Freeborn County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 11 of 11)

Charles Baker Augur, whose work in behalf of the Albert Lea College will constitute his perpetual monument, was born in Talcottville, Lewis county, New l"ork, June 10, 1864. He graduated from the Lowville Academy, Lowville, N. Y., class of 1884, and from a postgraduate course in the same institution in 1888. Four years later he graduated from the Union Theological Seminary, New Y ork. He spent the summers of 1890-91 in Minnesota in benalf of the Presbyterian Board of Publication and Sabbath School AA ork. From 1892 to 1896 he was pastor of the First Pres¬ byterian Church of Fulda, Alinn., and from 1896 to 1897 he was pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Morgan, Alinn. Then he was called to Albert Lea to accept the position of secretary to the Albert Lea College for Women. He was secretary of the Board of i rustees of the Albert Lea College for four and a half years, resigning in Alav, 1902 On account of impaired health, he pe- titioned the Mankato Presbytery for the privilege of 11 demitting ' ' the ministry, which petition was granted after the legal require¬ ment of one year's consideration, and his membership transferred from the Presbytery of Mankato to the First Presbyterian Church of Albert Lea. Pie has been president of the board of trustees of the Albert Lea College from the date of reorganization in 1905 to the present time. He is also junior member of the McArthur- Augur Land Company, of Tracy, Minn., and secretary of the fol¬ lowing corporations : Lincoln Land Company, Minnetex Land Company and the Mexican- American Land & Colonization Com¬ pany. : * I '

Elliott Ash, farmer, veteran of the Civil War and estimable citizen, was born in Wayne county, New York, December 30, 1836, son of John P, and Polly (Widger) Ash, natives of New York state, who came to Wisconsin in 1848 and there ended their days. Elliott received his early schooling in New York state. He later attended the Evensville (Wis.) Seminary and Milton College, of Old Milton, Wis., and then taught for several years. September 9, 1861, he enlisted at Janesville, Wis., in Company A, 13tli Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and after serving two years re-enlisted as a veteran soldier, serving until December 26, 1865, being mustered out at San Antonio, Tex. During his service he was promoted from private to corporal, and from corporal to sergeant. After leaving the army he returned to Janesville, Wis. June 5, 1866 he came to Freeborn county and bought land in Nunda township, on which he lived three years. Later he sold that and purchased eighty acres in section 31, Manchester town¬ ship, which he broke and developed and where he erected the necessary buildings. Mrs. Ash also owns eighty acres, making a farm of 160 acres in all. Mr. Ash's first wife, Jennie E., whom he married March 13, 1866, died March 18, 1867. June 13, 1868, he married Ophelia D. Hall, and this union has resulted in two children. Ida is the wife of D. J. Chamberlain, a farmer of Stearns count v, Minnesota. Leslie E. is at home. Mr. Ash is a member of Ash Post, No. 98, G. A. R., of Alden, and has served as its com¬ mander. He is an independent voter, has served as justice of the peace ten years and holds stock in the Armstrong Creamery. The parents of Mrs. Ash, Daniel C. and Sarah (Watts) Hall were natives of New York state. They came to Freeborn county in 1864 and located in Manchester township, where they spent the

Jens 0. Jensen, a pioneer of Manchester, was born in Norway November 16, 1813, and was married December 25, 1832, to Mar¬ tha Olsdatter. In 1850 they came to Wisconsin, and after liv¬ ing there nine years came to Freeborn county in 1859 and settled in section 24, Manchester township. Of the ten children, three sons were killed in the Civil War. Andrew was shot through the heart in Georgia, Ole died in the Chattanooga (Tenn.) Hospital, and John was killed in Virginia. Both Jens 0. Jensen and his wife are now dead.

James Jensen, a respected and honored resident of Manchester and veteran of the Civil War, was born in Norway, August 13, 1839, son of Jens 0. and Martha Jensen, who brought him to Wis¬ consin in 1851, and with whom he came to Freeborn county in 1859, settling in section 24. February 10, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and after three years was mustered out in Tennessee, receiving his papers of honorable discharge. At the Battle of Kenesaw Mountain, while driving an ambulance, he was wounded in the left leg above the knee. After his discharge he returned to Manchester town¬ ship and has since engaged in farming. He has improved his land and erected buildings and has added forty acres to his original farm, until he now owns 150 acres of good land. He is a member of the Robson Post, G. A. R., votes the Republican ticket, and attends the Lutheran church. He was married January 4, 1871. to Sena M. Peterson, born in Norway January 22, 1848, daughter of Peter Ammundsen and Maren Christensen, his wife, who came to America in 1865 and located in Manchester township, where they both died. Mr. and Mrs. Jensen have had seven chil¬ dren: John, Sena. Ingeborg M., Ella A., Petra M., Maria and Jane M. John, who assists in working the home farm, was born March 5, 1876. Sena Johanna Petersen is a widow living in Albert Lea. She was born July 21, 1880. The other five are dead.

