Trails to the Past

Minnesota

Goodhue County

Biographies

History of Goodhue County
Franklyn, Curtiss, Wedge
1910

 

 

OLE A. STONEDAHL, of Zumbrota village, was born in Decorah, Iowa, August 25, 1854, son of Ragnald K. and Martha Stonedahl, originally from Norway. They came to America in 1878, locating in Wisconsin for five years, for one year in Iowa, and then in 1854 in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where they purchased 160 acres of land. To this they added at different times until they had 520 acres, which they broke and improved, following general farming up to the time of the father's death in 1851.  The mother died June 20, 1865. Ole acquired his education in the public schools and the business college of LaCrosse, Wis., and worked with his father until twenty years of age. Subsequently he farmed one year for himself in the county, worked at the machine trade one year and then located in South Dakota two years. After this he went to Norman county, Minnesota and homesteaded 160 acres of land on which he farmed for seven years. In 1889 he removed to Cummings, N. D., and bought grain for two years, and in 1891 became manager of the National Elevator Company for twelve years, after which he accepted the position of general manager for the Zumbrota Farmers' Mercantile and Elevator Company, which position he still holds. Mr. Stonedahl was married October 9, 1892, at Cummings, N. D., to Martha Holm. Their home is brightened by the presence of an adopted daughter Mary and a little niece whom they have cared for since two years old. Mr. Stonedahl is a Republican and has the excellent record of twelve years' service as constable and two years' service as assessor at Cummings, N. D. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen and attends the Lutheran church.

PHILIP STORKEL, a well-to-do farmer of Featherstone township, owns 230 acres in sections 20 and 29, and has a model farm in every particular, with a comfortable home, commodious buildings, modern machinery and other appliances for carrying on up-to-date agricultural operations. He was born in Germany, November 7, 1823, and was brought to America by his parents at the tender age of ten years. After living in Cincinnati a few years they went to Fulton county, Illinois, where the parents became prominent farmers. In 1854, they came to Red Wing, and later Philip took a claim which is embraced within the limits of his present farm, being one of the early settlers in that township.  He broke the land which for ages had been an untrodden wilderness, erected buildings, and began the cultivation of the soil. Since that time he has continued to carry on general farming and stock raising with much success. While in Illinois, Mr. Storkel was married to Matilda Freeborn, born in Richland county, Ohio, in 1825. She shared with her husband the joys and sorrows of pioneer farm life and passed to her eternal reward, January 28, 1900, leaving a sorrowing husband and a bereaved family. To Mr. and Mrs. Storkel were born eight children: John, William, Freeborn, Richard, Hannah and Charles are living. Joshua and Carrie are dead.

OLE A. STRAND, of Minneola township; now deceased, was a sturdy old Norse pioneer, born in Hallingdahl, Norway, in 1843.  He came to the United States with his parents, arriving July 4, 1856. The family located on section 34, Minneola township, and in the old homestead both parents passed away. Ole A. Strand was raised on the farm and until the outbreak of the Civil War, remained with his parents, or worked for the neighboring farmers.  In August, 1862, he enlisted in Captain Williston's company, which became Company G, Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He was a bugler and served much of the time at brigade headquarters. At the battle of Nashville he carried dispatches amid scenes of the greatest danger. He was mustered out with his company, August 16, 1865, at Fort Snelling, and then returned to his farm, carrying on general farming and stock raising for the remainder of his life. He met an untimely death in Zumbrota, September 20, 1906, as the result of bursting a blood vessel during a runaway. Mr. Strand was married to Brethea Lysne, daughter of Ole T. Lysne, a native of Norway.  Mrs. Strand was born in Norway in 1845 and came to this country with her parents in 1856, being one of thirteen children. Mr.  and Mrs. Strand had eleven children, five of whom are dead.  The living are: Matilda A.; Alfred; Annie, wife of P. A. Henning, to whom she has borne one child, Orrin; Selma, now Mrs.  Woodbury; Oscar B., a graduate of the law department of the Minnesota State University; Carl I., a graduate of the Zumbrota high school. Mrs. Strand is still living on the home place, which is managed by the son Alfred. During his life Ole A. Strand served many years on the school board of district 138 and was a thorough believer in education. He served some time as supervisor and was chairman of his township at the time of his death.  He Was a hard working man, thoroughly respected and well liked throughout the county and township.

