Trails-to-the-Past-Minnesota-Olmsted-biographies

Biographies

History of Olmstead County Minnesota

Written by Joseph A. Leonard 1910

BAIER, JOHN -----a veteran of the Civil war, and for many years engaged in farming in Haverhill township, is one of three living children in a family of four born to the marriage of John Baier and Kunagunta (Gretch) Baier. The father was a small farmer in Germany, where he married. He came with his parents to the United States about the year 1846, and after a short stop in Buffalo, New York, located in Wisconsin, and there farmed for a number of years. The latter part of his life the father resided in Milwaukee, where he died about the year 1892.

John Baier, his son and the subject of this sketch, was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 2, 1844, and was reared in Wisconsin, where his schooling was limited to two years in the German schools of Milwaukee. September 16, 1864, he enlisted in Company E. First Regiment Wisconsin Artillery, and served the greater part of his term on garrison duty until he was honorably discharged by general order of the War Department, June 26, 1865, at Fort O’Rourke, Virginia.

Upon his return Mr. Baier engaged in logging and rafting on the Yellow river in Wisconsin, at which he continued about six years. Having acquired some money by this work, he came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, in 1871, and bought eighty acres of land in Haverhill township, on which, after paying what he could, he owed $800. He subsequently disposed of this property and purchased 240 acres nearby in the same township. To this he added 160 acres, but this latter property he deeded to his son, John M., and yet retains the original 240 acres. Mr. Baier lived in Haverhill township until 1908, when he moved to Rochester, and has since resided there. For nearly forty years he has lived in Olmsted county, and during this time has filled local positions of trust with fidelity, has contributed from his means to the support of worthy causes, and is highly regarded by all who know him. He started life a poor boy, but industry and frugality have won him success. The yoke of oxen he first owned was later replaced by a team of colts; his first purchase of land, one which he was heavily in debt, was increased to 400 acres. He has paid all honorable obligations with scrupulous exactness. To his wife Mr. Baier gives the just credit of aiding him loyally in all his under takings.

November 8, 1863, he married Mary Delmore, daughter of Luke Delmore, a native of Ireland, who came to Olmsted county and helped construct the old Winona & St. Paul Railroad. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Baier, the following named nine growing to maturity: Annie M. (Mrs. Edmund English); Frances M. (Mrs. Philip Casseday); Catherine (deceased); Elizabeth (Mrs. Max Conrad) ; John M., a sketch of whom appears in this book; Josephine (Mrs. Dr. G. T. Joyce); Sadie, Eva and Mark A. The family are of Roman Catholic faith in religion.

BAIER, JOHN Jr.,----- farmer and stock raiser on section 29, Haverhill township, Olmsted county, was born March 28, 1880, on the old homestead, where he now resides a son of the pioneer John Baier and Mary (Delmore) Baier. His parents were among the earliest settlers of the county, and appropriate mention of them is made elsewhere in this publication. The Baiers were pioneers in every sense of the word, have taken an active interest and part in the growth and development of the county, and are regarded as one of the best families in the community.

John Baier, Jr., the immediate subject of this review, is the oldest son and fifth child in a family of seven daughters and two sons, and received his education in the district schools of Haverhill township. He supplemented this schooling with a course in Darling’s Business College at Rochester, and then immediately took up farming and stock raising and has since been actively and successfully engaged in that occupation. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and in religion he follows the beliefs of his forefathers and is a staunch supporter of the Catholic faith.

BAIHLY, GEORGE -----was one of the earliest settlers in Olmsted county, and one of the first in Rochester to engage in the meat and provision business. He was a man of thrift, inheriting that quality from his German forebears, and being of an economical turn, he accumulated a large amount of this world’s goods.

He was born at Wurtemburg, Germany, January 4, 1837, and in early boyhood received a common school education. When a lad of but sixteen years he crossed the Atlantic ocean to America, and after a short stay in New York came to Rochester, Minnesota, in 1856. He embarked in the meat and provision business and dealt extensively in stock. Foreseeing the future greatness of the country, he invested much of his spare means in real estate, and eventually became one of the wealthy men of the county. He was peculiar in that he meddled with no one’s business but his own, and his charity was unobtrusive and was extended to all worthy causes.

He was twice married. first in 1859, to Caroline C. Fudger, a native of Indiana, who died in 1868; there were three children, John W., Helen and Fred. In 1870 Elizabeth Fulkerson became his wife, and to this marriage nine children were born and reared to ages of maturity, as follows: Ralph, Walter, Arthur, Abram, Esther, Moses, Bessie, Adaline and Florence.

Mr. Baihly, while of foreign birth, was a great lover of his adopted country and its institutions. He joined the Masons, and continued in active business life until about 1893, when he retired, and in 1895 died. To such honest, sturdy manhood is Olmsted county indebted for its present worth and solidity. The Baihly family is one of the best in Olmsted county.

