Fillmore County, Minnesota - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 40 of those read), 1882

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 40 of those read)

This political sub-division of the county of Fillmore is the second south of the northern boundary, with Rushford between, and next to the eastern boundary, with Preble on the south, and Holt, with which it was formerly associated, on the west.

The town is quite well elevated, and the small streams that arise within its borders run off in various directions. There is very little land in its territory that is incapable of cultivation, and it is very well settled, mostly with immigrants from Norway, who are thrifty and industrious.

The village of Bratsberg, in the southeast of section ten, is sufficient to meet the demands of the country for trade and mechanical work for quite a distance around.

Early Settlement And Settlers

In March, 1854, John Olson Overland and his three sons, Ole, Steiner, and Knud, and a brotherin-law, Halver Erickson, Harold Olson, and Hans Franson, came to this township from Winneshiek county, Iowa, selected claims and provided for their families by putting up a residence 14x18 feet, in accordance with the prevailing local fashion, then went for their families, and got back on the 18th of May.

the town of Rushford, and found two colonists in the valley, Halver Goodrich and Ole O. Tuff. They went through where they finally settled, and finding no water, concluded that it was not a desirable place to attempt to live, but on their second visit, as above mentioned, in 1854, a little digging developed a spring on section fifteen, and from this the supply for the whole coterie was obtained during the first summer. There was quite a camp the very first season, as many as sixty persons in the colony; the most desirable and fashionable residence being a covered wagon. The Indians were still around, and would sometimes crowd into any shelter they could find during a shower.

Hans Franson procured a place in section fifteen, where he lived up to the year 1881, when he rented his farm and moved to the Red River country.

Ole Johnson Overland was introduced into the light of the nineteenth century in Norway on the 20th of September, 1823. Served three years in the army during the war against Prussia. In 1851, came to Walworth county, Wisconsin, with his father, mother, two brothers, and four sisters; two years later the party moved to Winneshiek county, and as above stated came to Fillmore county.

Ole Johnson himself took a claim in sections fiffift^en, sixteen, twenty-one, and twenty-two. He had been married in 1850 to Miss Gunill Franson. He was one of the first supervisors of the town when it also embraced Holt under tlie name of Douglass, and was also one of the ofiicers of his town after it was divided. He was one of the first trustees of the Highland Prairie church, and one of the building committee.

Halver Eriokson was born in Norway in November, 1829. In 1850, he came to Wisconsin, and to Iowa in 1853, and here the following spring, driving his stakes in section fifteen, where he still remains. In the autumn of 1854, he was united in marriage with Caroline Johnson. He was one of the early town officers.

Ole Kettleson came from Norway by the way of Walworth county, Wisconsin, and secured a local habitation in section seven, which he vacated forever a few years ago.

Ole Carlson Rue began his career in Norway on the 16th of February, 1838. In 1851, with his paternal ancestor, he came to Walworth county, Wisconsin. In 1854, they got over west of the Mississippi, and the father secured a home on section twenty, where he may still be found.

In 1854, Mr. Knud N. Melve and his father came and took land in section thirty-one, and now lives on a place secured at the same time by his brother-in-law, Ole C. Berg, who was relieved of earthly trouble in 1869. The old gentleman, Mr. Melve, lives with his son at the age of 85.

Thomas Thompson came with his father in 1855, having stopped awhile in Illinois. He secured 120 acres in sections twenty and nineteen. The old gentleman bought land in the town of Holt, but lived with his son and must have been one of the oldest men in the county at the time of his death, at the age of 94 years.

Hans Gunderson was born on the 9th of August, 1820, came to Wisconsin in 1852, and in 1854, came to Norway, the namesake of his native couatry, and secured of his adopted government 160 acres in section eighteen. On the 23d of January he married Este Johnson, and they have had eleven children.

Simon Thompson came to Dane county in 1852, from his native Norway, and in 1854, to Iowa, and here in 1855, taking a place in section seven, and remained until the 23d of August, 1881, when it is hoped he secured an eligible claim in that undiscovered country from which no explorer returns.