KNUDT 0. STRAND, of Minneola township, was born in Norway, August 18, 1865, and came to America when one year of age, with his parents, O. K. and Christina Strand, in 1867. Upon their arrival in this country the family located in Minneola township, and a year later, in 1868, purchased 160 acres in section 34, on which the father erected a good house, barns and other buildings.  In 1905 he went to Itasca county, taking up a homestead. After proving up his claim he returned to his former home in Minneola, where he died December 14, 1908, his wife having passed away in December, 1903. Knudt O. was educated in the public schools of Minneola and assisted his father on the farm, purchasing the old homestead in 1896. In this he has taken great pride, cultivating and improving the place and devoting his best efforts to carrying on general farming. December 28, 1893, he was married to Julia B. Lunde, daughter of Barnt and Inga (Guplon) Lunde, natives of Norway, who emigrated to America and settled in Roscoe township, purchasing farm land, on which they still live. Mr. and Mrs. Strand have four children-Constance, Hildegard, Adela and Dagmar, all of whom are living at home.

THOMAS STURTEVANT was a man whose executive ability and acquaintance with human nature caused him to make a success of several different vocations. He was born in Hartford, Vt., and in that town received his early education, afterward attending a business college in New York city. After working four years as a hotel clerk in that city he came to Red Wing in 1863 and opened a tea, coffee and spice store, which he conducted until 1868. In Hartford, Conn., where he located in 1868, he started a theatrical enterprise known as the Allyn Hall, and was associated as manager with the gentleman from whom the theater received its name. For a short time Mr. Sturtevant had charge of the Spring Grove cemetery at Hartford, and later joined the police force of that city. In 1875 he returned to Red Wing and engaged in the grocery business until 1880. After a short period as a real estate agent at Hamline, Minn., he took his family to Livingston, Mont., where he became manager of the Hotel Albemarle.  A cattle ranch twenty-six miles from Livingston next occupied his attention, and on this ranch he spent his declining years, passing away December 13, 1894. After her sad bereavement Mrs. Sturtevant returned to Hamline, Minn., where she remained until 1902, in which year she returned to Red Wing, where she now lives. Thomas Sturtevant was a Republican in politics, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church. Busied with his private enterprises, he never sought public office. Mr.  Sturtevant was married at Jamesport, Long Island, N. Y., June 28, 1869, to Mrs. Elsie (Skillman) Wilcox, daughter of Francis Skillman. To Mr. and Mrs. Sturtevant was born one daughter, Nellie Sheldon, born December 25, 1881, now living at Portland, Ore. She married Dr. Noble W. Jones. Mrs. Sturtevant 's Red Wing home is at 830 Fifth street.

EDWARD L. SUDHEIMER, master mechanic for the local branch of the Great Western railroad, is a native of this state, born in Ramsey county, near St. Paul, April 21, 1878. His parents, Charles J. Sudheimer and Katherine Simons Sudheimer, natives respectively of Germany and France, came to America in 1849 and settled in Carver county, Minnesota. There the father remained several years, engaged in the crockery business. In 1851 he came up the river with the intention of settling on the spot that is now Red Wing, but finding the Indians still in possession, he continued his trip up the river and took up his home in Ramsey county. He retired in December, 1904, and both he and his wife now make their home in St. Paul. Edward L. received his education in the public and high schools, and his technical training in the University of Minnesota, where he took the course in mechanical and electrical engineering. He worked two years for the Northern Pacific, then in 1900 entered the employ of the Great Western. March 1, 1908, he received his present appointment and came to Red Wing. Mr. Sudheimer is a Mason and an Elk, and while at the University served as captain of the cadet corps. He was married, in October, 1907, to Charlotte Shipley, of St. Paul, daughter of Lewis and Catherine Shipley, the former of whom is a paving contractor in St. Paul. It is worthy of note that Mrs. Sudheimer 's grandfather, on her mother's side, was an admiral in the English navy. To Mr. and Mrs. Sudheimer has been born one son, Lewis, March 13, 1909.

