Trails to the Past

Minnesota

Goodhue County

Biographies

History of Goodhue County
Franklyn, Curtiss, Wedge
1910

 

 

JOHN HACK, a retired merchant of Red Wing, was born in Austria, December 19, 1825, one of the eight children of Matthew and Annie (Buechler) Hack. John Flack received his education in the public schools and in a convent, and then learned the carving trade. Upon coming to America in 1853 he worked two years at his trade in New York, and in 1855 came to Red Wing, landing here August 12 of that year. He built two of the early hotels, the Franklin house and the Hack house. The latter was sold to Henry Hickman, was rebuilt in brick in 1872, and became the Hickman house, one of the popular hostelries of the early days.  Subsequently lie went to Hay Creek and erected a hotel. In 1866, in company with John M. Friederich, he started in the grocery business under the firm name of Friederich & Hack, the concern being later sold to C. E. Friederich & Co. In the meantime Mr. Hack had opened a branch store in Crookston, Minn., under the name of Hack & Gallaseh. After retiring from the grocery business in 1882, he took up the general real estate business, which he continued until 1894, when failing eyesight compelled his retirement from business. During his active days he was interested in the business progress of Red Wing and attended the now famous meeting held at Centennial hall to consider ways and means of starting the pottery industry here. He is still interested in the Red Wing Sewer Pipe Company, the Red Wing Union Stoneware Company, the Red Wing Shoe Company, the Red Wing Furniture Company, the Red Wing Linseed Oil Company, the Red Wing Brick Company, and the Red Wing Cement Company. He served eight years in the city council, and in fraternal circles belonged both to the Masons, in which order he has taken thirty-two degrees, and the Odd Fellows, in which he has occupied all the chairs. Mr. Hack was married in New York in 1853 to Catherine Zacher, now deceased. He was again married, May 28, 1883, to Emma M. Gallish, daughter of Adolph and Amoene (Van Wolfram) Gallish. The father was a native of Austria and the mother of Bwaria. The former after coming to America lived in Milwaukee and then at West Bend, Wis., later coming to Red Wing. He became interested in the sand in the vicinity of Red Wing and started the filter sand business, which his son, Adolph, Jr., still continues.

JACOB HADLER, a retired farmer of Goodhue township, was born in Germany September 10, 1836, and came to America in 1865, locating for a short time in Red Wing, and then working six months in Hay Creek and Featherstone. He next rented a farm of 240 acres in Belvidere township, and in company with a partner cultivated sixty-five acres. During the first year the two partners lived in a log cabin, and raised grain and corn.  He remained on this farm three years in all, and in 1869 came to Goodhue township and purchased eighty acres of land for general farming purposes. To this farm in 1878 he added eighty acres more, and carried on general farming and stock raising until 1907, when on account of failing health he found it advisable to turn the management of the place over to his sons, John J. and Herman H., who have continued with success the work which their father so faithfully performed for so many years.  Mr. Hadler is a Republican in politics, as are also his sons. He was married May 24, 1868, to Catherina Krimson, by whom he has seven children: Margaret, born in 1870; Peter, born in 1871; Catherina, born in 1872; Jacob, born in 1871, and another Peter, born in 1876, are all dead, while John J. and Herman H., who conduct the home farm, were born in 1878 and 1880, respectively.  The family faith of the Hadlers is that of the German Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Jurgen Krimson, parents of Mrs. Hadler, both died in Germany, in which country they spent their entire lives.

AUGUST HAGGSTROM was born in Leon township, where he still resides, April 9, 1860, son of C. A. and Martha C. (Johnson) Haggstrom, who came to America in 1854 and located in Andover, 111., where they remained for one year, after which they came up the Mississippi river by boat, landing at Red Wing, where they lived a short time. In 1855 they removed to Leon township and took up a homestead which the father broke and. improved, and built a log-cabin, at a cost of $2.40 in cash, in which cabin the Swedish Lutheran Conference of the state held their meeting in 1859. He followed general farming until he retired in 1894, when he erected a fine house, where he lived up to the time of his death, October 4, 1904, at the age of seventy-eight years. He served as supervisor of the township for several years. The mother died January 30, 1905, at the age of seventy-seven. Mr. Haggstrom took charge of the farm in 1894 and made many improvements, building a new home and other outbuildings necessary. He now carries on general farming and stock raising. He was married in 1894 to Melinda Larson, of Rice county, daughter of Simeon and Christina Larson, who came to America in 1870 and located in Vasa township, but later removed to Holden township, where the father engaged in the carpenter's trade. Mr. and Mrs. Haggstrom have five children : Arthur E., Ephriam, Elmer, Clarence and Myrtle. Mr. Haggstrom is a Republican in his political views, and has served as assessor for five years, also as chairman of the board for three years. He has also been clerk of the school board of district No. 48 since 1882. The family attends the Swedish Lutheran church.

ERICK 0. HAGMAN, of Belle Creek township, was born in Vasa township October 1, 1864, son of Ole and Mary (Munson) Hagman, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1861 and located in Vasa township. Here they bought forty acres of wild prairie land, which the father broke, cleared and improved, built a home, barn and other outbuildings and carried on general farming for twenty years, after which he removed to Belle Creek township and continued farming on a farm of 133 acres, which he purchased in 1865. The father died in March, 1891, and the mother in February, 1908. Erick 0. received his education in the public schools of Vasa and worked on the farm with his father until 1889, when he rented 133 acres from his father in Belle Creek and started general farming and stock raising, which he has since successfully conducted. He has five brothers and four sisters. The brothers are: Andrew 0., now of North Dakota; John R., and Ole R., living at home; Henry, now of Cannon Falls, and Peter, now of White Rock. The sisters are: Annie, married to Peter Holm, now of Douglass county; Betsy, married to Swan Waganeus, of Belle Creek; Carrie, married to Claus Lind, employed by the Chicago, Minneapolis & St. Paul railroad at Minneapolis; Christina, married to Peter Ferstad, of Belle Creek. Mr. Hagman is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Vasa. 

