Trails to the Past

Minnesota

Goodhue County

Biographies

History of Goodhue County
Franklyn, Curtiss, Wedge
1910

 

 

HALVOR O. OAKLAND was born in Wanamingo township, where he still lives, September 14, 1861, son of Ole 0. and Ture (Halvorson) Oakland, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1852, settled in Kirkland, Wis., and in 1854 removed to Wanamingo township, where they took up a homestead of 160 acres.  Later they sold this and purchased 140 acres in sections 18 and 19, which the father cleared and improved, building a home, and followed general farming until his death, January 26, 1895.  The mother died in September, 1887. Halvor received his education in the common schools, and in 1882 he went to Coddington county, South Dakota, where he took up a homestead of 160 acres. This he improved and farmed until 1889, when he sold out, returned to Wanamingo township and purchased the old homestead, where he has made many improvements. In 1901 he added thirty acres adjoining, and in 1904 built a new house, which is well furnished throughout. He is now remodeling his barn. Mr. Oakland was married June 23, 1886, to Lena Nerson, daughter of Neri Strand and Guri Toeto, natives of Norway, who came to America and located in Belle Creek township, where they engaged in general farming until their death. Mr.  and Mrs. Oakland have six children, Nora, Olof, Gena, Lydia, Hilda and Clara, all living at home. Mr. Oakland is a Republican in his political views. He is now clerk of the school board of district 148, which office he has held for twelve years. He is also a stockholder in the elevators at Kenyon and Bombay. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church.

OLE O. ODDEN, of Belle Creek township, was born in Norway March 15, 1835, and came to America in 1851, locating in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he remained six years. In 1860 he came to this county and purchased eighty acres in Belle Creek.  To this he soon added eighty more, now owning a fine farm of 160 acres, and in addition a ten-acre timber tract. On this place he conducts general farming and raises horses and cattle. In 1880 the family moved to Red Wood county, Minn., and lived five years, breaking and improving .160 acres and owning in addition forty acres of timber claim. He disposed of his Red Wood property in 1885 and returned to the home place in Belle Creek township, where he has since remained. He was married in the fall of 1861 to Anna Larson, by whom he has had twelve children, Ole, Mary, Ingeborg, Lizzie, Salvina E., Elling, John, Andrew, Laura, Lars 0., Reinert J. and Elling.  Lars 0. Odden, son of Ole 0. and Anna (Larson) Odden, was born in Belle Creek township and received his education in the schools of his neighborhood. He also had the advantages of a course in the Red Wing Business College. While the greater part of his life has been devoted to farming and threshing, he has, nevertheless, found time to take an interest in public affairs. He was assessor in 1905. In 1900 he took the government census and in 1901 was elected justice of the peace of Belle Creek township, which office he held for four years. He has been chairman of the Republican town committee for the past five years. He is a member of the Sons of Norway and of the Red Men. Lars 0. Odden was married April 21, 1906, to Ingerborg Stormoe, daughter of Rollang and Jonnetta Stormoe, natives of Norway. Two children have blessed this union, Ralph 0., born March 31, 1907, and Alf J., born February 22, 1908. 

LUDWIG H. OFSTIE, was born on the farm where he now resides in Roseoe township, June 9, 1871, son of Hans and Mary (Davidson) Ofstie, natives of Norway who came to America in 1861, direct to Goodhue county. The father worked on a farm for a time, and in 1869 purchased 160 acres of land and engaged in farming. The land was wild and he broke a small part of it and built a house which was destroyed by fire in 1871. A log house was built just after the fire and this was used until 1902 when it was replaced by a fine modern house of brick. They have continued to improve the land and buildings, erecting a barn and other buildings also a large silo in 1908. The father died October 22, 1893, and the son then assumed the management of the farm.  Ludwig received his education in the common schools of the township, worked with his father on the farm, and has since continued to carry on general farming and dairying extensively, keeping a large number of cows of the Holstine grade. His land is all under cultivation. Mr. Ofstie is an only child and is single, his mother living on the homestead with him. He is Republican in his politics, has served as constable for eight years, and as road master for a number of terms. He is the president of the Wauamingo creamery, which office he has held since 1901. He is a member of Land's Norwegian Lutheran church. 

