Rice County, Minnesota - Chapter 55: General Description - Early Settlement, 1882

Chapter 55: General Description - Early Settlement

The subdivison of Rice county bearing this revolving appellation is in the eastern tier of towns. It is composed, as originally surveyed, of thirty-six sections or sqnare miles, in all 23,040 acres. The contiguous surroundings are Northfleld on the north, Richland on the south, Cannon City township on the west, and Goodhue county on the east.

Wheeling may be called one of the prairie towns of the county, as almost all of the area is made up of prairie land. The southern portion is quite level, but as you approach the north the surface is more rolling, and the uorthwe-t corner, hilly. The soil is variable, the soutli- part being a rich dark loam, while in the north, where the prairie is more rolling, the soil is of a lighter color, in some places having a clay mixture, and in otliers it is of a sandy character. The town is well suited for all kinds of agricultural pursuits, and also makes excellent grazing land, as the fine natural meadows are covered with all species of indigenous grasses.

There are no large streams and but few small ones in the town. Prairie Creek touches the northwest quarter section as it passes on its way from Cannon City township to Northfleld. A branch of Prairie Creek starts from a S])ring on Henry C. Kolliug's laud, on section twenty-one, passing north to section sixteen, then nortliwest to section seventeen, thence north to section eight where it takes an easterly course across section nine to section ten; from there it runs in a northerly course through section three to the town of Northfleld, where it joins Prijirie Creek. This stream passes thrugh quite a deep ravine, and on the way is joined by several small rivulets. The head waters of this stream never fail, but in some places the bed is dry at times, and it is probable that there is a subterranean passage through which it passes in dry seasons. A stream called Little Cannon rises on section thirteen, and passes in an easterly direction to Goodhue county where it scion becomes (]uite a river and empties into Cannon River near the falls.

There are two limestone quarries in the town, from which considerable stone has been taken for building purposes. There are two churches and a number of private houses that have been built from this stone. One of these quarries, located on section three, is owned by S. Aslakson.

The town contains about two thousand acres of timber land, the most of which is on sections sixteen, nine, and ten, and the nortlieast quarter of section six. When it was first settled the timber was quite heavy, but the greater jJortion of the original stock has been cut, and a flourishing young growth taken its place.

The actual settlement of this town commenced iij June, 18D4, when a party of Germau.s, who had stopped for a short time in Illinois, made their appearance, having come with os teams and been four weeks on the road. The j^arty consisted of Henry Bultmann and family, Jacob Blank and family, Louis Helberg, Frieilerich Hogrefe, and John George Veeh. They arrived on the 15th of June, 1854.

Jacob Blank was the first to make a claim, and drove his stakes in sections fifteen and twentytwo, immediately commencing improvements. He had brought with him a pair of steers and two cows that he used in the yoke, and he at once put up a little hay shanty to live in; in this same little hay hut the first child born in the township first saw the light. In the fall Blank built a log house into which he moved that winter. As be could not buy any lumber ha had to manufacture it him- self. With his axe he split shakes from Oak with which to cover the roof, and for flooring he split the boards from bass wood, making them about two im'hes thick. He cut small trees in the woods which he converted into latha, nailing them inside and then plastering with clay. He lived in this house until 1804, when he built another log house. Mr. Blank improved his farm and lived there until October, 1878, when he sold out and retired to Faribault, where he is now enjoying the fruits of his labor.

Mr. Veeh made the second claim on section twenty-one. He was a widower with no family, and improved a small part of the laud. In about three years he sold and made his home with his son-in-law, .Jacob Blank, until his death wliich occurred on the 22d of February, 1873.

Louis Helberg was the third to select a home, which he did on section twenty-one. He was a single man but soon found a partner. They were the first couple married in the town. He improved the land and built a good set of buildings and made his home there until the time of his death which occurred in August, 1879. His family now occupy the homestead.

Henry Bultmann was the fourth man to make a claim which he did on section seventeen. He also built a hay shanty in which he lived a short time, then built a log house, using fence rails for the floor. He lived in that but a few years then built a frame house in which he now lives.

Mr. Hogrefe made the fifth claim, on sections seventeen and eight. He was a single man but married soon after coming here. He carried on his farm a few years then engaged in the ministry, and is now a Methodist preacher at Rochester, Olmsted county, Minnesota.

In August these colonists were joined by another of their countrymen, named Henry C. Rolling, who also came from Illinois where he had been living a few years. He selected land on section twenty-one, then went back to Illinois and returned witli bis family, living the first winter in his brother-in-law's log house, Louis Helberg. In the spring of 1855, he built a log house, sawing the lumlier with a whip-saw, and lived in that a few years; then built the neat frame house in which he now lives surrounded by the comforts of a pleasant home.