CHARLES P. HALL was born in Red Wing, graduated at Hobart College in the class of 1897 ; taught school one year in western New York, and graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan in 1901. Admitted to the bar in Minnesota in 1902; practiced in co-partnership with 0. M. Hall until 1901, when he located at Cannon Falls, holding position of city attorney 1905-6-7. At present he practices in Red Wing and Cannon Falls.

OSEE MATSON HALL, of Red Wing, was born in Conneaut, Ohio, graduated at Williams College in the class of 1868 ; has since resided and practiced law in Red Wing; was elected to the fifty-second congress and re-elected to the fifty-third congress, representing the third Minnesota district. At present he is a member of Minnesota State Tax Commission. In the early days of his practice he was in partnership with W. C. Wiliston, later district judge, and later with N. 0. Werner, now president of the Swedish-American Bank of Minneapolis.

ORRIN I. HALL, M. D., was for a period of thirty-four years one of the leading physicians of the southern part of Goodhue county.  Few men who have come to the county to make their homes here have been better beloved than he, and his death was mourned alike by old and young, high and low, rich and poor, so universally felt was the respect and esteem in which he had been held.  Orrin I. Hall Was born in Wales, New York, September 11, 1843, and received his earlier education in the schools of his neighborhood.  Later he entered the Buffalo Medical College, which is now a part of the University of Buffalo. He graduated from that institution in February of 1873, and was married shortly afterward, April 13 of the same year, at Buffalo, to Anna J.  Holden, who still survives, having been a most able and sympathetic helpmeet of her husband in all his varied undertakings.  Later in the same month they left Buffalo and came to Goodhue county, he taking up the practice of medicine in Pine Island.  In July, 1874, they moved to Zumbrota, which has since been the family home. Dr. Hall died June 25, 1908. At the time of his death it was written : "Dr. Hall has always been an energetic and active man, both mentally and physically, giving liberally of his time, labor and sympathy in the homes of illness and distress.  He was an enterprising man, interested in the upbuilding and advancement of the community and the betterment of humanity.  He never craved for public office, but nevertheless was several times elected a member of the local school board and was president of that body at the time of his death." Dr. Hall had three children: Sarah P., born July 7, 1877, is now principal of the high school at Hutchinson, Minn. Alice D., born March 11, 1883, was married August 11, 1909, to J. W. Spencer, and they now make their home in Chicago. Orrin L, Jr., was born May 11, 1885, was graduated from Minnesota State University in 1906, and is now employed in St. Paul. Ira and Phoebe (Taber) Hall, parents of Dr. Hall, were natives of New York state, where they spent their lives in farming, the father passing away in 1885 and the mother in 1889. James and Christina (Brew) Holden, parents of Mrs. Hall, Were natives of England, where their daughter was born February 5, 1846. There the father died in 1847.  Mother and daughter came to America together and located in Buffalo, N. Y., the mother dying in 1883.

ANDREW B. HALLER, of Wanamingo township, is a native of Wernland, Sweden, born April 2, 1850, son of Bjorn and Martha Anderson, who brought their family to America in 1868 and located in Wanamingo township, living for the first five years in a dugout. They then purchased forty acres in section 13 from Henry Brown, and followed general farming many years, the father also practicing his trade as a tailor. He died June 15, 1899, and the mother June 7, 1901. Andrew B. Haller received his education in his native country and came to America with his parents.  He assisted in purchasing and developing the homestead and upon the death of his father came into possession of the home place, which he has since conducted, carrying on general farming.  He is a Republican in politics, and although a faithful adherent of that party, has never cared to seek public office. In the family, aside from Andrew B., there were nine brothers and sisters.  Ingeborg is the wife of Ole Gunderson, of Red Wing. Mary is the wife of John Johnson, of Red Wing. Nels lives in Lac qui Parle county. Ole lives with Andrew B. at home. Christine is the wife of Andrew Johnson, of Alexandria, Minn., and John Martin, Anton and Carrie are all on a farm in Canada. The subject of this sketch is an honest, law-abiding citizen, well esteemed in the community where he has made his home.

JUDGE AXEL HALLER, of the probate court, is a worthy example to the younger generations of what a young man of native ability may accomplish by means of hard work and persevering effort.  He was born in Wermeland, Sweden, December 11, 1858, one of the five sons of Andrew and Carrie (Benson) Haller, who brought their family to America in 1867 and settled at Wanamingo, this county. There the father purchased a residence and for many years pursued the business of contractor and carpenter. Worthy citizens in every respect, honored residents of their community, the parents are now living a life of comparative retirement, made happy in the afternoon of life by the loving regard of their descendants. Axel Haller received his education in the public schools and in the Red Wing Seminary. After leaving the seminary he taught school winters and farmed summers for several years. His services for ten years as secretary of the Cherry Grove, Wanamingo and Minneola Mutual Fire Insurance Company gave general satisfaction, and also increased his acquaintance among the influential men of the county. As assistant cashier of the bank at Zumbrota he continued his successful career, and in November, 1894, he was elected probate judge. His victory at the poles was assured from the start and he entered the office with the hearty support of a large majority of the citizens of the county. Since that time he has been successively re-elected. Of his services as judge little need be said as his sympathy, helpfulness and impartiality are known in every city, village and farm residence in the county where the hand of death has made his services necessary. Aside from holding a political office, Judge Haller has business interests in the Pierce Simmons Bank and in the Red Wing Advertising Company. In the former he is a director, and in the latter secretary and director.  Fraternally he is a member of the United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. To Axel Haller and his wife, Inger Ottum, whom he married in 1882, have been born six sons and two daughters. Alma C., a school teacher, is in White Earth, N. D.; Nelson B. is on a farm in the same state; Adolphus is studying law in the state university at Minneapolis; Helmer L., Carl A., Chester A., Victor F. and Florence J.  are all at home.

