Trails to the Past

Minnesota

Goodhue County

Biographies

History of Goodhue County
Franklyn, Curtiss, Wedge
1910

 

 

0. J. BAKKO, one of the honored old pioneers, of Holden township, whose name will live in the county whenever is told the story of those sturdy Norsemen who came into this section in the early days was born in Norway, May 26, 1832, son of Gjergin and Kirsten Bakko, the former of whom died in 1846 and the latter in 1872. The subject of this sketch received his education in the schools of his native country and took up farming with his father until coming to America in 1852, when he located in Green Bay, Wis. June 3, 1855 he came to Holden township, and pre-empted 160 acres of land. He was among the earliest pioneers, and the story of the part he took among the first settlers is found in the general history of Holden township appearing in this volume.  After arriving here, Mr. Bakko lived in an old pioneer ox-wagon until completing a 12x14 log cabin which for some years he made his home. From this early beginning he developed a farm equal to any in the county, having well tilled land and comfortable buildings. In 1908 he retired, since which time he has rented his farm. Mr. Bakko is a Republican in politics and has for many years been an ardent supporter of the Norwegian Lutheran church. He was married in December, 1854 to Margaret Finseth, daughter of Knute and Margaret Finseth, natives of Norway who came to America in 1853 and located in Wisconsin until 1855 when they came to this county and here ended their days. Mrs.  Bakko was undoubtedly the first white woman in Holden township, and the story of her early adventures has often been told. To Mr. and Mrs. Bakko were born eleven children. The oldest George 0. is married and lives in Bottineau county, North Dakota, he is the one, who as a baby, so took the fancy of an Indian squaw that she stole him, and would have succeeded in getting away had not Mrs. Bakko, who had been drawing a pail of water shouted in such a way that the terrified squaw dropped the infant and fled into the woods. Christine the second child, is the wife of Nels Nyhagen, of Kenyon. Knute 0. also lives in Kenyon. Margaret married Ole Berg and lives in California.  Sophia is the wife of E. A. Satron, of Kenyon. Edward, the youngest, married Emma Sands, daughter of Henry and Gurine (Elstead) Sands, and conducts a drug store in Kenyon. 

ABBOTT L. BALLORD, of Minneola township, was born in Hendrick county, Indiana, June 6, 1874. He received his education in the schools of Minneola and after finishing his schooling worked for his father, engaging in general farming, but making a specialty of dairying and hog raising. He has been very successful in bringing the farm to a high state of cultivation, having entire charge of the farm for some time. His father and mother are living with him. Mr. Ballard was married September 30, 1896, at Zumbrota, to Charlotte M. Berg, daughter of C. 0. Berg, merchant tailor of Red Wing. His wife has four sisters and two brothers, she being the eldest of the family. The second, Mary L., married to Edwin Peterson, of Minneola; Hattie, married Nels Iverson, of Minneapolis; Oscar lives in Chicago; Charles, lives in Superior; Bettie married Carl Lundt, of Minneola, and Nellie still lives in Red Wing. Abbott L. Ballord is a Republican in his political views, and is now serving as clerk of school district No. 65. His fraternal affiliation is with the Modern Samaritans. He is a good citizen and takes an active interest in the affairs of the county in which he lives. His parents are Joshua and Nancy E. (Eames) Ballord. The father was born in Indiana and the mother in Maine, but later moved to Indiana, where she taught school until her marriage to Mr. Ballord, one of the prominent farmers of that community. In 1884 Mrs.  Ballord 's uncle, a cotton manufacturer of Massachusetts, presented her with a farm in Minneola township, to which they removed and still occupy. The father is a member of Friend's church and the mother is a Baptist.

OTTO H. BANG, a prosperous farmer living on Section 14, Featherstone township, is a native born son, having made his appearance in life's arena March 12, 1857, only a short time after the first settlement of Featherstone. His parents, Henry and Fredericka (Horstmeyer) Bang, were natives of Germany and came to America at an early age. The father settled first in Illinois, worked on farms for a while, then located near St. Paul.  In 1856 he came to Featherstone, took up 160 acres on Section 24, and there lived until his death at the age of seventy years, May 29, 1894. His wife survived until August, 1906. Otto H.  was one of eleven children, six of whom are still living. He received his education in the district schools and worked on the home farm until 1891, also running a steam threshing machine.  He then rented a farm in Goodhue township two years, after which he returned to Featherstone and purchased his present farm of 160 acres, where he carries on general farming and stock raising. For the past two years he has been an assessor of the township. He is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Modern Woodmen. The faith of the Methodist church is the family religion. Mr. Bang was married in 1891 to Minnie S.  Kress, who died leaving two children, Maynard, a pupil in the Red Wing high school, and Walter, who died in infancy. Later Mr. Bang married Mary Bluhm, nee Mary Holst, the daughter of Claus and Mary Holst, early settlers of Belvidere township, but now living at Fair Oaks, Cal. The first husband of Mrs. Bangs was John G. Bluhm, a native of Germany, who came to America at the age of seventeen and remained with his parents in Featherstone township until his marriage. At the time of his death he owned 160 acres of well improved land in this township. He died in California, where he had gone for his health, February 5, 1901. To this union were born, in Featherstone township, three children: Lydia L. is the wife of Charles Kress, of North Dakota ; George B. Bluhm is a farmer of North Dakota, and Harvey W. Bluhm lives at home. No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bang by their present marriage. It is worthy of note, in connection with this sketch, that Mrs. Bang was the first white child born in Belvidere township, while her father, Claus Holst, is honored as one of the pioneer Germans of this county. 