Rev. Oluf H. Smeby, clergyman and educator, has been a resi¬ dent of Albert Lea for many years, and has exerted an influential and uplifting influence. He Avas born in Rock Prairie, Rock county, Wisconsin, January 31, 1851, son of Hans and Helene (Frvslie) Smeby, aaJio came to America in 1850, and after stop¬ ping a 'feAv months in Rock county, Wisconsin, came OA^erland by ox team to Alamakee county, loAva, Avliere they took a home¬ stead and engaged in farming the balance of their days. Oluf IT. attended the district schools of Alamakee county, IoAva, and in the fall of 1865, at fourteen years of age, entered the Luther Col¬ lege cit Decorah, IoAva, graduating from the full six years' course in 1871. Then he entered Concordia Seminary at St. Louis and graduated in 1874. being at once ordained to the ministry in the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod at Chicago, the serAuces being conducted by the Arenerable ReA^. H. A. Preus. Soon after Ids ordination he receUed a call to the Freeborn congregations as assistant to the ReA\ E. Wulfsburg. In 1876, AAdien the congregalions were divided, he became pastor of the Albert Lea, HayAvard and Oakland congregations, ministering to these people for some years. The Moscow and Trondhjem churches were added to his circuit, and he tilled the pulpits of these five churches until 1894. Under the able leadership of Rev. Smeby the congregations grew until the work was too much for one man, consequently a division was made, and the Rev. Smeby was retained by the Albert Lea congregation. Since that time he has successfully ministered to this congregation, both to his own credit and to the satisfaction of his parishioners. For twelve years after the establishment of the Luther Academy at Albert Lea, he was a teacher there,' serv¬ ing also as secretary for some fifteen years. He was closely iden¬ tified with the establishment of this school, and has always labored hard for its progress. Rev. Smeby has attained distinc¬ tion in many ways. For twelve years he served as secretary of the Iowa district of the Norwegian Lutheran Synod, and then be¬ came vice-president, which position he still retains. In 1898-99-00 he served as a member of the Hymn Book Committee, and in 1908 he was chosen a member to represent his synod in the preparation of a new hymn book, which will be a joint one, prepared by a committee consisting of representatives from the three great Nor¬ wegian Lutheran bodies: The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod, the United Lutheran Synod and the Hauge Synod. Rev. Smeby has been chairman of this joint committee three years, and the book will probably be ready for publication in 1912. The sub¬ ject of this sketch was married June 29, 1876, at Chicago, Ill., to Marie Carlson, who was born in Skien, Norway, August 12, 1854, and came to America in 1868. This union has been blessed with nine children. Ida Mathilde is dead. The living are as follows: Rev. Hartwick C. preaches in Yiroqua, Mis. ; Diana H. married Dr. A. 0. Aaker, and they live in Velva, N. D. ; Rev. Olof V. preaches at Waterloo, la. ; Volborg C., Agnes M., Frederick R., Theodora S. E. and Ida H. are at home.

John F. D. Meighen, one of the foremost attorneys of southern Minnesota, has attained an enviable reputation during the decade that he has practiced law in Albert Lea and neighboring cities, and is already far on the road to that brilliant success that his friends have predicted for him. He is regarded as one of the able attorneys of the state and one of the most prudent, studious and careful lawyers found anywhere. As a counsellor his opinions are regarded as safe, sound and reliable wherever he is known. A striking characteristic of Mr. Meighen 's personality and tem¬ perament is a painstaking attention to detail in all the lines of his endeavor, and this, together with his ability and uprightness, has been an important factor in winning for him the universal con¬ fidence with which he is regarded. John Felix Dryden Meighen was born in Spring Valley, Minn., September 25, 1877. He attended I he common schools and later entered the Upper Iowa Uni\ ersity,

Fayette. Ia., where he completed the college course and received both bachelor's and master's degrees in literature. In 1900 he graduated from the regular three years' law course in the Uni¬ versity of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich. Aside from the educa¬ tion received in colleges, Mr. Meighen has had the advantages of extensive travel. His published letters regarding his trips to Ireland and Alaska, although written during the stress and dis¬ comforts of travel, display a keen observation of men and events and show his mastery of clean-cut and concise English prose. Soon after his graduation Mr. Meighen came to Albert Lea and has since practiced law continuously. He has done excellent work as a member of the board of trustees of Albert Lea College for Women, continuously since 1905. Among his fraternal associa¬ tions may be mentioned membership in the Western Star Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M. ; Albert Lea Chapter, No. 30, R. A. M. ; Apollo Commandery, No. 12, Knights Templar; Zurah Temple,

Arch Gifford Morgan, the talented editor of the Glenville "Progress," was born October 18, 1860, in Bristol, Elkhart county, Indiana, third son of a large family, his parents being early pioneers of Winnebago county, Illinois, where they endured with fortitude all the trials and hardships incident to the build¬ ing up of a pioneer county. The subject of this sketch com¬ menced to earn his own living at the age of eleven years, worked on a farm a time, at sixteen years was employed a year as clerk in a store and at seventeen was clerk in a hotel for a year. He devoted the larger part of his life to farming until October, 1900, when he entered the ministry for five years. June 1, 1905, he took pos¬ session of the Glenville "Progress," where his uprightness and staunchness of principles have done much to promote the better interests of the community. Mr. Morgan is an ardent advocate temperance, and has been prominently identified with the Pro¬ hibition party for over a quarter of a century. In 1908 he was delegate to the national Prohibition convention held in Columbus, Ohio. lie has occupied a number of important positions, serving as village recorder, president of the fire company, member of the school board and trustee of the Free Methodist church. The sub¬ ject of this sketch was married October 18, 1883, to Caroline Jenison, and their children are Louise, Mildred, Fred and Ruth. Mil¬ dred teaches in Belgrade, Minn. Louise works in her father's

J. P Freeman, M. D., was born August 22, 1876, in the town¬ ship of Freeman, son of Robert and Eliza Freeman, the pioneers. He attended district school in the country and graduated from the high school at Northwood, la., in 1896. He then took up the study of medicine in the State University of Illinois, graduating in 1900. He then returned to Minnesota and established a prac¬ tice in Emmons, where he remained for the following six years, after which he went to Glenville, where he is still located, having also conducted a drug store for a while. He is a member of the National, State and County Medical Associations, and has served as an officer of the latter.