JOSEPH HALLGREN, apiarist and poultry fancier, has a record of thirty-five years continual residence in Red Wing. He was born in Sweden, July 20, 1847, son of Andrew and Johanna Hallgren, the former of whom died in 1863 and the latter in 1851.  After receiving his school training in his native land, Joseph came to America in 1866, and became a coachman in St. Paul.  There he remained until 1873, when he took a trip to Louisiana and Arkansas. April 8 of the following year he came to Red Wing and took up work as a carpenter, a trade which since that uate he has continued to follow nearly all the time. In 1878 he purchased four lots on Phelps street, where he built a comfortable home. Many years ago he began to take an interest in bees and chickens, and with the passage of time he became an expert along both these lines. He has a colony of 125 hives of bees which produce a large amount of honey. Mr. Hallgren reads all the latest writings on bee culture and has become an expert on the habits of the busy little insects. His fowls, in which he takes a deep interest, consist of a large flock of barred Plymouth Rocks, of which he has reason to feel very proud. His fowls and bees have taken prizes at several exhibitions. Mr Hallgren is a Republican in politics and for two years served as one of the trustees of Oakwood cemetery. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church and holds membership in the Scandinavian Benevolent Society. January 1, 1876, he was married at Red Wing to Anna C. Johnson, daughter of Andrew W. and Johanna Johnson, the former of whom died July 26, 1871, and the latter in 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Hallgren have no children. An adopted son, Gust Hallgren, upon whom they set their affections, was drowned in the Mississippi river May 27, 1892.

HENRY M. HALVORSON, one of those hustling young men who have given the village of Wanamingo the reputation for progressiveness which it so richly deserves, is a native product, born in this village June 3, 1875, son of Martin Halvorson. His education was received in the public schools of Wanamingo and Zumbrota, the Augsbury Seminary and Beeman's Business College.  Thus equipped with a classical and business training, he took up the mercantile business in Wanamingo, following same for six years. In 1904, together with his brother Martin and others, he organized the Farmers' State Bank of Wanamingo, of which he is vice president and secretary. In addition to this he was postmaster of the village for eleven years until his resignation in February, 1909. He has been clerk of district No. 63 for many years and was for some time secretary of the Wanamingo, Minneola and Cherry Grove Mutual Fire Insurance Company.  He is interested in the Wanamingo Lumber Company.  To his efforts as director, the Wanamingo choir, a musical organization of young folks, owes much of its excellence and merit. Mr. Halvorson was married October 24, 1900, to Nettie Chrislock, daughter of Relief and Dordi (Lund) Chrislock, natives of Norway and well known farmers of Wanamingo. The Halvorson home has been brightened by the arrival of three children: Martha Louise, born July 16, 1902; Ralph Donald, born September 4, 1904; and Helen Josephine, born December 1, 1907. Mr.  Halvorson is an independent Republican and the family faith is that of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

MARTIN HALVORSON, cashier of the Farmers' State Bank of Wanamingo, is a native product of the village, born May 24, 1881, son of Martin and Gretha (Fraas) Halvorson, both natives of Norway. After coming to this country the father clerked for a while in a store at Wanamingo, and then opened a general store of his own, which business he followed until his death in 1899. His widow is still living. Martin was brought up in this village, and aside from attending the public schools here, also took courses in the Augsbury Seminary at Minneapolis and the Normal school at Mankato. After leaving school he worked for a time on his father's farm, and clerked in his father's store. A short period before the father's death, the two brothers, Martin and Henry, purchased the store and in December, 1904, they organized the Farmers' State Bank of Wanamingo. Martin at first was assistant cashier, but in January, 1909, was promoted to his present position. He is a Prohibitionist in politics and is interested financially in the Wanamingo Lumber Company. In church circles he is well liked, being president of the Young People's Association of the Wanamingo church and superintendent of the Sunday school. He was married, December 19, 1906.  at Mankato, Minn., to Anna Gunderson, daughter of Ole and Ingeborg (Kelly) Gunderson, natives of Norway. The father is a tailor in Mankato, where he conducts a successful business.  To Mr. and Mrs. Halvorson, one son, George M., was born October 23, 1907.