Lars L. Humble was among the settlers of 1857, and his local habitation was and still is in section thirteen. In 1846, he was married to Catharine Jenson, who died early in the decade of 1870, leaving eleven children.

Ole Ameson Grinland's nativity dates from November, 1817, and his marriage from April, 1841. In 1851, he transferred himself and family to Wisconsin, and in 1854 to the Minnesota Norway, and secured 160 acres in section eleven, where he may still be found.

Ole Jorgenson, a Norwegian sailor, came to this place in 1854, and settled in section fourteen, but afterwards removed to where he is now located, in sections twenty-three and twenty-four.

John L. Jahr was one of the arrivals in 1857, and the next spring bought a farm in sections fourteen and twenty-three. He was a leading man and was in the State legislature, but died on the 28th of May, 1880.

John Sanderson, also a Norsk, came from Wisconsin in 1854. His wife was Betsey Lorgeson, and they had twelve children. He died in April, 1873.

In 1857, Mr. Even EUertson, with his sons, Isaac, Ellin g, and Nels, came and took farms in section eleven. Isaac still remains here, Nels and Elling went west to Dakota in 1881.

Even Gisleson located on sections eleven and fourteen. He died some years ago, and the farm was divided l^etween his two sons who still live here.

In accordance with the law that had just been passed making each town a single district, to be subdivided according to the pleasure of the citizens, this town was divided into four school districts of equal size, and the next year, when this arrangement was modified, these districts were continued with the present numbers. At that time District No. 12 had 55 scholars; No. 13 had 81; No. 14 had 48, and No. 15 had 63. So there was a rising generation.

District No. 15. - The first school inaugurated in this district was in the house of Andrew Peterson, where M. A. Maland now lives in section twenty-eight, in 1859 or '60. The instructor was G. A. Highland. The first schoolhouse Was a log structure, 16x20 feet, in section twenty-nine. In October, 1873, a school meeting was held to consider the subject of moving the house to the present location. There was talk of dividing the district, but it has not yet been done.

District No. 13. - The first building for school purposes was rolled together in 1859, and was 14x16 feet. The first teacher was Hannah Onstine. The location is in section fifteen. The new house is 20x36 feet, and was erected at a cost of ^50. It has a set of apparatus costing $23.

District No. 12. - The first shelter for the school was of logs in the center of section seventeen. In 1878, a new house was put up at a cost of $500.

Dlstrict No. 14. - This house was got together by subscription; it was 16x18 feet, and was put up in 1861. In 1878, a new house was erected, 18x26 feet.

This town was a part of Douglas from May 11th, 1858, until April 3, 1860, when a separate organization was efiected. An early history of Douglas will be found in the sketch of the township of Holt, to which the reader is referred.

The first town meeting was at the house of Even EUertson on the 3d of April, 1860. The following officers were elected: Supervisors, Ole Johnson, Chairman, John Larson, and Ole Jorgenson ; Clerk, A. S. Byholt; Assessor, Simon Tbompson; Justices of the Peace, A. S. Byholt and E. Evenson; Constables, Ole H. Wentoel and K. Kittelson- Stockland; Treasurer, N. E. EUertson; SurperintendcDt of Schools, Andreas Byholt.

The name of the town is said to have been suggested by John Semmen in honor of the native country of almost every inhabitant of the towiiship.

HioHiAND Prairie Norwegian EvANOEL.i0Aii Congregation. - This was organized by Rev. V. Eoren, in 1855, which must have been the first society organized in the county. The first services were held on the 13th of June, 1855, at the house of Ole Johnson, by Mr. Koren who continued occasional services at private houses and in the grove up to 1857, when Rev. F. C. Clauson, from Spring Grove, supplied until 1859, when Rev. N. E. Jensen settled and officiated regularly up to 1869, and then Rev. E. Magelssen took the field. In 1864, a church was built at a cost of $7,000. -The size is 35x41 feet, with an addition making a total length of seventy- five feet, a porch in front is 12x14 feet. It has a seating capacity of 400. The bell weighs 840 pounds. The church has an organ costing $400. Service is held onoe in two weeks. In 1859, the society secured forty acres of land near the church and built a parsonage at a cost of $1,100.