Ralph Baihly is now conducting the business first established by his father, George Baihly, over half a century ago. He was born in Rochester, Minnesota, August 16, 1870, and was educated and has always made his home here. He assisted his father in the various duties devolving upon him, and since 1893 has conducted the business on his own responsibility and with uniform success. He is a representative of the younger, progressive, virile element of Rochester businessmen that have made the city second to none for its prosperity in Minnesota. In October, 1896, he married Miss Clara Swanson, and they are the parents of three daughters, named Elizabeth, Gladys and Rachel. Mr. Baihly is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

BAKER, ANDREW -----a representative farmer of Olmsted county, and the present supervisor of Oronoco township, was born May 13, 1859, in Goodhue county, Minnesota. His father, Andrew Baker, after whom he was named, was a native of Germany, and his mother, whose maiden name was Emma Quenell, of England. The father, about the year 1840, immigrated to America, and after living some eight years in Illinois, came to Minnesota and located near Lake City, in Goodhue county, where he passed the remainder of his days, his death occurring in 1870. Mrs. Baker died in Pierce county, Wisconsin, in 1897.

Andrew Baker, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of his native county, and in 1882 came to Oronoco and bought the “Dan McAlpine farm” of 120 acres, on which he has since continuously resided, with the exception of one year spent in North Dakota. Mr. Baker is a Lutheran in religion and a Republican in politics. In 1882 he married Miss Anna Klindorth, daughter of Claus and Margaret Klindorth, of Oronoco township, and to them have been born these children: Mary, June 9, 1884, now Mrs. Crouse; Emma, May 20, 1886; Christina, June 19, 1888; Catharine, December 18, 1890; Julia, February 13, 1893; Lillie, March 16, 1898. All these children were born on the home farm in Oronoco township except Christina, who was born in North Dakota.

BAKER, JOHN D. -----was born in New York in February, 1842, and is a son of Isaac and Abigail, who came to Minnesota in 1855 and settled in Fillmore county, where they took up a tract of government land and there remained engaged in farming for a period of ten years. They then disposed of their big farm to good advantage, and moved to Blue Earth county, Minnesota, where they took up a homestead and engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1879 they again sold out and came to Pleasant Grove township, Olmsted county and here passed the remainder of their days. Both parents now sleep their last sleep in Evergreen Cemetery, Pleasant Grove township.

Their son, John D., spent his youth in assisting his parents on the farm and in getting an education at the near-by schools. In 1863 he rented a farm and ran it on shares one year. In 1864 he took up a tract of 160 acres of government land in Blue Earth county and farmed the same until 1873, when he came to Olmsted county, having sold out, and bought eighty acres in Pleasant Grove township, in section 24, and began to grub, clear and improve the same. Since then he has added to his landed possessions until he now owns 120 acres of excellent land, all covered with good modern improvements.

In 1864 Mr. Baker married Miss Margaret Red man, a native of Ohio, and to this union three children were born: James W., Isaac A. and Edith M., who married Mr. Edward Lowrie. In 1882 Mr. Baker had the misfortune to lose his wife; two years later he chose for his second wife Lucy A. Pick, a native of England, and the daughter of John and Mary Pick. After coming to this country she attended school in Rochester and elsewhere and afterward spent several years in teaching. To this marriage two children were born: Mildred A., who married Mr. Vernon Yates, and Ralph. The family worship with the Methodists of this township. Mr. Baker is a Republican and the friend of education and progress. His wife is a woman of far more than ordinary education, culture and refinement.

BALE, BAARD S. -----was born in Dane county Wisconsin, in 1856 and is a son of Sjure and Anna Bale, who came to Olmsted county and took up 160 acres of government land in section 6, Salem township. Here the parents made their homes until their respective deaths. At the time of the father’s death in 1897 they owned a total of 280 acres, all well improved and equipped with good buildings and machinery and possessing good grades of livestock. The parents were among the best citizens and passed lives of usefulness and honor.

Their son, Baard S., the subject of this sketch, spent his boyhood on his father’s farm assisting at the various kinds of work and attending the district schools in the winter months. In 1881 he married Miss Isabel Issacson, who was born in 1858 in Salem township and is a daughter of the old settler and prominent citizen, T. B. and Christiane Isaacson Tvedt, and to this union the following children were born: Shyler, born in 1881; Clara, born in 1884; Tholbert, born in 1886; Anna, born in 1888; Melvin, born in 1893; Alfred, born in 1896; Donald, born in 1900; Rudolph, born in 1902.

After his marriage Mr. Bale went to the northwest part of Minnesota and bought 320 acres and lived thereon for fourteen years, making many valuable improvements and raising large quantities of small grain. In 1897 he sold this property and returned to Olmsted county, Salem township, where he bought 200 acres in section 6, upon which he has since put about $6,000 worth of improvements in buildings, fences, drainage, meadow and livestock. He and his family, all of whom are yet with him, are now in comfortable circumstances and are prepared to enjoy life. It is his design to give his children good educations and otherwise fit them for useful and honorable citizenship. They are members of St. Olaf’s Church. He is a Republican and a member of the school board. He owns stock in the Telephone and Lumber companies.