TOLLEF 0. SUNDRY, of Roscoe township, was born in Norway, March 4, 1864, son of Ole and Aagot (Newhouse) Sundry, natives of Norway. The father came to America in 1880, with his son, and located in Saint Ansgar, Iowa. The father died May 22, 1894, and the mother August, 1872. Tollef came to America in 1880, located in Iowa, attended the public schools and also the high school at Saint Ansgar. After school days were over he took up farming until 1886, when he went to North Dakota and was employed as car inspector for the Great Northern railroad at Minot, for five years. While in North Dakota he took up a homestead of 160 acres, and in 1892 he removed to Roscoe township and purchased 160 acres in section 19, which he improved, erecting a new barn in 1897 and a new house in 1907. He now follows general farming and stock raising. January 26, 1890, Mr. Sundry was married at Zumbrota, to Emma Thoreson, daughter of Otto and Sigrid Thoreson. They have six children: Orrin E. born February 12, 1891; Sigrid O., born June 15, 1892 ; Thurlow E., born February 21, 1894; Archie V., born May 7, 1896; Roy M., born July 7, 1901 ; and George J., born February 9, 1903, all living at home. Mr. Sundry is a Republican in political views, and fraternally affiliates with the Masons of Zumbrota and the Modern Samaritans. He has been assessor of the township for a good many years, is now clerk of school district 81 and has been employed in the House of Representatives as doorkeeper and telephone messenger. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevators of Zumbrota and Wanamingo, and in the Minneola Creamery. He and his family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

HENRY H. SVEIN was born on the farm where he now resides, in Warsaw township, December 25, 1873, son of John and Mary Turtness, xxatives of Norway, who came to America in 1856, locating in Wisconsin, where the father worked on a farm for three years, after which they went to Iowa, remaining three years then came to Warsaw township, Minnesota, in 1862, and purchased eighty acres of land which the father cleared and broke, and built a home. Here they remained for two years, when they bought a farm, consisting of 195 acres, in the same township, where the father made extensive improvements, building a home, barn and other outbuildings, and followed general farming until in 1905 when he retired from active life. In 1907 he moved to Dennison, where he died in 1908, and the mother in 1882. Henry received his education in the public schools of Warsaw and St.  Olaf's College, Northfield, which he attended two yeai's, after which he took up farming at home until 1905. He then bought 155 acres of the old homestead, and later forty acres, of which about 175 acres are under cultivation, and on which he has carried on general farming and dairying, raising of fine horses and stock. Mr. Svein has one sister and two brothers : Annie, the sister, married C. Strand, who died, and later she married Thomas Bakken, of Warsaw. The brothers are: Sever, who lives at home, and Olaus, who is living at Dennison, Minn. Mr. Svein is a Republican in politics, but has never sought or held public office. He belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran church. 