JOHN N. BANITT, proprietor of a general store at Goodhue village, is a native of this township, born March 8, 1875, son of Hans and Rebecca (Diercks) Banitt, who emigrated to America in 1874 and purchase 100 acres of land in Goodhue township, where they carried on general farming about one year. They then disposed of the place and purchased 137 acres in Zumbrota township, where they lived until the father's death, in January, 1899. The old homestead has since been sold and the mother resides in Zumbrota township. Nine children were born to Hans and Rebecca Banitt. They are: Margaret, married to John Bereholtz, living in Goodhue township; Jacob, living in Zumbrota township; Peter and Henry, also living in Zumbrota township; Harry, who died December 14, 1907 ; Mary, wife of Henry Stechmann, living in Zumbrota township ; Gesche, wife of William Borghsehatz, living in Zumbrota township; John, the subject of this sketch, and William, who clerks for his brother at Goodhue.  John N. Banitt received his education in the public schools of Zumbrota township, and after leaving school clerked for O.  Parker, at Goodhue, in a general store, for four years. After working the following year on a farm he entered the employ of O. N. Berg, of Zumbrota, clerking in a general store four years.  October 29, 1900, he bought the stock of O. Parker, at Goodhue, and started in business in partnership with O. N. Berg and L.  J. Henning. This partnership continued two years, after which the firm became Berg & Banitt. Then F. E. Davis purchased the Berg interests. In May, 1907, Mr. Banitt became sole proprietor.  Mr. Banitt was married September 28, 1898, to Lizzie A. Kopplin, daughter of Alex and Augusta Konig, natives of Germany, who came to this country many years ago. Here the father was employed as a farmer, a bookkeeper and a school teacher, but has now retired. The mother died at Bellingham, Minn., in 1897. The Banitt home has been blessed with three children: Edna Cecelia, born July 2, 1900; Cecelia Rebecca, born March 5, 1903, and Walter John, born January 2, 1907.  The family worships at the German Lutheran church. 

JOHN BANKS conducts the family homestead in Leon township, which has not changed hands since it was first pre-empted in 1858. He was born in Sweden May 3, 1843, son of Bengt Anderson and Anna Anderson, who came to America in the early days and lived for a time in Chicago and La Crosse. Then they came up the river to what was then the little village of Red Wing, and in 1858 came to Leon township and took up a claim, where they erected a log cabin, and started breaking the tough prairie glebe. They were hard at work developing the place when came the outbreak of the Civil War. Filled with love for his adopted country, John Banks enlisted August 21, 1862, as a private, and later was promoted to corporal. Company D, 10th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, in which he served, was stationed at frontier posts until June, 1863, when ordered on the Indian expedition.  It engaged with the Indians July 26 and 28, 1863, and was ordered to St. Louis, Mo., October, 1863, thence to Columbus, Ivy., April, 1864; thence to Memphis, Tenn., June, 1864, and assigned to the 16th Army Corps, in which it did valiant service until the close of the war, being discharged at Fort Snelling August 19, 1865. Mr. Banks then returned to the old homestead, and after a few years took entire charge of the place, making a home for his parents until the time of their death. On this place he has made many improvements, and a neat house and comfortable barns take the place of the original log cabin. Mr.  Banks was married in 1867 to Anna Anderson, daughter of Andrew Anderson, a farmer of Cannon Falls, now deceased. This union was blessed with eleven children, of whom eight are alive, namely: Charles, Hannah, Thelda, Julius, Henry, James, George and Frank. The dead are: Jennie, Mary and Bernhardt. Although a consistent Republican, Mr. Banks has not cared to seek political preferment, but being the father of a large family and interested in education, he has served several terms as a member of the school board.

HENRY BARGSTEN, Zumbrota township, was born in Germany, March 14, 1863, son of Christ and Mary Bargsten, natives of Germany, who were farmers. The father died February 3, 1902, and the mother January 8, 1906. Henry received his education in Germany and came to America in 1887, locating in Goodhue township, where he remained four years, after which he came to Zumbrota township and purchased thirty acres of land, which he broke and cleared, building a home and other outbuildings. In 1907 he bought eighty acres of improved land adjoining and again in 1909 bought seven acres of timber land, also adjoining, making a nice farm of 117 acres, on which he has followed general farming and stock raising. He was married March 2, 1884, to Mary Bredehoft, daughter of Hans and Mattie (Tomhave) Bredehoft, natives of Germany, in which country they died. Mr. and Mrs.  Bargsten have two children, Mary, who married Henry Rothgarn, living at Wabasha county, Hyde Park township, and Margaret, living at home. Mr. Bargsten paid a visit to his old home in Germany in 1901, returning in 1902. He is a Republican in his politics, has held the office of supervisor and road overseer for several years, and has been a member and director of the school board. He is interested in the Goodhue elevator. Mr. Bargsten has acquired what he now possesses by hard work, and the esteem by which he is held in his community is clearly shown by the many offices to which he has been entrusted. The family attends the German Lutheran church.

FOSTER D. BARLOW, a pioneer merchant of Cannon Falls, now deceased, was born in Oneida county, New York, July 16, 1821, and after attending the district school took a course in the academy at Western, N. Y. His business career started with a clerkship in his father's store in Canewango, N. Y., where he remained until coming to Cannon Falls in 1857. From that year until 1876 he engaged in the mercantile business, also managing his large farm of 400 acres. In the middle seventies ill health forced his practical retirement, although he kept in touch with the progress of modern events up to the time of his death, February 1, 1905. Mr. Barlow took an active part in the early progress of the village, was one of the first presidents of the village council and served several years as postmaster. A good citizen, a wise father, a loving husband and a faithful friend, he combined a rigid adherence to high ideals in himself with a gentle tolerance of shortcomings in others, being of the true type of pioneer gentleman. He was an old-time Democrat, a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and of the Masons, and a communicant of the Episcopal church. The family name is perpetuated by a widow and by two sons, Frank A., of Cannon Falls, and Fred S., of Grand Rapids, Mich. Mr. Barlow was married June 12, 1878, to Minnie M. Reynolds, daughter of John and Millie (Searle) Reynolds, both natives of New York state, the former of whom died February 6, 1865, and the latter in August, 1882.  Mrs. Barlow, before her marriage, was principal of the Cannon Falls high, school five years, and while serving in this capacity was wooed and won by Mr. Barlow, who at that time Was presidentof the school board. She is a graduate of Alfred University, in New York, and is a woman of many accomplishments, one whose character and work have had an important part in the educational side of Cannon Falls life.