Jerome Bowen, a progressive farmer of Freeborn township, was born January 11, 1886, son of Truman J. and Lillie J. (Young) Bowen. Jerome spent the earlier years of his boyhood on the farm obtaining knowledge of the many tasks which are required of the successful farmer. He received his education in the school of district 63 and, having completed its course, began the occupation for which he had prepared himself. After his marriage he located in section 18, Freeborn township. His farm of eighty acres shows the improvement which his care and culti¬ vation have given and proves that he is destined to be one of the leading and substantial farmers in the community in which he resides. He married. Edith Hoagland, a daughter of M. T. and Mary (Weed) Hoagland. In 1909 and 1910 Mrs. Bowen, then Miss Hoagland, was a teacher in district 63 joint. Mr. Bowen is a member of Star Camp, No. 8880, Modern Woodmen, at Freeborn

Truman J. Bowen, a successful and scientific farmer of kreeborn township, came to Minnesota from Illinois in 1863. He was born December 6. 1855, son of Truman E. and Sarah ("Waters) Bowen, who brought their family to section 5, Carlston township, when the subject of this biography was a boy only, eight years old. For many years the father was engaged in farming in Cailston and later moved to Freeborn township, where he spent the remainder of his life, entering into rest in 1892. Truman J. at¬ tended the country school in Carlston and early in life worked to fit himself for the active and arduous labors which are required of the successful farmer. That he has succeeded is evident from his broad, well cultivated acres, his comfortable house and the good barns and necessary buildings which belong, to his home and farm. He selected as his life's partner Lillie J. Young, daughter of Samuel and Susan Young. Following are their living children : Maggie, the wife of Herman Hunter ; Susan, now Mrs. Charles Hoagland; William, Jerome, James, Morton A., Gertie,

Esther, Harry, Elsie and Verle. One is dead. Mr. Bowen's many duties on the farm have prevented his actively engaging in po¬ litical affairs, and he is an independent voter.

Thomas H. Hjort, vice-president of the American Gas Machine Company, of Albert Lea, was born in Denmark on September 10, 1 870, the son of Peter T. and Margaret Hanson, natives of Den¬ mark, the former of whom died in 1887 and the latter in 1910. The subject of this sketch attended school in Denmark and at the close of his schooling followed blacksmithing. In the year 1888 he came to America and located in Albert Lea, where he fol¬ lowed His trade and farmed some. He continued at his trade until going into partnership with Mr. Hanson. Mr. Hjort 's connection with the American Gas Machine Company is told elsewhere. In 1905 Mr. Hjort was married to Hanna Nelson, daughter of Hans Nelson, a farmer in Albert Lea township. They have one child. In his political life Mr. Hjort is an independent voter, and attends the Baptist church. He is a faithful member of the U. C. T. and the Danish Brotherhood and I. C. M. A. of Chicago. Mr. Hjort makes his heme at 214 South Pearl street.

C. T. Nelson was born in Hayward township August 8, 1875, sen of H. C. Nelson. He received his early education in the dis¬ trict school near his home and later in life attended the Luther Academy. After completing his schooling he purchased 120 acres of land in section 27 and assumed entire charge of it, carrying on a general farming business. He later disposed of this property and bought eighty acres in section 22, and here has made his home since. He does general and dairy farming and raises many Poland China swine, being one of the successful farmers in the com¬ munity. He has made many improvements on his farm, includ¬ ing the building of a new barn. In 1904 he married Ingeborg Skaar, daughter of G. C. Skaar, of Hayward. He is a Democrat in political opinions and his religion is the teachings of the Lutheran church. He has held many of the responsible offices in the township, having been elected chairman of the town board in 1910, on which he had served the previous year as a member. He lias been a member of the school board and served under Gov. John A. Johnson as state boiler inspector. He also is a director and stockholder in the Hayward Creamery. A man of good judg¬ ment and integrity, Mr. Nelson is held in high esteem by the resico unity in which he makes his home.

Hans Stensrud has for many years been a substantial figure in the village of' Freeborn. He is of Norwegian birth and parent¬ age, having first seen the light of day October 11, 1835. He came to the l nited States in 1866 and brought with him his wife, father and mother and a brother. The family came west to Minnesota and located in Fillmore county, where Hans, the subject of this biography, worked out through that summer and fall. He then came to Freeborn township and purchased some land for his father in section 27, and here he worked until his father's death, which occurred in 1869. Assuming entire charge of the property at this time, he remained until 1904, and then disposed of the place and moved into Freeborn village, where he has erected a beautiful home and is living in retirement. Elis wife was Caro¬ line Hanson before her marriage to Mr. Stensrud and they are parents of Annie, wife of Senator B. N. Anderson; Hans Jr., of Hart-land ; Caroline, at home; Carl, a farmer; Inger, who is mar¬ ried and lives in Manchester, and Hartwick, who is a resident of Freeborn. Mr. Stensrud was in the Norwegian army previous to his coming to this country and bears an honorable record for his service there. He has served Freeborn town by acting as chairman of the board of supervisors for several years, and at present he is a director of the State Bank of Freeborn. In various offices of trust and responsibility to which he has been elected, he has ever given his best efforts and conscientious endeavors, and he is regarded as a leading and reliable citizen of the town and county.

