Fillmore County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (3 of 11 so headed), 1882

John Andekson is a native of Sweden, born on the 23d of April, 1837. He came to America in 1864, directly to Minnesota, and located in this township. In 1871, he purchased a farm and has since devoted his time to its cultivation. He has been twice married, first to Miss Bertha Samuelson, who died the following year, leaving one child. His present wife was Miss B. Hanson, whom he married in 1872. They have had six children, five of whom are living.

Ole H. Bakek is a native of Norway, bora the 20th of August, 1830. He came to America in 1854, resided in Wisconsin a few months, and afterward in Illinois. He purchased a farm in this place in 1866, and haf since made it his home. In 1869, Mr. Baker was joined in marriage with Miss Isabel Charleson. They have had seven children, five of whom are living.

H. H. Baker was also born in Norway, his birth dating the 26th of February, 1840. He came with his parents to America, first settling in Racine county, Wisconsin, but soon after moved to Illinois In 1860, he came to Minnesota and located a farm, part of which is in Money Creek, Houston county, and part in this township. He was married to Mrs. Augusta Olson on the 14th of April, 1862.

Stark T. Gjerne.s one of the early settlers of this place, is a native of the province of Bergen, Norway, born on the 16th of December, 1818. He came to America in 1848, located in Dane county, Wisconsin, and was engaged in the pineries for several years. In February, 1852, he was joined in marriage with Mrs. Anna Knudson. They moved to this township in 1854, settling in section fifteen, where Mr. Gjernes has a large stone residence and a fine farm. Mr. and Mrs. Gjernes have had four children, two of whom are living.

Charles W. Gk)RE, one of the first settlers in this place, is a native of Ohio, bora in Le Roy, Lake county, on the 20th of March, 1838. When young he learned the trade of a millwright and attended the district scboolSf after which be completed his studies at the Academy of Kingsville. In 1857, on account of ill health, he came west, located in Rushford and immediately erected a mill in which he pat machinery for making laths. The following year he sold the latter and purchased a farm upon which, in company with his father, he built a saw-n;ill, and has since operated the same. Besides the latter he owns an interest in the Kush Creek ilour-mill, and is also engaged in the manufacture of pumps and sorghum. Mr. Gore has always taken an interest in pohtics; has filled many local offices, and is at present Justice of the Peace. On the 14th of March, 1860, he was joined in marriage with Miss Martha E. Bartley. In 1864, he enlisted in the Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company K; was wounded at the battle of Nashville on the 16th of December in the same year, and confined in the hospital nntil the following April, when he received his discharge. He then returned to his home here and has since been engaged as above stated.

Henry W. Holmes is a native of Lake county, Ohio, bom on the 25th of November, 1828. In 1851, he moved to Delton, AVisconsin, where he was engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages. He came to Rush ford in 1870, continuing in the business, and the following year took as partner A. J. Stevens. In 1874, the "Rushford Wagon and Carriage Company" was formed, Mr. Holmes being a member of the firm a year and a half. He then sold his interest and confined his business to the manufacture of light carriages until the afore-named company removed to Winona, since which time he has been engaged in order work, furnishing employment for about ten men.

Peter Peterson Haslerud, deceased, who platted and owned the village site of Peterson, was one of the first settlers in this township. His birth occurred in Norway on the 21st of July, 1828, and he came to America in 1843, locating in Illinois, where he was engaged in farming, and later, in the pineries of Wisconsin. He arrived here in July, 1853, he being among the first party of emigrants to locate in this township. In the latter year he was married to Miss Cornell Anderson. Mr. Haslerud settled in section thirty where he lived imtil his death, and where his widow now lives. He devoted his time to farming, but was always identified with the local interests and held a number of responsible town offices ; was also a member of the State Legislature one year. Mr. and Mr& Haslerud had a family of five children, four of whom are living. Two of the sons own farms in Arendahl township where one of them resides. The remainder of the family live on the old homestead. Mr. Haslerud died on the 23d of September. 1880.

George Peterson Haslerud, the oldest native bom citizen of thia town, dates his birth the 10th of November, 1853. He is a son of the subject of our last sketch, who was the founder of Peterson village. George lived with his parentB, attending school, until 1871; then entered the State University at Minneapolis. In 1872, he retunied to Peterson and worked on the farm one year, after which he spent three years as clerk in the store of Mr. Holgerson. He was married on the 3d of May, 1876, to Miss Julia M. Wethe. In the latter year he received the appointment of station agent at Peterson, having been telegraph operator at this point for some time before, and held the position until the fall of 1881. He has been Town Clerk during the past year. Mr. and Mrs. Haslernd have been blessed with two children.