OLE E. OFSTIE, of Minneola township, was born in Norway, January 7, 1843, son of Estine Knutson and Aneka Bjorgen, natives of Norway. They came to America in 1866 and located in Minnesota, where the father engaged in farm work for fifteen years. In 1871 they went to Lac qui Parle county, where the father, in partnership with his son, bought 160 acres of land, which they cleared and improved and carried on general farming until the death of the father in 1895. The mother died in 1899, both deaths occurring at Lac qui Parle county. Ole received his education in the public schools of America, which he attended for a short time, and worked on the farm. Later he took up carpenter work and building, at which he was engaged until 1872. lie then purchased 112 acres of land in Minneola township, and engaged in farming, also stock raising. He improved the buildings and built a new house. February 12, 1866, he was married to Anna Marta, daughter of John and Ingeborg Besstad, natives of Norway, where the father was a carpenter.  Both are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ofstie have had seven children-Edward (deceased) ; John E., a farmer of Minneola, married to Phina Lexvold; Anna, married to Henry Hanson, of Wanamingo; Carl, employed on the railroad: Andrew, a farmer at home ; Erick, married to Hulda Dorn, and Olaf, who are at home. Mr. Ofstie is a Republican in his politics. He has served on the school board for three years, and on the school board for the Norwegian school two years. He is also road overseer. The family attend the Lutheran Church, which Mr. Ofstie has served as trustee nine years.

FRANK T. O'GORMAN, one of the rising young practitioners of this county, is a native of Belle Creek township, born August 27, 1874. He received his education in the schools of his neighborhood, and after completing the course taught in the grades, graduated from the high school at Cannon Falls in 1900. Like many other men of his profession, he laid the foundation of his career by teaching school two years, and then entered the law department of the State University, from which he was graduated in 1905. As a preliminary to starting out for himself, he practiced one year with the law firm of C. D. and Thomas D.  O'Brien, of St. Paul. April 1, 1906, he came to Goodhue, and opened an office, entering at once upon a legal career of success and prosperity. He is honest, able and fluent, an ideal country lawyer in every respect. A Democrat in politics, he has served as justice of the peace and has been a candidate for the office of county attorney. In fraternal circles he has affiliated himself with the Knights of Columbus, the Yeomen, the Catholic Foresters and the Commercial Club, in all of which he has taken an active part. John O'Gorman, father of Attorney O'Gorman, was born in Ireland and came to America in 1841, and engaged in the livery business in Racine, Wis., until 1849, when he went to California, with the gold rush, and prospected five years. In 1854 he returned to Wisconsin, and lived in Portage until 1865, when he located in Belle Creek township and purchased 160 acres of land, which he later increased to 480 acres, managing this large farm until his death, July 7, 1890. His wife died April 27, 1906. In the family were fourteen children: Catherine, now Mrs. William Loftus, of Minneapolis; Elizabeth, wife of John O'Neal; William, a farmer of Belle Creek township; John, who died in infancy; Sarah, now Mrs. Thomas 0 'Reilly, of Goodhue township ; Charles, living on the old homestead; George M., a railroad agent, who died July 18, 1904; Henry, a railroad agent at Bowman, N. D.; Anna, now Mrs. Thomas McHugh, of Litchfield, Minn.; Edward, a farmer of Belle Creek ; Theresa, now Mrs. Fred Hutchinson, of Featherstone ; Frank T., the subject of this sketch; Joseph, who lives at home, and Benjamin, who also lives at home. All the members of the family are highly regarded in the respective communities wherein they reside.