EDWARD G. HAMMER, of Zumbrota village, is prominently identified with the dairy interests of this county. He was born in Stordalen, Norway. November 8, 1865, son of Guilder R. and Ingeborana Hammer, the former of whom is a carpenter by trade.  These sturdy old people are still living in Norway, the mother being eighty-six and the father seventy-six years old. Edward was given the advantage of excellent training in the schools of his native village, and then learned the shoemaking trade. It was in 1885 that he came to America and located in Zumbrota. Three years later he went to Hallock, Minn., and learned the cheesemaking business, subsequent to which he took a two years' course in the Red Wing Seminary. For seven years he engaged in butter and cheese making in Wanamingo, and was the prime factor in establishing the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery. Following this he engaged in the butter business in Goodhue and then returned to Wanamingo for two years, after which he came to Zumbrota and purchased the creamery at Goodhue, which he also owns. While in Goodhue he took the agency for the Lavelle cream separator, which he has since retained, having sold over 1,000 in this county. Mr. Hammer is a member of the village council of Zumbrota. He has served as treasurer of his school district, and while in Goodhue was treasurer of the village school board. In addition to his creamery interests he is vice president of the Zumbrota Clay Manufacturing Company. December 17.  1893, he was married at Red Wing to Anna Sletten, of Wanamingo, daughter of Ole and Hansena Sletten. the former of whom is a Wanamingo merchant. The fruits of this union are two children as follows: Emma J. born September 21, 1894, and Ottelle G., born July 12, 1897, both of whom are at home. The family. worships at the Lutheran Church.

OLE J. HAMRE was born in Warsaw township, on the old homestead, on October 3, 1863, son of John Torgeson, who came to America from Norway and located in Racine, Wis., remaining for a year, after which they came to Warsaw township, Goodhue county, Minnesota, and pre-empted land consisting of 160 acres, which he broke and cleared. He built a log house, which he shared with three others, being some of the first settlers, and houses scarce. Later he built a more comfortable home and outbuildings ; also added eighty acres to his land, which he continued to improve, and carried on general farming until his death in 1890, his wife surviving him six years. Ole J. received his education at the public schools of Warsaw, and after leaving school he worked at the blacksmith's trade for two years, then was employed for six months in the flour mills at Cannon Falls.  In 1890 he engaged in business in a general store at Grant, continuing three years, after which he sold out and purchased the old homestead. Mr. Hamre was married to Gunel Bakken, daughter of Henry and Carrie (Tassa) Bakken, who were natives of Norway, and emigrated to America and located in Warsaw township, where he pre-empted 160 acres of land and carried on general farming, adding later forty-six acres. The father died in 1905, but the mother is still living on the homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Hamre have nine children: Emelia, Johnnie, Helga, Paul, Carl, Margaret, Denali, and Ole, who live at home, and Carrie, now of Iowa. Mr. Hamre is a Republican in his political views and has served as chairman of the town of Warsaw for four years, supervisor for eight years. He is agent and director for the Holden and Warsaw Fire Insurance Company, in which capacity he has served for eighteen years. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Kenyon.

DAVID HANCOCK, or "Uncle Dave," as he is lovingly called, was born April 22, 1812, in Worcester county, Mass. He went to Vermont with his parents, learned blacksmithing, which he carried on with his brother, and then went to work on a Connecticut steamboat, of which he afterwards became captain. He came to Red Wing June 12, 1851, and in partnership with Thomas Lowater ran a stage line. He took a contract for delivering mail once a week from this city to Austin and St. Nicholas, Minn., but being of an accommodating disposition, gave a semi-weekly service instead. As assistant of Sheriff Harry Hoffman, who first went east and was then appointed postmaster, Mr. Hancock was practically the real sheriff, and to him belongs the honor of taking the first prisoner from this city to Stillwater. Mr. Hancock then went to live in Goodhue township, where he enlisted in the Civil War, serving one year as drum major. From his discharge until 1877 he engaged in steamboating on the Mississippi and in the latter year practically retired. He was also the first captain of the Nellie Sheldon, one of the early ferry experiments across the river at this point. David Hancock has twice been married, first to Adeline Stearns, and after her death to Olive Field. He is the father of six children.

HERMAN HANISCH, the honored and trusted superintendent of Oakwood cemetery, Red Wing, for the past two decades, holds the esteem of all who know him. He was born in Germany, December 24, 1853, and his boyhood education was received at Waupun, Wis., after which he learned the trade of carriage making, which he followed at Waupun until 1878, when he came to Red Wing and engaged in the same business with considerable success.  His honor and integrity were known throughout the city, and in 1889, when the trustees of Oakwood cemetery had the appointment of a new superintendent, Mr. Hanisch was selected as the man for the position, the duties of which he has since that date discharged in a faithful manner. He is a Democrat in politics, an Episcopalian in faith and a member of the A. O. U. W. Mr.  Hanisch was married at Red Wing to Annie M. J. Freestedt, daughter of S. A. and Alreea Freestedt, the former of whom was a Red Wing wagon maker. To Mr. and Mrs. Hanisch have been born five children. Lottie is a school teacher in Goodhue village, this county. Edwin and Grover live at home, and Adolph and Emmett are deceased.