MICHAEL J. BARRY, who owns and operates 120 acres of land in Belle Creek township, was born in Wisconsin, October 22, 1850, to F. John and Ellen (Murphy) Barry, natives of County Cork, Ireland. The father, a farmer, came to America in 1819, settling in Wisconsin, where he farmed eighty acres of land.  Later he sold this and purchased one-half section in Belle Creek township, where he followed general farming until his death at Goodhue in December, 1892. The mother died in July, 1888.  They had four children, besides Michael : Margaret, married to John Dewitt, a farmer living at Goodhue; Patrick, living in Ellsworth, Minn., engaged in dray business ; James, living at Minneapolis, engaged in express business; Hannah, living at home; and Ellen S., who died the summer of 1881. Michael received his education in the public school of Belle Creek. After leaving school he farmed with his father, from whom in 1874 he purchased 120 acres, on which he still does common farming, and also raises Perchon horses and Shorthorn cattle. Mr. Barry was married November 16, 1875, to Elizabeth Richards, daughter of George and Vandenah (Wentink) Richards, natives of New York. They came west to Wacouta in 1855, purchased land and carried on farming until Mr. Richards' death, November 28, 1895. Mrs. Richards is living in Red Wing. Mrs. Barry has two sisters: Emelia, married to Thomas Harlow, living in Chicago, and Julia, married to Patrick Edwards, living at Red Wing; also three brothers, George, August and Frank, all deceased.  To Mr. and Mrs. Barry there have been born eight children, four of whom are now living: Lauretta, married to D. C. Bell, of Goodhue; John F., manager of the Farmers' Elevator at Goodhue; Bernard, at home on the farm; Blanche, at home ; and George, who died at the age of seventeen. Mr. Barry is Democratic and the family faith is that of the Catholic church. He is also a member of the Red Men and the Catholic Foresters.  He is a good man and a progressive, being highly regarded by those with whom he has dealings. For twelve years he was chairman of the town supervisors and is now serving as clerk of the school board, which position he has held for the past five years.

J. A. BARSNESS, was born on the farm in Cherry Grove township where he now resides, September 6, 1863, son of A. J. and Gertrude Maria (Skaar) Barsness, natives of Norway. The father came to America in 1854 and located in Chicago, where he was employed in a shingle mill and in the pinery until 1858 when he came to Cherry Grove township and purchased 120 acres of land. Here he built a home and other buildings, and improved his land, carrying on general farming, extensive dairying, and stock raising, now having 300 acres under cultivation.  In November, 1862, he married Gertrude Maria Skaar, daughter of Johannes and Martha (Heltne) Skaar, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1856 and located in Wisconsin, remaining a year, after which they came to Wanamingo township, bought 160 acres of land and built a home, barn and other outbuildings.  Later they bought 80 acres more in the same township making a farm of 240 acres on which they carried on general farming until the death of the father in 1896, the mother having passed away in 1882. There were six children in the Barsness home : J. A., who manages the farm ; Martha, married to Olaf Hoff, now of Spokane, Wash.; Maria, married to Ole P. Holman of Minneapolis ; Johanna, married to Nels Severson, now of Spokane, Wash.; Lena, who lives at home; and Fred, of Washington.  J. A. Barsness received his education in the public schools of Cherry Grove and Zumbrota and in the Red Wing Seminary.  After leaving school he worked with his father on the farm and later became interested in the creamery and flour mill at Brandon, Douglass county. In 1898 he returned home and took charge of the homestead. He has never married. Mr. Barsness is a Republican in his politics, but has never sought a public office.  He is a stock holder in the Farmer's Elevator at Kenyon, and attends the Norwegian Lutheran church.

CHARLES E. BECKMARK, secretary and treasurer, and also general manager of the Beckmark Shoe Company, which conducts one of the large business establishments of Red Wing at the corner of Third and Bush streets, has been actively interested in business since early youth. He was born in this city, January 8, 1869, a son of Conrad and Charlotte (Swanson) Beckmark, both natives of Sweden, in which country they were married.  They came to American one year before Charles E. was born, and located at once in Red Wing, where the father was employed at various occupations. For sometime he was fireman at the old Bluff mill, and for three years served on the city police force. He is now deceased, and his wife makes her home in Red Wing. Charles E. received his educational training in the schools of Red Wing, and as a boy worked on a news stand in this city. Later he was employed by Willard and Willard in a stationary store, after which he became interested in footwear, to the sale of which he has since devoted his attention. He clerked eight years for Charles Beckman, and for two years in the Boston Clothing House. Following this, he was successfully engaged eight years as traveling salesman for the North Star Shoe Company, broadening his knowledge of the world and increasing his familiarity with the shoe trade in all its aspects.  From March 1, 1904, to July 1, 1905, he was a member of the firm of Holm & Beckmark, and on April 1, 1907, when the Beckmark Shoe Company was formed, he took entire charge, having since that date built up a successful trade, enjoying a large patronage.  For nine years Mr. Beckmark was a member of Company G, serving as commissary sergeant. He has seen public life as a member of the school board. He is a member of the Commercial Club and of several fraternal organizations ; independent in politics and an Episcopalian in religion. On January 3, 1893, Charles E. Beckmark was married to Caroline Hawkins, of this city, daughter of G. W. and Mary Hawkins, of whom a sketch appears in this work. This union has been blessed with two daughters-Phyliss G., born July 6, 1897, and Margaret L., born April 17, 1906.

