in Binghamton, Broome county, New York, on the 15th of Deoeml^er, 1851. They visited the Centennial and friends in New York and Pennsylvania, on their return home stopping in Hlinois, where they remained until November, 1877; then located in Pilot Mound, where they have since resided. Since living here Mr. Knapp has been engaged in the artesian well business, having drilled through about 4,576 feet of earth and rock. His only son, Adelbert Clay, was bora in Elgin, Kane county, Illinois, on the 21st of October, 1877, and died in infancy. Mrs Knapp's daughter, Myra, was bora on the 1st of January, 1870, in Albin, Howard county, Iowa.

L. J. Kelsey is a native of Schoharie county, New York, born the 23d of December, 1839. He was reared to agricultural pursits until the age of seventeen, when he moved to Jefferson county, Wisconsin. While there he attended school, s])ending his leisure time farming. In the winter of 1858 and '59, he was engaged in the manufacture of shingles at De Pere, and the following spring formed a company and started for the gold mines of Colorado. While at Fort Lamed, Kansas, they listened to a lecture by Horace Greeley, who discouraged their mining project, and following his advice they went to Nevada, spending the winter in Carson City, where Mr. Kelsey was engaged in the manufacture of shingles. The following year he worked in mines with some success, and in the fall of 1861, went to California, but returned to Nevada in the spring. On the 3d of October, 1863, he sailed for New York, via the Isthmus, spent the winter in the latter State with his father and brothers, and in the spring came again to Wisconsin. He soon after came to Minnesota in search of farming land, and was greatly pleased with this section of the country. He returned to Wisconsin, and in the spring of 1865 came to this place, where he married Miss Arvilla Hammer on the 25th of December, 1865. In 1866, he bought a farm of William Moore, in section three, where he has since lived. He is now engaged in the erection of a new house. Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey have five children ; Julia A., D. Jennie, M. Lizzie, George W., and Iria G.

James Martin was bora in Sussex county, England, in 1827, He married Miss Caroline Parsons, of his native place, in 1849. The following year they left England, landed in Quebec, and came directly to Lewiston, New York, where Mr. Martin was engaged on the suspension bridge for one year; then returaed to Canada. In 1852, they moved to McHenry county, Illinois, and two years later to Minnesota, coming with an ox team. He bought land in Pilot Mound to which he afterward added, but in 1867, sold his first purchase. Of ten children bora to him, seven are living. His son, William Henry, was the first white child born in this township.

EiiiiiNO Miller, deceased, was a native of Norway, bora in 1816. In 1840, he married Miss Kari Thorgerson, who bore him three children, only one of whom is now living. They came to America in 1848, and resided in Wisconsin until 1855, when they moved to Pilot Mound, where Mr. Miller erected the first blacksmith shop in this section of the country, and continued in the business until his death, which occurred on the 8th of Febraary, 1860.

ject of our last sketch, was born in Norway on the 3d of January, 1845. He came to America with his parents when about three years old, and after his father's death was dependent upon his own resources for a living. He resided with Peter Berg one year, then moved to Arendahl and was engaged in different occupations for several years, after which he learned the blacksmith trade of Truls Olverstead. In 1870, they formed a partnership and went to Watonwan county, where they carried on a blacksmith shop one year. Mr. Miller then purchased a farm and resided there several years. On the 20th of June, 1872, he married Miss Hattie Thompson. She died in February, 1874, leaving one child, Ida C. The following year Mr. Miller returned to Pilot Mound, and was engaged in business with Hiram Yates, in Pekin, until the fall of 1876. In the latter year he bought land in the village of Pilot Mound, and erected a house and blacksmith shop, where he has since devoted his time. The maiden name of his present wife was Leve Isockson, whom he married on the 21st of November, 1880. The result of the union is one child, Elling.

Duncan MgConochib, one of the early settlers of Fillmore county, was bom in Canada on the 15th of December, 1830. He was reared on a farm and attended school in his native place. In 1856, he came to Minnesota and located a farm in Arendahl township, upon which he made improvements and resided a number of years. In 1858, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Jane Ferguson, who has borne him four children; Barbara, Hugh, Katie, and Alexander. Mr. McOonochie being one of the first to locate in this section, was of course subject to the many inconveniences of a pioneer life. He came to this township in 1877, and owns a farm of three hundred acres. For the past two years he has been a member of the board of Supervisors.

S. B. Matnabd, a native of Walworth county, Wisconsin, was bom in 1847. He came with his parents to Iowa when he was fourteen years old, and a year later moved to Minnesota, locating in Winona county. In 1871, Mr. Maynard engaged in mercantile pursuits in company with M. M. Jones at St. Oharles, continuing in the business until coming to Pilot Mound in 1880. He purchased the farm of S. Armstrong, upon which he has since resided. In September, 1875, he was joined in matrimony with Mrs. O. B. Cravath, daughter of S. Armstrong. She was born in Shoreham, Vermont, in 1847, and came to this place with her parents in IP 60. She married O. B. Oravath in 1866, to whom she bore two children, Wallace B. and Laura A. Mr. Cravath died in 1874.

Jamrs McKeown, one of the f^arly settlers of this place, was bom in the northern part of Ireland in 1822. In 1840, he came with his brother to America, landed in Quebec and went directly to Montreal, where he remained about nine years. While there he married Miss Jane Higgins. He then moved to Illinois, and was engaged in farming until coming to Minnesota in 1855. The following year he purchased land in what is now known as Jordan township, but soon after sold and cama to this place, buying land in section seventeen. Mr. and Mrs. McEeown have had seven children; Elizabeth, Jane, Maria, Ann, John T., William, and George E. Ann died when nineteen years old, and Maria at the age of thirty.