ALFRED SWAN, of Roscoe township, was born in Sweden November 18, 1865, son of John P. and Mary Swan, natives of Sweden.  The mother died on April 13, 1875, and the father, a shoemaker by trade, emigrated to this country in 1879, locating in Wisconsin, where he remained a short time, then came to Minnesota and settled in Roscoe township, where he rented land and engaged in farming nine years. He then went to Belvidere township, where he lived fifteen years, after which he returned to Roscoe, where he died January 26, 1908. Alfred received his education in the common schools of Sweden and later in America, where he attended for a short time. After leaving school he worked at farming and later as carpenter, and also engineered a threshing machine. In 1898 he rented the farm where he now lives.  Later he secured the farm, and now owns 200 acres, which he manages, carrying on general farming and stock raising. He was married August 1, 1891, to Mary Swenson, adopted daughter of Charles and Dorthia Swenson, natives of Sweden and Norway, who came to the United States in 1859, locating in Rockford, 111., where they remained but a short time, subsequently coming to Minnesota, purchasing a farm of 160 acres in Roscoe township. This they cleared and improved, built a home, and carried on general farming until his death, November 8, 1891.  The mother died January 16, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Swan have five children: Ella M., born October 10, 1896; Alice, born October 14, 1897 (deceased); Clara A., born December 7, 1898; Hulda E., born April 10, 1901; and Esther V., born November 15, 1906.  Mr. Swan is a Republican in his political views, and has served his township as roadmaster and clerk of school district 80 for a number of years. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

HARRY S. SWAN is a well known young man of Wanamingo village. He was born April 29, 1876, to John J. and Marguerite (Swenson) Swan, natives of Sweden, who came to America June 24, 1887, and reached Kansas, where they lived until 1896, engaged in farming. Then they removed to Sherburne county, Minnesota, where they farmed for three years, after which they went to Minneapolis, where Mr. Swan was in the employ of the Bovey & Delaittre Lumber Company seven years. Removing to Isanti county, they remained until they came to Goodhue county, locating on their farm of 100 acres. Harry S. acquired his education in Sweden and America', after which he farmed with his father for a time and later went to Minneapolis, where he worked for the Bovey & Delaittre Lumber Company for four years. He then went to the village of Isanti, working in the lumber yards two years, subsequently coming to Wanamingo and entering the service of the Charles Betcher Lumber Company as local manager.  This business was later sold to McMullin Lumber Company, and in 1908 to the Wanamingo Lumber Company, but Mr. Swan still retained his position as general manager, which office he now holds and the duties of which he performs most faithfully. Mr. Swan was married December 12, 1902, at Minneapolis, to Tillie Johnson, a native of Sweden, born February 9, 1876. The children of this union are: Herbert C., born at Isanti, July 15, 1904; Mildred P., born January 19, 1906, and Russel W., born March 15, 1908, all of whom are at home. Mr. Swan is a Republican in politics and the family attend the Swedish Lutheran church. He fraternizes with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Modern Samaritans. For some years he was constable of Wanamingo.  Mr. Swan is a man of good character, always willing to use his influence in behalf of anything pertaining to the good of the community.

J. ALBERT SWANSON was born in Belle Creek township February 1, 1860, son of John F. and G. Albertina (Carlson) Swanson, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1851, settling in Boston, Mass., where the father worked at his trade of shoemaking until 1858, when they emigrated west to Minnesota, and settled in Vasa township, where they took up a homestead of 160 acres of land, which the father broke, cleared and improved, remaining there until 1865, when they removed to Belle Creek and bought a farm consisting of 160 acres, of which Gustaf Carlson owned a half interest, and carried on a general line of farming. Later Mr. Swanson purchased Mr. Carlson's interest.  J. A. Swanson received his education in the public schools of Belle Creek and worked on the home farm, where he still remains.  J. F. Swanson, the father, died in 1902 and his wife is still living. J. A. is one of four children, of whom two are living.  Mary Louise and Emma C. are dead, and C. E. and Albert live on the farm. Albert was married in 1886 to Elizabeth Smithson, daughter of Robert and Sarah Smithson, natives of England, who emigrated to America in 1858 and settled in Belle Creek township, where they purchased 320 acres of land and have since carried on general farming. The father, Robert Smithson, died in 1906 and the mother in 1874. To Albert Swanson and his wife have been born nine children, of whom the six living are: Arnold, Charlotte, Gladys, Harold, Raymond and Laura.  The Swanson brothers are Republican in politics, and attend the Swedish Lutheran church.