JOHN O. HANSON, proprietor of a successful general store at 340 East Seventh street, Red Wing, was born in Sweden, May 15, 1855, son of John Gustave and Christine (Anderson) Hanson, who came to Red Wing in 1866, from Jankoping, Sweden. The father followed his trade as carpenter until 1879, when he went to Welch township, purchased 140 acres of land and did a general line of farming, combined with carpenter work and contracting.  Tie built his own home and barns, and also erected many of the buildings in the neighborhood. John Hanson died October 18, 1908, and his wife March 18, 1904, at the age of eighty-five years. There were two children in the family besides John O.  They are both living in Welch, Oliver being a farmer and his sister Christine, now Mrs. Hagander, is the wife of a farmer.  John O. was sent to the public schools in Sweden, and after coming to Red Wing with his parents at the age of eleven years, attended the Red Wing, schools until fourteen years of age, when he entered the employ of D. C. Hill. Subsequently he clerked two years in a shoe store, and later entered into business for himself with a partner, the firm name being Hanson & Peterson.  After four years in this company he sold out, and entered the employ of the Belanger Brothers, dry goods merchants, as a clerk. His record with this company consisted of faithful service for a period of sixteen years. In 1901 he had saved sufficient money to warrant his starting in business for himself.  Since that time he has successfully conducted his present store.  He owns his store building and a comfortable home, together with some other property. Mr. Hanson is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the Scandinavian Relief Association and the Scandinavian Benefit Association, in which latter he has been president for the past two years. The family worships at the Swedish Lutheran Church. Mr. Hanson was married April 8, 1883, to Magdeline Anderson, a daughter of Christian and Pettronelle (Darlow) Anderson, the former of whom was in the tailoring and clothing business in Norway until his death in 1884. The mother died hi the same country in 1898. Mrs. Hanson has three sisters. Two live in Norway and one is wife of the Rev. Wald, in Tacoma, Wash. She also has two brothers, Christ Anderson, who is in the building and constructing business in Chicago, and John Dahr, a Chicago printer. To Mr. and Mrs.  Hanson have been born six children. Gustaf, born January 11, 1884, works with his father in the store. Harold is a clerk at the store of Adler, Schacht & Co. He was born July 12, 1885. Arthur W., born October 28, 1887. is in the store with his father.  Alice Francis was born February 12, 1890 ; Aurelia Agnes December 22, 1894, and Harriet Hermenia Gertrude October 7, 1897. All the children live at home.

MARTIN HANSON, merchant tailor, who enjoys a fine class of trade among the prominent men of Red Wing, was born in Norway, May 8, 1864, a son of Andrew and Mattie (Severson) Hanson, both natives of Norway. The father died when Martin was very young, and his mother in 1886 came to Wisconsin, where she still makes her home at the age of sixty-three years. Left without a father's care, Martin attended the public schools of his native country a short time, and at an early age was apprenticed to an uncle, who taught him the tailor's trade. In the spring of 1880 Martin came to America and worked one year in Rice county, Wisconsin. He came to Red Wing in 1881, and worked two years for Jacobson, the tailor. Subsequently he was employed one year by the Boxrud Brothers, two years for Peterson & Grondahl, and nine years by P. A. Sandberg. After prospecting for a time at Spokane, Wash., he again returned to Red Wing and started in business for himself. Mr. Hanson served two years in Company G, is a Republicon in politics and belongs to the Modern Woodmen. He was married July 20, 1887, to Dena Bjerke, of Red Wing, daughter of Thorvald and Patra (Peterson) Bjerke, natives of Norway. Her father is living in Norway and her mother died in 1879. To Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have been born two children-Isabel, September 10, 1891, and Leonard, March 25, 1893. Leonard attends the Red Wing Seminary. The family worships at St. Peter's Norwegian Lutheran Church. In Mr. Hanson's family were ten brothers and sisters, only two of whom, besides himself, are now living. Louisa, married to William Welda, lives in South Dakota. Lewis is married and also lives in South Dakota.

OLE J. HANSON, of Minneola township, was born in Norway, June 20, 1849, son of John and Annie (Bjorge) Hanson, who came to America in 1863, residing at Rock Prairie, Wis., for one year. In June, 1864, they came to Minneola township, remaining there until 1868, then going to Kandiyohi county, where they took a homestead of 160 acres, which the father broke and improved, following general farming till 1878, then going to the Red River valley to live with his son. The father died December 28, 1890, and the mother in 1899. Ole came to America with his parents in 1863, taking up farming in Minneola township. Beginning farming for himself, he purchased forty acres of improved land, adding to this at various times until he now has 142 acres of farm land and twenty acres of timber land in Pine Island township.  He has always followed agriculture and for nine years gathered the cream for the Crescent creamery. Mr. Hanson was married June 3, 1874, to Gunnil, daughter of John and Anna (Johnson) Satren, who came to America from Norway, locating first at Rock Prairie, Wis. Later they came to Minneola township, where Mr. Satren died April 2, 1907, and Mrs. Satren March 25, 1909. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hanson are: Joseph, born March 1, 1875, now in Reeder, N. D. ; Anna, born June 22, 1876, now Mrs. Albert Paul, of Meservey, la.; Magnus, born December 23, 1877, now at Brinsmade, N. D. ; H. Andrew, born March 22, 1879, living at home; Fred, born April 14, 1881, now at, Berthold, N. D. ; Lena, born January 19, 1883, now of Minnewauken, N. D. ; Melvin, born January 2, 1885, now of Brinsmade, N. D. ; Mary, born January 10, 1887, school teacher at Bigwood, Minn. ; Josie, born November 9, 1888, now a school teacher; John, born December 18, 1890, now of Berthold, N. D. ; Luella, born December 26, 1892, a student, who lives at home; Carl, born March 5, 1895; George, born April 23, 1897; Adolph, born December 31, 1899. The last three named live at home. Politically Mr. Hanson is a Republican and attends the Lutheran Church. By hard work and fair dealings he has achieved success and won the respect of all. 