About this time the settlement of this town began in earnest, and a number of Scandinavian families came from Wisconsin where they had made a temporary stop when first coming from Norway. Those who remained here were Truls Earlandson, John Olson, Andrew Olson, Seaver Halgrimson, and Elef Trulson. They performed the tedious journey with ox teams, bringing their families. They at once improvised log residences with bark roofs, and split ba.ss wood logs for floors.

Trulson made a claim on section three where he opened a blacksmith shop; he remained there until 1872, when he sold out and moved to Kandiyohi county where he may still be found.

Hans Anderson came from Wiscon.sin where he had been sojourning, and settled in section seven. His wife was burned to death by a kerosene accident. He afterwards married Elling Johnson's widow, and now lives in Grant county.

Seaver Halgrimson, another of the party of Norwegians, arrived in July of the same year, and after drifting about a short time anchored on section five, where he remained steadfast until the gale of death unmoored and carried him off in 1870. His widow married again and still lives on the original homestead.

Elling Johnson, of Norway nativity, came from Iowa and stationed himself on section eight, where he stood guard until that insatiable enemy of immortality removed him some seven yeais ago.

Ever Bonde, of Norway, came here from Iowa, where he had been for a year, and settled on section eleven, where he spent the remainder of his days.

Ole Sherven, who first settled in Wisconsin, came to this place from Iowa, whore he had lived five years, and secured a place in section eighteen, where he is yet.

Another settler about this time w'as Augustxis Meyei' with his family,' > ho had been here but about two weeks, when one Sunday morning he shaved himself, lighted his pipe, and proposed to go to the timber to look out a road on which he coiild haul some wood to the prairie, but he never returned. Several days were spent by the whole settlement in hunting for him without avail, and it was not until eighteen months afterward that his bones were found bleaching near his shoes, pipe, and other articles, on section sixteen, on the land now owned by Henry Bultmann. The manner of his death is a profound mystery. His children still live in the county.

Hugh McDurland, a native of Pennsylvania, canie from there and halted and went to work in section thirty, and he is still bustling around there.

Ole Fingalsnn at lirst alighted in section two, to wiiich he devoted himself up to 1878, when he sold his |)lace and moved to Becker county.

Syver Aslackson came up from Houston county, where he first lived a while after crossing the Mississippi; his place was in section ten, and there he still remains.

WiUiam Grote took a claim on sections twentysix and twenty-.seven. A house was put up and he lived there to the time of his death in 1871. his widow lives in a house he was building when overtaken by the "grim messenger."

Osmund Osmundson came here from California, and at first built a timber residence in section fourteen, but he now has a brick house in section eleven.

The first birth in the township occurred on the 2d of October, 1854, in a little hay shanty put up for temporary shelter by the father. Tlie parents were Jacob and Elizabeth Blank, the child being christened Caroline. She now lives with her parents iu Faribault.

The first marriage iu the township, that there is any record of, took place on the 5th of November, 1855, tlie high contracting parties bting Louis Helberg and Wilhelmina Meyer. The groom died iu 1879.

Jacob .Tohnson and Cecelia Evan.'^on were made one by mutual consent in the spring of 185G. Tliey are now living on section four in Wheeling, and have been blessed with si.\ children.

The first town meeting was in a schoolhouse in district No. 27, on the 11th of May, 18.58. The officers elected were : Supervisors, Watts A. Pye, Chairman, Christian Erb, and Lewis Everson; Clerk, Augustus Sickler; Assessor, 01c Sherven; Collector, Lewis Helberg; Justices of the Peace, Joseph Covert and Henry C. Kolling; Overseer of the Poor, John Bi-own; Constables, George Fogg and Jacob J. Bosshart. The town government thus started has wended the even tenor of its way ever sir.ce.

The Town Hall was built in 1870. It is a frame building costing ijGOO. Its location i.s on the northeast quarter of section twenty-one. Before its completion meetings were held in private houses and in shoolhouses.

At the spring election in 1882, the following officers were elected : Supervisors, Christian Deike, Chairman, William L. T. Meyer, and O. H. Steubakken; Clerk, H. C. Kolling; Assessor, Henry Bultmann; Treasurer, Christian Deike; Justices of the Peace, Michael Knopf and Tosten E. Bonde; Constable. George Knopf.

Strtjp Maxufactokt

The firm of Roth & Lips erected and commenced operating a syrup mill in 1880, on Koth's place, on section twenty-two, and during the first year manufactured 966 gallons of syrup. In 1881, the mill changed hands and became the property of tlic Lips Brothers, who at once moved it to their farm on section fifteen where it is still located. In the fall of 1881, this company manufactured 1.300 gallons of syruj].