JOHN A. OHNSTAD, clothing merchant and up-to-date men's haberdasher, of Cannon Falls, was born in Norway October 21, 1867, and came to America in 1875 with his parents, receiving his education in the common schools of Leon township and the Cannon Falls high school. For several years he worked in the clothing stores of B. Van Campen and C. R. Grebie & Co., and then entered the employ of Olson Brothers, subsequently going to Duluth with that concern. In 1896 he returned to Cannon Falls, clerked ten years for Henry Thompson and then purchased the business. He carries a large stock of goods, equal to that handled in many city stores, and enjoys an extensive trade in the city and surrounding country. He is a Republican in politics, has served on the park board, and belongs to the Lutheran church. Mr. Ohnstad was married January 8, 1903, to Anna Underdahl, of Warsaw township, by whom he has three children, Myron, Olga and Ruth. Andrew E. and Seneva (Ryom) Ohnstad, parents of John A., came from Norway in 1875 and settled in Leon township, where the father still resides, the mother having died October 8, 1904.

J. M. R. OLMSTAD, of Leon township, is a fine type of the educated farmer, combining knowledge of farming operations with a goodly store of classical learning. He is a native product of this county, born in Leon township, September 29, 1874, son of R. J. and Perina (Otterness) Olmstad, natives of Norway, who located in Chicago in 1853. After remaining there three years they came to Red Wing, making the trip up the river aboard one of the old Mississippi steamboats. After looking about a short time they came to Leon township and homesteaded their present farm. At once upon their arrival here they put up a log cabin, hauling all their lumber from Red Wing by ox team. They also conveyed their grain to that city by the same means. In the family there are six sons and daughters. The mother is deceased, but the father is still living, having reached the age of seventy-seven years. J. M. R. Olmstad received his education in the common schools, and then took a two years' course in St. Olaf's College, and later two years in Carlton College. Upon his return he took up farming on the home place, where he still remains. The family estate consists of 453 acres, all in Leon township. Of this 300 acres is under the plow, and on this rich land the family carries on general farming, making a specialty of high grade cattle and hogs. The subject of this sketch has served for six years as town clerk, and his father was at one time supervisor. The Olmstad farm is well developed and improved and has many neat buildings, making the place well suited for agricultural pursuits along the latest approved methods.

NELS J. OLNESS, vice-president of the Farmer's State Bank, of Wanamingo, since its organization, was born in Norway May 7, 1855, son of Jacob and Carrie (Quam) Olness, the latter of whom died in the late fifties and the former of whom is still living in Norway at the grand old age of ninety-seven years. Nels J.  received his education in the public schools and farmed in his native country until 1877, when he came to America, located in Adams Mower county, Minnesota, and two years later went to Moorehead, Clay county, this state, and did farm and railroad work for several years, after which, in 1879, he purchased a quarter-section. Some seven years later he came to Cherry Grove and acquired 145 acres, to which he afterward added by purchase until he now owns 305 acres, upon which he conducts general farming and stock raising. He also owns seventeen acres of timber land in Dodge county, Minnesota. In addition to his banking and farming interests, he has been president of the Wanamingo Lumber Company since its organization, and was director in the Wanamingo Creamery Company for twelve years.  Politically he is a Republican, and has been school director of district 84. Mr. Olness was married November 12, 1886, to Christina Anderson, who has borne him four children: Josephine (deceased), Annie J. (deceased), Arthur (deceased) and Jacob.  The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which Mr. Olness has been trustee for several years. Arne A.  and Carrie Bjorg, parents of Mrs. Olness, came from Norway to Wisconsin, and in 1862 to Cherry Grove, where they purchased the farm where the Olness family now resides. The father, who served in the Civil War, died in 1894, and the mother lived until 1900, when she, too, passed to her eternal reward. 