BAMBER, DR. ARCH1BALD -----retired pioneer dental practitioner of Rochester, was born March 21, 1843 in Wood county, Ohio: the son of John and Lucy (Whitney) Bamber, and a grandson of David Bamber, who came to this country from Londonderry, Ireland, and settled in New York state in 1798. John Bamber was born in Herkimer county, New York, November 2, 1812. He moved from there to Ohio when a young man and in December of 1854 emigrated to Olmsted county Minnesota pre-empting a farm in section 10, Rochester township. He was one of the earliest settlers in this locality and his wife’s death in 1855 was the second in the township. He was a charter member of the Methodist Episcopal church in Rochester. After nearly thirty-five years of agriculture, Mr. Bamber retired from active life and came to Rochester to pass his remaining years, living into his ninetieth year, passing away after a short illness. Mr. Bamber was one of Rochester’s best and most deserving citizens and his death was mourned generally throughout the community. He lies at rest beside his wife in Oakwood cemetery, at Rochester.

Archibald Bamber, the son, lived as other pioneer boys during his youth, helping on the farm and attending district school. At an early age he developed a fondness for study and for Nature, so was sent to Hamline University, then situated at Red Wing, Minnesota. He left the university at the first call for volunteers in 1861 and served three years with Company F, First Minnesota volunteers, when he was mustered out. Returning to Rochester, he entered the dental office of Doctor Williams, and was success fully engaged in the practice of his profession until in 1904 he was forced to retire because of failing health. He was a member of the State Dental Society, and is one of the oldest members of Rochester Lodge No. 21, A. F. & A. M., having held office in said lodge almost continuously, and urging the younger men to take active part in fraternal work.

On September 20, 1866, he married Miss Susan L. House, who was born July 9, 1850, in Dixon, Illinois, the daughter of John W. and Mary A. House. To Doctor Bamber and wife eight children have been born, six of whom are living. The Bamber family are members of the Episcopal church, Mrs. Bamber having taken active part in church as well as in social affairs. Doctor Bamber is a student of Nature, having made special study of birds and plants which are found about his home and along the streams, for he has always been an ardent fisherman and a local authority on the habits and habitat of the finny tribe.

BEAR, JOSEPH ALEXANDER -----is a son of Joseph and Eliza (John son) Bear, and is a native of this county. His father was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The mother was born in Ireland and came to Canada in 1849, when she was twenty-one years old. The next year, having met and become acquainted with Joseph Bear, they were married, and soon afterward moved West to Ohio and settled near where Fostoria now stands. In 1853 Joseph Bear became afflicted with the prevailing California gold fever and accordingly went to that Eldorado and there remained engaged in mining for three years, when he returned to Ohio. One year later he moved with his family to Michigan, but after a few months’ stay there they came to Olmsted county and bought a tract in section 33, Eyota township, and here passed the remainder of their lives. His death occurred March 13, 1889, his age being seventy years. His wife died April 14, 1894, at the age of sixty-six years. In their family were the following children: Nathaniel M., a merchant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Joseph A.; and three who died in childhood.

Joseph A. received a common-school education in his youth, which he greatly improved in later years. Upon reaching early manhood he began the study of law, and in 1893 was duly admitted to the bar. He began the practice at Rochester, but in 1905 opened an office in Eyota, and here he has since been located. He has been one of the leading factors in the reorganization of the town of Eyota, and has taken an active and prominent part in all public affairs. He was city attorney at Rochester for several years and at one time was the opposing candidate for Congress against Judge Joseph A. Leonard. In 1892 Mr. Bear married Miss Grace Robinson, daughter of A. D. Robinson, an old pioneer of Olmsted county. They have two children: Ruth and Joel R.

BEAR, OSCAR -----is one of the leading farmers of the county. and lives on the old homestead, where he was born and where his father, Benjamin Bear, settled over half a century ago—1854. The father was born in Pennsylvania in 1820, and was thus one of the very first to take up land and begin farming operations in the county. Coming thus early he had the advantage of choice of land, and accordingly selected the tract which had upon it the best never failing spring of excellent water to be found in this part of the state. From that day to this it has never ceased to yield its full supply of fine water. Mrs. Benjamin Bear was of English descent, and her parents were early settlers of Ohio. To Benjamin and wife the following children were born: Mrs. Henry Gerry, of Rochester; Miss Mary Bear, of Los Angeles, California; Mrs. A. W. Stinchfield, of Rochester; Oscar, the subject of this sketch; A. J. Bear, of Bradentown, Florida; Mrs. F. J. Hayden, of Sioux City, Iowa; Mrs. R. H. Johnson, of North Branch, Minnesota; Mrs. W. L. Dunn, of Venice, Florida; Mrs. C. C. Woods of St. Paul; B. F. Bear, of Milwaukee: Homer Bear, of Peoria, Illinois.