In 1879, Michael Knopf started a like mill at his place on section twenty-three, and this is the largest mill in the township, having manufactured in 1881, 2,100 gallons of syrup.

Stores In Wheeling

Evans Brothers, who at once ])laccd a stuck of goods on the shelves and commenced doing business; they, however, only remained four montlis when they removed to Owatonna. It was afterwards rented to various parties who continued the business until it finally became the property of the present ]5roprietors, Osmund Osmundson and Mr. Hegnes. A large stock of general merchandise is kejjt, and the store is of great convenience to the surrounding neighborhood, as thev keep good articles and sell at reusouablo prices.

Another store was erected in 1880, on the northeast quarter of section twenty-three, by Henry Knopf. It was well stocked, and opened on the 7th of July the saiiie year, being still run liy the original pi-oprietor.

The first blacksmith shoj) in the town was in' 1854, on the northeastern part of section three, by Eief Trulson, who also carried on a farm in connection w'ith his shop until 1872, when he sold out and moved to Kandiyohi county.

This is a local institution, the membership being made up of farmers, that was organized on the 13th of May, 1876, by the prominent men of the town. The following were the initial officers of the company : Trustees, Christian Deike, H. H. Kvi, M. Knopf, T, E. Bonde, John J. Hamra, G. W. Grote, and Henry Bultmann; President, Christian Deike; Treasurer, Michael Knopf; Secretary, T. E. Bonde. The amount of capital subscribed was .'i!32,400. The rate of premium was fixed at three mills on a dollar, this, however, was raised in 1881 to five mills. No losses have yet been met, and the funds are drawing interest at six per cent.

Only farmers' risks are taken, and the territory embraced includes Wheeling, Northfield, Richland, Cannon City, and Holden, in Goodhue county. The secretary reports, in 1882, that there are sixty-five policies in force, insuring S112,592. Tiie officers receive .S1.50 per day for actual work. The experiment thus far has been a great success.

Wheeling P. O. - This office was establishad in ISGU. or '61, aud named Wheeling in honor of the town. Rev. Sebastian Wei.ss was first appointed Postmaster, and kept the office at the parsonage. Jacob .T. Bosshart was the mail carrier, coming once a week from Faribault, and he succeeded tlie former Postmaster. J<jhn B. Berges is the present mail distributor, with office at the parsonage. Mail arrives three times a week, from Fariliault.

Nestr.^nd p. O. - Was established in 1878, and Augen S. Brokke appointe<l Postmaster, the office being kept at the store on section fourteen. The office was namxl bj Osmund Osmundson, in honor of his Post-office iu Norway. Henry N. Hegnes is the present Postmaster, the office being kept at the same place. Mail arrives tliree times per week from Faribault.

Below we give a short sketch of the various church organizations in Wheeling township, and as nothing can be said iu preface to them in regard to tlieir condition and growth that would not be a duplicate of what should be said of all the religious departments of the various subdivisions of Eice county, it is best it should remain unsaid here and the reader allowed to judge for himself first services by the followers of this faith were held at the residence of John Oleson, on section six. the minister being Rev. Nils Brandt, aud he, also lield services in various places throughout the town. In 1856, a society was organized just over the line iu Goodhue county, and. the members in Wlieeling attended there. On one occasion, on June 18th, 18.58, a meeting was held by the above mentioned Reverend in Oaptain John Hanson's grove, ou tlie soutliwest quarter of section eight, and thirty-three eliildren were baptized. In 1866, tliH society ei-eeted a neat and commodious stone building on section throe, in Wheeling. Rev. B. .F. Muus was tlie first minister, and Rev. N. A. (^uammen the present j)astor.

Geijman Methodist Church. - The first meetings by this denomination were held in Jacob Blank's house ou sectiou twenty-two. Rev. Mr. Zollman being the first preacher. They organized in 18.56, with F.Orochtenmire as preacher; he also organized a Sabbath school at Jacob Blank's house.

where it was held through the year 1856, and Mr. Grochtenmire preached one year. In 1857, he was succeeded by G. Siebrasse, and Rev. William Pagenhart is the present pastor. They held meetings in private houses until 1862, when they built their church <m the northeast quarter of section twenty-five. The congregation is made up partly from Goodhue county. There are about fifty members and quite a large congregation.

Germ.\n United Church. - This was organized in 1856, as a part of the Northwestern Conference, and in the spring of 1857, they erected a small log church on the northeastern part of section twenty-eight. At the conference held that fall. Rev. August Bremer was appointed as pastor. He retained the charge for about two years, and then for a like period they were without a ministerial agent. At this time Rev. Sebastian Weiss took the charge and remained about six years when he was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Lang, who lield until the present pastor. Rev. John D. Berges, took the pulpit. When first organized there were about eighteen members, which has increased to sixtyfive. In the fall of 1869, the log church was burned, and in 1870, a stone edifice was erected on the old site, at a cost of about $5,000.