John Pulaski is a native of Prussia, bora in 1844. He came with his parents to America when eight years old, and located in Wisconsin, first in Watertown, then New London, and afterward in Oshkosh. In the spring of 1861, he enlisted in the army, but not being tall enough was not accepted. The following October, however, he was accepted, and served in the Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company D. The regiment was sent to Pilot Knob and participated in the battle of Frederickton, spent the winter in Cairo, and the following spring joined Pope's army, and was engaged in the battle of Corinth and others. He was discharged at the expiration of his term of service; re-enlisted in January, 1864, and received an honorable discharge in September, 1865. He was united in matrimony with Miss Elizabeth Mc- Eeown, the ceremony taking place in 1869. Their children are Cora, Earl, Nora, Emest, and Fred.

Asa Smith, deceased, was born in Hartford county, Connecticut, in the year 1794. He learned the moulder^s trade, at which he was engaged in Massachusetts, and afterward in other States. In 1819, he was joined in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Tuper, a native of the latter State. After living in New York and Wisconsin, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, with five of their children, came west; located in Minnesota, and in the fall of 1855, came to Arendahl township and pre-empted land. The following spring they moved to Pilot Mound, where they were among the pioneers, and resided until their death. Mrs. Smith died on the 17th of November, 1859, and Mr. Smith in February, 1867.

Andbew Sorenson, a native of Norwgy, was bom the 4th of October, 1833. In 1856, he married Miss Isabella Torgenson. They came to America the following year and located in Walworth county, Wisconsin, where Mr. Sorenson was engaged at the shoemaker's trade. In 1864, they came to Minnesota, arriving in this township on the 12th of March. Mr. Sorenson purchased land in section six which he has since made his home, having added to liis farm from time to time. Of eleven children born to him, seven are living; Theodore O., Adolph, Olof J., Albert S., Ida A., Josie A., and Alma H.

Stephen Souther is a native of New Hampshire, bom in Lebanon, Grafton county, on the 23d of December, 1823. He moved with his parents to Hanover in the same county in 1832, thence to Warren, Washington county, Vermont, and in 1853, to Wisconsin. While in Vermont, in 1851, he married Miss Laura Armstrong. After coming west they resided on a farm in Sauk county, Wisconsin, until 1864, when they moved to this place, and located in section five. Mr. Souther has filled many offices of trast since living in the township. His children are Emma C, Ada A., Mary E., Katie A., and Eugene Burt. The latter died at the age of four years. Three of his daiighters are married; two are living in Dakota and one in Dodge Centre, Minnesota.

Adolphus Smith is a native of Somerset, England, bora in 1832. He came to America in 1856; resided one year in New York and oame to Minnesota, locating in Winona county, where he remained about a year. He then came to this place and purchased the farm upon which he has since lived. In 1866, he married Miss Sarah Fullerton, who has borne him seven children ; Jane, Kebecca, Maria, Adel, Levi, Laura, and Elmer.

Pxuii Tostenson was bom in Norway in 1821. He was married in 1842, to Miss Manguil Eolstad. They came to America in 1853, and resided in Rock county, Wisconsin, until 1856, when they moved to this place, coming with an ox team. He pre-empted land in section twenty-seven where he built a house and resided during the summer; then moved on the other side of the river and lived about six years. When he first came here, Winona was the nearest market town, and in the winter of 1857, he brought his flour on a hand sled from Preston, a distance of eleven miles. Mr. Tostenson built his present residenoe in 1863. His children are Thomas, Abolone, Sigrid, Mary, Hans, Karen, and Elling who died at the age of three years. Thomas, the eldest, was a soldier in the war of the rebellion from 1864 to 1865, and is still in the service, stationed at Fort Meade, D. T.

Gunder Thompson was bora in Norway in 1822. When twenty-five years old he married Miss Stena Thorson, of his native country. They came to America in 1861, and directly to Minnesota, locating in Fountain in this county. In 1865, they moved to this township, bought a farm in section five and have since made it their home. Of thirteen children bora to Mr. Thompson, nine are living.

Erick ToRKEiiSON, ouc of the first settlers of this place, was bora in the southern part of Norway, in Aadalen, on the 5th of May, 1831. He came to America when twenty years old, and located in Rock county, Wisconsin, where he was engaged in farming and on the railroad. He was married to Miss Ingar Peterson in 1854. They came to Pilot Mound and took land in section thirty- two, but moved soon after and now reside in section twenty -five. His children are, Torkel^ Sophie, Peter, Edward, Caroline, Ole, Martin, J ulian, and Thea.

Hiram F. Yates is a native of Montgomery county, New York, born the 14th of January, 1836. When about fiiurteen years old he came with his father to Wisconsin, where he learaed the blacksmith trade. In 1857, Hiram came to this township, buying a farm in section seventeen, but on account of hard times during that year, was compelled to return to Wisconsin. He returaed to his farm here in 1861, and soon after purchased a blacksmith shop. On the 15th of February, 1863, Miss Almira Hammer became his wife. In 1864, Mr. Yates enlisted in the Eleventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company I, serving eleven months. He has been elected to the o£Bice of assessor a number of times, and now acts in that capacity, has also been Town Clerk, Supervisor, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Yates have had three children, two of whom are living.