Houston County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (5 of 9 so headed), 1882

Isaac Abrahamson, one of the early settlers of Houston county, and the oldest merchant in the town, is a native of Norway, born on the 30th of June, 1831. His father was a farmer, at which occupation Isaac was engaged until learning the tailor trade. In 1853, he came to America and for about a year was employed in a mercantile establishment at Waupun, Wisconsin, then came to Minnesota and was dealing in real estate until 1856. In the latter year he entered the employ of Mons Anderson, a well known merchant of La Crosse, Wisconsin, with whom he remained two years. In 1859, he bought of his employer, $500 stock of goods which he brought to this place, and opened a store. On the 10th of March, in the latter year, he was united in marriage wiss Miss Isabel Anderson. The union hss been blessed with nine children, eight of whom are living; Emma, Alfred C, Ida, Clara, Abraham, Hannah, William (deceased), Tena, and Nora. In November, 1866, he removed his business to its present location and now carries a good stock, having a fine assortment of first-class goods, and, by his upright manner of dealing, has built up a prosperous trade.

John Q. Briogs is a native of Roscoe, Winnebago county, Illinois, bora on the 21st of July, 1848. He resided with his parents until the age of twenty-two years, then went to Rockford, at which place, and Janes ville, Wisconsin, he remained until 1874. In the latter year he was united in marriage with Miss Frances Blair, of his native town, the ceremony dating the 24th of June.

They came to Houston the same year, and Mr. Briggs engaged in mercantile business in company with Thomas R. Field. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs have two children, Nellie M. and Curl B.

Charles A. Benson, one of the pioneers of the town, was born in the southern part of Sweden on the 21st of April, 1840. In 1853, he, in company with his parents and three other families, came to America, locating in this town, in what has since been known as "Swede Bottom," they being the first settlers in that portion of the town. Mr. Benson was employed by the farmers of this place till 1860, when he went to Montana, remaining in the West a few years. He then returned to this town, and on the 24th of December, 1863, was united in marriage with Miss Cornelia Anderson. He purchased the farm formerly owned by his father, in 1863, and has since made it his home. He has held several local offices. Mr. and Mrs. Benson have been blessed with four children.

David D. Brack, a native of England, was born in London on the 5th of November, 1849. He came with his parents to America in 1851, and for six years resided in New York city. Then came to St. Paul, where David grew to manhood, learning the carpenter trade. In 1869, he removed to Dundas, Rice county, and for two and a half years was employed at the millwright trade, thence to Chicago, remaining three years. On the 24th of December, 1872, Miss Christie Hudson became his wife. She has borne him three children; Ada £., Estella M., and George M. After a residence of two years in Caledonia they came to this village in 1877. His first work after coming here was to build the residence of D. C. Dyer, since which time he has been employed as a millwright in the Houston Roller mills.

John Cottrell, proprietor of the Cottrell House, is a native of New York, born in Augusta, Oneida county, on the 27th of April, 1815. He was reared to agricultural pursuits until the age of sixteen years, when he commenced driving stage at Utica, following the business in that city until 1842. He was married on the 4th of October, 1839, to Miss Sarah A. Robb, of his native town. They came to Madison, Wisconsin, from which place, as a central point, Mr. Cottrell followed his former business until 1863, then came to Minnesota, locating in Winona. The same year he moved to Pleasant Hill, where he conducted a hotel until the fall of 1869, when he came to Houston. For six months after coming here he had charge of the Hoyt House, then purchased his present holel which he occupied till 1877, when he rented the same for four years. On the 13th of December, 1881, he again took possession of the Cottrell House, since which time he has been its popular landlord.

Dewitt C. Dyer, one of the old merchants of this plnce, was born at Florence, Oneida county, New York, on the 2d of October, 1841. He remained at home until the age of sixteen years when he entered a mercantile establishment, remaining till the spring of 1862. On the 4th of March, of the latter year he enlisted in the Second Battalion of the Eighteenth Regiment, regular army, and served three years. In 1865, he came to Houston, and for one year resided on a farm, then entered the mercantile business to which he has since devoted his time. In about 1867, he removed his store from lower town to its present location, and carries a stock comprising dry goods, clothing, crockery, drugs, glassware, etc., to the amount of about $10,000. He was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Vance on the 2d of October 1871. Five children h ive been born to this union; Mabel L., Dewitt C, George E., Maud G., and n thur G.