Salem Church. - This congregation belongs to the Evangelical Association of North America. The first services by this society were held in Paul Wolf's house on section fourteen, in 1856, with Rev. Andreas Turnutzer as the officiating minister. The preacher came from St. Paiil on horseback. Th,i society continued to hold meetings in private houses until 1861, when they erected their neat and substantial edifice on section twenty-four. Rev. Mr. Hamraetter, was the first preacher to expound the sacred word in the church. There are now ninety members, many being from the adjoining county of Goodhue, and Rev. Julius J. Manthay is the present pastor.

DisTRUvr No. 61. - This district was organized in 1860, and a schoolhouse put up the same year on section fourteen. This was a frame building and served a good purpose until 1876, when a brick building was constructed on the old site.

Di.sTKic'T No. 72. - An organization was effected in 1867, and a schoolhouse erectea on section thirty -one. This is a union district extending into Richlaiul.

Wicekltng To Wnsihp

organized, and the first schoolhouse built of logs on section eleven. This house was used until 1S71. when the present house was built at acostof S800. It is a nice frame house, located where the old one stood. Miss Fannie Thorpe and llalver Kvi were teachers at an early day.

DisTBicT No. 27. - In 1857, this district oarae to existence, the first meeting being at the lionso of George Fisher. In the spring of that year a house was built on section seventeen, and in the fall of 1867, a new house was built on the same spot; E. S. Sonious was the first teacher in the new house.

DiSTElCT No. 41. - At an early day this house was built in the uewly organized district, and was placed on section four where it still stands Imt irr long must be replaced by a new one.

District No. 5. - In 1861, this was called into being as a separate district and tlic same year a tidy little frame building was constructed ou section twenty-six. The school here is usually in the winter, as the residents being Germans send their children for six mouths each year to a denominational school.

Hemry Achterkirch, a native of Germany, was horn on the 19th of November, 1837, attended school in his native country until sixteen years of age, then emigrated to America, remained three mouths in New York and came to Cook county, Illinois, where he had an aunt. In 1857, after farming in the latter county, he went to the southern part of the State antl on to Tennessee where he visited his uncle, then went to Missouri in search of land, but soon returned to Illinois. In 1860, he came to Minnesota and secured a farm in Wheeling township on section twenty -one, but engaged in farming for Henry Grote to obtain money to improve his own laud. On the 16th of August, 1862, he enlisted in the Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company B.; was with Hully's expedition up the Yellowstone, then ordered south in 1864, and participated in the battle of Murfreesborough; was ordered to Washington and thence to Goldsboro, where they met Sherm:in, going by way of Fort Fisher and Moorhead City. He was honorably discharged on the 11th of .July, 1865, and rotui-ned to his farm. On the 6th of May, 1866, Miss Louise Lindermann became his wife. The union has been blessed with seven children; Charles W., Minnie, Emma, Eddie, who iSyvhr AsIjAKSon, one of the pioneers of Minnesota, was born in Norway in March, 1830, where he attended school and worked on a farm. In 1850, he married Miss Margaret Olson, and the same year emigrated to Am<>rica, landed at New- York, and went to Kook county, Wiscon.sin, by the way of Albany, Butfalo, and the great lakes. In 1853, he came to Min'nosota, settled in Houston county and staked a claim, and three years later sold out and came to Rice county, taking a claim in Wheeling, section ten. He has a good house and numerous outbuildings. Ho is the father of .seven children; Aslak, Ole, Kirstiua, Lewis, Thomas, Sever, and .John. Aslak was married to Miss Ingebor N. O. Stoandi-mo in 1877, and moved to Stearns county in the spring of the following year, engaged in farming. Kirstiua was married to Mr. J. J. Johnson in the spring of 1880; they own a farm in this township in section four.

Rev. John D. Bebges was born in Prussia on the 28th of January, 1838, and reared on a farm. In 1854, he came to America, landed at New Orleans and went directly to Missouri, where he was engaged in farming two years, then came to Iowa and made his home in Burlington uutil 1860, He then returned to Jlissouri and entered the Theological Seminary, studied there six years, when he was ordained as a minsster at Evansville, Indiana. He was immediately sent to Ohio, where he had charge of two societies, one in Stark and one in Tuscarawas county. In two years he removed to Washington county, Wisconsin, and three years later to Primrose, Lee county, Iowa, where he remained four years, then came to Wheeling, where he now resides, having charge of the (xerraan United Evangelical church and the school connected with it. He married in 1867, Miss Eiise Moery, who bore him one child, Lydia, and died in 1868. The next year Elizabeth Gutli became his wife. She liore him one child, Herman Lorenzo, who died on the 14th of September, 1870. seven months old, and the mother died the same day, aged nineteen years. In 1871, he married Miss Wilhelmina Guth, who has borne him five children; Elizal)eth, Lorenz, John, Edward, and Annie.