Oscar grew to manhood in this county, and spent his youth in assisting his parents on the farm and in securing an education at the old time district schools. Upon reaching manhood he began farming operations on his own account, and soon began to accumulate property. Gradually he added to his worldly possessions, until today he has a splendid farm of 600 acres in sections 16, 17, 20 and 21, Eyota township. This place is covered with all modern improvements. Mr. Bear carries on operations on a very large scale and raises large quantities of grain and hay and sells annually many head of livestock. He is a member of the Republican party, and takes much interest in the success of his party candidates. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the M. W. A. His prominence is recognized and his high character never called in question.

BERGAN, ANDREW C. -----was born in Rock Dell township December 29, 1862. (For an account of his parentage see sketch of K. C. Bergan.) His youth was spent, like that of other boys of the time, in getting a common school education at the old pioneer schools and in helping his parents to clear and cultivate the farm.

Upon reaching manhood he started right by getting married, and soon bought an eighty-acre tract in Section 12, to which he afterward added another eighty-acre tract, thus giving him a fine farm of 160 acres. This place is now well improved and has good buildings and modern machinery. Mr. Bergan is engaged in mixed farming and in raising livestock for the market. He is up-to-date in all his operations and puts into effect many of the best scientific methods. His automobile is the first one owned in the township. He holds stock in the Zumbro Creamery Company, in the Farmers’ Elevator Company at Stewartville. In politics he is a Republican and has held the office of township assessor for two years, and clerk for twenty years, in his school district. He was confirmed in St. Olaf’s church. of which he is a member and has been a trustee for several years. He is popular owing to his unfailing good nature and his genial companionship.

His wife was formerly Miss Cora Sulland, daughter of Soren and Christina Sulland, early settlers of Rock Dell township. To this union the following children were born: Cala, born November 19, 1888, who finished her education at the Ladies’ Seminary, at Red Wing, now with her parents; Charles, born December 8, 1891, now attending Gales College, Wisconsin.

BERGAN, KITTLE C. -----is a native of Rock Dell township and was born here September 13, 1865. His father was Christian C. Bergan, who was born in Norway in 1829, and in that country his boyhood was spent in assisting his parents and in getting an education. He came to this country when a young man and after residing in Iowa and Rock counties, Wisconsin, for several years working on a farm, he went to Australia and remained in that region three years, working in the gold fields of that country. He then went back to Norway and while there married Miss Aase Bergan in 1857, and together they came to this country and located in Rock Dell township, this county, on a tract of 160 acres in section 11, which became his permanent home. Here all his children were born and here he still resides. Some time ago he retired from the active and strenuous duties of life and at that time owned 240 acres. He is one of the old pioneers and has the high regard of all who know him. He became prominent in township affairs and held several official positions of trust with fidelity and care. He was one of the substantial farmers and citizens of this part of the county. His wife passed away August 29, 1907, and rests in the family cemetery of St. Olaf’s.

Kittle C. Bergan spent his early days on his father’s farm and in attending the neighboring schools. He finished with a course in Darling’s Business college, Rochester, and returned to the farm, where he has since resided and labored. He has become prominent and influential and has a large property. He is a Republican and served as township assessor for five years. He is secretary of the Zumbro Creamery Company, in which he holds stock. He is also a stock holder in the farmers lumber yard at Hayfield and in the farmers’ elevator at Stewartville. He is considered one of the substantial farmers and citizens of the western portion of the county.

On June 5, 1894, he married Johanna M. Vegger, whose parents are pioneer settlers of Salem township. To this union the following children were born: Calmer, born May 21, 1895; Myra A., born August 10, 1897; Ella L., born August 23, 1899; and Evelyn D., born November 26, 1906.

BERNARD, DAVID T. -----has resided in Chatfield since 1904. He is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Bernard, and is of English descent. Thomas, the father, came to the United States in 1865 and lived with his son, Thomas T., until his demise, in 1896, at the great age of ninety-six years and seven days. His wife, Elizabeth, died in 1885, at the age of 75 years. After coming to this country both parents lived with their son until their respective deaths. At one time the father was a soldier in the English army, and saw service in Ireland. They were people of high worth and respectability.

Their son David T., the subject of this sketch, was born in Tralee, Ireland, on May 18, 1835, and in youth attended the common schools of his native land to a limited extent. His education was gained mainly in the school of experience. At the age of nineteen years he was ready to assume the burden of life on his own responsibility. He had saved up a little money, so after getting married he and his wife crossed the Atlantic and landed in New York in 1854. He first went to Waterbury, Connecticut, and there worked for a while in a brass and copper rolling mill. He then went west to Wisconsin and worked on a farm until 1856, and then moved to Mower county, Minnesota, and settled on 160 acres of school land. This he held until 1859, when he sold his interests for a two-year-old heifer and came to Olmsted county and located on a farm of 160 acres in Pleasant Grove township. This tract became his permanent home, and is still owned by him. He was thrifty, economical and industrious and gradually added to his possessions until he owned at one time a total of 1,340 acres in Pleasant Grove, Jordan and Orion townships. In 1895 he divided 540 acres among his sons. When he first came to Minnesota all his possessions consisted of $24, a wife and two children. But they were not afraid of the results if they could have a fair chance. They went to work in earnest clearing the land, cultivating the soil, saving something every year for the future, and gradually adding to their lands and improvements. In the meantime the children grew up and were of much assistance to their parents in the struggle to get ahead in wealth and respectability. The family soon became well known for their industry, honesty and good conduct generally and were at all times identified with the events of the community. In addition to his landed estate Mr. Bernard has sufficient means to live in comfort without infringing on his capital. He is a Republican and has served as a town officer for six years. He is a member of the Chatfield Methodist Episcopal Church.

