Wheeling Township

Chapter Lv General Description Early Settlement

The subclivison 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 square miles, in all 23,040 acres. The contiguous surroundings are Northfield on the north, Richland on the south, Cannon City townshijj 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 northwest corner, hilly. The soil is variable, the southern 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 others it is of a sandy character. The town is well suited for all kinds of agricultural pursuits, and also makes excellent grazing laud, 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 Northfield. A branch of Prairie Creek starts from a spring on Henry C. Kolling's laud, on section twenty-one, passing north to section sixteen, then northwest 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 Northfield, where it joins Prairie 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 soon becomes quite 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 northeast quarter of section six. When it was first settled the timber was quite heavy, but the greater portion of the original stock has been cut, and a flourishing young growth taken its place.

Early Settlement

The actual settlement of this town commenced in June, 1854, when a party of Germans, who had stopped for a short time in Illinois, made their appearance, having come with ox teams and been four weeks on the road. The party consisted of Heury Bultmann and family, Jacob Blank and family, Louis Helberg, Priederioh 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 he could not buy any lumber he 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 inches thick. He cut small trees in the woods which he converted into laths, naiUng them inside and then [jlasteriug with clay. He lived in this house until 1864, 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 which 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 cokmists 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 Ilhuois and returned with his 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 lumber 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 bass 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 Wisconsin where he had been sojourning, and settled in section seven. His wife was burned to death by a kerosene accident. He afterwards married Filing 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 years ago.

Ever Bonde, of Norway, came here from Iowa, where he had been foi' 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, where he had lived five years, and secured a place in section eighteen, where he is yet.

Another settler about this time was Augustus Meyer with his family, who 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 could haul some wood to the prairie, but he never i-e - turned. 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, jDipe, 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, came from there and halted and went to work in section thirty, and he is still bustling around there.

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

William 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.

Events Op Interest

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. The parents were Jacob and Elizabeth Blank, the child being christened Caroline. She now lives with her parents in Faribault.

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

Jacob Johnson and Cecelia Evanson were made one by mutual consent in the spring of 1856. They are now living on section four in Wheeling, and have been blessed with six children.

The first town meeting was in a schoolhouse in district No. 27, on the 11th of May, 1858. The officers elected were: Supervisors, Watts A. Pye, Chairman, Christian Erb, and Lewis Eversou; Clerk, Augustus Sickler; Assessor, Ole Sherven; Collector, Lewis Helberg; Justices of the Peace, Joseph Covert and Henry C. Rolling; Overseer of the Poor, John Brown; Constables, George Fogg and Jacob J. Bosshart. The town government thus started has wended the even tenor of its way ever since.

The Town Hall was built in 1870. It is a frame building co.sting >i&Q(i. Its location is 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. Rolling; Assessor, Henry Bultmann ; Treasurer, Christian Deike ; Justices of the Peace, Michael Knopf and Tosten E. Boude; Constable, George Knopf.

Stkup Manupactokt

The firm of Both & Lips erected and commenced operating a syrvip mill in 1880, on Roth'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 the 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 syrup.

In 1879, Michael Knopf started a like mQl 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.

Stokes In Wheeling

Evans Brothers, who at once placed a stock of goods on the shelves and commenced doing business; they, however, only remained four months 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 proprietors, Osmund Osmundson and Mr. Hegnes. A large stock of general merchandise is kept, and the store is of great convenience to the surrounding neighborhood, as they keep good articles and sell at reasonable prices.

Another store was erected in 1880, on the northeast quarter of section tweuty-thiee, by Henry Knopf. It was well stocked, and opened on the 7th of July the same year, being still run by the original proprietor.

Blacksmithing

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

Wheeling Mutual Fike Insurance Company

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. Kuopf, T. E. Bonde, John J. Hamra, G. W. Grote, and Henry Bultmann; President, Christian Deike; Treasurer, Michael Knopf; Secretary, T. E. Boude. The amount of capital subscribed was .$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 .$112,592. The officers receive $1.50 per day for actual work. The experiment thus far has been a great success.