JOHN 0. OLSEN, one of the prosperous merchants of Zumbrota.  first saw the light of day in Chicago, February 8, 1878. His parents moved to Zumbrota in 1885, when John 0. was seven years old. He received his education in the public schools of Zumbrota and graduated from the high school. After leaving school he took a position as a clerk, which he retained until 1907, when he started out for himself, opening the City Grocery and Crockery store, in which he has been very successful, he being the sole owner and proprietor, carrying a full line of goods and enjoying a large village and country trade. He was married June 27, 1904, at Decorah, Iowa, to Marie Fossom, daughter of L. L. and Mollie Fossom, prominent farmers of Iowa, but now living in Decorah, having retired from active business. Mr. and Mrs. Olsen have no children. Mr. Olsen is an independent voter, and is one of the volunteer firemen. Being an active church worker, he is president of the Young People's League of Land's (Norwegian Lutheran) church, which he and his wife attend. He owns two lots in town and has a substantial home on West avenue. John and Ingebor Olsen, parents of John 0. Olsen, and natives of Norway, came to America in 1872, locating in Chicago, where the father engaged in the custom tailor's business until 1885, when he removed his family to Zumbrota, following the same trade. Both parents are still living.

ALBERT AND ALFRED OLSON, known as the Olson Brothers, have a well-cultivated farm of eighty acres, in Hay Creek township, about five and a half miles from the center of Red Wing. They have erected some good buildings, and carry on general farming and stock raising. Being progressive young men, they are on the high road to prosperity and success. Both were born in Sweden, and in that country were educated. They came to this country and after a stay in Red Wing, they located on the place where they have since remained. Alfred is not married. Albert was married in 1895 to Annie Hanson, by whom he has four children: Walter, Karl, Agnes and Ernest, The Messrs. Olson both vote the Republican ticket, but have never cared to run for public office.

AUGUST P. OLSON, Red Wing's efficient assistant fire chief, is a native of this city and has spent all his life here. His parents, Peter and Helen (Whitehamer) Olson, were born in Norway.  The father came to America in 1862 and after a year in Chicago located in Red Wing, where he took up work at his trade as a shoemaker, which he followed until the time of his death in December of 1871. The mother, who came to this country in 1864, still makes her home in Red Wing. August P., born August 24, 1867, attended the public schools. Subsequently he entered the employ of the Red Wing Furniture Company, for whom he performed faithful service for the long period of twenty-two years, being in charge of the finishing department during the latter sixteen years of his employment there. May 1, 1906, he was appointed a member of the fire company as assistant chief, a position he still retains. For this position Mr. Olson was well fitted, having been a member of the old hook and ladder company fourteen years, five years of which he was assistant chief under Charles Wick. Mr. Olson is a Republican, and belongs to the Elks, the Royal Arcanum, the Yeomen, the Fire Relief Association and the Phoenix Relief Association. He was married June 26, 1902, to Sadie Stromberg, of Red Wing, by whom he has two children, Leonard A., born May 8, 1903, and Helen E., born May 25, 1905. Peter Stromberg, father of Mrs. Olson, came to America from Germany in 1857 and worked for a time in Red Wing, his first work being to dig out stumps where Main street is now located. He also carried brick and mortar for the court house. He was married January 12, 1864, to Elizabeth Fisher, who came from Germany in 1863. They set up housekeeping in Hay Creek, where Mr. Stromberg acquired land until he owned 400 acres, on which he carried on general farming until his death, February 21, 1889. He was a public spirited citizen and served many years in public office, including nineteen years as treasurer, nine years as school clerk, and two years as supervisor. He was also a member of the Bankers' Association of St. Paul. His widow makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Olson. The family faith is that of the Episcopal Church.