It is likely that the Rsv. V. Keren was the first minister in the county. He was bom in Norway in 1826, and is a regular academic and theological graduate.

Rev. N. E. Jensen was bom in Norway in 1824, was graduated in 1853, came in 1859, remained about ten years and afterwards died in Houston county.

Amber Cane

This is such an unexpected industry in this northern region that iks development is slow, but any facts about it must be of interest. The first raised here was by E. Helgemo, O. Eggen, and J, Koperud in 1879, from a single pound of seed. At first, after the crop was secured, they improvised a machine to press the juice, but it was inadequate to the pressure and kept breaking, but they succeeded in obtaing about forty-four gal- Ions.

In 1880, they went into it more extensively, procured a suitable press and evaporator, and put up fifteen barrels, and in 1881, twenty-eight barrels were made. Other parties in town raise com more or less, and the most of it is manufactured by Mr. T. Thompson, a manufacturer in the west part of the town. Almost every valuable interest thus begins in a feeble way, and, of course, btrengthens as it grows.

Wagon Shop. - This was first started by John Bodding about ten yeiirs ago, two years later it was sold to A. Erickson who managed it a short time, then it fell into the hands of O. O, Nelson who last year made an addition to the shop, doubling its capacity, and he stiU is the owner.

Blacksmith Shop. - The shop was started early in the sixties. Mr. O. Berg first built a small shop, and three or four years afterwards sold out to P. Martinson, and he sold to O. O. Eggen & Son some time in the seventies. The proprietors added to the capacity of the shop in 1881 ; they have facilities for manufactiuing wagons and employ one or two men.

Stobe. - The only store in the town was first started by Ole Hendrickson in the spring of 1865, in a smaU log building at Bratsberg, in section ten. At first a small stock of dry goods was put in, with groceries, beer, and cider. In about eighteen months the building was enlarged and more goods added, and still later another addition was put on, making the store what it now is. It was afterwards transferred to the present owner, O. E. Evenson, who had been Mr. Hendrickson's clerk. He at once purchased an increased stock of goods, adding boots and shoes, ready-made clothing, and crockery. The liquid part of the trade was dispensed with after the first few years.

Post-Opfice. - Ole Johnson persuaded the Postmaster Gteneral, in 1860, that the great need of this section was a Post-office, and so a commission was duly forwarded to him. Becoming weary of the onerous duties of the position, it was transferred to Halver Jensen, who kept it at his brother's, Rev. N. E. Jensen, for a time, in a shanty about one-half mile north. Afterwards it was taken to the store, and Ole Hendrickson was Postmaster. When the store changed hands, O. E. Evenson became Postmaster, and still retains the office.

O. J. Gaabder was bom in Norway on the 16th of January, 1850. When he was an infant his parents came to America and located in La Fayette county, Wisconsin. They removed to this county in 1856, and located in section fourteen, Norway township. He was married in 1873, to Miss Gustava Hanson, who has borne him three children. Mr. Gaarder has been constable for the past four years.

GuNDER GuNDERsoN was bom in Norway, in December, 1823. He came to America in 1845, and settled first in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, then in Dane county, where he bought a farm and live<l until coming to this place in 1854. He was married when in Wisconsin, to Miss Guniel Holverson in 1848. Their son Ole was bora on the 14th of August, 1854, and was the first white child bom in Norway township. Mr. Gunderson served one year in the Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company E, under Gen. Thomas; participated in the battle of Atlanta, G^eorgia; Campaign against Hood, and with Sherman in his march from **Atlanta to the sea." He received his discharge at Fort Snelling, and returned to his home in this place. Mr. and Mrs. Gunderson have had ten children, eight of whom are living and two at home.

on the IStb of May, 1822. He was married in 1840 to Miss Mary Jensen. They came to America in 1853, and resided in Wisconsin until 1857, when they moved to this township and took land in section fourteen, which is still their home. Mr. Gk>rder served ten months in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, participated in the battle of Chattanooga and afterward was taken sick and confined in the hospital six weeks. He returned home after his discharge and has since been engaged in the cultivation of his farm. He has nine children.