Post-Offices

Wheeling P. O. - This office was establishad in 1860, or '61, aod named Wheeling in honor of the town. Eev. Sebastian Weiss was first appointed Posttnaster, and kept the office at the parsonage. Jacob J. Bosshart was the mail carrier, coming once a week from Faribault, and he succeeded the former Postmaster. John B. Berges is the present mail distributor, with office at the parsonage. Mail arrives three times a week, from Faribault.

Nestrand p. O. - Was established in 1878, and Augen 8. Brokke appointed Postmaster, the office being kept at the store on section fourteen. The office was namsd by Osmund Osmundson, in honor of his Post-office in Norway. Henry N. Hegnes is the present Postmaster, the office being kept at the same place. Mail arrives three 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 in preface to them in regard to their condition and growth that would not be a duplicate of what should be said of all the religious departments of the various subdivisions of Kice county, it is best it should remain unsaid here and the reader allowed to judge for himself

Lutheran Evangelical Denomination. - The first services by the followers of this faith were held at the residence of John Oleson, on section sis, the minister being Eev. Nils Brandt, and he, also held services in various places throughout the town. In 1856, a society was organized just over the line in Goodhue county, and the members in Wheeling attended there. On one occasion, on June 18th, 18.58, a meeting was held by the above mentioned Reverend in Captain John Hanson's grove, on the southwest quarter of section eight, and thirty-three children were baptized. In 1866, the society erected a neat and commodious stone building on section three, in Wheeling. Rev. B. J. Muus was the first minister, and Rev. N. A. Quammen the present pastor.

German Methodist Church. - The first meetings by this denomination were lield in Jacob Blank's house on section twenty-two, Rev. Mr. Zollman being the first preacher. They organized in 1856, with F. Grocliteumire 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 on 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.

German' 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 Eev. Sebastian Weiss took the charge and remained about six years when he was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Lang, who held 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 .fS.OOO.

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. Paul on horseback. Th8 society continued to hold meetings in private houses until 1861, when they erected their neat and substantial edifice on section twenty-four. Rev. Mr. Hammetter, 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. Mauthay is the present pastor. educational.

District 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.

District No. 72. - An organization was effected in 1867, and a schotlhouse erected on section thirty-one. This is a union district extending into Richland.

organized, aud the first schoolbouse built of logs on section eleven. This house was used until 1871, when the ]5resent house was built at a cost of S800. It is a nice frame house, located where the old one stood. Miss Fannie Thorpe and Halver Kvi were teachers at an early day.

District No. 27. - In 1857, this district came to existence, the first meeting being at the house 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. Senious was the first teacher in the new house.

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

DisTRi'jT No. 5. - In 1861, this was called into being as a separate district and the same year a tidy little frame building was constructed on section twenty-six. The school here is usually in the winter, as the residents being Germans send their children iov sis months each year to a denominational school.

Biographical

Henby Achterkibch, a native of Germany, was born on the 19th of November, 1837, attended school in his native country until sixteen years of age, then emigrated to America, remained three months 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 and 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 Sully'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 Shermnn, going by way of Fort Fisher and Moorhead City. He was honorably discharged on the 11th of July, 1865, and returned 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

Sy%-er Aslakson, 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 America, landed at New York, and went to Eock county, Wisconsin, by the way of Albany, Buffalo, and the great lakes. In 1853, he came to Minnesota, settled in Houston county and staked a claim, and three years later sold out and came to Rice coimty, taking a claim in Wheeling, section ten. He has a good house and numerous outbuildings. He is the father of seven children; Aslak, Ole, Kirstina, Lewis, Thomas, Sever, and John. Aslak was married to Miss Ingebor N. O. Stoandemo in 1877, and moved to Stearns county in the spring of the following year, engaged in farming. Kirstina was married to Mr. J. J. Johnson in the spring of 1880; they own a farm in this township in section four. .