GUSTAVE C. BECKMARK, second miller at the La Grange Mills, Red Wing, was born in Sweden, May 10, 1863, a son of Conrad and Johanna (Swanson) Beckmark, also natives of that country.  The father was a machinist and engineer, an occupation he fol lowed for many years in the old country. He came to America in 1868 and located in Red Wing, entering the employ of D. C.  Hill as engineer. After a few years he started work as engineer for the old Bluff Mill. In addition to this he was a patrolman on the police force and a member of the volunteer fire department.  In the latter capacity he assisted in the brave efforts to save the Bluff Mill from total destruction by fire in 1883, and in thus assisting, he received injuries which shortly afterward, in the early spring of 1883, resulted in his death. His widow still survives and makes her home in Red Wing. Having been brought to Red Wing at an early age, Gustave attended the city schools, and then worked in the office of A. Danielson, who at that time conducted an extensive lime and cement business. In 1881 he Was engaged with the old Bluff Mill as miller. After the destruction of this mill by fire in 1883 he entered the employ of the La Grange Mills and a few years later was given his present position. Mr. Beckmark has served five years in the state militia and belongs to the Foresters, the Fraternal Insurance and the Samaritans. He was married February 15, 1894, to Edna E.  Martin, daughter of John B. and Della (Hasting) Martin, the former a one-time Red Wing miller, now a land agent in Oklahoma.  The latter is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Beckmark there has been born one daughter-Frances Irine, November 4, 1894, who is now a pupil in the Red Wing high school. 

EDWARD BEHRENS, of Hay Creek township, was born in Boone-Adlle, Ind, December 14, 1849, son of Conrad and Caroline Behrens, natives of Germany, who came to America and located in Warrick county, Indiana, where the father died of cholera soon after. The mother died in 1904. Edward received his education in the common schools of Warrick county, and later learned the shoe trade, which he followed until 1893. In 1871 he came west and settled in Red Wing, where he worked at his trade for two years, after which he started a shoe shop at Hay Creek, also managing a small farm until 1894, when he rented a farm of 244 acres, of which 100 was under cultivation, the rest being good timber. This he managed for eleven years, carrying on general farming and dairying. In 1905 he purchased the farm and made many improvements, both on the land and buildings.  In June, 1882, he was married to Ida Saupe, daughter of Fred and Emilia Schubert Saupe, natives of Germany, where the father was a sexton. They came to America in 1855 and located in Milwaukee, remaining one year, after which they came to Minnesota and located in Hay Creek township, where they preempted 160 acres of land and engaged in general farming. There were nine children, all of whom are living. Mr. Beherns is a Republican in politics and has been treasurer and director of school district No. 161 for the past nine years. Fraternally he affiliates with the Sons of Herman and the Red Men of Red Wing. 

CHARLES PHILIP BELIN, the genial toll collector at the entrance of the high bridge across the Missisippi, is a familiar figure alike to Red Wing people and to strangers who in taking in the sights of the city invariably walk across the beautiful bridge. He was born in. Sweden, April 17, 1845, son of Andrew E. and Annie (Olson) Belin, both natives of that country. The father, a coppersmith by trade, brought his family to Goodhue county, October 22, 1857, and after living for a time in Red Wing, took up farming in the township of Vasa, where he purchased 160 acres of land, engaging in general farming until his death, September 24, 1863. The mother sold the farm and came to Red Wing, where she lived until her death. March 15, 1897. Charles P. received his education in the public and private schools of Sweden and America, and worked on the farm with his father until February 11, 1865, when he enlisted in Company I, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, serving under Captain Thomas Carney and Colonel William Colvill until mustered out in October of the same year. About this time he entered the employ of W. L. Webster, the liveryman, for whom he was foreman fifteen years. Later he accepted a similar position with Ed Johnson, and remained in this employ until 1893, when he was appointed on the police force. He proved an efficient officer and many times served as acting chief. June 11, 1907, he was given his present position, receiving at the same time an appointment as special police for the Red Wing and Trenton Transit Company.  Mr. Belin is a Republican and a member of the Foresters, the G. A. R. and the Scandinavian Relief Association. He was married July 5, 1877, at Red Wing, to Emma Christina Johnson, daughter of Andrew Johnson, a stone worker, who died in December, 1905. Mrs. Belin's mother now makes her home with uhe Belin family at 613 Potter street. Two children have blessed the home-Selma C., born July 28, 1878, married Amil Swanson, a farmer of Welch township, this county; Norman Leroy, born February 4, 1898, is attending the public schools The Swedish Lutheran Church embraces the family religion. 

CHRISTIAN J. BENDER, one of Red Wing's solid and substantial business men, is a native of this city, born August 25, 1870, son of the Rev. Christian Bender. Christian J. received his education in the public schools of Red Wing, and then took the complete four years' academic course at Dr. Martin's Lutheran College at New Ulm, Minn. In 1893, after deciding to be a pharmacist, he went to Chicago, and there diligently pursued studies for two years in the College of Pharmacy. Subsequently he worked at the drug business five years, thoroughly perfecting himself in the art of medical and pharmaceutical compounding. In 1900 he returned to Red Wing and purchased the business of W. A.  Hare at the corner of Third and Bush streets, where for so many years the old postoffice was located. His brother, Adolph, is associated with him in business and together they have built up a large trade and patronage. They handle all the usual lines customary in such a store, but make a specialty of compounding prescriptions. They also manufacture several proprietary articles for toilet purposes. Mr. Bender is in politics an independent Republican. He is a member of his father's church, the St. John's German Lutheran, of this city.