L. L. Humble was born in Naunestad, Norway, on the 10th of May, 1846. When six years old he came to America with his parents, who located in La Fayette county, Wisconsin. In 1857 they removed to this township and settled on section thirteen, where his father still resides. The subject of this sketch was chosen Town Treasurer when twenty-one years old, and served one year, when he resigned. In 1868, he entered the employ of a Bushford firm as clerk; remained one year and then opened a store of his own, which he carried on one year. At the age of twenty-six years, on the 28th of January, 1872, by Rev. Kr. Magelssen, he was united in marriage with Miss Sophie H.insen, who was then nineteen years old. They have been blessed with five children. In 1873, Mr. Humble was elected Town Clerk, holding the office five years, when he resigned. In 1878, he moved to Barnes county, Dakota, but two years later, sold hia property there and returned to this place. The following year he was chosen Chairman of the board of Supervisors and still acts in that capacity.

Peder E. Hkloeland, a native of Norway, was bom on the* 11th of November, 1825. He was married in the "Old Country" to Miss Anna Gilbertson. They came to America in 1853, and resided in La Fayette county, Wisconsin, until 1856, since which time this township has been their home, their farm being located in section thirtytwo. Mr. and Mrs. Helgelaud have had p>even children, four of whom are living; Mary, the eldest, is married, and resides in Dakota; the others are Isabel, Gnstavus, and Erick.

Heloe a. Hallom was born in Norway on the 2d of March, 1843. He was reared on a farm, and remained at home until August, 1861, when he emigrated to America, borrowing money with which to come. He located in this township, and was employed by the farmers of the vicinity. On the 23d of February, 1874, he was married to Miss Caroline Flattum, who has borne him four children; Lewis, Amelia, Andrew, and Alfred. Mr. Hallom purchased a farm in section thirty soon after his marriage, and has since made it his home. He was elected Constable, and held the office four years.

Hon. John L. Jahb, deceased, was bom in Norway on the 8th of April, 183^. He came to America with his father in 1852, and settled in Wisconsin, coming to this place in 1857. He brought the first threshing machine to Norway township, and the year after coming purchased land in section fourteen. On the 22d of June, 1859, Mrs. Mathia Larson bei^ame hia wife. Mr. Jahr held many offices of trust in the town, and was a member of the State Legislature for one term. He died on the 28th of May, 1880, leaving a widow and six children, allof whdm reside on the original homestead.

G. O. Jahb is a native of Norway, his birth dating the 31st of March, 1856. At the age of sic years he came with his mother to America, and directly to this township. In 1865, his mother was married to Christen Jacobson, of this place. Mr. J ahr remained here until 1880, when he went to Fargo with the intention of locating, bat John L. Jahr, with whom he had previously lived, died that year, and our subject returned to take charge of the business of the deceased, and has since carried on the farm. He was elected Justice of the Peace at the last election.

Labs Jensen was bom in Norway on the 28th of February, 1818. He was married in his native place on* the 25th of October, 1850« to Miss Sarine Olson Bemdtad. They came to America in 1856, and settled in Iowa, where they remained until coming to this township in 1859. He purchased a farm in section twenty-five, and has since made it his home. Mr. and Mrs. Jensen have seven children, the sons are, John, who teaches school here. Die, and Severt, the two latter residing in Montana.

OiiAus L. Jahr is a son of Lars H. Jahr, who was bom in Norway, on the 12th of July, 1814. When twenty-two years old he enlisted in the army and served seven years in a cavalry regiment. He was married in 1837, to Miss Ingar Olson. On the 8th of January, 1840, Olaus was bom. The family came to America in 1852, and located in

Dane oountj, Wi8Co?iBin,and in 1856, moved to this township. They returned to Dane county after about two weeks, but in 1857, came to this town again and purchased a farm in section fourteen, which is still their home. Olaus enlisted in the Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry in August, 1864, and served till September, 1865, participating in the battles of Nashville and Mobile, and siege of Spanish Fort. Miss Martha L. Humble became the wife of Mr. Jahr in 1867. Before entering the army he was elected Town Treasurer, served two years, then a member of the board of Supervisors until enlisting, and has held the latter office six successive terms since his return. His wife, now deceased, was born on the 26th of August, 1848, and died on the 9th of November, 1874. Their son, John Adolph, was bom on the 13th of August, 1870, and died on the 1st of October of the same year.