Eev. John D. Berges 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 until 1860, He then returned to Missouri 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 German United Evangelical church and the school connected with it. He married in 1867, Miss Elise Moery, who bore him one child, Lydia, and died in 1868. The next year Elizabeth Guth became his wife. She bore 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; Elizabeth, Lorenz, John, Edward, and Annie.

Mark Bosshaet, deceased, one of the pioneers of Eice county, was born in Switzerland in 1807. He was married in 1832, to Miss Eegula Ludwig.

History Of Bice Gownty

He engaged in working in a machine shop until 1857, when he purchased a farm. He emigrated to America in 1856, landed at New York, came directly to this county and took land in Wheeling OB section twenty-two, and lived there until 1868, then resided with his son until his death. He was the father of two children; Ehzabeth, born iu 1833, who married Henry Lips and died in 1871; and Jacob. The father died in 1872, and the mother in 1875.

Jacob J. Bosshaet, son of Mark Bossbart, 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 Du Page county, Illinois, and two months and a half later to Galena, where he engaged as fireman of a steamer on the Mississippi Eiver. In the fall of 1853, he went to work in the pineries iu Wisconsin, and in the sjoring came to Burlington, Iowa, with a raft, and soon after removed to Highland, Madison county, Illinois, then to Cairo and thence to St. Louis, where he remained about eight weeks: He then went up the Missouri to St. Jo, Kansas City, and Fort Atkinsou, Iowa. Early in the spring of 1855, he set out on foot and came to about eighty miles west of Mankato, then returned to Iowa, passing Bice county in June. In July of the same year he came again to this county and staked a claim in Wheeling on 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 they have eight children; Anna, Herman, Mary, Sophia, 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. Bonde, 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; Tosteu and Halver. In 1849, 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 Winnesheik county, Iowa, and from there to Eice 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, 1867, 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 years of 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 born 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 laud in 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 brick 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 Friedeich 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 still reside. He first built a small frame house and in 1875 built their present 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 school and worked on a farm. He was united in marriage on the 26th of September, 1847, with Miss Fredrioa Abolman, and three years later they emigrated to America, lauded 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 23d of April, 1865. On the 13th of April, 1874, Miss Augusta Bndde 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 they have had five children four 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 Hansing, 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

Henky 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 Goodhue 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 Osmundson and they still continue in the business, carrying a large stock of general merchandise. Mr. Hegnes is Postmaster of Nerstand Post-office. He married in 1878, Miss Eliza Rothi, who has borne him three children; Nils, Heimar, and Oscar.

Lewis Helberg, deceased, one of the pioneei's of Rice county, was born in Germany on the 11th of February, 1829, and reared on a farm. In 1847, he came with his parents to America, landed at Quebec and came directly to Chicago, working on a farm in that vicinity uniil 1852, when he engaged in draying two years, then came I'o Minnesota. He went to Mankato and St. Peter, made a claim in that locality, and returned to Chicago for a team and two cows; then, in company with four others, came again to Minnesota. On reaching Wheeling, in this county, they were unable to drive further, the musquitoes were so numerous, and consequently settled here. Mr. Helberg 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, Sophia, Bertha, John, WiUiam, Emma, Anna, and Ernestine. He staked out a claim in section twenty-one and erected the first house in the place, 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 number of town offices, being the first tax collector.

Friedrioh Helberg, 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. In 1853, he married Miss Caroline Meese, and two years later they came to Minnesota and settled in Wheeling, taking a claim in 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 brick dwelling. Mr. and Mrs. Helberg were blessed 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 F. on the 13th 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 years and ten months; Charles, on the 24th of December, 1864, four years old; Caroline, on the 7th of January, 186 5,when twelve years old; Ludwig,on the 2l8t 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, aud attended school in his native country. In 1845, he emigrated to America, came to Illinois and made his home in Cook ooanty until the fall of 1854, then came to this county and staked out a claim in section twentyone, Wheeling township. In 18.55,he put in his first crop, a few acres of oats aud corn, and the next year put in ten acres of wheat. He threshed it by hand and carried it to market in Hastings, a distance of forty miles. In 185.5, he built a log house 16x22, and ten years later built their present frame house. In 1869, he erected a barn 40x58, with an addition 30x30. Mr. Kolling has been repeatedly elected to local offices, and is the present Town Clerk.