MARTIN SWEE was born in Pine Island township, February 9, 1881, son of Arnt and Relia Swee, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1874, located in Pine Island township and engaged in farming. Later they purchased 160 acres of improved land in Cherry Grove township, where they still reside. Martin received his education in the Pine Island high school, then took a two years' course in the Austin business college, after which he attended the Minnesota State Agricultural college at Minneapolis.  He then came to Wanamingo, and for two years worked at draying.  In 1904 he entered the employ of the creamery, where he is now engaged as assistant manager and chief butter maker. Mr.  Swee was married November 14. 1908, to Cora H. Haller, daughter of Ole and Mary (Thompson) Haller, the former a native of Sweden and the latter of Norwegian descent. They live in Wanamingo township, doing general farming. The subject of this sketch is a Republican in politics and is a member of the Lutheran church. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Samaritans of his village. He is a good citizen and has made all by his own efforts. 

BERNT SWENSON, of Warsaw township, was born in Norway, September 4, 1849, son of Sven and Maran (Holst) Swensen, natives of Norway, who were content to remain in their native land, where the father died in 1863 and the mother in 1892.  Bernt Swensen received his education in the schools of Norway, and after leaving school worked at farming and carpentering, and was also a sailor. He came to America in 1883 and located in Wesley, Iowa, where he worked for three years, after which he purchased eighty acres of land and later added eighty more, and carried on farming. In 1903 he sold out and came with his family to Minnesota, settling in Warsaw township, where he bought 336 acres of land and later sold all but 170 acres, which he has improved and where he carries on general farming and dairying, also raising fine horses and cattle. He also owns 213 acres of improved land in Canada. Mr. Swensen was married May 12, 1876, to Maran Helen Gronseth, daughter of Martin and Anna Gronseth, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1887, settling in Duluth, where the mother still lives, the father having died in 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Swenson have six children: Martin, a farmer in Iowa; Swany, a farmer in Canada; Carl, a farmer in Canada; Annetta, married to J. Roisum, living in Rice county Arthur and William B., living at home, Mr. Swensen is a Republican and is interested in the Farmers' Elevator at Dennison, also the Farmers' Telephone Company. He and his family are communicants of Vang's United Lutheran church, of which Mr. Swenson is a trustee.

CARL ALBERT SWENSON was born in Roscoe township December 30, 1875, son of Peter J. and Mollie (Okelberg) Swenson, natives of Norway and Sweden. Carl received his education in the schools of the township and the high school of Zumbrota, completing his studies with a course in a business college at Red Wing. After leaving school he took up farming. To his original farm of 120 acres he has added eighty acres, and now carries on general farming and stock raising with considerable success. He was married June 27, 1899, to Lena Lunde, daughter of Bernt and Inger (Goplin) Lunde, natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs.  Swenson have had two children: John R., born May 11, 1900, and Sigvald Victor, born March 30, 1905 (deceased). Mr. Swenson is one of the rising young men of Roscoe township, and takes an active interest in the affairs of his community. He is an independent voter, and has served as clerk of the school board for the past twelve years. The family are members of the Lutheran church.

ERICK O. SWENSON Was born in Minneola township June 12, 1869, son of Ole and Gunor (Rude) Swenson, of Norway, who came to America and located in Minneola township and engaged in general farming until the death of the father. The mother is still living with her son, and is eighty years of age. After receiving his education in the common schools of Minneola, Erick worked with his father on the farm until 1897, when he purchased the homestead of 185 acres, located in the northwest corner of section 28, where he has since carried on general farming.  He has greatly improved the farm, has remodeled all the buildings and erected a 50-foot power windmill. In 1905 he was married to Alfreda Hanson, a native of Norway, and they have three children: Ole, born April 5, 1906 ; Hilda, born April 6, 1907, and Gladys, born April 12, 1909. Mr. Swenson is a Republican in his politics, and is a stockholder in the Wanamingo Creamery. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.  