Frederich C. Stiehl, also known as Frederick C. Steele, an extensive landowner in Pickerel Lake township, was born in Ger¬ many May 13, 1858, son of Christ and Mary (Schaeffer) Stiehl. Fourteen vears later he came to the United States with his father and mother and they proceeded west to the home of their son Henry, who resided in Alden township, on the "Morin Farm." Following his arrival here, Frederich, the subject of this sketch, was employed in various occupations until he had reached the age of twenty-eight years, at which time he purchased a farm in section 19 and here established his home. In 1886 he was united in marriage with Louisa Yost, a daughter of Earnhardt Yost, and to them have been born eleven children: Barnhardt, the eldest ; Mary, now wife of William Toenges; Nora, married to Christ Pestorious; Fred, Frank, Rosettie, Carl, Hattie, Lindie, William and Louisa. Mr. Steele owns 440 acres of land in sec¬ tions 18. 19. 13 and 24, and is one of the successful and prosperous farmers in the township. He has built a large and comfortable house, good barns and other necessary buildings. He has been supervisor of his township for a period of three years in the past, but does not seek public office, as the responsibility of caring for and managing his large farm occupies the greater portion of his time He contributes to the support of the German Lutheran church of Pickerel Lake, of which he and his family are members.

Alfred J Anderson, of the firm of Anderson Brothers, Albert Lea's progressive builders and contractors, is a native of Iowa, where he began life May 12, 1871. His parents, Jasper and Mary

Anderson, were of Swedish birth and came to the United States in 1865, locating first in Indiana, where he followed his trade as stone mason and was also interested in farming. Later he moved to Iowa. The years from 1879 to 1883 were passed in business in Minneapolis and St. Paul, after which the family returned to Freeborn county, where the father died in 1901 and the mother survived him only five years. Their son Alfred, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools of both Iowa and Minnesota and afterward became a carpenter and contractor. In 1883 he came to Albert Lea, where he continued along this line of work, arid in 1905 started a general contracting and carpentering busi¬ ness. Mr. Anderson has never married. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen and also of the Knights of Pythias. His brother, Victor C.. is in business with him.

0. A. Boe, a modern and progressive farmer, who owns 160 acres of good, fertile land in section 35, Ric-eland township, first saw the light of day January 25, 1873, in the township where he now resides. In 1871 his parents. Andrew I. and Anna Boe, set¬ tled in Rieeland, having left their home in Norway and crossed the ocean to America. They bought eighty acres of land at first and, as prosperity crowned their honest toil, they purchased more land, eventually becoming the owners of 240 acres. Here for thirty-seven years they tilled the soil, sparing no effort toward improving their property. How well they succeeded in their life's work is demonstrated bv the fact that in 1908 they retired from the arduous labor of the farm and moved into the city of Albert Lea, where they now reside. O. A., the subject of this biography, acquired a good education, beginning in the country schools and ending in the Luther Academy of Albert Lea. He then purchased 200 acres of his father, to which he devoted his time and attention for a period of four years, after which he dis¬ posed of it and bought the farm now occupied by himself and family. Three years after he moved to this farm he rented it and entered in partnership with Berkvam & Winjum in a grocery business, remaining in this work for three years. He then re¬ lumed to his farm in 1910 and has since engaged in general farm¬ ing. Tie married Gertrude Bell in 1899 and to this union have been born five children : Audrey, Irwin, Theo, Oliver and Leonard. Mr. Boe has ever held the esteem and regard of those associated v. itli him in the different offices which he has held in his com¬ munity. He has been a member of the school board, also of the tovn board, and is one of the stockholders in the Sumner Valley Creamery. He follows the teachings endorsed by the Lutheran church and his political views coincide with those of the Repub¬ lican party.

Erick Berglund, a representative citizen of Albert Lea, was born in Sweden December 7, 1866, son of John Berglund. When but two years of age he was brought to America by his parents, who came to Minnesota and settled in Albert Lea township. The subject of this sketch was educated in the district schools in the locality of his father's farm and he spent the years of his boy¬ hood in study and working for his father. When he became twenty-two years old he purchased a farm of eighty acres, located in this same township, in section 29, which he disposed of two years later, and then purchased his present property, which com¬ prises 200 acres in section 28, Albert Lea township. In 1904 Mr. Berglund rented his farm and moved into the city of Albert Lea, where he remained three months, after which he bought forty acres south of the city, which he sold in 1908. He next bought his present home, which comprises fifteen acres in section 5, where he now resides. Here he remodeled the buildings and made many improvements. He now ocupies his time looking after his various business interests and carrying on general farming. He is a staunch member of the Prohibitionist party, to the principles of which he lends his loyal support. He has been elevated to serve in many of the public offices in the township, among which are school treasurer of district 110 for twelve years, member of the town board, supervisor, town treasurer, and he is one of the directors of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Bath. On June 24, 1890, Mr. Berglund married E. Engblom, daughter of el. M. Engblom, of Bancroft. To Mr. and Mrs. Berg¬ lund five children have been born: Ellen J., Ruth E., Paul M., Philip J. and Verna E., who are all at home. The family attend the Baptist church in Albert Lea and are respected members of that organization.