John A. Mathee, deceased, was born in Franklin county, Massachusetts, in July, 1822, reared on a farm and learned the carpenters trade. He was married in 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, Eice county, taking land on section twenty-six. He improved the land, 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 sheltered him until his death on the 7th of March, 1875. He had a family of five children, three of whom are living. He was one of the first Board of Suijervisors. His widow now resides with her son, John H. The eldest son, James S., was bom 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 Emrna Fanning became his wife, and has borne him tbree children. In 1875, he lost his house by fire, and immediately built their j)resent 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.

Ebnst Meese, a native of Illinois, was born in Cook county, <m the 4th of February, 1846,_and received his education in the district school. In 1865, he came to Miuue.sota, lived two years on a farm of his brother's, then located on his present place. On the 17th of May, 1867, Miss Louise

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

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, Buffalo, 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 in section thirty-six in Wheeling. On the 16th 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 Osmundson was born in Norway, near the city of Stavanger, on the 7th of March, 1826. 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 Bufl'alo, 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 he 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 in section eleven. He lived in a log cabin until 1861, then built a frame house and in 1880, erected his present brick house. Mr. and Mrs. Osmundson have had eight children; Andrew Bernhart, Albert Oscar, Samuel Milton, John Gabriel, Russell Edward, Esther Hebine, 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 died on the 26th of April, 1882. Mr. Osmundson has filled a number of local offices, has served as County Commissioner and two terms in the State Legislature.

Hans H. Rinde, a native of Norway, was born on the 6th of April, 1829, and attended school until fifteen years old, then was employed on a farm. In 1853, he married Miss Eosa Nilson and the same year they came to America, landed at New York and came directlj' to Dane county, Wisconsin, where they remained until 1855, then, in company 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 1862, 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 cliildren ; Henry, Nils, Ole, Theodore, Anna, Ellie, Inger, Helena, Johanna, and Genie.

Ole Sheeven was born in Norway on the 26th of July, 1831. He went to school and worked on a farm in his native 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 built a log house in which he lived seven years tlien erected their present frame house and in 1878, he 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.

Hans O. Stenbakken, one of the pioneers of Rice county, was born in Norway, in June, 1825, attended school for a time and subse<'[uently 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 Olson 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, Wisconsin) where he remuined two years, and came to Rice county, Minnesota, settling in Wheeling. His father pre-empted laud in section twelve at the same time. Ole was united in marriage on the 13th of December, 1875, with Miss Berget H. Rank. They have been blessed with three children; Kari Maria, Hannah Sophia, 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.

Erk:k H. Stenbakken was born in Norway on " the 16th of October, 1851, and three years later c.ime with his parents to America. They settled in Rock county, Wisconsin, and in 1856, came to Minnesota and located in Wheeling. Erick attended the district school and went one term to St. Olat's College in Northfield and has since devoted bis hime to farming. In 1880, he married Miss Randi Halverson, who has borne him on4. 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 amputation.

John Thompson was born in Norway in 1821, and reared on a farm. He was married in 1846, his 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 18(;3, erected his present frame house. They were blessed with ten

T. A. Veblen, a native of Norway, was born on the '2d of October, 1818. He attended school, worked on a farm, and was employed at the cai-- penter trade in his native place. In 1846, he was united in marriage with Mi.ss Kari Buudy. In 1847, they emigrated to America, landed at Quebec, came directly to Port Washington, Wisconsin, and remained there one year, then removed to Sbeboygan, and six years later to Mount Vernon. In 1866, he came to Minnesota, located in this couQty and bought laud 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, Inger, 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, the former being obliged to leave on account of poor health, while Austin is engaged in mercantile pursuits at Blooming Prairie, Steele countv-