NexjS H. Forsith was born on the 22d of March, 1853, in Gansdal, Norway. He is the oldest of nine children ; the others are Martha. Ole, Jihn, Kari, Herman, Emma, Anton, and Tena. The family came to America in 1868, and located in the town of Money Creek, where the parents still reside. In 1866, L. R. Hall established a general store at Houston, of which, for several years past, the subject of this sketch has had the general management, doing an annual business of about $15,000. He was united in marriage on the 15th of September, 1877, with Miss Emma M. Abrahamson. She has borne him one child, Henry. Mr. Forsyth has held several local offices since his residence in this village.

Morris Farmin is a native of Montgomery county, New York, born on the 20th of February, 1809. His parents both died when Morris was quite young. He learned the carpenter trade in Herkimer county, afterward resided in Oneida county, and in 1835, moved to Chicago, thence to Wisconsin, where he was engaged at his trade, and in the manufacture of lumber at Oshkosh and Prairie du Chien. In about 1855, Mr. Farmin came to this town and located a farm in section thirty-five on which he resided until moving to the village in 1866. He has since carried on his farm in connection with his labors iiv the town; has also held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Town Treasurer, County Commissioner, etc. The maiden name of his wife was Lucinda Rosa. They have had five children, four are now living.

Thomas R. Field, a son of Guilford and Nancy Field, is a native of Providence, Rhode Island, born on the 29th of September, 1848. The family moved to Winnebago county, Illinois, when Thomas was about ten years of age. In November, I860* his father died, and the foilowing January his mother was also removed by death, leaving Thomas an orphan at the early age' of twelve years. He moved to Rosooe, a short distance from his former home, and resided with a merchant by the name of J. W. Abbott until 1865, then attended school for two years, and afterwards took a three months course in Eastman's Commercial College, at Chicago. In August, 1868, he came to Houston, and the following spring entered the store of D. C. Dyer, remained two years and went to Kansas. In the spring of 1874, Mr. Field returned to this village, and in company with John Q. Briggs, engaged in mercantile pursuits. They started with a $2,000 stock, but have since greatly increased their business and occupy an enviable position among the merchants in this vicinity.

John B. Gerard was born in Lewis county, New York, in the year 1833. The family moved to Ohio when John was quite young; there he learned the blacksmith trade and resided until 1854. On the 17th of May, 1858, he married Miss Nancy Todd. They came to Houston county the same year, locating in Money Creek, thence to Rush Creek, Winona county, where he enlisted in the Second Minnesota Cavalry, serving till the close of the war. He then returned to Money Creek, and was employed at his trade until 1874, when he purchased the blacksmith shop of Adolphus Boardman, to which he has since given his attention. Of six children born to him, three are living; Francis J., Emma J., and George H.

Frederick N. Goodrich is a native of Vermont, born on the 5th of February, 1823. He assisted his father on the farm until 1849. Since about 1852, Mr. Goodrich has devoted considerable time to surveying, following that occupation in Grant county, Wisconsin, for two years, then came to Houston county, and in 1866, was elected County Surveyor, which office he has since held several different times. Miss Mary A. Comstock, daughter of Asa Comstock, one of the pioneers of this county, became his wife on the 28th of April, 1861. In 1864, Mr. Goodrich was elected to the State Legislature, and again in 1874, and has also filled numerous local offices. He moved to Houston village in 1866, and in 1870, was elected County Commissioner, holding the office three years; he also took the census of the western half of the county in 1870. He has been Postmaster since 1873. Was appointed to appraise damages on the line of the Chicago, Clinton, Dubuque and Minnesota Railroad at the time it was built through the county. Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich have had five children, four of whom are living, Albert H., Eliza J., Frederick N., and Arthur L.