JOHN E. SWENSON, Minneola, was born on section 27 in Minneola township, October 14. 1871. His father and mother, Erick and Susanna (Engebretson) Swenson, were natives of Norway, emigrating to America in the year 1852 and settling first in Rock Prairie, 111. Here they remained for three years and in 1855 moved to Minneola township, where the father purchased 230 acres of wild land, which he broke, and soon had the greater part under cultivation. On this farm he has since continued to live. John E. received his education in the public schools of Minneola, and after finishing his studies, continued to remain at home. In 1894 he took entire charge of the farm, improving it, and erecting many new buildings. He is now considered one of the successful farmers of the township. He was married June 6, 1894, at Land's Church, of Minneola, to Borgel Ronningen, daughter of Ole and Gurie (Loken) Ronningen, natives of Norway, but now prominent farmers in Wanamingo township. John E. Swenson is a Republican in his political views and he and his wife attend the Lutheran Church. He has always taken an interest in the local affairs of Minneola and has been road overseer for the past two years.

JOSEPH J. SWENSON was born in Wanamingo township on the farm where he now resides May 1, 1872, son of John and Anna Swenson, natives of Norway, who came to America and located, in Illinois, later coming to Wanamingo township, where they purchased a farm consisting of 160 acres, subsecpiently adding more land until they had a farm of 302 acres in sections 5 and 8. Upon this land the father built a home for his family and other buildings necessary for his stock and followed general farming until his death, April 25, 1902. The mother still lives in Kenyon. Joseph received his education in the public schools of Wanamingo and worked on the farm with his father up to the time of his death. In 1902 he purchased the old homestead of 302 acres and improved the land and buildings, carrying on general farming, dairying and stock raising. He has now under construction a new barn, 40x90. November 1, 1905, Mr. Swenson was married at Leon to Emma Edstrom, daughter of Charles and Christine Edstrom, natives of Norway, who came to America and settled in Leon township, where they still reside, engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Swenson have two children : Evelyn B., born September 24, 1906, and Ernest Joseph, born July 13, 1909.  Mr. Swenson is a Republican in politics, but has never sought public office. The family are communicants of the Lutheran church.

SAM J. SWENSON was born in Wanamingo township, where he still resides, November 15, 1864, son of John and Anna Swenson.  He received his education in the school of Wanamingo, and in 1904 went to Yellow Medicine county, where in 1896 he purchased 640 acres of land, built a home and followed general farming until 1904, when he returned to Wanamingo township and engaged in farming in Section 20 on a farm of 160 acres.  In 1905 he added forty acres, making in all a farm of 200 acres, all under cultivation. Since returning to Wanamingo he has sold his land in Yellow Medicine county and bought 160 acres in North Dakota. On his farm in Wanamingo he has erected a good home at a cost of $3,500; also a barn thirty by sixty feet.  Mr. Swenson was married, October 1, 1893, to Laura Gulmon, daughter of Agil and Anna Gulmon, natives of Fillmore county.  They later went to North Dakota, where the father died in 1904. The mother is still living in the old home in Sanborn, N.  D. Mr. and Mrs. Swenson have four children: Florence, John, Alvira and Stella. Mr. Swenson is a Republican in his political views, and is a stockholder in the elevator at, Bombay. 

SWEN L. SWENSON, of Zumbrota village, was born in Minneola township, August 25, 1864, son of Lars and Borgel (Haugen) Swenson. They located in Minneola township in 1860, purchasing 170 acres of land, which the father broke and improved, erecting a comfortable home for himself and family, and other farm buildings for his stock. He followed general farming until he retired in 1894, at which time his son, the subject of this sketch, purchased the homestead. Swen L. received his education in the public schools of Minneola and after finishing his school days remained with his father on the farm, assisting him until he became owner. He added many improvements to the place and was a very successful and progressive farmer, continuing to live on the farm until 1906, when he rented it and removed to Zumbrota village, purchasing a substantial home, where he now resides with his mother, his father having passed away in 1895. Mr. Swenson is Republican in his political views, but has never sought public office. He has made his own way by industry and perseverance, being a man who was not only a good farmer, but a good citizen, being interested in the affairs of the village in which he lives. He and his mother attend the Lutheran church. Mr. Swenson has never married.