A. H. HARDY, of Featherstone township, was born in Janesville, Wis., July 22, 1845, son of Samuel and Mary (Carlton) Hardy, natives of Massachusetts. The father spent his early life in the east coming west to Rock county, Wisconsin, when thirty-five years of age. He remained a few years, then went to Green county, and in 1854 came to Minnesota, where he took up a homestead in Burnside township and built a log cabin which still stands. Later he removed to Pine Island township and carried on general farming until he retired from active live and moved to Red Wing, where he died in 1888. The mother passed away in October, 1887. They had a family of fourteen children, of whom only three are living: A. H. Hardy received his education in the common schools, and worked with his father. He enlisted in Company A, Hatch's Independent Cavalry, July 20, 1863, and served three years, being discharged June 6, 1866. During this time he was in the Dakotas. Mr. Hardy was married in 1874 to Melissa (Benham), daughter of Isaac and Harriet (Heliker) Benham, natives of New York state. They emigrated west in the early days, and came to Wisconsin, and later removed to Minnesota, remaining but a short time, when they went still farther west to Montana, where the father died, on May 30, 1906, having spent forty years in Montana. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy are the parents are thirteen children: Harriet (deceased); Edith, of Minneapolis; Flora, now Mrs. Hennings, of North Dakota; Matilda J., married to Gust Anderson, of Featherstone; William (deceased); Ethel, of Minneapolis; Albert, Jr., living at home; Edward, of Minneapolis; Mabel, at home; Helen, at home; Arthur, at home; and Cyrus and George (deceased). Mr. Hardy has been in Goodhue county for twenty-five years. Eleven years he spent in Douglass county. He has a farm of forty-seven acres in Featherstone township and rents 200 acres, where he carries on general farming and dairying, keeping from fifteen to twenty cows for the purpose. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post of Red Wing and is a Republican in politics. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

GEORGE M. HARLOW, a retired brick manufacturer, living at 1025 Bush street, is a New Englander by birth, a native of Sangerville, Piscataquis county, Maine, where he made his first appearance May 24, 1840. His father, Ivory Harlow (married to Rachael D. Mayo), was a brick manufacturer in Brewer, a suburb of Bangor, Maine, where he continued in business until the time of his death, July 7, 1875. The mother died on the old homestead in 1903. A brother of George M. still carries on the brick business at Brewer, while two sisters are dead. George M.  attended the public schools of Brewer and worked in his father's establishment until reaching the age of eighteen, when he started in business for himself, manufacturing and laying brick. In 1862 he entered the service of the government hi the quartermaster's department at Nashville, serving until after the close of the war. In Red Wing, where he arrived in 1867, he started the manufacture of bricks, also doing general contracting. From that time until 1900, a period of twenty-three years, he continued in business, making and laying the bricks on many important buildings in this city. Since his retirement, he occasionally, as he feels inclined, takes a small contract for mason work. He has been recorder of the United Workmen twenty-nine years, and gave efficient service to the city of Red Wing four years as a member of the city council, and twelve years on the water board. He votes the Republican ticket, belongs to the Masonic order and attends the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Harlow was married, in this city, March 4, 1868, to Mrs. Alice F. Pratt, daughter of Samuel Carpenter, who is now deceased, as is his wife. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Harlow, six are living. Minnie, the oldest, is dead; Grace R., married to Rufus R. Misenhemer, lives at Portland, Ore.; Edward I., is married, and is employed in the advertising department of the Minneapolis "Journal''; George C. is civil engineer for the city of Portland, Ore.; Fred G., living at Minneapolis, is a mail clerk on the Milwaukee railroad ; Ernest, married, is a painter in Minneapolis; Florence G. lives at home, and Harry is dead. 

GEORGE HARTMAN, deceased, was for many years a hardware florist.  merchant in Red Wing. He was born in Wittenburg, Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1846. His parents, David and Margaret Hartman, natives of Germany, came to America in 1852, and located first in Milwaukee, coming to Goodhue county with the early settlers and purchasing a farm in Hay Creek, where he ended his days. The mother survived him and died in Red Wing. George came to Hay Creek township with his parents in 1856. He purchased 150 acres, broke and improved the land, built a home, and for several years devoted his time to farming. Later he came to Red Wing and opened a hardware business, which he continued all his life with considerable success. His career ended July 13, 1890, in this city. Mr. Hartman was a Democrat in politics and belonged to the United Workmen. In religious faith he was a worshiper at the Lutheran Church. George Hartman was married at Red Wing June 27, 1878, to Mary Wallauer, born January 10, 1850, daughter of Paul and Kate (Volk) Wallauer, who came to America from Germany, their native land, and located in New York state. There the mother died and the father came to Goodhue county, purchased a farm, and remained until his death in 1884. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hartman was blessed with six children. George J., born March 5, 1879, is deceased; John, born July 5, 1880, is a chemist at Minneapolis; Anarand J., born September 20, 1881; Myrtle, born March 8, 1884, is deceased; Clara D., born October 18, 1885, lives at home; Alma M., born April 8, 1887, is dead; Annard, the youngest, is manager of the North American & Postal Telegraph Cable Company, also engaged in business as a cigar and tobacco merchant at Red Wing.

GUSTAV L. HASTAD, who resides on a splendid farm in section 5, Roscoe township, was born on the farm where he now resides, March 19, 1868. He was brought up on a farm, acquiring rugged health and such education as the district schools afforded, working with his father until 1890, when he took charge of the home place. Being a hard worker and of a progressive turn of mind, he has made many improvements, erecting a new house and barns, and carrying on farming along the latest approved methods. Since easting his first ballot he has consistently voted the Republican ticket. November 8, 1888, he was married to Mattie Hjalpdahl, daughter of John and Eli Hjalpdahl, natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Hastad attend the Lutheran church.  Lawrence and Gertrude Hastad, parents of Gustav L., came to America in 1865 from Norway, their native country and located in Wanamingo township. The following year they purchased the present homestead, breaking and improving the land and erecting a suitable residence. The mother died May 30, 1906 and the father now makes his home with the subject of this sketch, being an honored and venerable citizen of the community.