H. Hanson Hove, a native of Norway, was born on the 11th of April, 1811. At the age of twenty years he was married to Miss Margaret Hansdatter. They came to America, locating in La Salle county, Illinois, in 1860. The following year they moved to Minnesota, settling in Fillmore county, and thence to Houston county in 1862. After residing in several different towns, they came to their present farm in Looney valley in 1876. Of ten children bom to this union, six are living. Henry H. resides on the farm with his parents; he was born on the 24th of April, 1851, in Norway. In 1880, he was married to Miss Gun da Olson, the ceremony taking place on the 20th of March. They have one child, Hanna Amalea.

Alvah £. Hunt, a resident of the town since a child, is a son of Elihu Hunt, deceased, who was born in Darke county, Ohio, in the year 1811. He learned the tanner's trade, and for many years owned and operated a tannery in Indiana. During his residence in the State he held numerous local offices, and was a member of the House of Representatives for several terms. The subject of this sketch was born in Wayne county, in the latter State, on the 18th of August, 1852. He came with his parents to this town in 1856. His father purchased a farm in sections twenty-seven and twenty -two, on which he lived until his death on the 16th of March, 1868. Alvah attended the public schools for a time, then went to Faribault and entered the Shattuck School, remaining two years, after which he continued his studies at the

Normal School of Winona. He then went to Owatonna and engaged as a book-keeper. On the 16th of June, 1875, he was married in the latter city to Miss Mary J. Bo wen, and soon after returned to his former home in this place. Mr. Hunt devotes the greater portion of his time to stock raising, also buys and ships considerable. He has a fine farm, a large portion of which is improved.

C. A. Hansen is a native of Sweden, born in the year 1846. He came to America in 1871, directly to Minnesota, and located in Rushford, Fillmore county, where he remained two years, engaged in a wagon shop. In 1873, he was married to Miss Grethe Larson, who has borne him four children. They moved to this town in 1873, and Mr. Hansen soon opened a blacksmith shop, which he has since conducted.

Babnet Johnston dates his birth the 1st of November, 1829. In 1844, the family located in Milwaukee, and the following year moved to Dodge county ; remained till 1854, and came to this town, locating in section thirty-one. His father, Joseph Johnston, died on the 16th of August, 1864. Our subject purchased a farm adjoining that of his father, and gives his entire attention to its cultivation. Mrs. Catherine Jane Feath became his wife on the 27th of December, 1874. They have been blessed with one child, Roy. Mr. Johnston has been a member of the board of Supervisors for the past two years.

Andrew P. Johnson is a native of Sweden, his birth dating the 24th of October, 1834. When he was quite young his parents moved to Norway, where Andrew received his education in an agricultural institute, after which he was employed on large farms. ( He came to America in 1863, and directly to Minnesota, locating in Winona, where he was engaged at marble work and in the furniture business. In 1866, he came to this village, and for a few months had charge of a saloon, then devoted his time to farm labor until the fall of 1867, when he opened a liquor store, but soon after engaged in the lumber business in company with F. N. Goodrich, also giving some attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1871, he again opened a liquor and grocery store, and about five years after adding a stock of general merchandise. A few years later the liquor was taken from the stock, and in connection with his mercantile business he now deals in live stock and wheat. Mr. Johnson also owns an interest in a store at Heron Lake, which was opened in 1873. He is an officer in the Norwegian Lutheran church, and has held several town offices, such as Supervisor, Treasurer, eta, and in 1880 was President of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Johnson has been twice married, first to Miss Hannah C. Hanson, who bore him two children, Hilda and Martha. His present wife was Miss Olene Olson. Of seven children born to this union, live are living, Nora, Martena, Obert, Amelia, and Peter.