George A. Hayse, one of the early settlers of the county, is a native of Harrington, New Hampshire, born on the 19th of October, 1832. When young he was employed in a door, sash and blind factory near his home, in the city of Do^r, and afterward in Massachusetts. In 1854, he came to Fillmore county and located a farm in Sumner township, where he filled the office of Town Clerk a number of years and was County Commissioner five years. Miss Maria R. Lamb became the wife of Mr. Hayse on the 25th of March, 1858. The fruits of the union were ' eight children, six of whom are living. In 1865, Mr. Hayse was appointed land appraiser for the Southern Minnesota Railroad Company, with headquarters at Hokah, Houston county. The following year he purchased a farm adjoining the village of Rushford, and a few years later opened a general mercantile store in the city, having since continued in the business. Since coming Here he has held the office of Town Clerk about ten years, and in 1881, was a member of the State Legislature.

Hendrick Hendriokson, who is one of the old settlers and an extensive farmer of this place, was bom in Norway, on the 7th of May, 1832. When young he was employed in grist and saw-mills, remaining in that occupation nntil coming to America in 1852. He resided in Chicago one year; then came to Houston county and engaged in farming. In 1855, he was united in marriage with Mrs, Martha Edmonds, who has borne him seven children, four of whom are living. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Hendrickson located a farm in section twenty-three, Rushford township, but in 1866, moved to bis present land in section sixteen, upon which are good buildings and other substantial improvements.

Samuel G. Ivebson, present Postmaster of Rushford, is a son of John and 0. Iverson, who came from Norway to America and were among the first to locate in Fillmore county. Samuel was bom on the 2l8t of April, 1859, and is the oldest resident of Rushford born in the city. He attended the schools of the town, completing his education in the Shattuck School, at Faribault. On his return home he was employed as Clerk in the Post-office, and in January, 1881, appointed Postmaster,

Edmond Johnson, a native of Norway, was bom on the 10th of Febraary, 1841. When eleven years old he engaged as a sailor, and continued in that capacity (with the exception of one year) until 1861, when he landed in America. He came directly to Rushford township, but soon found employment in Winona county, ^here he remained a number of years and finally purchased a farm. On the 10th of February, 1866, he was joined in marriage with Miss Julia Olson, daughter of O. 0. Tuff, the oldest settler in the township. Of eight children bom to this imion, seven are living. In 1869, Mr. Johnson purchased a farm in section thirty-two, and moved his family there, having since made it his home. He has been one of the Supervisors for the past two years, and at the last election was chosen Chairman of the board.

C. C. Johnson was born in Norway on the 24th of November, 1841. He learned the blacksmith and also wagon-maker's trade, after which he opened a shop and continued in the business until coming to America in 1869. He came to Wisconsin and worked at his trade in La Crosse, also worked in saw-mills for a few years. Miss Lena Johnson became his wife on the 31st of October, 1872. They have two children. In 1874, Mr. Johnson located in this place and opened his present blacksmith and wagon shop. Since 1881, his residence has been open to travelers and boarders, it being the only hotel in the village of Peterson. Mr. Johnson is agent for the Moline Plow Company.

T. A. Jackson is a native of Norway and dates his birth the 11th of October, 1844. When an infant he came with his parents to America, locating in Dane county, Wisconsin, and afterward near Madison. In 1853, they came to Arendahl township, where they were among the first settlers. The subject of this sketch was biarried in April, 1868, to Miss Augusta Amundson. Mr. and iVIrs. Jackson moved to Watonwan county in 1870, but returned to this county three years later, and in company with his brother Mr. Jackson opened a store in Pekin, Pilot Mound township. On the 15th of April, 1878, Mrs. Jackson died, leaving four children. In 1881, the Jackson brothers opened a general mercantile store in Peterson, and have since established a good trade.