Mark Bosshakt, deceased, one of tlic pioneers of Rice county, was born in Switzerland in 1807. He was married in 1832, to Miss Regula Ludwig.

He eD,i?ageJ in working in a machine shop until 18o7, when he purchasod a farm. He emigrated to America in 1856, landed at New York, came directly to this county and took land in Wheeling on section twenty-two, and lived there until 1868, then resided with his son until his death. He was the father of two children; Elizabeth, born in 1833, who married Henry Lips and died in 1871; and Jacob. Tlie father died in 1872, and the mother in 1875.

Jacob J. Bossuakt, son of Mark Bosshart, was also born in Switzerland in 1835, and reared on a farm. In 1853, he came to America, landed at New York, then went to Philadelphia; remaining four weeks, then to I)u Page county, Illinois, and two months and a half later to Galena, where he engaged as tii-em.m of a steamer on the Mississippi River. In the fall of 1853, he went to work iu the pineries in Wisconsin, and in the spring came to Burlington, Iowa, with a raft, and soon after removed to Highland, Bladison county, Illinois, then to Cairo and thence to St. Louis, where he remained aliont eight weeks. He then went up the Missouri to St. Jo, Kansas City, and Fort Atkinson, Iowa. Early in the spring of 1855, he set out on foot and came to about eighty miles west of Maukato, then returned to Iowa, passing Rice county iu June. In July of the same year he came again to this county and staked a claim in Wheeling cm section twenty-seven, where he still resides. The next year he went to New York to meet his parents, who returned with him. In 1860, he married Miss Sophia Helberg, and thev have eight children; Anna, Herman, Mary, Sojihia, William, Henry, Frank, and John. He first built a log house, which was burned in 1857 by a prairie fire, then erected another log structure, and in 1867 their present frame house. In 1875, he built a barn, 40x60 feet, with a stone basement.

Ever H. Bondr, deceased, was born in Norway, in December, 1800, and reared on a farm. He was united in marriage in 1835, with Miss Berret Bonde. They were blessed with five children, two of whom are living; Tosten and Halver. In 1S40, Mr. Bonde emigrated to America, landed at Quebec and came directly to Wisconsin, settling in Port Washington, where he remained until the spring of 1854, then to Winuesheik county, Iowa, and from there to Rice county, where he took land. He improved the land and built a log house in which he lived until his death, which occurred in 1875. His wife died two years later, seventyfive years of age. Their oldest son, Tosten, was born in Norway, on the 12th of January, 1843, came to America with his parents and made his home with them. He was married in April, 18G7, to Miss Ingebor Oleson. They have been blessed with seven children ; Edward, who died the 5th of April, 1882, fourteen years and three months old; Thomas, who died in 1870, two years old; Thomas, Barnard, Oscar, who died on the 28th of March, 1882, five yearsof age; Annie, and Albert, who died on the 5th of April, 1882, one year old. Mr. Bonde now occupies the old homestead. In 1870, he built a barn 35x57 feet, and in 1875, he erected the stone house in which they now live. He has been elected to offices of trust in the town, and is Justice of the Peace at present. His brother, Halver, lives in Swift county.

Christian Deike was bom in Germany on the 13th of December, 1834. He attended school and worked on a farm and when twenty years old enlisted in the German army and served three years. In 1858, he emigrated to America, landed in New York on the 29th of May and came directly to Cook county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. In the fall of 1859, he came to Minnesota, bought land iu Wheeling, section thirty-two, and has since improved it. He married in 1864, Miss Friederike Grote. In 1863, he built a frame house, and in 1876 built the lirick residence in which he now lives. In 1875, he erected a barn 40x60 feet with a stone basement. Mr. Deike has been Town Treasurer, is Chairman of the board of Supervisors and is serving his second term as County Commissioner. He is Director and President of the Wheeling Mutual Fire Insurance Company and Treasurer and Secretary of the German church.