Botolf Bridly, who was born October 13, 1869, is a native of Norway, son of Ole B. and Bertha Bridly, who brought him to America in 1882. Landing in Quebec they came west and finally settled in Riceland township, this county, where they lived eight years. Then the subject of this sketch and his father bought 120 acres in section 31, Moscow, which they have since worked and brought to a high state of cultivation. They keep twenty-four head of dairy cattle of the Shorthorn breed, also a good number of Poland-China hogs. On February 6, 1896, Mr. Bridly married Minnie Rienlso, of Riceland, and to them have been born ten children: Olaf, Clara, Robert, Martin, Norman, Dagmar, Palma, Clarence and the twins Beatrice and Blanche. The subject of this biography is a member of the Lutheran church. In politics he is a Republican of the progressive type and has held many offices of public trust, among which are supervisor of town two years, treasurer of Four Corners Telephone Company two years.

manager of Farmers' Creamery, treasurer of school district No. 28 and secretary of the Lutheran church, of which he is a member. Hard work and conscientious endeavor in many lines have given him his present high place in his community, where he has the respect and esteem of his acquaintances.

Even J. Hallum, a well known land owner of Manchester township, was born near Christiana, Norway, April 2, 1859, son of Johannes and Christina Hallum. His father worked at his trade as a carpenter and also farmed. In 1861 the family came to the United States and located in Fayette county, Iowa, where thev remained two years. In 1863 they came to this county and in Hartland township took a homestead of eighty acres, where the father cultivated the land until 1875, in which year they moved to Manchester. It was here that the father tilled the soil and followed general farming till 1901. In November of that vear he died. The mother died in 1902. This sturdy old couple had reared a family of eight children: Martha, Nicolina, Louis, Carl, Even J., the subject of this sketch, Ingar, Caroline and Clara. Even J. was educated in the common schools of Hartland township and, after completing his studies, he took up regular work on the home farm, where he worked till twenty-one years of age. He then bought the land where he now lives, owning 440 acres, with over 300 acres under cultivation. On June 24, 1880, he married Mary Severson, daughter of Andrew Severson, of Manchester. To this union has been born seven children : Al¬ fred, Carl, Josephine, who is a teacher, Inga, Oscar, who married Hilda Haakenson, George and Theodore. Mr. Hallum is a mem¬ ber of the Lutheran church, as was his father before him. In politics he is a Republican but does not seek public office.

Anton Hansen, of Hansen & Doerr, painters, was born in Ger¬ many February 6, 1850, the son of Christ Hansen, a German blacksmith. The subject of this sketch attended the schools of Germany and, upon leaving school, was a sailor until 1870. Then he learned the painting and wallpaper business, and came to this country in 1871, locating in Chicago. He followed his trade there until 1881, when he came to Albert Lea. In 1900 Mr. Hansen went into partnership with John Doerr and they established a splendid business, which lias flourished ever since that time. In 1874 he was married to Eliza Finch, a native of Germany. She died in 1891. Mr. Hansen makes his home over his paint shop at 206 AVest Clark street.

Aslak Haraldson was born July 28, 1845, a native of Norway and son of Harold Torgeson and Aase Lea, his wife, who came to America in 1861 and located in Freeman township, in Freeborn county, where they took a homestead and farmed. They remained here until death ; the father died in 1882 and the mother in 1884.

Aslak attended the American country schools, although he had received a good education in Norway before coming here at the age of fifteen. After leaving school he worked on the home farm until 18 1 5. He then bought 160 acres in Freeman township and has added to this until he now has 240 acres, which is nearly all under cultivation. He here follows general farming with much attention to stock raising. In 1876 he married Mary Stovern, a native of Norway, and to them have been born nine chil¬ dren, eight of whom are living : Harold Oscar and Adolph C. are in Montana, Henrietta and Clara are school teachers, Peter W. is in North Dakota, Alexandria lives in Freeman, Ruth and Walter are at home. Mr. Haraldson is a member of the Lutheran church. He is independent in politics and has been a member of town board and school board, as well as serving in the lower house of the Minnesota legislature in ]885. He is a stockholder of the Freeman Dairy Association, and president of the local telephone company. Mr. Haraldson is a man highly respected in his com¬ munity and his advice is sought and heeded on many public issues.

Henry W. Johnson was born October 26, 1873, in Austin, Minn., son of Carl Johnson. When he was two weeks old his mother died, and his uncle, Nels Johnson, of the town of Mans¬ field, Freeborn county, took him into his home. There he grew 1o manhood and attended the country schools. As he grew up he worked hard for his uncle, and later for eight years rented land from him. The subject of this sketch now owns 160 acres in sec¬ tion 20, in Mansfield, where he has recently erected a comfortable and roomy dwelling as well as barns and sheds to shelter the full equipment of the farm. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Swedish Lutheran, church of Mansfield. In politics he is a Republican. On September 12, 1901, he married Lena Trondson, who formerly lived in Iowa. To this union have been born five children: Helmer, Edna, Hanna, Walter and Sanford.