JOHN OLSON, of Wacouta township, was born in Norway, March 24, 1857, son of Hans and Helen (Johnson) Olson, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1878 and located in Hay Creek township and engaged in farming until the death of the father in 1901. The mother still lives on the farm. John received his education in Norway, and came to America with his parents, where he hired out to work on the Ames farm for five years, after which he rented the farm, remaining ten years. Then he purchased forty-eight acres in Section 36, which he improved in every way, both the land and buildings, and has carried on dairying principally. He also has 240 acres in Belvidere township which he rents. He was married July 6, 1882, to Julia Johnson, daughter of Tollef and Karin (Amundson) Johnson.  They have one child, Hiram, who is employed by the express company at Red Wing. Mr. Olson is a Republican in his political views, and was at one time chairman of Wacouta township for three years. He is also director for school district No. 2. The family attend the St. Peter's Norwegian Lutheran church. 

JOHN M. OLSON was born in Welch township, where he still resides, November 22, 1881, son of Andrew and Hannah Olson, natives of Sweden who came to the United States in the early days, and settled in Vasa township, where they purchased land and remained until the late seventies, when they bought 160 acres in section 29 and engaged in farming until the death of the father in 1899. The mother still lives at home. After the death of the father, the sons took charge of the farm and have carried on general farming, and also selling considerable cream to the Welch creamery in which they are stock holders. J. M. and his brother made all the improvements on the farm and. buildings. There were six children in the Olson home : Charles, now of South Dakota; Oscar of Cannon Falls; Anton; Victor, a civil engineer ; Luther of Kansas City, employed by the Armour packing plant as assistant meat inspector; and J. M., the subject of this sketch.

SWAN OLSON, a well known resident of Vasa, now living in retirement at Red Wing, was a prominent man in the former township for many years. He served as supervisor of the town, as treasurer of the Swedish Lutheran church and as president of the Farmers' Insurance Company, of Vasa. Mr. Olson was born in Sweden June 28, 1827, a son of Olla and Kirsti Nelson, natives of that country. His early education was received in the schools of Sweden, where he started in life as a farmer. In the late fifties he came to America, located in Vasa township, purchased 160 acres of government land, added to this until he owned 310 acres, and carried on general farming for many years. Like the other pioneers of his day, he broke the land, reclaimed his farm from the native prairie and built a comfortable home. In 1891 he sold fifty acres of his land and retained the rest. One year previous to this he purchased a home on Walnut street, in Red Wing, where in 1891 he moved, renting his large farm to other parties. In 1892 he purchased the Charles Spates farm. Aside from his holdings in Goodhue county, he owns 800 acres in Idaho, now occupied by his sons. Mr. Olson was married in Sweden, in 1853, to Carrie Anderson, by whom he had four children: Martha, born October 9, 1853, now of Seattle, Wash.; Ellen, born October 6. 1857, now of Featherstone township; Andrew, born February 3, 1860, now of Idaho ; and Olof, born October 24, 1861, now engaged in railroading. After the death of his first wife, in 1861 Mr. Olson was married in 1862 to Anna Bennett, by whom he has fifteen children: Caroline, born January 20, 1863, died in infancy; Kirsti, born February 23, 1866, died in infancy; Nels A., born May 16, 1867, died September 27, 1879; Selma, born October 17, 1869, died the following year; Oscar B., born November 4, 1871, died November 3, 1906; Selma B., born March 31, 1874, died April 3, 1885 ; Hanna J.  was born June 15, 1876; Alma M. was born October 1, 1878; Alfred, born May 15, 1867, died, 1879; Peter A. was born December 10, 1880; Hilma M. was born September 26, 1882; Agnes A.  was born February 17, 1885 ; Minnie E. was born April 7, 1887; Fred was born March 13, 1889, and Esther L. was born April 30, 1894.