He has been married twice, the first time to Miss Ruth Rickards, in London, England, with whom he lived from 1854 to 1880, at which latter date she passed from life. On February 6, 1898, he married Mrs. Lizzie S. Goldsmith, daughter of George and Sarah, of Fillmore county. Mr. Bernard had five children by his first wife: John E., died July 31, 1909, at the age of forty-nine years and sixteen days; David T. is a farmer of Pleasant Grove township; Frank G. is a farmer of Orion township; Thomas W. is a farmer of Pleasant Grove township; Liza Jane married William Baier, a farmer of Jordan township. It should be stated that during the Civil war Mr. Bernard enlisted in the Union army and served for some time. He is one of the old and substantial citizens and settlers of this portion of the county.

BIERBAUM, JOHN C. -----a native of Viola township, where he has resided since birth, was born January 6, 1860. on Section 35, a son of Carl H. and Katharina M. (Stickfort) Bierbaum. The father was born at Wissingen, Hanover, Germany, August 12, 1830, and immigrated to America with his parents, John Henry and Katharina E. (Duvendack) Bierbaum to Clayton county, Iowa, in 1847. For a time he worked as a farm hand, and in May, 1854, he came to Viola township. Olmsted county, Minnesota. being the first white settler in that township, and residing here thirteen months before any other came. For four years the nearest neighbor was Ben. Bear, four miles away. He remained on his land and broke eighty acres. but could not file on the same until 1856. His first crop was oats and corn, bringing 75 cents and $1.25 respectively, the settlers taking for seed all he raised. In April, 1856, he filed claim to government land in Section 35, of Viola township, and this original homestead is still in possession of the family. Mr. Bierbaum died September 3, 1903, and his wife, who was born in Batesville, Indiana, in 1840, passed away in 1892. Mr. Bierbaum came to Minnesota at a time when everything was rough and unsettled, experienced all the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life, but, possessing an unlimited amount of moral courage and stick-to-itiveness surmounted all obstacles, and died a man greatly beloved and respected by his fellow men. To him and his wife were born nine children, as follows: Marie Elizabeth Dubbles (see supplement), Anna Elizabeth Catharine Price, Marie Catharine Schmidt, Christina E. W. Schoenrock, Katharina S. Schmidt, Carolina L. Newman, Emma A., John C. and Herman H. The two boys were second and third in the order of birth, and the original homestead is now the property of the latter. All the above named children save two. Marie, of Eyota and Christina, of Missouri, are residents of Viola township. Elizabeth Dubbles was the first white baby born in the township.

John C. Bierbaum was reared and educated in his native township, and on September 19, 1883, he married Miss Margaret Scherer, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Henneberger) Scherer, who settled in Quincy township in the fall of 1863. She was the oldest child born to her parents, her birth occurring September 4, 1860, in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and the others were as follows: Peter Scherer, residing near Watertown, South Dakota; Daniel Scherer, living in Quincy township; Henry Scherer, of Viola township, and Elizabeth Catherine Scherer, now married and residing in Waverly, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Bierbaum a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters, have been born, as follows: Dora Marie Hanenberger, born June 18. 1884, now residing in Rochester; Edward P., born February 1, 1886; Frederick C., born September 22, 1888; Freda K., born August 24, 1891; Ina Elizabeth, born February 2, 1893; Alfred D., born June 13, 1897; Annetta E., born September 20, 1898, and Carl H., born May 31, 1892. With the exception of the first named, all the children are at home with the parents.

Mr. Bierbaum owns 365 acres of Viola township’s choicest farm land, fully equipped with all modern conveniences, which bespeak the progressive spirit of the family. He and wife have witnessed the growth and development of this portion of the country, and by hard work and perseverance in their younger days have acquired a competency. In his political views, Mr. Bierbaum is a Republican, and he has been honored by his friends and neighbors by being selected as secretary of the school board nine years. Aside from his farming interests he has for eight years been president of the Viola Township Telephone Company and frequently acts as appraiser for the Rochester Mutual Insurance Company. Mr. Bierbaum is also largely interested in the raising of fine cattle, and has a large herd of Aberdeen-Angus animals with the registered “Clyde” at their head. John C. Bierbaum is one of twenty-six who are holding the second annual school fair —known as the County School Fair.