Severt P. Nelson is one of the prominent farmers in the town¬ ship of Albert Lea and the owner of 280 acres of land near Glenville. He has about 130 acres of this farm under the plow and the remainder is in meadow and pasture land. In connection with his general farming interests Mr. Nelson makes a specialty of raising hogs and sheep. He also raises good horses for general purposes and keeps a dairy herd of cattle. His well improved farm adjoins the old homestead occupied for many years by his parents and the place where his boyhood days were spent. His marriage to Jennie Rood, daughter of John C. Rood, occurred in 1891, and three children have been born to them : Jesse P., Everett S. and Leonard R. Mr. Nelson has held many offices in his townstiip, among which are : Clerk of school board in district 54, an office which lie has held for four years ; member of the town board, to which he has been elected four years, and many minor offices, which proves the respect in which he is held by the residents of the community. He attends the Norwegian Lutheran church and contributes to its support. He is independent in political views, but has been a member of the Republican party in the past.

Peter Nelson and Bertha Rustad, his wife, were born in Nor¬ way and emigrated from that country to this in 1860. They first located, in AYisconsin, where they remained but a short time, after which they moved to this county and settled in Freeman town¬ ship. Later they acquired land in Albert Lea township, which they broke and cleared and made ready for cultivation, and these 160 acres provided the means for their support as the years passed. Four children were born to them: N. P., living at the old homestead; Rosalia, the wife of Ole AYestrum, of Hayward; Edwin P., also a resident of Hayward, and Severt P. Peter Nel¬ son has long since entered into rest and his widow makes her home with her son, N. P.

Alfred S. Peterson, who conducts a hardware store in Clarks Grove in partnership with his brother, P. A. Peterson, is one of the leading business men in the township. He was born April 3, 1883, in this county, son of C. F. and Mary Peterson, natives of Denmark. His early education was acquired in the common schools in the county and later he attended the high school of Albert Lea for two years. For two years after he completed his education he worked on a farm, after which he secured a position as clerk in a grocery store. One year later he decided to go to the Pacific coast, where he clerked in stores about a year. In 1904 he returned and, with his brother, P. A., organized the firm of Peterson Brothers. They carry a large stock of hardware, which includes harnesses and farm implements. In 1904 Alfred S. married Alvina E. Peterson, daughter of Hans C. Peterson, a pioneer resident of the county, now deceased. In politics Mr. Peterson endorses the sentiments of the Prohibition party, but has never aspired to any public office.

C. F. Peterson and Mary, his wife, came to this country from Denmark in 1870 and settled in Bancroft township, where for several years they remained and carried on general farming. Later they moved to Albert Lea, and here Mr. Peterson established a coal, fuel and dray business and also kept a feed stable. This business he successfully conducted for many years but, pre¬ ferring the quiet and free life of a farmer, he eventually sold his interests in the fuel business and returned to his old occupation. He continued his agricultural pursuits until he retired from farm¬ ing and came to Albert Lea, where he and his estimable wife are

S. Svendson, a well known merchant of Geneva, was born in Denmark April 11, 1866, and came to this country when he was sixteen years of age. His parents, Christ and Johanna (Matson) Svendson spent their whole lives in Denmark. S. Svendson lo¬ cated in Geneva when first coming to this country and has made it his home since that time. During the first few years that he was in this country he worked at farming, but in 1892 he accepted a position as clerk in Geneva. In 1894 he started work for F. M. Jones, and two years later, in partnership with John T. Robson, engaged in a general mercantile business, the firm being known as Robson & Svendson. Mr. Svendson has been of service to the village in which he has made his home, acting for many years as postmaster, to which position he was appointed in 1894, two years before he went into business. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of Western Star Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M., at Albert Lea. The store with which Mr. Svend¬ son is connected carries a large stock, which is constantly en¬ larged to meet the demands of a growing business. The store has a reputation for good goods and honest and courteous deal¬ ing, and has been accorded a full measure of success and pros¬ perity.

M. H. Skophammer, street commissioner of Albert Lea, was born in Bancroft township on March 20, 1864, th& son of Peter and Bertha Skophammer, natives of Norway, who came to Amer¬ ica in 1853 and located in Round Prairie, Wis. They remained there until 1860, when they removed to Bancroft township, where the father bought a farm and did general farming until his death in 1905. The mother lives in Albert Lea with her son, the sub¬ ject of this sketch. M. H. Skophammer attended the district schools of Bancroft township. Leaving school he worked with his father on the farm until 1888, when he came to Albert Lea and worked in the brickyard for two seasons. He then w^ent to Butte, Mont., where he remained one and one-half years. Then he re¬ turned to Freeborn county and rented a farm in Bancroft town¬ ship. This he continued for seven years, after which he pur¬ chased eighty acres, which he worked three years. Mr. Skopham¬ mer then sold his farming property and bought a feed and livery barn in Albert Lea, which business he conducted for eight yeais. During the last five years of this period he was also in partner¬ ship with his brother, Jens. At the end of this time he traded his share in the livery business for a farm, which he later sold. In the year 1909 Mr. Skophammer was appointed street commis¬ sioner, which position he is occupying at the present time. In 1896 the subject of this sketch married Emma Hammer, of Ban- croft township. Their home was blessed with one child, Grant. INI rs. Skophammer died in 1899. Mr. Skopliammer in politics is a Republican and a member of the Lutheran church and the 1. 0. 0. F. lodge. He makes his home at 422 Euclid street.