JOSEPH HUNEKE was born in Westphalia, Germany, September 3, 1854, son of Joseph and Mary Huneke, natives of Germany, where the mother still lives. Joseph received his education in Germany, and came to America in 1874, locating in Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he took up farming on a farm consisting of 120 acres of land in Hay Creek township, which he improved and built all the outbuildings himself, and where he has carried on general farming and dairying for the past thirty years, also working part of the time as carpenter. He has eighty acres under cultivation and has a fine home. Mr. Huneke was married in 1879 to Mary Koester, daughter of William Koester, who was one of the early settlers in Hay Creek township; he came from Germany and engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs.  Huneke have eight children: Theresa, Theodore, who is a farmer of Hay Creek township ; Annie, Frank, Christine, William, Peter and Bernard, all of whom are at home. Mr. Huneke is an independent voter, and has been supervisor for the past five years, also roadmaster. In 1905 Mr. Huneke paid a visit to his mother in Germany, returning three months later. He is a member of the Sons of Herman, and he and his family are members of the Catholic church in Red Wing.

IVER HAUGEN, proprietor of Prodigy Farm, Holden township, was born on the homestead where he now lives, April 9, 1875, son of Albert and Soneva (Bjoreker) Haugen, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1853, locating in Wisconsin where the father worked for three years, after which they removed to Minnesota, where they pre-empted 160 acres of land in Holden township, which the father cleared and improved, built a log house where they lived for sixteen years, after which they erected a modern home. They carried on general farming until 1902 when they retired from active life and lived with the son. The mother died in 1904, but the father is still living. Iver received his education in the public schools of Holden, and completed with a course at the State Agricultural school, graduating in 1897. For five years after graduating he was at the experiment station at Crookston, Minn., where he was interested in horses and cattle. He returned home in 1902 and purchased 180 acres of the homestead, and has since been successful in general farming and stock raising, also dairying. April 17. 1902, he was married to Gertrude Hofdahl, daughter of Ole and Mary (Flakne) Hofdahl, natives of Norway, Avho came to America in 1895, settling in Polk county, Minnesota, where they took up a homestead of 160 acres of land and carried on a general line of farming until the death of the father in 1907. The mother still lives at Beltrami, Polk county. Mr. and Mrs. Haugen have five children : Myrtle S., Ila S., Arnold O., Ingmar G., and Gurine A.  Mr. Haugen is a Republican in his politics. He is also a member of the Farmer's Club of Goodhue county, and is a director in the Farmers' Creamery at Kenyon. The family attend the Norwegian Lutheran church.

KNUTE S. HAUGEN, a prosperous farmer of Wanamingo township, was born at Haugen, in Hedalen Valders, Norway, October 26, 1833, and came to America in 1854, locating in Wisconsin, where he remained for six years. In 1860 he came to Wanamingo township, where he bought eighty acres of wild land which he broke and cleared, erecting a home and necessary outbuildings.  He continued to improve and add more land to his farm until he now has 500 acres, all in Wanamingo township and all under cultivation. On this farm he now successfully carries on a general line of mixed farming. Mr. Haugen was married August 26, 1858, at Blue Mont, Wis., to Bertha Nelson Reppen, daughter of Nels Jenson Reppen and Bertha Nelson Reppen. Mr. and Mrs. Haugen have had ten children: Christine, married to Christian L. Kinstad, of South Dakota; Bertine, married to Ole Thompson, of South Dakota; Oline (deceased); Louise . (deceased) ; Elizabeth (deceased); Matilda, married to Olaf E. Clauson, of South Dakota; Syver, living in Wanamingo township; Nels, living in Wanamingo township; and Belle and Lewis, living at home. Mr. Haugen is a Republican in politics.  He and his family are communicants of the Lutheran church. 

NELS K. HAUGEN was born in Wanamingo township, where he still resides, November 21, 1876, son of K. S. Haugen. He received his education in the common schools and worked with his father on the farm until 1900, when he went to Great Falls, Mont., where he was employed as stationery engineer for three years, after which he returned to the old home and engaged in general farming on 120 acres, which he greatly improved, erecting a pleasant home and other necessary buildings. Mr. Haugen was married February 17, 1904, to Alma Findberg, daughter of Ole and Eva Findberg, natives of Sweden, where they still reside.  Mr. and Mrs. Haugen have two children: Evangeline, born November 10, 1904, and Clarence, born September 19, 1906. Mrs.  Haugen died May 27, 1909. Mr. Haugen is a Republican in politics and a member of the United Lutheran church of Holden. 