CARL P. BENRUD, of Belvidere township, was born in Norway, September 3, 1858, son of Peter and Sophia (Johnson) Benrud, natives of Norway, who came to America June 24, 1875, and located in Monroe county, Wisconsin, where they purchased ninety acres of land, remaining 'two years, after which they sold and purchased forty acres and farmed for five years. He then sold this land to his son, with whom the father now makes his home.  The mother died in 1903, aged eighty-six years. Carl P. received his education in the public schools of Norway and came to America with his parents, remaining with them until 1880, when he bought eighty acres in Monroe county, Wisconsin, of which he cleared sixty-five acres and built a house and other buildings.  He remained until 1884, when he returned to Minnesota and purchased 160 acres in Belvidere township, improving the land and erecting buildings and carrying on a general line of farming, adding eighty acres in 1908, so that he now cultivates 240 acres, making a specialty of raising fine stock and horses. November 11, 1882, he was married to Gunnel Knutson, daughter of Ole and Gunnel (Nelson) Knutson, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1856, locating in Staton, Wis., coming later to Minnesota, in 1858, and settling in Goodhue county, where they conducted farming operations on 160 acres of land until the death of the father in 1867. Later the mother married Oliver Knutson, a brother of her first husband, and they purchased another 160 acres and carried on general farming. The mother died September 21, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Benrud have six children: Gust A., born September 7, 1886; living at Goodhue; Hannah P., born July 16, 1888; Ole Christian, born January 2, 1890; George Kenneth, born July 27, 1892; Paul Albert, born September 3, 1894; and Minnie Sophia, born February 21, 1899. Mr. Benrud is a Republican in his political views and the family attend the Norwegian Lutheran church.

ANDREW O. BERG, of Wanamingo village, was born in Cherry Grove township, May 6, 1876. His father, 0. T. Berg, was a native of Norway, and his mother, Carrie Flatland Berg, a native of Wisconsin. The father came with his father to this country when a boy of ten years, after a long and perilous voyage, in which his mother, one sister and one brother died, and were buried at sea. The father and the surviving members of his family located in Cherry Grove township, where they worked at various labor, until 1869, when he purchased 120 acres of improved land and engaged in farming. Here he built a home, barn and other outbuildings, and carried on general and diversified farming, and which he still manages. Andrew 0. Berg received his education in the common school of Cherry Grove, and took a preparatory course at St. Olof's College at Northfield, completing with a course at a Minneapolis business college in 1899. After completing his studies, he entered the First State Bank of Zumbrota, holding the position of clerk until May, 1901. He then took the management of the hardware, wagon and farm implement store of Myron & Olson, at Wanamingo, which he still conducts. February 21, 1906, he was married to Mary Shay, daughter of Nicolai Shay, native of Norway, and came to America, locating in Belle Creek, and took up farming.  The mother died in 1889 and the father was married again. Mr.  and Mrs. Berg have one child, Oswald Norman, born December 21, 1906. In his politics, Mr. Berg is Prohibition. He is a member of the Modern Samaritans, and was a member of Company D of Zumbrota for one year. He and his family attend Land's Norwegian church.

JOHN BERG, of Welch township, was born in Sweden, July 16, 1846, son of Nels and Marie Berg, also natives of Sweden. John Berg received his education in the schools of Sweden, and in 1868 came to this country, and located in Red Wing, remaining for two years. Then he went to Minneapolis, where he worked at brick making for a while, and later went into the business of brick making for himself. In March, 1885, he came to Welch township, and bought a farm of 120 acres of improved land.  This he continued to improve and has remodeled the house and outbuildings. He now has a fine farm, with a large grove of soft maple, birch and butternut trees. He has made a success of general farming and has taken a great interest in bees, owning thirty-two hives. Mr. Berg was married January 21, 1875, to Clara Anderson, who is now deceased. They had a family of eight children: Emil C., Aleda E., Oscar T., Edward J., William E., Edgar E., Albin N. and Fred L. Mr. Berg is at present town treasurer, which office he has held for the past twenty years, and is also treasurer of the school district No. 5.  In his politics he is a Republican.

OLE N. BERG, of Zumbrota village, was born in Norway, Vestre Slidre Valdres, April 12, 1863, son of Nels and Gertrude (Dokken) Berg, also native of Norway. The father died in 1875 and the mother in 1903. Mr. Berg received his education in Norway and emigrated to America in 1883, locating at Decorah, Iowa, where he was engaged in clerking for eight years. May 16, 1889, he was married to Marie Peterson, of Hospers, la., born October 5, 1865, daughter of John and Marit Peterson. The father died in 1900 and the mother is still living. In 1891 Mr. and Mrs. Berg moved to Montevideo, Minn., and in May, 1893, came to Zumbrota, where Mr. Berg entered into the general merchandise business, which he has since continued. At one time he was associated with L. J. Henning, of Zumbrota, and also with J. N.  Banitt, at Goodhue, this county, in the same line of business. In 1907 he was elected director and second vice president of the First State Bank, of Zumbrota, which position he still holds, being very highly esteemed. Mr. Berg is a self-made man. He is a member of the board of education. He and his wife are both members of the Lutheran church. They have three children: Nellie, born October 9, 1890 ; Ovidia, born April 14, 1893 ; and Alma, born October 6, 1899.