SWEN 0. SWENSON, of Minneola, was born in Minneola township, November 3, 1862, son of Ole Swenson Sumbreen, and his wife, Julia Rude, natives of Norway. Ole came to America in 1852, and settled in Illinois, where he and his brother Erick worked for two years, after which they went to the pinery for one year.  In the spring of 1855 they located in Minnesota township, where they pre-empted 160 acres of timber land. This they later traded for prairie land, which they broke, cleared and improved, erecting suitable buildings. They were bachelors for three years, after which Ole was married in 1858. He then continued general farming until his death in March, 1896. The mother still lives at the age of eighty years. Swen received his education in the Minneola public schools and attended St. Olaf 's College at Northfield for one year. After leaving school he worked with his father until 1893, when he purchased a farm of 160 acres in section 29. He erected a new house and remodeled the barn, and has since followed general farming. Mr. Swenson was married June 27, 1891, to Mina Steberg, who was born in Minneola township, January 26, 1871, daughter of Amund and Charlotte (Seljord) Steberg, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1861 and located in Minneola township, where they engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Swenson have six children-Clara, born July 4, 1894; Mabel, August 29, 1896; Oscar, November 12, 1898; Lillian. June 8, 1901; Alton, May 31, 1904; Selma, July 30, 1908.  Mr. Swenson is an independent voter, and is now director of school district No. 160, which office he has held for ten years. He and his family are communicants of the Lutheran Church. 

SVEN E. SWENSON, one of those men whose industry and perseverance has assisted in the development of the agricultural resources of Minneola township, is a native born son, having first seen the light of day in Minneola, July 29, 1867. His parents were Erick and Susanna Swenson, substantial farmers. He lived on a farm in his youth, took advantage of the educational opportunities offered in his neighborhood and then attended St. Olaf 's College at Northfield, Minn., where he proved a capable student. His natural bent, however, was toward agricultural pursuits, and after completing his college studies he returned to Minneola and farmed with his father until 1892, when he purchased a farm of 160 acres on section 26, Minneola township, where he has since continued to reside. He has brought the land to a high state of cultivation, has erected a comfortable home and a roomy barn, and in fact has made those improvements which characterize the place as an up-to-date farm in every particular.  He raises his own stock, makes a specialty of several high grades and carries on general farming. Although interested in the progress of modern events, he has never sought public office, being content to cast his vote for others whom he deems best fitted for public position. Mr. Swenson was married at Pine Island, June 4. 1891, to Gina Monson, daughter of Gunder and Gertrud Monson. The fruits of this union are six children-Stella., Grace, Mabel, Anna, Ervie and Adaline.  

JOHN SVEE, of Pine Island township, who was born in Norway, October 9, 1855, came to Goodhue county in 1875 and settled in Pine Island township, doing general work such as chopping, grubbing and farming until 1885, when he purchased his present farm of seventy-four acres. Of this fifty acres is tillable, and here Mr. Svee carries on general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of selling cream. Being the father of a large family of children, he has naturally been interested in school matters and has served many terms on the school board. In 1885, the year that he purchased his present farm, he was married to Bertha Rocky, by whom he has had eleven children, ten of whom are living. They are: Emma, Henry, Julius, Julia, Lena, Arthur, Bernice, Marshall, Tena and Celia, all of whom are at home. The family attends the Norwegian Lutheran church in Zumbrota. Mr.  Svee is a hard working man, and has reason to be proud of the fact that he has secured all that he owns by his hard work, honesty and frugality.


 

 

 

 

 

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