WiLHELM Friedrioh was born in Germany on the 21st of June, 1821, and commenced to learn the carpenter trade when sixteen years old. On the 19th of January, 1849, he married Miss Augusta Grose. In 1854, they emigrated to America landed at Quebec, came directly to Chicago, and in four weeks went west thirty miles, where he engaged at his trade until 1856, then came to this county and took land in Wheeling, section twenty-eight, where they stili Reside. He first built a small frame house and in 1875 built their ))resent larger one. Mr. and Mrs. Friedrich have had ten children; Pauline, Emil, Augusta,

Henry Gkote, Sr., was born in Germany on the 22d of June, 1812, attended seliool and worked on a farm. He was united in marriage on the 26th of September, 1847, with Miss Frcdrica Abolraan, and three years later they emigrated to America, landed at New York and came directly to Illinois where he had a brother. He made his home there until the fall of 1854, then came to Minnesota and located a claim in Wheeling, section seventeen. He spent the winter with Henry Bultman and in the spring built a log house in which they lived until 1870, when he erected his present brick house. His wife died on the 3d of June, 1880, leaving three children; Henry W., Mary, and Caroline. Their only son, Henry W., was born in Cook county, Illinois, on the 27th of January, 1851. He has attended both German and English .schools and was confirmed on the 2M of April, 18(55. On the 13th of April. 1874, Miss Augusta Budde became his wife. They had one child, T. C. H. William. Mrs. Grote died on the 28th of February,

1875. In 1876, he married Miss Mary E. T. Bieman, and tliey have had five children tour of whom are living; Minnie, Henry, Annie, and Louise. He now owns his father's farm and the latter still lives with his son.

August Hansino, son of Ludwig Hansing, was born in Illinois, on the 8th of February, 1855. When three years of age he removed with his parents to Minnesota where he has been reared to agricultural pursuits, meanwhile attending both German and English schools. His father died in

Henry N. Hegnes was born in Norway on the 4th of July, 1857, and when sixteen years of age commenced to learn the blacksmith trade, at which he worked two years, then came to America. He landed at Quebec, went to Goodluie county and engaged in blacksmithing three years, then clerked for a time and afterward purchased a half interest in a store with A. H. Brokke in Wheeling. The latter sold to Osmund Osraundson and they still continue in the business, carrying a large stock of general merchandise. Mr. Hegnes is Postmaster of Nerstand Post-ofHce. He married in 1878, Miss Eliza Eothi, who has borne him three children; Nils, Helmar, and Oscar.

Lewis Helbeuo, decc^ased, one of the pioneers of Bice county, was born in Gerruanv on the lltli of February, 1829, and reared on a farm. In 1847, ho came with his pannits to .\morica, landed at (Quebec and came direc^tly to Chicago, working on a farm iu that vicinity uniil 1852, wlien ho engaged in draying two years, then came to Minnesota. He went to Mankato and St. Peter, made a claim in that locality, and returned to Clucago for a team and two cows; then, in comjiany witli four others, came again to Minnesota. On reaching Wheeling, in this count}, they were unable to drive further, the mus(]uitoes were so numerous, and consequently settled here. Mr. Helljerg was married in 1855, to Miss Wilhelmina Myer, the ceremony being the first performed in the township. The union was blessed with eight children; Caroline, Sojihia, Bertha, John, William, Emma, Anna,and Ernestine. He staked out a claim in section twenty-one and erected the first house in the jjlace, and in 1863, built a frame residence in which he lived until his death in August, 1879. Mr. Helberg was an honest and upright citizen, and held a nnmlier of town ollices, being the first tax collector.

Friedrrih Helbeuo, a native of Germany, was born on the 5th of February, 1824, and in 1846, emigrated to America. He landed in New York and went to Chicago, where he worked on a farm, la 1853, he married Miss Caroline Meese, and two years later they came to Minnesota and settled in Wheeling, taking a claim iu section nine, and then bought land in section twentyeight, built a log house in which he lived five years, then built a frame house, and in 1877, erected their present lirick dwelling. Mi-, and Mrs. Helberg were lilessed with eleven children, but three of whom are living; Herman, Sophia, and Mary. Louise died on the 5th of January, 1861, two years old; Franz P. on the 13tli of August, 1862,-two years old; Henry, on the 30th of November, 1864, aged eight years; Frederick F., on the 14th of December, 1864, at the age of nine yeai's and ten months; Charles, on the 24th of December, 1864, four years old; Caroline, on the 7th of January, 1865, when twelve years old; Ludwig,on the 2lRt of May, 186-(, at the age of two years, and Wilhelmina, on the 19th of August, 1870, at the -age of eleven months.

April, 1821, ami attendecj school in his native couutrv'. lu 1845, he emigrated to America, Ciime to Illinois and made his home in Cook county until tlie fall of 1854, then came to this county and staked out a claim in section twentyone, Wheeling township. In 1855,heputin his first crop, a few acres of oats and corn, and the next year ])ut in ten acres of wheat. He threshed it by hand and carried it to market in Hastings, a distance of forty miles. In 1855, he built a log liouse 16x22, and ten years later built their present frame house. In 1869, he erected a bam 40x58, with an addition 30x30. Mr. Kolliug has been repeatedly elected to local offices, and is the present Town Clerk.