OLE T. BERG, of Cherry Grove township, was born in Norway, July 16, 1843, son of Thov and Lieve (Gjermundson) Berg, natives of Norway, who emigrated to America in 1853. The father and his son Ole arrived safely, while the mother and two sisters died on the ocean of a contagious disease. The father located in Rock county, Wisconsin, where he remained for eight years, then came to Minnesota in 1861 and settled in Pine Island township, where he purchased 120 acres of land. This he broke and cleared, built a home and other outbuildings, and carried on general farming until his death in 1887. Ole received his education in the public schools of Rock county, Wisconsin, and worked with his father until August 15, 1862 when he enlisted in Co. G, 7th Minn. Vol. Inf., as a private, being later promoted to the rank of corporal. He remained in the north until October 1863, fighting Indians; then with the Seventh Regiment was ordered south where he stayed till the war closed being mustered out at the hospital in Baton Rogue, La., June 7, 1865. After the war, he returned home, and in 1869 purchased 125 acres of farm land and ten acres of timber in Cherry Grove township where he built a home, barn, and other outbuildings, carrying on general farming and raising horses and cattle. On June 20, 1872 he was married to Carrie S. Flatland. daughter of Andrew and Martha Flatland, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1844 and located in Dane county, Wisconsin. Here they remained ten years, after which they removed to Waushara county, Wisconsin, remaining, until 1865. Then they came to Pine Island township and purchased 160 acres, later adding 80 more. Here they lived until the death of the father in October 1894. The mother died in June 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Berg have been blessed with ten children, of whom seven are living: Andrew lives in Wanamingo; Tilda lives at home; Martha married Melvin Strom of Michigan City, Ind ; Lydia lives at home ; Thomas lives in Michigan City, Ind; Olga and Magnus live at home.  Mr. Berg is an independent voter. He has served his township, as supervisor and assessor, and has been clerk of school district No. 84 for the long period of 34 years. He is director and treasurer of- the Minneola Creamery Co., at Wanamingo, and director of the Cherry Grove, Wanamingo and Minneola Fire Ins. Co. He is also a member of the G. A. R. Post 121 of Zumbrota.  The family faith is that of the Lutheran church.

OLIVER BERG, of Pine Island township, was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, November 13, 1850, son of Thomas and Turi (Hoff) Berg, who came in the early days to Dane county, and in 1860 to Goodhue county, where they pre-empted land in Pine Island township and engaged in farming until they died; the father in 1891 and the mother in 1899. They had a family of four children: Ole F., of Cherry Grove township; Oliver, the subject of this sketch; Isabelle, now Mrs. Slette, of Faribault county, and Anna, married Ole Winger and lives in Virginia. Oliver was educated in the common schools and attended high school for two years.  After leaving school he returned home and engaged in farming, which he has since continued. He has 190 acres of land, of which ninety acres is under cultivation, and on this property he conduc general farming and dairying. In 1886 he was married to Carrie Ringdahl, daughter of Mathias and Isabelle (Satren) Ringdahl, the former of whom, also known as Mathias Pederson, will ever be held in honored memory as the first Norwegian in the county.  To Mr. and Mrs. Berg have been born five children: Myrtle, Olga, Edel and Inga, all at home, and Thorvald, deceased. Mr.  Berg has served as town clerk for some years and is now serving as assessor. He is president of the Farmers' Elevator and a director of the Farmers' Insurance Company of Goodhue county.  In politics Mr. Berg is an independent voter. 

HEMAN M. BIRD, dealer in general sporting goods at 304 Main street, Red Wing, has done much to further the athletic interests of Red Wing. and vicinity, and is an active patron of all out-door sports. He was born at Hampton Mills, this state, March 28, 1867, son of Almond and Julia (Ambler) Bird, the former of Scotch-Irish and the latter of German-Scotch descent. The parents, who were natives of Michigan, came to Minnesota in the early days and located first in Winona county, where the father followed his trade as blacksmith, carpenter and millwright.  Later he went to the Indian Territory where he died. The mother died in Elgin, Olmstead county, this state. Heman M.  received his early educational training in the public schools of his neighborhood, and finished with a course at D. D. Darling's Business College at Rochester, Minn, he learned the trade of barber and at this worked for several years in St. Paul. Later he went South, worked at various labor, and in 1893 returned to St. Paul and learned the machinst trade. After six years' employment in this capacity, he came to Red Wing, September 15, 1899, and started in business for himself. He handles and repairs bicycles and motor cycles, and deals in fishing tackle, guns, baseball goods, talking machines and other sporting equipment. Mr. Bird is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Red Men and Equitable Fraternal Union lodges. The English Lutheran Church embodies the family religious belief. He was married April 9, 1898 to Evaline Peterson, of this city, daughter of Gustaf and Dena Peterson, natives of Sweden, who came to Red Wing and here ended their days. To Mr. and Mrs.  Bird have been born three children-Burney B., Richard M. and Alice E.