Mr. Bierbaum and family are consistent members of the German Evangelical Church, and he is one of the twenty-six men of Olmsted county instrumental in the organization of the state fair at Rochester. It is a noteworthy fact that with the accumulation of wealth men’s natures shrivel, but in Mr. Bierbaum’s case, an exception of pleasing degree is prevalent. Both he and wife are kind parents, generous to a fault and very highly respected in the community where they reside. Carl H. was the first settler in Viola township, it being thirteen months before he saw a white man other than belonging to his party.

BIERMANN, ADOLPH -----one of the oldest and best known farmers and stock raisers of Olmsted county, located on section 13, Rochester township, is a native of Norway, his birth occurring at Christiania, November 19, 1842. He was educated and reared to early manhood in his native land, but when twenty years old immigrated to America and has since made this country his home.

He first located at Milwaukee and shortly after his arrival there enlisted for the preservation of the Union, on August 15, 1862, in Company I of the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. His command was first ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, and then on to Nashville, Tennessee, participating in the battles of Perryville and Murfreesboro, and after a three years’ service he was honorably discharged, September 1, 1865.

He immediately returned to Milwaukee and the following spring made a visit of three months to his native country. He then returned to the United States and in 1866 came to Olmsted county, Minnesota. Here for seven years he found employment as bookkeeper in the establishment of Andrew Nelson, at Rochester. In 1872 he was nominated for county register of deeds, but was defeated, and in 1874 was nominated and elected county auditor, afterwards being re-elected to that position two successive terms. In 1875 he was the Democratic candidate for secretary of state, but was defeated. After a service of six years in the county auditor’s position he engaged in farming, having invested in real estate at different times, and continued thus until 1885. During President Cleveland’s administration Mr. Biermann was appointed collector of internal revenue for the district of Minnesota and in 1882 was nominated and ran for Congress. This was in a strong Republican locality, with a usual plurality of 10,000, but he was defeated after a hard fight only by 565 votes. In 1884 he was again nominated and ran for Congress, but was defeated by another close margin. In 1883 he received the Democratic nomination for governor, and, although defeated, ran largely ahead of his party. In 1890 he was nominated and elected state auditor, being supported by the Democratic party and the Farmers’ Alliance and having a plurality of 35,000 votes. At the end of four years’ service he was again a candidate for that office, but was defeated. Since then, 1894, he has devoted his attention entirely to farming on his property some three and a half miles southwest of Rochester on the Zumbro river.

Mr. Biermann can look with justifiable pride on his record made in the land of his adoption. He came here a stranger, without friends or influence, and by his own unaided efforts has arisen to a position of the highest honor among his fellowmen. The results of his campaigns, conducted in a locality strongly Republican, show how highly he is and has been regarded, and now, when his declining years are at hand, Mr. Biermann can enjoy the just fruits of his honest endeavors to benefit self, home and country. The above brief review is much too short, if a man’s deserts are taken into consideration, for Mr. Biermann has done much toward the growth and development of Olmsted county and Minnesota.

BIGELOW, FRANC1S M. -----one of the most widely known men in this part of the state, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, in the town of Portland, September 25,1843, and is a son of Lawson T. and Mary (Hall) Bigelow. He grew up on his father’s farm and was educated in the common schools of New York, and in 1864 came with his wife to Wabasha county, Minnesota, and located on a farm near Elgin. There the subject of this sketch resided until 1898, engaged in farming and stock-raising. At the date last mentioned he bought 390 acres in sections 2 and 3, Haverhill township, and here he resided until 1902, when he came to Rochester to live. He and his wife at last became tired of residing in the city, and accordingly they bought a farm of 200 acres half a mile west of St. Mary’s Hospital, and here they now dwell, enjoying all the quiet and sweetness of the country, as well as the advantages of the city’s modern conveniences. They are in excellent circumstances and are enjoying their old age in comfort and the necessary seclusion.

On July 4, 1863, Mr. Bigelow was united in marriage with Miss May D. Hopson, who was born in Chautauqua county, New York, March 1, 1844, and to this marriage the following children were born: Albert W., born April 14, 1864, now at Dodge Center, Minnesota; Frank E., born April 4, 1866, at Andover; Arthur A., born January 20, 1868, at Rochester; Schuyler, born November 27, 1869, in Haverhill town ship; Maud A., born December 29, 1871, now Mrs. E. Parker, of Lake City, Minnesota; Hattie L., born April 21, 1874, now Mrs. Harvey, of Elgin, Minnesota; Stella E., born February 10, 1876, now Mrs. Titterington, of Elgin; Alfred W., born January 19, 1878, at Rochester, Minnesota; Howard H., born May 4, 1880, on the old homestead in Wabasha county, near Elgin. Schuyler is on the farm in Haverhill township.