Knud N. Melve was born in Norway on the 1st of December, 1831. In 1850, he came to America with his parents and settled in Dane county, Wisconsin. In the spring of 1854, he moved with his father and brother-in-law to . Winneshiek county, Iowa, and soon after to this township where they all located claims. Mr. Melve was married to Miss Margaret Haldorson in 1869. The result of the union is six children. Mr. Melve 's father resides with him and is now eighty five years old. Our subj^t has filled the office of Justice of the Peace for several years.

Rev. Kristian MAOEiiSSEN was bom in Norway in 1839, and came to America in 1864. Studied Theology in Concordia Lutheran Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. Was ordained and began his ministerial work in New York City, afterwards in Columbia county, Wisconsin. Since 1869 he has resided in Fillmore county, Minnesota, during which time he has officiated as resident minister of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran congregations of Highland Prairie and Elstad.

Martin A. Maland was bora in Eacine county, Wisconsin, on the 23d of August, 1846. His father, Austin G. Maland, was a native of Norway, bora on the 2d of September, 1812. He emigrated to America, arriving in Racine county, Wisconsin, on the 6th of September, 1842, and moved to Harmony, Fillmore county in 1857, where he died on the 2d of March, 1878. Martin was married in 1873 to Miss Susan Dumrad, the event taking place on the 8th of April. They resided at his home one year, then moved to Norway township where he had previously bought a farm. He sold his first purchase, and in 1875, located in sections twenty-nine and thirty where he owns three hundred and twenty acres of fine farming land. Mr. Maland received a good business education and, although young, has filled many offices of trust and responsibility; he is now County Commissioner. Mrs. Maland's father, Lars O. Dumrad, was among the first to emigrate from Norway to this section of the country, coming in 1838, and first settled in Racine county, Wisconsin.

Simon Thompson, deceased, was born in Norway in 1830, and came to America in 1852. In October of the following year he was married to Miss Julia Holverson. Four children were bora to this union, Thomas, the eldest, is dead; Halver is employed as clerk in a store at Rushford; Anna resides in Chippewa county, and Caroline is married to Thomas Larson, who carries on the homestead. Mr. Thompson lived in Iowa one year, then came to this place and located in section eighteen. He died on the 23d of August, 1881, aged fifty-one years six months and fifteen days, mouraed by a large circle of friends.

Ole K. J. Wold is a son of 01 e J. Wold who was born in Norway, and when eight years old engaged as a sailor and followed the sea until his marriage, in 1853, with Miss Olava Johnson Steensgaard. Her father, Johan Larson, was bom in Norway, and came to Wisconsin in 1853, and to this place in 1855, where he died on the 30th of July, 1878, and his wife followed the next year. Mr. and Mrs. Wold came to America soon after their marriage and located in Chicago, where he found employment on the vessels of Lake Michigan until moving to Looking Glass Prairie, which is situated on the dividing line between Iowa and Minnesota. While there Ole, the subject of this sketch, was bora on the 17th of Febraary, 1855. When he was about nine weeks old they came to this place. When he was twenty-four years of age he married Miss Caroline Stockland, and moved to their present farm in section thirty- one. They have one chUd, Carl Oscar, aged two years. Mrs. Wold's father, K. K. Stockland, was bora in Norway and emigrated to Wisconsin, from which place he came here in 1854. He served in the Seventh Minnesota Infantry, but is now deceased. His widow has since been married to Thomas O. Koprud, who came here with his father in 1861, and settled on section twelve where he still lives. He was bom on the 3d of May, 1839, about six miles from Christdania. He had a family of four children, two of whom, Charles and Caroline, resided with him until their marriage, both of whioh took place on the same day. Charles moved to Dakota and the subject of this sketch has since carried on the farm.