THORE OLSON, farmer and stock buyer, lives in a pleasant residence on the outskirts of the village of Zumbrota. He is a native of Norway, born August 18, 1854, son of Ole and Anna (Lvseng) Olson, the former of whom died in Norway and the latter of whom, came to this country in 1856 and died in the fall of 1898. Thore was brought to this country as a boy of two years, and was raised at Manitowoe, Wis., where he received his education. He spent his young manhood in farming and railroad work, and in 1876 went to Benson, Minn. In 1881 he located in Larimore, Grand Forks county, N. D., and engaged in farming and stock dealing until 1890, when he came to Minneola township and purchased 240 acres. In 1898 he rented this farm and purchased 115 acres on the borders of the village of Zumbrota, where he erected a new home. He now deals in stock, and conducts the home farm. Mr. Olson has devoted his life to hard work, and has never cared to mix in public affairs. He is a faithful husband and a loving father, justly proud of his flue family of children. He is one of the respected members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Olson was married, June 18, 1880, at Benson, Minn., to Marie Hanson, both of whose parents are now deceased. This union has been blessed with eight children Ole is dead; Anna is dead; Ole T., Theodore, Oscar, Olga, are living; Elmer and Mabel are dead.

JOHN G. OLSTAD, of Wanamingo township, was born in Crawford county, Wisconsin, November 25, 1863, son of Ole C. and Carrie (Hostager) Olstad, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1859, located in Crawford county, Wisconsin, and engaged in farming until 1882, when they sold the farm, came to Wanamingo township and purchased a farm in section 23, following general farming up to the time of the father's death.  The mother still lives in Wanamingo village. John G. received his education in Crawford county. After leaving school he took up farming, and in 1882 came with his parents to Wanamingo township. In 1889 he purchased a farm in section 35, upon which he built a home and all other buildings necessary and where he has since followed general farming. Mr. Olstad was married July 2, 1889, to Bertha Lawson, daughter of Andrew H. and Catrina (Egeland) Lawson, natives of Norway, who came to America and settled in Wanamingo township, engaging in general farming. The mother died October 4, 1908, but the father is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Olstad have had eight children: Elmer, Clara, Nellie, Gilbert, Charles, William, Leroy and Ida, all living at home. Mr. Olstad is a Republican. He and his family attend the Lutheran church.

JAMES O'NEILL, Sr., one of the earliest settlers of Belle Creek, was born in County Wexford, Ireland, and married Margaret Edwards. He came to America in 1848 and lived in New York state three or four years. Subsequently he resided a few years in Illinois, and in July, 1854, came to Belle Creek and purchased 160 acres of land, which he broke and improved. Later he purchased 160 acres more, and upon this large farm carried on general agricultural pursuits until his retirement, in 1894.  Mr. O'Neill is still living, at the honored old age of eighty-eight years, being one of the very few actual pioneers of the county now alive. When he arrived many of the townships were still unsettled, and Red Wing was a tiny village. He has watched the county grow from a barren wilderness in which life at best was accompanied by all sorts of hardships, into a blossoming and fruitful land, with busy cities and thriving hamlets, and with all the luxuries within the reach of all, even those of the most modest means. In March, 1901, he was called upon to mourn the loss of the partner of his toil and wife of his youth.  Three of his five children are still living to give him comfort in his old age. James, Jr., is a retired farmer; John lives in Washington county, Minnesota, and owns a large farm; Anna, born in 1856, was the third white child born in Belle Creek township, the other two being, according to the records, May Cook, born in August, 1855, to Jacob Cook, and John Cavanaugh, born in November, 1855, to Patrick Cavanaugh. Charles, the third son of James O'Neill, Sr., is dead, and Henry lives on the old homestead with his father. The family faith of the O'Neills is that of the Roman Catholic church.

JAMES O'NEILL, Jr., of Belle Creek township, was born in New York state December 22, 1852, and was brought to this county by his parents while still an infant. He received his education in the public schools of his neighborhood and took up farming with his father until 1871, when he purchased eighty acres of land and carried on general farming until 1908, when he took a vacation and made an extended visit to the West, taking in the principal points in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and the Dakotas.  Since that time he has rented his farm and now lives with his brother. He is a Democrat in politics and has served on the school board a number of years. Fraternally he associates with the Modern Woodmen.