Mr. Bigelow in his active years was an extensive farmer and became well known as a breeder and importer of high grade cattle. He was abreast of the times in all his farming operations. He is a Republican and takes great interest in the success of his party’s candidates. He has served as delegate to several state conventions and to one national convention He has a wide acquaintance with the public men of Minnesota, and is counted among the leaders in thought, action and progress. In 1890 he contributed liberally toward the financing of the Bigelow genealogy which was then being compiled by Poultney Bigelow, Bigelow Howe and others. Mr. Bigelow now has a copy of this work, which he values very highly. The Bigelow family is now scattered through out the country and numbers among its members many persons high up in all departments of American public and private life. The founders of the family in this country were John and Mary (Warren) Bigelow, who came to the Massachusetts Colony in 1642. Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow expect to be the hosts of the Bigelow reunion in 1911. They usually keep open house for the Bigelows during the holidays. This is one of the most famous of the old Colonial families.

BJORNSON, AMBROSE -----was born in Columbia county, Wisconsin, November 28, 1859, his parents being Thorbjorn and Anna, who came to Minnesota and passed the latter years of their lives. The father died December 27, 1908, and lies buried in the St. Olaf’s cemetery. The mother is still living and resides in Dodge county, where she has considerable city property and is in the enjoyment of good health.

Ambrose spent his boyhood in getting an education and in assisting his parents on the farm. In 1885 he was united in marriage with Miss Ragnhild Brekketoe, whose parents are pioneers of Dodge county. Two children have come to brighten this marriage: Oscar, who was born October 27, 1886; he was given a good schooling, learned farming, and was confirmed at the St. Olaf’s Church; Amanda, who was born June 17, 1890, got her education in country schools and was confirmed in West St. Olaf’s Church.

The farm now owned by subject consists of 200 acres, of which 120 acres were purchased of his father and 80 acres of Mrs. John Arnold, all well equipped with buildings and farm implements. Mr. Bjornson is an up-to-date farmer and is prosperous. A gasoline engine is used for pumping water, grinding feed, etc. He is doing mixed farming and raises considerable livestock for market. During the dry season of the last summer, when his neighbors many of them, ran out of pasture, he had on hand plenty of feed saved over from last year. He is one of the leading farmers of this portion of the county and is public spirited and progressive.

BLICKLE, JOHN B. -----for thirty years one of the best known business men of Rochester, is deserving of more than passing mention because of the success he achieved under adverse conditions. Born April 26, 1850, at Hohenzollern, Germany, a son of John and Antonia (Aberley) Blickle, both of whom were natives of that country, he was there reared to manhood and educated in the public schools.

Prior to attaining his majority, he was apprenticed to the jewelers trade by his father who, agreeable to the customs of the time, was compelled to pay an indenture fee and the tuition. After four years’ service he was presented with a jeweler’s and watchmaker’s certificate, succeeding which he passed several years in Switzerland, working at his trade. He then went to Scotland, and locating at Greenock, resided there eight years, and during this time, on November 22, 1872, married Miss Sophia Bang, who was a native of Baden, Germany.

Having decided that he had better opportunities for advancement in America, he immigrated to this country in June, 1879, and locating in Rochester, Minnesota, found employment for a time with the jewelry-establishment of E. Damon who had a place of business where the Qvalle drugstore is now located. His apprenticeship and years of work at his trade abroad had made him master of his line of work, and having saved sufficient means for that purpose, he opened a jewelry establishment of his own, on September 1, 1884, in the Cook House Building on Broadway. By strict attention to business and by conscientious and honorable dealings with the public, he succeeded in building up a large and profitable business.

Mr. Blickle was a man of retiring disposition, but of fixed principles and sound judgment, and was a member of the Masonic fraternity. He lived a clean, wholesome life and died January 11, 1909, with the respect and esteem of all who knew him. The business so well founded by him is now carried on successfully by two of his sons, Theodore and Henry. Two other children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Blickle: Bertha, the wife of George S. Hannon, and Carl, a druggist.

BLISS, TIMOTHY H. -----who for years has been engaged in the insurance and abstract of title business at Rochester, was born June 2, 1843, in Licking county, Ohio, a son of Lowell B. and Fannie B. (Gunn) Bliss, who were of English and Scotch-Irish descent respectively. In generations past notably during the War of the Revolution, the progenitors of the Bliss family were military men. Peletiah Bliss served the Colonists in their struggle for Independence, and at different times during that war was associated with Col. Jona Chase’s, Col. Timothy Bedell’s and Col. Peter Olcott’s regiments, and participated in the campaigns around Saratoga.

Lowell B. Bliss, the father of our subject, was one of the early pioneer farmers of Licking county, Ohio, but on September 19, 1854, he left that locality and emigrated to Iowa, and in August, 1856, came to Minnesota. Here he purchased a tract of land and for three years engaged in agricultural pursuits, then came into the city of Rochester to spend the remaining days of his life. In many respects he was an unusual man. He was mild mannered and yet very forceful in his talk and actions. His honesty was beyond question, and when he passed away in 1872, aged fifty-eight years, he died as he had lived, greatly beloved and highly respected by all who knew him. The minister who read the burial service at his interment remarked, “It has been said that every man has his price, but thank God this could never be said of Lowell B. Bliss.” During the years of 1858-60. Mr. Bliss served as a member of the board of Olmsted county commissioners. and later, for ten years 1860-1870, was register of deeds. His widow survived him until March, 1901, and then passed away at the age of eighty-four years. Mr. Bliss was a man who did what he thought to be right no matter what the cost, and many of the old pioneers still residing in Olmsted county, yet speak of him as a good, clean, truthful man. He was of that sturdy, pioneer class who, by hard work and conscientious living have done so much toward making America the premier country of the world. His memory will long linger in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.