TAMS BIXBY, while not at the present time an actual resident of this county, nevertheless retains his interests here and is decidedly a Red Wing man. He was born December 12, 1856 at Staunton, Va., son of Bradford W. and Susan J. Bixby, who, being in moderate circumstances, were able to supply their son with none of those advantages which money can give. The family settled in Stillwater in 1857 coming to Red Wing in the fall of 1862. Here Tams spent his boyhood and early manhood, receiving his early education in the parish schools which he attended until reaching the age of thirteen years. Beyond that his educational advantages have been such as an active mind can derive through reading, experience and observation. Possessed of a remarkable degree of energy and enterprise, he was not slow to employ his talents in whatever offered a held for his abilities, whether in the field of intellectual, moral or industrial endeavor, and more particularly the first two. The result in a business and official way has been that he has' been engaged as news agent, hotel keeper, baker, editor and publisher and in high state and governmental positions, while in those lines that are purely in the realm of altruism he has taken no less an active part, his Y. W. C. A. endeavors being well known. He was still scarcely more than a youth when he made his first venture into newspaper work, and it is humorously told that at one time when he edited the "Argus" for several weeks in the absence of the real editor, he conducted it in so up-to-date a manner that the editor upon his return found two live libel suits pending against the paper. Mr.  Bixby established the Red Wing "Sun" January 17. 188J, and conducted that paper until its consolidation with the "Advance" and the "Republican" since when he has been connected with the "Republican," although for many years past his duties have been of an official rather than of an active capacity. Since early youth he has taken an active interest in politics, and his public career was started as chairman of the Republican county committee of Goodhue county. His excellent work in that capacity attracted the attention of Republicans in other parts of the state and when the Republican League of Minnesota was organized he was made its secretary. Subsequently he filled the office of secretary to the Republican State Central Committee, from which position he was promoted to that of chairman. In this capacity he managed some of the hardest fought political battles in the annals of Minnesota and never failed to lead the party to victory. He has been secretary of the railroad and warehouse commission of Minnesota.  From 1888 to 1889 he was private secretary for Gov. W. R. Merriam ; from 1889 to 1892 for Knute Nelson; from 1892 to 1896 for David M. Clough. At the election of United States senator in 1901 he was urged by many friends to become a candidate and had he accepted their offers at the proper time it was freely asserted that his chances of success would have been of the best. As it was he received a handsome complimentary vote. Mr. Bixby had charge of the senatorial campaign of Knute Nelson which he conducted in his usual vigorous, honorable and effective manner.  Mr. Bixby was at one time prominently mentioned in connection with a cabinet position as secretary of the interior, an appointment which, according to the newspapers, was practically within his grasp had he cared to take it. Probably Mr. Bixby 's most distinguished work, however, has been done in connection with the Five Civilized Tribes, so called, in the Indian Territory.  These tribes are the richest people in the world, and when conditions became such that immediate supervision and adjustment of their affairs by the United States government Was necessary, Mr.  Bixby was named as a member of the so-called Dawes Indian Commission, of which he was either acting or actual chairman from May 2, 1897, when he Was appointed by President William McKinley, until July 1, 1905, when that commission Was abolished and President Theodore Roosevelt appointed Mr. Bixby as commissioner, a position he retained until July, 1907, when the affairs of the Five Tribes, having been reorganized and placed on a satisfactory basis, their supervision was vested in the Department of the Interior. The stupendous task which Mr. Bixby performed only those who were with him in the work can fully realize. Opposed by all kinds of clever men and powerful interests who, without sanction of law, had secured control of mineral and other valuable rights belonging to the Indians, he adjusted matters where several millions of dollars were concerned, with an honesty and fearlessness that was as unswerving as it was intelligent.  During this period, Mr. Bixby came back to Minnesota for a couple of months, gathered up the tangled threads of a Republican political campaign, which, nearly over, seemed almost hopeless, and carried it to a successful conclusion. Upon his return from the South in 1907, Mr. Bixby and a number of friends purchased a controlling interest in the "Pioneer Press" of St. Paul, and Mr. Bixby became the general manager. He at once devoted his energy and ability as a newspaper man and organizer to making the "Pioneer Press" the best paper in the Northwest, and this effort bore fruit in the "Pioneer Press" as it is today. The "Evening Pioneer Press" is one of the children of Mr. Bixby's thoughts. A few months ago the "Pioneer Press" was purchased by the St. Paul "Dispatch," but Mr. Bixby remains as general manager. In Red Wing he is president of the Red Wing Printing Co., and his business interests include all the leading industries of this city, in most of which he is either an officer, stockholder or director. At the present time he is a member of the Minnesota Club, of St. Paul; the St. Paul Town and Country Club; the Red Wing Commercial Club and the Muskogee (Indian Territory) Town and Country Club. He is a Knight Templar, as well as a member of other Masonic bodies ; also of the Elks, the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. April 27, 1886. he was married to Clara Mues, and has three sons, Edson K., born April 9, 1887; Joel H., born November 30, 1888; and Tams, Jr., born September 12, 1891. Mr. Bixby's record bespeaks his merit. He is a man of untiring energy and unswerving patriotism and loyalty, always ready to give his best effort and his money to the upbuilding of the community at large and particularly his home town of Red Wing.

CHARLES BLACK, was born in Welch township, where he still resides, July 21, 1869, son of Archibald and Elizabeth (Mulliolland) Black, natives of Ireland. They lived in Scotland until they came to this country, in 1868, when they located in Welch township and bought land which they improved and carried on general farming until the death of the father in 1889. The mother died in 1906. They had a family of nine children: Archibald, Charles, Mary, James, Elizabeth, William, Richard, Annie and Sarah. Charles received his education in the public schools of the township, and since 1900 has farmed on the home place of 160 acres with his brothers and sisters. He also buys and ships all kinds of live stock. He was married in 1907, to Hattie May Gipford, daughter of Julius and Hattie Teichman Gipford, of Red Wing. They have one son, Donald Mulholland.  Mr. Black is a Republican in politics and has held the office of supervisor of Welch township for the past five years. 

EUGENE L. BLAKER, and his brother Frank J. Blaker are proprietors of "Brookside Farm" of Cherry Grove, in which township both were born, the former Nov. 26, 1868 and the latter Dec. 20, 1870. The father, Jacob Blaker, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Minnesota and located in Pine Island, where he was married to Jane Root, a daughter of Byington and Maria Root, who came to Cherry Grove township in 1856 and preempted 160 acres on which the father erected a house, barns and other necessary buildings, carried on general farming, and to his original purchase later added 80 acres more. Mr. Root died in November, 1881. Jacob Blaker died April 6, 1881, aged 53 years. His wife now lives with her sons. Eugene was educated in the public schools of Cherry Grove, and the high school of Zumbrota and Kenyon after which he taught school in the county for three years. In 1889 he took up the management of the homestead, with his brother Frank, and they have since continued to carry on general farming and stock raising, owning a farm of 240 acres and renting 160 acres which they also cultivate. They have gradually made improvements on the house and buildings in general having a barn 40x88, a good granary, a hog house and machine sheds. March 1, 1889 Eugene was married to Elizabeth Frederick of Dodge county, daughter of Peter and Mary (Stewart), the former a native of New York and the latter of Wisconsin. They came to Minnesota and located in Dodge county, where they purchased a farm on which they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Blaker have three children: Mabel D., born June 6, 1900; Elmer F., born November 2, 1903 ; and Francis E., born December 15, 1907.  E. L. Blaker lost his right arm in the corn shredder November 5, 1904. He has an artificial arm, carries on all the farm and dairy work, the same as usual and has no difficulty in doing team work, or in driving and running all kinds of machinery about the farm. Frank Blaker was married June 1, 1904 to Hannah Arvidson, of Cannon Falls, by whom he has two daughters ; Bernice E., born April 2, 1906, and Helen G., born January 22, 1909. The Blakers have one sister Mary E. who married Clarence E. Fitzgarald of Iowa, June 28, 1905, Mabel D. another sister died August 24, 1889, aged 17 years. E. L. Blaker is a Republican in politics, and has held several offices, having been supervisor, justice of the peace, director of school district 85, road overseer, and in 1900, census enumerator. He is also in terested in the Farmer's Elevators of Kenyon and Bombay.  The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