George E. Kirkpatrick was bom at Fort Howard, Wisconsin, in 1856. When he was eleven months old his parents moved to Carimona township, Fillmore county, settling on a farm. George attended school there until moving to Yucatan, Houston county, in 1869. In 1874, he came to Rushford and completed his education; then entered the office of the **Star," since which time, with the exception of about three years engaged at his trade in other localities, he has remained in the latter office. During the absence of the proprietor, Mr. Kirkpatrick has had the general management of the business. On the 27th of September, 1881, he was married, in Winona, to Miss Frances Rivers, daughter of P. B. Rivers, of the latter city.

Charles R. MoKennet was lx)ra in Franklin, Grant county, Wisconsin, in 1846. He received his education in his native State, and at the age of seventeen years commenced to leara the printing trade, at which business he has since continued. He was connected with the LaCrosse, Wisconsin, papers in various capacities, and in 1870, entered the office of the *'New York Daily Democrat," latterly was editor and business manager of the "St. Cloud Press," Minnesota,, and afterward purchased the "Rushford Star," which paper he still owns, having published it for six years. He was elected Enrolling Clerk of the State Senate in 1876, and re-elected by acclamation in 1878; was a delegate to the State convention in 1881,

Owen Mohan, Jr., is a native of Ireland, bom in 1847, and came to America with his parents when bat a year old. They resided in Jersey, Steuben county, New York, for about five years; then moved to Illinois. In 1858, Owen's brother came to Rushford and took land which his father bought the same year, and to which he brought his family in 1862. On the 31st of March, 1873, Mr. Mohan married Miss Emily Footman, the ceremony taking place in Mankato. His father died on the Ist of December, 1875, since which time our subject has carried on the farm. He has a family of four children.

Geobge Martin, oueof the early settlers of this place, was bom in Austria on the 23d of April, 1825. When he was young he leamed the stonemason trade, at which he was engaged in his native country until 1850, when he came to America, locating in Belleville, Illinois. He was united iu marriage with Mi^ Magdalene Hrdlicku, on the 13th of July, 1853. In 1856, they came to this place and bought a farm, to which they have since added, and now own four hundred and eighty acres, upon which is a fine brick house, Mr. Martin manufacturing the brick on his own land. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have had twelve children, ten of whom are living.

GEORaE J. Onstine, Mayor of Rushford, is a native of Ohio, bom in ^:^neca county in June, 1834. At the age of thirteen years he moved with his parents to Green county, Wisconsin, and in 1853, to this county, settling in Amherst. A few later the family removed to Holt, where his father died the 27th of January, 1859. George settled in the latter place the following summer, and in July, 1860, married Miss Christiana Adams, a native of Erie County, New York. Mr. Onstine came to Rushford in 1868, and immediately commenced the erection of the Northwestern Hotel, which he has since carried on. For a number of years he was Chairman of the board of Supervisors, and has also been Justice of the Peace. Mr. and Mrs. Onstine have had three children, two of whom are living ; George H. and Emma F.

ToRJUs S. Reishus is a son of S. O. and Ingeborg T. Reishus. They are natives of Norway, and came to America in 1843, locating in Wisconsin. Of ten children bom to them, eight are living. Torjus was born in the latter State the 1st of

December, 1847. In 1854, the family came to this place, where our subject grew to manhood. The maiden name of his wife was Ellen P. Brown. She has bome him two children, Lysander T. and Ingeborg E. Mr. Reishus has had entire charge of the lumber business of 0. L. Coleman since 1876. His parents now reside in Yellow Medicine county, where they moved in 1876. His brothers and sisters have also moved from here, he being the only one of the family now living in this county.

Henry Stage, an early settler in this section, is a native of Germany, bom in Hanover on the 29th of August, 1830. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in 1851, came to America. Arriving in New York, he remained a few years; then moved to Illinois, and in May, 1856, came to this township, locating a farm in section three. On the 15th of November, 1857, Miss Martha Emery became his wife. She died after six years of wedded life. The maiden name of his present wife was Sarah Coolidge, whom he married on the 16th of July, 1866. Mr. Stage commenced here with limited means, but by industry and economy ha^ accumulated quite a fortune. He is engaged in stock raising, and besides his farm owns an interest in the Rush Creek tiour-mill, and is also engaged in the manufacture of sorghum in company with C. W. Gore.