His son, Timothy H. Bliss, the immediate subject of this memoir, passed his early life in much the same manner as the other boys of those days, attending the public schools and assisting his father in the work of the home farm. After his education was completed his first venture in the business world was in the office of the register of deeds. Possessing a natural aptitude for this line of work and thoroughly liking it, he determined to follow it through life. He associated himself with Stearns, Jones & Start, abstract of title men at Rochester, and in later years, during which time the firm had changed its style on different occasions, Mr. Bliss bought out the concern from Chadbourn Brothers and has since conducted its affairs on his own account. He also added insurance to his business and has been unusually successful from the start.

On August 13, 1862, he enlisted for the preservation of the Union in Company H, of the Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in at Fort Snelling, under Gen. H. H. Sibley. He saw considerable service in the Indian campaigns of Minnesota and on July 5, 1865 after a three year’s service, was honorably discharged by the United States war department. Aside from the active business cares of life, Mr. Bliss takes great delight in the association of his fellowmen, being a Knight Templar York Rite Mason, a Thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. In politics he is a Republican, and for years he has served as trustee of the Universalist Church.

BOARDMAN, ELKANAH W. -----widely known as a breeder of fine Percheron and Hambletonian horses, has been a resident of the city of Rochester since 1896. His birth occurred November 3, 1853, in Tioga county, New York, and he was a son of Philo and Jane (Hackett) Boardman, who were among the earliest to settle in this portion of Minnesota. The father was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, January 1, 1821, received his education in the Tioga county public schools, and was a farmer and stock-raiser by occupation. On May 5, 1855, he started with his family for Minnesota, making the entire trip by ox team, and on July 4, 1855, arrived here in time to join a celebration in which a handful of early pioneers of Cascade township were about to engage in. Mr. Boardman took up a government claim in section 15, that township, and in after years added thereto until it reached a total of 840 acres. In 1879 he gave each of his two sons a splendid farm and sold the remainder of his estate, removing to Texas, where he bought 3,000 acres and engaged in cattle-raising. He there passed away, his wife having preceded him to the grave in Cascade township, where she was laid at rest in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. While residing in Olmsted county, Mr. Boardman took an active interest in local affairs, and when his township was organized in 1859 he was elected a member of the first board of supervisors.

His son, Elkanah W. Boardman, the immediate subject of this memoir, was educated and reared to manhood in this county, and in 1879 was married to Miss Clara Beneke, daughter of Martin Beneke, a pioneer of Cascade township, and one son, Roy L., has been born to them, his birth occurring January 8, 1887. He is now in his senior year in the School of Pharmacy of the Minnesota State University, and has served an apprenticeship of two years in the drug establishment of Max Hargesheimer, at Rochester. Mr. Boardman owns a farm, amounting to 200 acres, in sections 10, 11 and 15, of Cascade township, which he rents. In 1896 he removed to Rochester and has since been engaged in the breeding and selling of fine Hambletonian and Percheron horses, which he has disposed of in the states from Texas north. In politics he espouses the beliefs of the Democratic party, has served as super visor of Cascade township several terms, and was school clerk for fifteen years. Mr. Boardman is a member of the Universalist church. and with his wife resides at 919 West Fifth street.

BOOKER, DR. FRANK DANIEL -----one of the well-known dental practitioners of Rochester, was born at Quincy, Olmsted county, January 12, 1875, a son of James and Jennie (Short) Booker. When the doctor was but eleven years old, his father died, and two years later his mother also passed away, so he went East to Brunswick, Maine, to live with an uncle. Before his departure he had attended the public schools of his native county, and after arriving in his new home entered and in 1893 graduated from the high school there. Subsequently he attended Bowdoin College and was graduated with honors from that institution in 1897. He then removed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and divided his time there between clerking in a drug store and attending the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania. After his graduation therefrom in 1900, Dr. Booker went to Atlantic City for the summer, then he returned to Olmsted county, locating at Rochester in July, 1901, and has since been actively and successfully engaged at his profession.

On June 3, 1908, he was united in marriage with Miss Grace Burroughs, daughter of John W. Burroughs, a retired farmer of Clarkesville, Iowa, and one daughter, Gertrude, who died when seven and one-half months old, was born to them. Dr. Booker is identified with the State, National and Minnesota Dental Societies, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity and the Darby Dental Society. He is one of the rising generation of business men, is a Republican in politics and a public-spirited citizen.

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!