EDWARD OREDALEN, editor of the Wanamingo Progress, a newsy little paper which has for its purpose the relating of the news of the neighborhood and the booming of the village as a commercial center, is a native born son of the county, having first seen the light of day in Cherry Grove township, June 30, 1880, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. O. Oredalen, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1873 and located in Cherry Grove township.  To their first purchase of forty acres they soon added eighty more, and upon these 120 acres they have since continued to carry on general farming. They have raised a goodly family of children, being the parents of Emma, Ole, Guri, Turina, Mary, Edward, Nels, Olena and Julia, all of whom except Nels are living. Edward received his education in the schools of his native township, and took a course in the Red Wing Business College. He then studied two years in the Minnesota Normal School and Business College, in Minneapolis, and for several months after graduation was an instructor in the commercial department of that institution. He subsequently became bookkeeper and stenographer for the Central Fuel and Transfer Company of Minneapolis, afterward returning to Cherry Grove township where, in company with his brother, he purchased 160 acres adjoining the old homestead. He still spends his spare time in assisting his brother on this farm. In April, 1909, yielding to the entreaties of his fellow citizens, who deemed him the man most suited to start the enterprise, he established the Wanamingo Progress, which he has since conducted with discretion and ability.  Editor Oredalen is a fine example of a self-made young man.  He worked his own way through college and acquired his education by dint of hard work. Being a deep thinker on all political questions, he has refused to follow the dictates of any party leader, and votes independently. In religion he is a believer in the faith of the Norwegian Lutheran church. He is still a young man, and his friends predict for him and his paper a brilliant future.

JOHN O'REILLY has been a conspicuous figure in the life of Goodhue township for many years. He has served as town supervisor three different times, and has occupied a position on the school board for the past twenty years, being at the present time treasurer of district 37. At the organization of the Goodhue Farmers' Elevator in 1906 he was appointed manager and held that position for about a year. The Catholic Temperance Society will long remember him as one of its charter members, he being one of the six still living who were present at the organization in 1872. The others are: George and David Franklin, John Connell, Edward and George Rowles. In the Catholic Foresters, of which Mr. O'Reilly has long been a member, he is at the present time treasurer. The subject of this sketch first saw the light of day in Wisconsin, November 22, 1857, and came to this county with his parents in 1861, receiving his education in the public schools of Belle Creek township. He farmed with his father until 1882, when he purchased eighty acres, to which he later added eighty more. He now carries on general farming, raising the usual crops and breeding horses, sheep and cattle. He was married February 15, 1882, to Bridget Keane, daughter of John and Margaret (O'Connors) Keane, natives of Ireland, who came to America in 1849 and located in New Haven township, Olmsted county, where they farmed 480 acres. The father is now deceased, but the mother still lives on the old homestead, making her home with her son. She is still in comparatively good health at the venerable old age of ninety years. Five children have blessed the O'Reilly home. Dennis W., the only one living, was born August 4, 1888, and took a four years' course in St. Thomas College, after which he returned to the home farm, where he now lives. John and James, who were twins, are dead, as are two others who did not survive early infancy. James and Hanora (Benton) O'Reilly, parents of John O'Reilly, came from Ireland in 1851, and located in Troy, N. Y., where the father worked as a farm laborer three years. Then he moved to Wisconsin and worked on farms until 1864, when he brought his family to Belle Creek and purchased 183 acres of prairie land, on which he carried on general farming.  Later he bought eighty acres more, which he also operated until his death, in 1892. His wife passed away in June, 1880. 