Rev. William W. Snell. - His birth was on the 3d of April, 1821, in North Brookfield, Mass. He commenced the preparation for a collegiate course by attending the Academy at Munson and also at Worcester, but having a dislike for the study of Greek his father wisely allowed him to follow his own inclinations, and being of a mechanical turn he went to work in a machine shop and leamed the trade. At the age of twenty-two, the daguerreotype process of making pictures having been introduced into America, he mastered the intricacies of that art, and made a tour of the western and southem States, engaged in the business. After an absence of several years he retiuned to New England and again applied himself to the mdchinist trade, following that occupation in Boston and Lawrence for a number of years. His health beginning to fail, his physician advised liim to go West, and he accordingly started for Minnesota, arriving at Rushford on the 4th of May, 1855. Of course such a man was welcomed by those already here, and since that time he has been closely identified with the development and progress of tlie town, particularly in its religious interests, a more detailed account of the more important part of which has already been mentioned in these pages. The family has been a very valuable one to the whole community.

Mrs. Snell was born in Townsend, Vermont, is a daughter of Cijrtis Fay, and was married in West Winchester, New Hampshire in 1850. During Mr. Snell's absence in the far West in search of a home she remained in Lawrence, and when her husband sent for her, packed her trunk, and taking her two children, one an infant but three months old whom the father had never seen, started to cast her lot with him. She arrived in Octol)er, 1855, and was met at Winona by her husband with a yoke of oxen and a wagon to convey his family to their new home. Their earthly possessions were soon loaded up and they consisted of a few fowls that Mrs, Snell purchased in Dubuque, three chairs bought in Winona, fifty pounds of flour for a winter's supply, and a few luxuries in the way of carpets, etc., brought from Massachusetts. Most fortunately Mrs. Snell was of a cheerful disposition, not inclined to murmur, although she was compelled to pass her first night in Minnesota in a room containing five beds, all occupied, and having to wait on her child at night, had to step over the forms of several sleeping men to get out of the room. Of course the change to such a rude life grated harshly upon the finer sensibilities of a lady reared as she had been, but, with true womanly devotion, she had decided to share her husband^s lot, be it what it might, and so she accepted the situation and went through the trying ordeals of a frontier life with a cheerfulness most tranquilizing in its effects upon the whole community, and is entitled to the highest meed of praise. They had a family of nine children, seven of whom are stUl living.

In the spring of 1857, he sold the property he had bought on coming here, as mentioned in the account of the early settlers, and bought the place where he now lives, which he has adorned and beautified until it is one of the finest residences in the city.

Swan 0. Thompson was bom in Wisconsin on the 9th of June, 1858. His parents moved to this place when he was an infant, and located on a farm, to which occupation he was reared. He attended the public schools until 1873, when he entered the La Crosse Business College, and after his return home was employed in the store of N.

Holgeson. In February, 1875, he and his two brothers opened a general mercantile store, but soon one brother sold out, and in March, 1882, Swan bought the interest of the other brother, and now carries the business on alone. Since 1879, he has been Postmaster. He also carries on a lumber yard, and ships annually large amounts of farm producta.

HiBAM Walker was bom on the 9th of October, 1825, in Croydon, New Hampshire. In 1836, he came to Ohio with his parents, locating in Lake county, and when twenty years old went to Kentucky, remaining two years. He then came to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he married Miss Celestia Nimp, the ceremony taking place the 19th of December, 1849. Mr. Walker came to the La Crosse land sale of 1851, remained and built the first open front store in the place. The following spring his family came and located in Onalaska. After a trip through the county in search of good water power, Mr. Walker came to this place in August, 1854, and the same fall commenced a saw-mill where the feed mill of D. J. Tew now stands. Since then Mr. Walker has been prominently identified with the growth of Kushford, having built and operated a number of mills, further notice of which appears elsewhere, besides taking quite an interest in local political affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have eight children, four boys and four girls.

Oliver Wilson, who was one of the first party of emigrants to this place, was bom in Norway on the 13th of March, 1836. His parents came to America and settled in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, when Oliver was eleven years old. In 1851, he moved to Illinois, and was engaged in farming until 1853, when he joined a company of Norwegians from Boone county on their way to this section of the country, and reached Bushford township on the 4th of July, 1853. Mr. Wilson being too young to take land, engaged with farmers in Iowa until 1856, when he returned here and bought land in section twenty. On the 4th of July, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Isabel Halverson. The issue of the union was eleven childi*en, ten of whom are living. Mr. Wilson is what might be called a self-made man; having nothing on his arrival here, he now owns a fine farm of six hundred and sixty acres, which speaks well of his good management and industry. He has been Town Treasurer for the past seven years, and filled other local offices.