OLE A. HAUGEN, of Warsaw township, was born in Holden township, September 23, 1865, son of Albert and Susan (Bjoraker) Haugen, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1855, settling in Holden township, where they purchased 160 acres of land, which the father broke and cleared, and built a house of logs, engaging in general farming. Later he purchased 140 acres, and again 165 acres in Warsaw township. He retired in 1903, and the mother died in 1904. Ole A. received his education in the public schools of Holden, and worked at home on the farm until 1889. He then purchased the 165 acres in Warsaw township, belonging to his father, and engaged in general farming and raising of horses and stock. All his land can be cultivated.  On October 17, 1889, he was married to Martha Broin, daughter of Jens K. and Guri Broin, of Wanamingo, who came to America from Norway in 1862, locating in Wanamingo township, where they engaged in farming on 160 acres of land, to which they have added until they own over 600 acres. They retired July 13, 1908, but still reside on the homestead. Mr.  and Mrs. Haugen have had six children: Ida Sophia, John G., Albion N., Helen A., Otilda M., all living at home, and Clifford, who died in infancy. Mr. Haugen is a Republican in his political views, and has been treasurer of school district No. 53. He is a stockholder in the North Star creamery at Kenyon. He and his family are members of Wang's Norwegian Lutheran church, of which Mr. Haugen is trustee.

OLAI HAUGEN was born December 3, 1883, on the farm where he now resides, in Section 7, Minneola township. He is the son of Ole and Sigrid (Romo) Haugen, of Norway, who came to America and first located in Rice county, Minnesota, then in Minneola township, where they purchased 200 acres of land.  They improved part of this, following general farming until August, 1908, when he retired and moved to Wanamingo village, where he is now located. Olai attended the common schools in his township, then entered the Minnesota Agricultural College in Minneapolis, from which he graduated in 1906. He then returned to the farm and worked with his father until 1908, when he took charge of the homestead, carrying on general and diversified farming principally dairying, and making a specialty of high grade stock. Father and son are both staunch Republicans and attend the Lutheran church. The former has served several years as treasurer of school district No. 95. Olai has six brothers and sisters: Siverte, who is a farmer in Wanamingo township; Louis, of Harmony, Minn. ; Hannah, Rebecca and Marite, of Wanamingo ; and Martin, who conducts the farm with his brother.

OLE I. HAUGEN owns a well cultivated farm in Wanamingo township, known as Highland Brook Farm, and carries on agricultural operations along the latest approved lines. He is a native of this county, born in Holden township, September 28, 1862. After receiving his earlier education in the schools of his neighborhood, he attended the high schools of Faribault and Northfield, and subsequently clerked in a store for one year. In 1884 he went north to Polk county, this state, and purchased 160 acres which he farmed one year. The fall of that year saw him again on the old homestead in Holden township, and in the following spring he sold his Polk county farm and purchased eighty acres of the home place, remaining there until 1898. It was in that year that he came to Wanamingo township, purchased 175 acres, and started general farming, altering and improving the buildings and developing the farm, upon which he now raises the usual crops and makes a specialty of dairying, having a fine herd of Holstein cattle. To this farm he has recently added fifteen acres, and in addition owns the remaining eighty acres of the old homestead in Holden township. An independent voter in politics, Mr. Haugen has served as justice of the peace and is now clerk of school district 61. He was married, November 16, 1892, to Carrie Dalbotten, daughter of Iver and Anna (Trove) Dalbotten, natives of Nonway, who came to this country in 1857 and settled in Holden township, where they both died. Before her marriage Mrs. Haugen was a teacher of instrumental music. She has borne to her husband seven children: Irvin, Eva, Obert, Edward, Clifford, Anna and Rudolph, all of whom are at home. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church. Iver and Bretha (Earager) Haugen, parents of Ole I.  Haugen, were born in Norway and came to America in 1857, locating in Holden township where they purchased 160 acres of wild land, which they broke and cleared, and built a comfortable home, following general farming until November 11, 1885, when the father died. The mother is still living on the old homestead. 

SEVER K. HAUGEN was born in Wanamingo township, where he still resides, June 7, 1871 son of K. S. Haugen. He received his education in the schools of the neighborhood and worked on the farm with his father until 1899, when he began farming for himself on a farm of 240 acres in Sections 30-31-32 of Wanamingo township. He improved the land and buildings and now carries on general and diversified farming, in which he has been very successful. Mr. Haugen was married February 21, 1900, to Thea C. Omsberg, daughter of Willard and Katrina (Lindtvedt) Omsberg, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1872 and settled in Wisconsin, where they remained until 1876, when they came to Holden township and remained there one year, after which they removed to Leon township and engaged in farming.  Mr. and Mrs. Haugen have four children : Corie B., born October 14, 1901 ; Hazel L., born October 15, 1902 ; Verna C., born June 3, 1906 ; and Kesper W., January 24, 1909. Mr. Haugen is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator of Bombay. He is an independent voter and he and his family attend the United Lutheran church.

SIVERT O. HAUGEN, of Wanamingo township, was born in Minneola township February 18, 1870, son of O. S. and Sigrid (Romo) Haugen, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1861, locating in Nerstrand, Rice county, remaining there eight years, after which they came to Minneola and bought 160 acres of land, which the father improved and built a home, following general farming until in 1908, when they retired and moved to Wanamingo.  Sivert received his education in the schools of Minneola and the Red Wing Seminary. After leaving school he worked on the farm with his father until 1897, when he purchased 240 acres of land in Wanamingo township, section 1, where he has since followed general farming. Mr. Haugen was married May 14, 1897, to Nettie Jensen, daughter of Andrew Jensen, of Rice county. They have four children, Oscar, Alma, Sigrid and Agnes, all living at home. Mr. Haugen is a Republican in politics and is clerk of the school board in district 64. He and his family attend the Lutheran church.

The information on Trails to the Past © Copyright   may be used in personal family history research, with source citation. The pages in entirety may not be duplicated for publication in any fashion without the permission of the owner. Commercial use of any material on this site is not permitted.  Please respect the wishes of those who have contributed their time and efforts to make this free site possible.~Thank you!