E. L. OTTERNESS, of Leon township, was born in Norway, September 7, 1840, son of Lars and Martha Otterness, natives of Norway. He received his education in the common schools of Norway, and came to Leon township in 1857 and joined his brother, who came in 1855. He remained with his brother, working on the farm for seven years, after which he purchased 160 acres of land in the township, where he built a small house and other buildings and improved the farm, carrying on general and diversified farming. In 1866 he was married to Randi Bergman. Mr.  and Mrs. Otterness have had seven children: Jensine (deceased); Lars of Minneapolis; Bengt Lawrence, of Yellow Medicine county; Ingebor, of Leon, and Edward, living at home. Mr.  Otterness has now retired from active life, and his son manages the farm and owns eighty acres of the homestead. Mr. Otterness is a Democrat in his political views, and has been assessor, supervisor for three years, and member of the school board for thirty years, but holds no office now. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

EDWARD G. OTTERNESS was born in the township of Leon, where he still resides, February 4, 1870, son of Guttorm and Martha Otterness, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1855 and located in Koshkonung, Wis., for a short time, coming in 1856 to Leon township, where the father purchased a farm, which he broke and improved, brought to a high degree of cultivation, built a home, and carried on general farming, which he has since continued, being one of the prosperous farmers of Leon township.  In early days he lived among the Indians and suffered all the hardships of pioneer life, working hard to till the soil and hauling grain to Red Wing. There were nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Otterness, of whom four are living: Peder, a farmer of Wanamingo; Lars, a farmer of Kenyon township; Annie ; and Edward, the subject of this sketch. Edward received his education in the common schools of the township, and now carries on general farming and stock raising, having attained considerable success. He is a genial, hard-working man, always ready to do his share in anything that tends to the betterment of the community. He is a Republican in politics and attends the Lutheran church.

JENS H. OTTERNESS, of Warsaw township, was born in Holden township, June 11, 1864, son of Id. R. and Bertha (Berkvan) Otterness, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1857, locating in Wisconsin, where they lived seven years, after which they came to Warsaw township, purchased ninety-five acres of improved land and engaged in farming. The father now rents the farm, but still lives in the old home. The mother died April 20, 1907. Jens H. received his education in the Warsaw public schools, and worked at farming until 1895. He then entered the employ of the International Harvesting Machine Company, as salesman for Polk, Norman and Clay counties, remaining with  them for eight years. He then engaged in the mercantile business, with H. A. Huseth, at Fertile, Minn., which he continued for four years, after which he sold out and entered the employ of the Reeves Threshing Machine Company, of Chicago, as salesman and expert, until 1908, when he engaged in farming in Warsaw township, renting 400 acres of land. He raises horses and cattle and sheep and does general farming. Mr. Otterness was married March 14, 1887, to Thora Melhouse, daughter of Ole and Annie Melhouse, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1866, locating in Warsaw, and engaged in farming. The father is dead and the mother lives with her daughter. Mr. and Mrs.  Otterness have had ten children: Nettie, married to Nels Flom; Henry Robert Evans, Oscar, Myrtle, Edward, Effie, Lillian, Stewart, and Clifford, living at home. Mr. Otterness is a Prohibitionist in his political views. He was assessor in Norman county for eight years, is president of the Sogn Dairy Co-operative Association, and a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Bombay.  Fraternally, he affiliates with the United Workmen and I. 0. G. T. He and his family attend the Norwegian Lutheran church. 

JOHN H. OTTERNESS, of Cherry Grove township, was born in Warsaw township November 20, 1868, son of Hans and Bertha Otterness, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1857 and settled in Wisconsin where they remained for seven years, after which they came to Minnesota locating in Warsaw township where they purchased 95 acres of improved land and engaged in general farming. The mother died April 20, 1907 and the father still lives on the homestead. John H. received his education in the common school working with his father on the farm until the spring of 1903 when he went to Lake Benton, Minn., and engaged in the mercantile business with Jonas Charlson for one year. On May 15, 1904 he started in business at Bombay where he has since continued. Mr. Otterness was married September 24, 1908 to Turi Homme, daughter of T. G. and Inger Homme, both natives of Norway, who came to America and purchased a farm of 160 acres in Wanamingo township where they still live. He has served as constable and school clerk and is interested in the Farmer's Elevator. Mr. Otterness has one brother, Jens L. living on a farm at Warsaw.


 

 

 

 

 

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