John A. M.\ther, deceased, was born iu Franklin county, Massachusetts, in July, 1822, reared on a farm and learned the carpenters trade. He was married iu-1847, to Miss Mary E. Bedient, a native of New York. In 1848, he came to Wisconsin and took a timber claim in Waushara county; soon sold that, however, and purchased on Burr Oak Prairie, where he lived until 1857, then removed to Minnesota and settled in Richland, Bice county, taking land on section twenty-six. He improvetl the laud, built a log house and lived there until 1865, when he sold, and bought a farm on section twenty-seven, in this township. They lived in a log house till 1871, when Mr. Mather erected a frame house which sheltared him until his death on the 7th of March, 1875. He had a family of live children, tlu'ec of whom are living. He was one of tlie first Board of Sujjervisors. His widow now resides with her son, John H. The eldest sou, James S., was born in Wisconsin, on the 8th of January, 1852, and came to Minnesota with his parents. In 1872, he bought a farm in section twenty-two. The following year, Miss Emma Fanning became his wife, and has biirue him three children. In 1875, he lost his house by tire, and immediately built their present residence. He is engaged in stock raising and dairying. Mr. Mather has been elected to a number of local offices, and is the present town Treasurer.

EnNST Meese, a native of Illinois, was born in Cook county, on the 4(h of February, 1846, and received his education in the district school. In 1805, he came to Minnesota, lived two years on a farm of Lis brother's, then located on his present place. On the 17th of May, 1807, Miss Louise

Rodewall became his wife. Their children are; Mena, Sophia, Caroline, Ida, Lizzie. Margaret- George, Annie, and Birdie. In 1876, he built the house iu which he now lives, and the next year built a barn.

Peter H. Odegard, generally known as Peter H. Halverson, was born in Norway on the 7th of May, 1837, and when thirteen years old emigrated with his parents to America. They went to Green county, Wisconsin by way of Albany, Buffah), and the great lakes. Peter remained there but a short time, going to Illinois, where he engaged in farming one year, then returned to Wisconsin. In 1854, he removed with his parents to Minnesota, and four years later settled on school land iu section thirty-six in Wheeling. On the Kith of July, 1867, he married Miss Guro Allen, who has borne him eight children, four of them now living. He first built a log house, and in 1876, built their present brick house. His farm is supplied with good out buildings.

Hon. Osmund O.smund.son was born in Norway, near the city of Stavanger, on the 7th of March, 182G. He attended school in his younger days, afterward engaged at the carpenter trade, then was on the sea five years. In 1850, he emigrated to America, landing in New York on the 29th of June, then went by steamer to Albany, from there on the Erie canal to Buffalo, and thence by steamer to Milwaukee. He was in Rock county one year, then went to Walworth county and from there, in 1853, to California where be engaged in mining in Nevada county three years then returned to Wisconsin and thence, in the fall of 1856, to Minnesota. He was married in 1857, to Miss Ann Benson, the ceremony taking place in Houston county. Mr. Osmundson settled in Wheeling, taking land on section fourteen and has since bought two hundred ' and forty acres iu section eleven. He lived in a log cabin until 1861, then built a frame house and in 1880, erected his present briitk house. Sir. and Mrs. Osmundson have had eight children; Andrew Bernhart, Albert Oscar, Samuel Milton, John Gabriel, Russell Edward, Esther Hebiue, Ambrosia Sophia, and Andrew Bernhart, who was born in May, 1858, and died on the 6th of December, 1874, while attending the Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa. Mrs. Osmundson die3 on the 26th of April, 1882. Mr. Osmundson has filled a number of local offices, has served as County Conmiissioner and two terms in the State Legislature.

Hans H. Kinde, a native of Norway, was born on the (Jtli of April, 1829, and attended kcIiooI until fifteen years old, then was employed on a farm. In 1853, he raarried Miss Kosa Nilson and the same year they came to America, landed at New York and came directly to Dane county, Wisconsin, where they remained until 1855, then, in com])anv with four other families, came with an ox team to Minnesota. He settled in Wheeling, staked out a claim in section two, built a log house and in 18()2, erected their present frame house. In 1864, he enlisted in the Fourth Minnesota Infantry, Company H, went south and joined Sherman at Atlanta and was with him in his famous march to the sea. He was discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, in July, 1865, and then returned to his farm. He has purchased more land and now has a fine farm of four hundred acres. Mr. and Mrs. Rinde have been blessed with ten children ; Henry, Nils, Ole, Theodore, Anna, Ellie, Inger, Helena, Johanna, and Genie.