PETER J. BLAKSTAD, an esteemed farmer of Wanamingo township, has reason to be proud of the record he has made as a progressive citizen. Born in Norway, January 10, 1840, son of John Johnson and his good wife, Gertrude Peterson, he came to America in 1871, locating first in Roscoe township and then in Pine Island township. It was in 1892 that he came to Wanamingo township and purchased 160 acres of improved land in Sections 2 and 11. This farm he has continued to cultivate, erecting a new dwelling house and several commodious farm buildings, his operations consisting of raising the usual crops and breeding live stock. Mr. Blakstad 's seven years' service as supervisor has been cautious and economical, and his work as treasurer of school district 64 has shown his interest in the liberal education of the younger generation. Aside from his farm property he owns stock in several elevator and creamery enterprises.  In September, 1872, shortly after coming to America, Mr. Blakstad was married to Carrie Gundesdatter. Three children have blessed their home: Andrew, Joseph and Mattie, the latter of whom is married to Sivert Hagge, of South Dakota. The family worships at the Norwegian Lutheran church. 

HENRY BLANCHARD, now deceased, was for many years a memorable figure in Zumbrota, where his voice was ever raised, and his most zealous work ever given, in the interests of all that was good and desirable, and all that tended to advance the moral, business and social interests of the village and township. In dying he bequeathed a record of unsullied honor to his children, and left the public a name which would always be the epitome of a spotless private life and inspiring public career. Mr. Blanchard was a New Englander, born at St. Johnsbury, Vt., August 16, 1825, son of an old New England family. He attended the district schools of the Green Mountain state, and in early manhood became a shoemaker, which trade he thoroughly mastered as a youth. In 1857 he came to Zumbrota, then in the first days of its settlement, and like the other pioneers set to work at breaking the land and making for himself a home. After three years, when the face of the wilderness had taken on the aspects of a habitation of man, he again resumed the shoemaking business, which he followed several years, still continuing farming also.  He and I. C. Stearns then saw the opportunity for a retail boot and shoe establishment, which, in partnership, they accordingly opened and conducted many years. In 1875 he was appointed postmaster and the office was removed to his shoe store from the store of T. P. Kellet. Mr. Blanchard retained this position until 1887, when he was elected justice of the peace, serving until 1906, when he retired. He served as president of the village council, and as a member of the school board. Until the time of his death he was a member of the library board, in which position he is now succeeded by his daughter, Mrs. G. P. Murphy-a tribute to the respect in which his memory is held and also to her own ability. The Republican platform embodied his political faith, and he was a devout member of the Congregational Church.  Mr. Blanchard died August 29, 1908. He was married September 27, 1849, at Orford, N. H.. to Alavoisa Palmer, who proved a most loving and faithful helpmeet throughout their lives. He preceded her to the grave a few months, dying April 19, 1909.  To Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard were born five children, all of whom, with the exception of one who died in infancy, were given the advantages of an excellent education. Edwin K., born February 16, 1854, graduated from Dartmouth, class of 1878, and is now a civil engineer at Seymour, Minn. Charles H., born in 1856, died the following year. Arthur P., born June 25, 1862, attended the village schools, took a two years' course at Carleton College, read law with his uncle, Judge Charles Blanchard, and is now an attorney at Little Falls, Minn. Caroline M. was born September 8, 1864, attended the schools of her neighborhood, studied at the State University two years, taught school successfully at Zumbrota six years, and is now Mrs. A. E. Drew, of McHenry, N. D. Mary L., born September 28, 1865, received the best education that Zumbrota afforded and graduated from the State University in 1888. She was a teacher of languages in the high schools of Minnesota for eight years, her longest term being with the high school at Minneapolis, where she taught German and English. She married Gilbert P. Murphy, a traveling salesman, and makes her home in Zumbrota.

LOUIS F. BLINCO, superintendent and part owner of the electric plant of the village of Cannon Falls, has shown his faith in the future growth of industrial activity here by investing his money in a plant which has a capacity far beyond the present demands, and his faith bids fair to be justified. He was born in Canada June 11, 1876, and as a small boy was taken to Nebraska, Avhere he received his early education. After leaving school he took up the work of steel bridge construction in Sioux City, Iowa, with tfie Phoenix Bridge Company, being later promoted to engineer. From 1901 to 1906 he thoroughly mastered electrical and constructing engineering, and September 23 of the latter year located in Zumbrota and managed the city electric light plant there. In 1908 he came to Cannon Falls, installed a new electric plant and fixtures and has since enjoyed a prosperous business, which in coming years will be still larger.  Mr. Blinco is a genial companion and is well liked in the Masonic and Modern Woodmen orders, with which he has associated himself.  He was married December 16, 1902, to Hattie E. Twiss, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Twiss, prominent residents of Meadow Grove, Neb. Three children have blessed this union: Eva, born October 16, 1903; Hattie, born October 2, 1906, and Lois, born June 14, 1907. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. The electric plant is owned by a company officially known as the Cannon Falls Electric Service. Company, of which the proprietors are E. L. Twiss and V. E. Twiss, of Meadow Grove, Neb., and L. F. Blinco, of Cannon Falls, Minn.  The officers are : President, E. L. Twiss ; superintendent, L. F. Blinco ; cashier, Hattie E. Blinco.

 

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