N. P. Sorenson, a scientific farmer of Alden township, is one of the prominent men of that locality. He was born in Denmark April 13, 1860, and came to America when he was twenty-one years of age, landing May 17, 1881. He spent some time in Chi¬ cago. and then came to Alden. For the first few years he was employed on various farms. As he learned the language and cus¬ toms of the' residents here and saved his hard earned money, he was able in a few years to begin farming for himself, first rent¬ ing a few acres of land and later purchasing the valuable farm in section 10, where he now resides. He carries on general farm¬ ing, together with dairying and stock raising, and has erected a comfortable house and commodious barns on his broad acres. By his wife, Hannah, he has eight children, one of whom has married and borne him grandchildren. Mr. Sorenson has been honored by various public offices in the township, among which are town chairman and member of the town board, which latter office he occupies at the present time. He is also treasurer of the Danish Lutheran church and of the Danish Brotherhood.

John J. Void, an extensive laird owner and popular farmer of Bath township, was born August 31, 1876, son of John A. and Anna (Lea) Void. John A. was born in Nomvay and came to America in 1861. making his home in Chicago, where he secured work in a lumber vard. Two vears later he moved to Minnesota e/ cand settled in Bath township. After working out for a time he acquired a farm comprising 160 acres of school land and con¬ ducted general farming. Fie was married March 25, 1868, to Anna Lea, who was born in Norway November 7, 1839, came to this country .in 1867. and lived with relatives in Bancroft. To them were born five children: Anna, now Mrs. Hans Grunwold, of Ellendale : Andrew, an expert butter maker ; Nettie, deceased ; Nellie, the wife of Xels Folie, and John J. The subject of this sketch owns a farm of 240 acres and is a believer in all modern methods m farming, having his property will equipped with the latest and best machinery with which to carry on his work. He is able to keep his farming implements and gasoline engine in good repair, for together with his knowledge of general farm work he is also a blacksmith and carpenter. He keeps graded stock and raises many hogs, for which he receives the best market prices. He is a Democrat in political views, but has never sought public office. His valuable farm today was once a dense thicket, but years o! hard work and self denial have made possible his present prosperous condition.

John Rasmussen, one of the prosperous and substantial farm¬ ers of Carlston township, now living in Alden village, has for a number of years taken an active part in agricultural, creamery, church, business and town affairs, and is a man much honored and respected by his neighbors and friends. He was born in Denmark February 11, 1846, son of Rasmus Nelson and Anna Rasmussen, natives of Denmark, who came to America with their children and spent the balance of their lives here. He received his education in the schools of his native land, and there grew to manhood. In 1868 he crossed the briny deep and came to Amer¬ ica. After a few months in Wisconsin he came to Freeborn county the same year, and engaged in railroad work for a time. Two years after coming to the county he located in Carlston township and engaged in farming. For eight years he rented farms, and then purchased eighty acres in section 35, which he broke and developed, building thereon a frame house and a fine set of out¬ buildings. To this original tract he added from time to time until he owned 220 acres, bordering on what is now the village line of Alden. Here he followed general farming until 1907, when he rented the place to his son, Walter E., and purchased land within the corporation limits of Alden village, adjoining his farm. Here he built a comfortable modern home, where he and his wife are pleasantly spending the retiring years of their lives, enjoying the well-earned reward of their hard labor, economy and sacrifice. Mr. Rasmussen is a Republican in politics and was supervisor of Carlston township for four years. He is a stockholder in the one of those most instrumental in the building of the Alden Creamery, serving as one of the trustees of that institution for several years. He is a prominent member of the Danish Lutheran church, of which he is a strong supporter, having served as trus¬ tee of the church for many years. The subject of this sketch was married June 11, 1871. to Mary Steele, -who has proven a most devoted and capable helpmeet. She was born in Germany Sep¬ tember 16, 1847, daughter of Christ and Mary (Schaeffer) Steele, who came from Germany to Freeborn county in 18/2. A sketch of these worthy people is found in connection with that of Mrs. Rasmussen 's brother, Henry Steele (Stiehl), which appears in this volume. Mrs. Rasmussen came to this country with her brother in 1867, and here met the young man who afterward be¬ came her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen are the parents of six children : Emma is now Mrs. Frank Rafoth, of Carlston town¬ ship ; Anna is now Mrs. C. A. Barner, of Alden; Ada is now Mrs. Peter Raun, of Alden; Walter E. conducts the old home farm; Mary is the wife of Carl W. Nelsen, of Alden; Louise R. is at home with her parents.

Swan Peterson, who is a native of Sweden, was born October 28, 1848, and is the son of Peter and Hannah Peterson. He was married February 26, 1872 to Caroline Suberg and to them have been born six children: Henry, Nels, Hannah, Swan, and Ellen. In 1878 he came with his family to America and settled in Mans¬ field Township, and bought land in section 19. At the present time he has a farm of 280 acres of land, the most of which is under cultivation. He follows general and dairy farming and sells his dairy product to the Mansfield Creamery, in which he is a stockholder. Mr. Peterson is a deacon of the Swedish Lutheran Church of Mansfield. He votes with the Republican party and has been director in school district 121 for nineteen years.