Ole Shebven was born in Norway on the 2()th of July, 1831. He went to school and worked on a farm in his niitive country. In 1850, he emigrated to America, landed at New York, then went to Albany, thence to Buffalo, and thence to Milwaukee by way of the great lakes. He remained three weeks in Dane county, Wisconsin, then with oxen drove to Winneshiek county, Iowa, took land, built a log house and remained there five years. He was married in 1853, to Miss Inger Thoeson. He came to Rice county, Minnesota, and settled in Wheeling, section eighteen, where he still resides. He liuilt a log house in which he lived seven years then erected their present frame house and in 1878, lie built a barn 40x64 feet with a stone basement, and in 1881, a granary 20x30 with an addition 12x20. Mr. and Mrs. Sherven were blessed with eight children, five of whom are living; Oliver, Theodore, Andrew, John, and Edward. Mrs. Sherven died in 1870. thirty -eight years of age. In 1876, he married Miss Maria Erickson and they have one child, Julius. Mr. Sherven has held a number of local offices and was the first Assessor of the town.

Han.s O. Stenbakken, one of the pioneers of Rice county, was born in Norway, in June, 1825, attended school for a time and subsequently engaged in herding cattle. In 1846, he married Miss Carrie Erickson, who bore him six children, five of them now living; Ragnil, Ole, Erick, Thor, and

Gunnild. In 1854, they came to America, landed in Quebec and came directly to Rock county, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming. In the spring of 1856, he came to Wheeling and staked out a claim in section twelve, built a small log house which was plastered with clay, then built a larger one, and in 1871, erected a frame house. His wife died on the 28th of May, 1862, and two years later Miss Mary Ol.son became his wife. His son Erick occupies one farm, and his youngest son another on section four, while Hans expects to spend the remainder of his life with his son, Ole, on the old homestead.

Ole H. Stenbakken was born in Norway on the 17th of December, 1848. When six years old he came with his parents to America, landed at (Quebec and came directly to Rock county, Wiscousiui where he remeined two years, and came to Rice county, Minnesota, settling in Wheeling. His father pre-empted land in section twelve at the same time. Ole was luiited in marriage on the 13th of December, 1875, with Miss Berget H. Rank. They have been blessed with three children; Kari Maria, Hannah Solihia, and Gena Karina. He bought his father's farm upon which he now resides. He is serving his third term as a member of the board of Supervisors.

EnicK H. Stenbakken was l)orn in Norway on the 16tb of October, 1851, and three years later came with his parents to America. They settled in Rock county. Wisconsin, and in 1856, came to Minnesota and located in Wheeling. Erick attended the ilistrict school and went one term to St. Olafs College in Northfield and has since devoted his hime to farming. In 1880, he married Miss Randi Halverson, who has borne him one child, Hans Christian. He has a farm in sections twelve and thirteen. On the twenty-fourth anniversary of his birth he met with a sad accident, having his right hand crushed in a threshing machine so badly as to necessitate amputaticm.

John Thompson was born in Norway in 1821, and reared on a farm. He \vas married in 1846, I'.is bride being Miss Julia Benson. In 1848, they came to America, landed at New York and went to Milwaukee by the way of Albany, Buffalo, and the great lakes, from thence to Rock county, Wisconsin, and in 1856, removed to Rice county, Minnesota, and located in Wheeling, section two. He first built a log house and in 1863. erected bis present frame house. They were blessed with ten

T. A. Vebles. a native of Norway, was born on the 2d of October, 1818. He attended school, worked on a farm, and was employed at the carpenter trade in his native place. In 1846, he was united in marriage with Miss Kari Bundy. In 1817, they emigrated to America, landed at Quebec, came directly to Port Washington, Wisconsin, and remained there one year, then removed to Slicb )ygan, and six years later to Mount Vernon. In 18(30, he came to Minnesota, located in this county and bought land in Wheeling, section twelve, erecting the frame house in which they now live, the second year. In 1872, he built a' barn 48x62. Mr. and Mrs. Veblen have been blessed with twelve children, nine of whom are living; Andrew, Betsey E., Austin A., Tosten, luger, Mary. Thomas, Edward, and Hannah. Mr. Veblen has always taken a great interest in education. Andrew, Tosten, and Inger are graduates of Carleton College at Northfield. Andrew is now attending the University at Baltimore, and Tosten is at Yale College in New Haven; Thomas and Austin have both attended Carleton College, th<? former being obliged to leave on account of poor health, while Austin is engaged in mercantile pursuits at Blooming Prairie, Steele county.