Andba Lundbgren was born in Sweden on the 19th of February, 1847. At the age of nine years he commenced learning the tailor trade. He was united in marriage with Miss Qua ta via Svenson, on the 16th of November, 1872. They came to America the following year and located in Pennsylvania, where Mr. Lundegren was engaged at his trade. In 1876, he came to this village and opened a tailor shop which was the only one in the place. Of five children born to them, four are living,

Rev. David D. Mitchell, the only resident minister in this town, is a native of Madison, Lenawee county, Michigan, born on the 12th of October, 1847. He resided with his parents, attending the schools of his native place until the age of twenty-one years, after whioh he was employed in mercantile pursuits for several years. In 1872, he went to Hillsdale and entered the college of that place, from whioh he was graduated *ith high honors in June, 1878. Before graduating, (in April, 1876,) he was ordained in the Free Will Baptist faith, the president of the college, Dr. D. W. 0. Durgin, preaching the ordination sermon. Mr. Mitchell came to Houston county soon after his graduation, locating in Money Creek, where he had charge of a church, and at the same time assisted in the organization of the present church at Houston. On the 13th of March, 1878, he was joined in marriage with Miss Ursula Woods, of Hillsdale, Michigan. They have been blessed with one child, Edna L. After conducting services at Crystal Luke, Hennepin county, for a short time, Mr. Mitchell came to his charge in May, 1881, having under his guidance, besides the church a Houston, one at Money Creek and an appointment at Yucatan.

came with his parents to Houston county in 1855, locating in what is now known as Yucatan. In 1858, he was appointed cadet for West Point, by James Cavanaugh, M. C. it being the first appointment from this State. He graduated from the latter institution in June, 1862, and served till the close of the war in the Second Regiment Regular Artillery, after which he was ordered to California, and two years later to Alaska, where he served until 1870, when he resigned, having held the office of First Lieutenant and brevet-Captain. Miss Helen F. Weld became his wife in October, 1870. Since his residence in this place Mr. McIntire has devoted his time to the study of law, and agricultural pursuits. He has held the office of Town Clerk three years, and is serving his fourth term as Justice of the Peace.

W. G. McSpadden, who built the first house in Houston, and has since been identified with the organization and growth of the town, is a native of Down county, Ireland, bora on the 14th of November, 1826. When he was two years old his parents came to America, locating in New Tork, where at the age of sixteen ) ears our subject enlisted as musician in the Second United States Regular Infantry, Company 0. He was stationed at Mackinaw, remaining eighteen months, after which he served through the Metican war, from which he was discharged in 1849. He then came to Wisconsin, locating in Menasha, and on the 31st of January, 1850, was married in the neighboring town to Miss Julia A. Narrioong. They soon after came to La Crosse where Mr. Mc- Spadden opened tho Black River Hotel, and put the first ferry across the Mississippi at that point. In 1850, he came to Houston county, and coming up the Root River to its forks, he took a claim on whioh to lay out a town site, made necessary improvements and platted that portion known as Lower Houston. In 1854, he brought his family up, and the following year removed to his present farm, where he erected a saw-mill, and a few years later, a flour-mill. At the outbreak of the war he was chosen Captain of the first company formed in this county, but as they were not accepted, Mr. McSpadden went to La Crosse and organized a company, which, by order of Gen. Fremont, became Company E, of the Eighth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Mr. McSpadden holding the office of First Lieutenant and participating in many important engagements. In 1878, his mills were burned, since which time he has devoted his attention to the manufacture of sorghum, which he carries on quite extensively, and the cultivation of his farm.

Edmund Mackintire, one of the pioneers of this county, is a native of Orange county, Vermont, born on the 11th of May, 1811. Herwent to live with his grandparents when quite young, and at the age of fourteen years removed to Boston, where, a few years later, he bought and run a line of stages from the latter city to Dedham, continuing in the business until the building of a railroad in the place, of which he was conductor. He afterward carried on a hotel, and in 1845, went to New Orleans and engaged in mercantile pursuits. In 1850, he made a trip to California, remained two years in the mining regions and returned to Dedham, where he conducted a hotel until 1855. He then came to Houston county, locating in Yucatan, where he erected a flour mill, to which he afterwards added a distillery. He served as Justice of the Peace in the latter town for several years, and in 1857, was elected to the State Legislature, serving two terms. In 1861, he removed to the town of Houston, and for several years was engaged in the hotel business, but the town center afterward being changed, he abandoned the occupation, since which time he has given his attention to the cultivation of his farm, which joins the village, and makes the old hotel his residence. Since coming here he has held the office of Supervisor for one term.