John Monsen, who is at present living a retired life at 215 South Pearl street, Albert Lea, was born in Norway on December 6, 1847. His parents, Mons and Kara (Kjolstad) Monsen, came to America in 1871 and settled first in Freeman township, Min¬ nesota, later removing to Polk county, where the father died February 28, 1910, the mother having pased away several years prior to that time. John, the subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of his native land, and crossed the ocean to America in 1869. Upon his arrival in this country he proceeded west, stopping for a short time at LaCrosse, AYis., after which he came to Minnesota and settled irt Freeman township. During the winter of 1870, Mr. Monsen attended school in Freeman town¬ ship, that he might master the English language more readily. The following two years, he spent in the pine woods in northern Minnesota, and then he returned to Freeborn township and was employed for several months as a farmer, after which he came to Albert Lea and secured work on the railroad for a few weeks. Soon after this, Mr. Monsen began to buy grain, and continued in this occupation for a year. Then he accepted a position with the AY. P. Sargent Lumber Co., and from 1877 until 1883 worked in the yards of this company, at Glenville, then being transferred to the Albert Lea yards. Some time later, Mr. Monsen became manager for the John Paul Lumber yards in Albert Lea, and when the business changed owners, several times, Mr. Monsen was retained by each new firm in the capacity of manager. In the spring of 1910, he resigned his position and retired from active life, and now devotes his time to attending to the various business interests, of the family who own 360 acres in Freeman township, also land in Polk county. Mr. Monsen adheres to the tenets of the Republican party, but he has never sought public office. He is a member of the English Lutheran church and he also belongs to the A. O. U. AY. He has ever taken an active interest in all move¬ ments which have tended toward the development and improve¬ ment of his town and county, and he is recognized as a public spirited citizen. On March 17, 1875, Mr. Monsen married Anna Larsen, who was born in Lafayette county, AYisconsin, in January, 1853, a daughter of Nets and Antonette Larsen. Mr. and Mrs. Larsen came to America from Norway in the early forties, and settled in Wisconsin until 1860, when they came to Minnesota and located in Freeborn township, where the father engaged in farming for many years, later moving to Albert Lea, where both he and his good wife passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Monsen two children have been born. Adelia graduated from the Albert Lea high school and later from the Mankato state normal, and is now a teacher in the Albert Lea schools, where she gives excellent satisfaction. Norma is now a student in the Albert Lea schools.

Christian Amundson, one of the successful farmers of Free¬ born township, was born in Columbia county, Wisconsin, October 17, 1856. Flis father was a native of Norway, and came to America in 1850, locating first in Wisconsin, where Christian was born. Later he removed to Hartland township, in Freeborn county, Min¬ nesota, where he spent the remainder of his days. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm and attended the district school. When he reached manhood's estate he was section fore¬ man on the railroad for two years. He then rented land in Free¬ born township and went to farming. In 1891 he bought 160 acres in section 1, in that township, on which he has since lived. He married Mary Christianson, a native of Norway. They have four children: Tena, Jennie, Nettie and Clara. Jennie is the wife of Louis Holverson, of Hartland township, and they have two children, Clara and Tena. Mr. Amundson has one of the pleasant farm homes of Freeborn county and his prosperity is the result of hard work and indefatigable industry. He has been a member of the school board in district No. 98.

Iver A. Rodsater, one of the pioneers of this county, was born near Bergen, Norway, September 18, 1845. When he had reached his majority, he came to the United States and located in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he stayed but a short time and then came to Manchaster township, arriving in 1867, and locating with Thor Anderson. He was well equipped for life's struggles, having acquired an excellent education by attending school and seminary of his native land. His wife, Ingeborg (Anderson) Rodsater, was a daughter of Thor and Cary (Evenson) Anderson, who were one of the first six families to locate in Manchester township. To this worthy couple were born ten children : Theodore, a clergy¬ man of Brant, S. Dak., married t.o Anna Nelson, and they have two children; Ingeborg and Thora. Bertha is wife of Rev. John Ostrop. Clara is wife of Frederick Knudson, of Albert Lea. Alexander J. is a farmer. George is a lawyer of Mohall, N. Dak.

Laura is wife of Ed. Rosheim, D. D. S., of Roland, Iowa, and they have one son, Irvin E. Stella is a teacher. Arthur E. is a farmer. Alexander and Jacob now deceased. That Mr. Rodsater was a man of unusual ability is clearly shown by the prominent offices to which he was elected. He was the leader of the choir in the Norwegian Lutheran church to which he was a liberal con¬ tributor, and he taught in the parochial school.

He was an active member of the Republican party and for many years held the office of town clerk. He was also elected county commissioner for a period of years, in which capacity he proved his ability. From the date of its organization until the time of his death, which occurred in 1894, Mr. Rodsater acted as secretary of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Faithful to all responsibilities, conscientious to a marked degree, he had the regard of all who were associated with him, either in business or social interests.

Alexander J. Rodsater, who has assisted in the progress of Manchester township, is an industrious farmer who owns 170 acres of land of which one half is under cultivation. He was born in Manchester on the farm where he now resides, January 27, 1877, son of Iver and Ingeborg (Anderson) Rodsater. He attended the district school when a boy and was busy during the vacation months assisting his father with the numerous tasks which constitute the daily routine of a farmer's life. Reach¬ ing manhood he purchased a part of the old homestead, and here has a well cared for farm on which are a comfortable house, com¬ modious barns and a fine orchard. Thorella Gunderson, daughter of John Gunderson, of Chicago, married Mr. Rodsater October 1, 1902, and two children bless this union; Viola and Irwin. Following the teachings of the faith to which his father adhered he has the esteem of his brother members of the Lutheran church, and, like his father, he holds to the political views endorsed by the Republican party.