Chbist Nelson, a native of Norway, was born on the 5th of April, 1841. In 1851, he came to America, locating in Iowa, and engaged in farming. On the 15th of March, 1863, he enlisted in the Sixth Iowa Cavalry, Company D, serving with General Sully on the frontier, and in the campaign against the Indians, receiving his discharge after a service of two years and eight months. He then came to Houston county, locating in Sheldon where he was married to Miss Hage Aslagson, the ceremony dating the 10th of September, 1866. They resided on a farm in the latter town for about five years, then came to this place which has since been their home, Mr. Nelson carrying on a saloon. The fruits of this union are three children; Tilda, Anne, and Netty.

engaged in agricultural pursusts in his native country until coming to America in 1869, locating first in Door county, Wisconsin, where he remained a few years. In May, 1870 he was joined in marriage with Miss Mary Oland, who has borne him six children, four of whom are living. In 1872, Mr. and Mrs. Olander removed to Houston county, and until 1878, resided on a farm in Winnebago valley. Then the subject of our sketch purchased an interest in the mills at that place where he remained until 1880. In the latter year he came to this township, purchased land adjoining the village, and has since made it his home, giving his attention to tilling the soil. Mr. and Mrs. Olander have been consistent members of the Swede Baptist church since 1877, and are now members of the church at Swede Bottom.

Albert Olson, one of the pioneers of the town, is a native of Norway, born on the 22d of March, 1820* He was reared on a farm, and when twenty years of age commenced learning the ship-carpenter's trade, at which he was employed until 1849. He then came to America, resided in Dane county, Wisconsin, two years and moved to La Crosse. Since 1853, he has been a resident of this place, taking a claim near the present village of Houston. Miss Tona Halverson became his wife on the 7th of February, 1858. They have four children.

John J. Bamstad, a native of Christiania, Norway, was born on the 27th of Nowember, 1846. He came to America in 1870, and directly to Minnesota, residing for one year in Spring Grove, thence to Biceford were he was engaged in a gristmill, and afterwards to Bushford in the same business. In 1878, he came to Houston, and has since been employed in the Boiler Mills of this place; he is at present head miller. His wife was Miss Carrie J. Gunderson, daughter of Jacob Gunderson, of Spring Grove.

Alexander S. Beid is a son of George Beid, who served in the war of 1812, and should he live till the 9th of September, 1882, will be one hun - dred years old, He is still in good health and possesses all his senses but that of hearing. Alexander, the subject of this sketch, was born in Stillwater, Saratoga county, New York, on the 30th of January, 1826. He resided with his parents on a farm until the age of twenty-eight years, after which he was engaged in buying and selling live stock. In 1867, he came to this place, and has since been dealing in grain. Mr. Beid was joined in marriage with Miss Lueinda Tyler on the 6th of April, 1855. Of five children born to this union, three are living, Mary, Sarah, and Estella. Mr. Reid's father is also one of this family.

Knud Sorum is a native of Norway, born on the 1st of February, 1826. In 1853, he came to America, locating in Dane county, Wisconsin, and remained until 1854, when he came to this town. He settled in the upper part of Looney Valley, where he was among the first to locate, but in a few months removed to section one, which has since been his home". When first coming here Mr. Sorum devoted considerable time to hunting, having killed as many as thirty deer in one winter. In January, 1881, he married Mrs. G. Herbjornson. One child, Henry O., has been born to them.

Lewis Swenson was born in Sweden on the 29th of January, 1846. His parents moved from the "Old Country" in 1853, resided for a few months in Canada, then came to Chicago and spent the winter of 1853 and '54. Coming to this town the following spring, they located in what is known as "Swede Bottom." Here Lewis assisted his father in farm labor for some years. He enlisted in Company H, of the 11th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, in 1864, serving till the close of the war. Miss Matilda Anderson became his wife on the 1st of January, 1869, and they have three children. Mr. Swenson owns a fine farm in section two, where he has lived a number of years.

Hiram P. Stafford, one of the pioneers of the town, is a native of New York, born in Erie county on the 23d of July, 1822. When young he learned the shoemakers' trade at Sandusky, Ohio, but after about a year he returned to his native State and was engaged in different occupation until 1845. He then returned to Ohio, locating in Cleveland, and afterwards in Akron. In 1847, he was joined in marriage with Miss Charlotte Proctor, the result of which union is seven children. In 1849, Mr. and Mrs Stafford removed to Janesville where he was engaged at his trade for a time, then went to California, remained about eighteen months, after which he returned to Wisconsin and opened a shoe store at La Crosse. In 1852, he located a farm in this township, having since made it his home. Mr. Stafford has held different local offices since his residence in the plaas and has been constable for the past sixteen years.

born in New Haven on the 6th of January, 1851. He learned the clock making trade, which he followed in his native State until 1877, then came to Chicago and continued in the business. He came to Houston county in 1880,and for one year had charge of the Gates House at Money Creek, then coming to Houston he has since been proprietor of the Sherman House. Mr. Smith has been twice married. First to Miss Lettie M. Southworth. His present wife was the widow of Oliver P. Gates, who was a prominent citizen of Money Creek, and proprietor of the Gates house.

Isaac Thompson, who located a farm in this place as early as 1853, is a native of Bennington county, Vermont, born on the 12th of February, 1829. His father died when the subject of this sketch was but an infant, and for many years Isaac resided with a farmer named David Sheldon. He assisted on the farm, and when old enough taught school for a time, after which he attended the Academy at Homer, Michigan. In 1851, he came to Wisconsin and taught school about five miles south of Milwaukee one winter, then moved to La Crosse and devoted his time to surveying. He also opened a land office in the latter city in company with two others, in which occupation he was engaged until 1859. In September, 1853, he made a claim in sections twenty-six and thirty-five, of this town, making improvements on the land until 1859, when . he located a farm in section twenty-three, on which he moved and has since resided. He still devotes considerable time to surveying, and for several years was County Surveyor, also held the office of County Commissioner seven years. In 1868, he was elected to the State Legislature, which position he occupied two terms.

Lars A. Tennison is a son of Arian Tennison, who was bora in Norway in the year 1808. He was a ship carpenter and sailor in his native country, and came to America in 1846. For four years he resided in Milwaukee, then in Chicago until 1854, and while at both places, was employed as a ship carpenter. In the latter year he came to this town, locating a farm in section thirty-two, where he remained until his death in 1862. Lars was about two years old when the family left their native land in July, 1844. He resided with his parents until the death of his father, after which he served one year with the First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, then returned to his home, and a year later, re-enlisted in the Eleventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving till the close of the war. He again returned home, and soon after entered the employ of Isaac Abrahamson, where, m 1868, he was admitted as partner and remained two years. During the year 1871, he was engaged in the wheat business, after which he conducted a mercantile establishment at Delavan, Faribault county. In 1874, he returned to Houston and opened a general hardware and furniture store, in which he carries a $3,000 stock, and does an annual business amounting to $10,000. Mr. Tennison has filled many local offices, was Postmaster two years, and is now President of the board of Trustees. He also holds offices in the Lutheran Church, of which he is a member. He has been twice married; first to Miss Annie Thorson, who bore him four children, two of whom, Samuel and Josephine, are living. His present wife was Miss

Lafayette Whitehouse is a son of Stowel and Janette Whitehouse, who came from Oswego county, New York, to Wisconsin in 1852. After a residence of two years in Watertown, they moved to Houston county and were among the first settlers of Money Creek. Lafayette, the subject of this sketch, was united in marriage with Miss Etta Briggs, the ceremony taking place on the 25th of December, 1869. The union has been blessed with three children, Laura B., Jennie M., and Coralin. In 1875, both families came to this place, since which time our subject has been engaged in the livery business. Mr. Whitehouse is the second of four brothers; Jermain E., the oldest, resides at Money Creek, Edgar is dead, and Charles V., the youngest, owns a restaurant and grocery store in this place.