Trails to the Past

Minnesota

Olmsted County

Biographie Index

 

Biographies 

History of Olmstead County Minnesota

Written by Joseph A. Leonard 1910

 

BOURQUIN, AMOS -----has been engaged in farming and stock raising in Olmsted county since starting out in life for himself. He was born in Rochester township September 4, 1866, the son of John and Elizabeth (Newerth) Bourquin, who were born, reared, educated and married in Germany. Early in life the parents immigrated to America and settled on a farm in Rochester township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, and this has been the home of the Bourquin family ever since.

Amos, the immediate subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of Rochester township and his boyhood days were spent in assisting his father with the work on the home farm. He early decided to follow farming as his life’s vocation and has always been actively and successfully engaged in that line of work.

On December 30, 1903. he was united in marriage with Miss Salome S. Kennedy, daughter of Domnick and Elizabeth (Arble) Kennedy, old pioneers of Olmsted county, appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work, and they are residing on the old Kennedy homestead in section twenty two, Rochester township, which consists of 160 acres of finely cultivated and productive farm land. Mr. Bourquin is a well-read man and bears an exceptionally fine reputation in the community where he resides. In politics he is a Democrat. Mrs. Bourquin is a member of, and attends, the Catholic church, and Mr. Bourquin is a Methodist.

BRACKENRIDGE, WALTER LOWRY ------who died in Rochester on August 18, 1899, was a man of more than ordinary force of char acter and energy, and was one of the pioneers of this locality. He was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, November 5, 1824, of Scotch ancestry, and was educated in the public schools of Meadville, Pennsylvania, and in an academy at Kingsville, Ohio. He subsequently read law at Meadville, was admitted to the bar and practiced his profession there until 1855. He then came to Rochester, Minnesota, at that time little more than a frontier village, and, hanging out his “shingle,” began practicing law and dealing in real estate.

He first came to Olmsted county in 1853 on a prospecting tour through the West, and his keen business acumen foresaw the future greatness of the location, and he decided to make his future home at Rochester. He was unusually successful and accumulated a competency. At the time the old Winona & St. Peter railroad was built Mr. Brackenridge became the attorney for the company, a position he retained for many years. The latter years of his life were devoted almost exclusively to looking after his extensive real estate holdings. Mr. Brackenridge was what might properly be termed an optimist. He continually saw opportunities for improvement and expansion, not only in matters applied to himself, and his benefactions to the city and county of his adoption were many.

Previous to his removal from Pennsylvania he married Margaret McLogan in 1855. Three children were born to this union: W. Logan, Madge (now Mrs. G. D. Parmele), and Blanche (Mrs. Dr. Christopher Graham). Logan Brackenridge lived to become one of the leading lawyers of Rochester. He possessed talents of a high order and was especially endowed with qualifications to make and retain friends. When all the world was beckoning for his advancement he was stricken and passed away in June, 1905. Mrs. Margaret Brackenridge is one of the few remaining of the old settlers of Rochester, and distinctly recalls that there were but two stores on Broadway and two log cabins east of the river when she came to Rochester as a bride. She has lived to see the transition of an outpost settlement into a populous community of happy homes, and as the evening of her life approaches her chief happiness is the recollection of the past, while in the midst of loved relatives and valued friends.

BRADLEY, DAVID W. -----well known carpenter contractor and builder of Rochester, was born in Tompkins county, New York, April 19, 1840, the son of William and Jane (Kain) Bradley, both of whom were natives of County Donegal, Ireland. The father immigrated from the old country to New York in 1835. the mother in 1838, and shortly after her arrival they were married. The father followed the weaver’s trade in Ireland, but after coming to this country engaged in farming. The family came West to Minnesota in 1856 and located on government land in Cascade township, Olmsted county. Here the father died in 1861 and was buried in the Pleasant Prairie cemetery. His wife subsequently passed away and was laid at rest beside her husband. Mr. Bradley was a Republican in politics and both were members of the Episcopalian church.

In youth David W. Bradley attended the public schools and remained with his folks on the homestead in Olmsted county until war was declared between the North and South. At Rochester, August 13, 1862, he enlisted in the Union cause in Company H, of the Sixth Minnesota volunteer infantry, and under command of General Sibley, took part in the campaigns against the Indians of Minnesota and the Dakotas, from the Black Hills to the Canadian line. In June, 1864, he was ordered South to Helena, Arkansas, where sickness overtook him and he was compelled to return home.  He later, however, rejoined his regiment at St. Louis, where he was stationed two months, then went South to New Orleans and participated in the struggles around Mobile, Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely, and after capture of the latter stronghold marched through Alabama to Montgomery, where they heard of General Lee’s surrender. He remained there until July 1865, then came back North and was honorably discharged at Fort Snelling.

He immediately returned home and resumed farming, continuing until 1871, when he removed to Rochester and has since been engaged in carpentering and building, with the exception of some three and a half years spent as superintendent of construction for Fairbanks, Morse & Company, who erected water tanks, pumping stations, railroad scales, etc., in all the West-Central states.

In 1870 Mr. Bradley was married to Miss Mary J. Crabb, daughter of James and Lucinda T. Crabb, who was born April 25, 1846, and to them the following children have been born: Nellie, at Rochester, August 2,  1871, now Mrs. Rodney N. Lyon, of Fairmont, Minnesota; William J., Rochester, April 25, 1873, of Butte, Montana; John W., Rochester, now engaged in the furniture and undertaking business at Wichita Falls, Texas. Mrs. Bradley passed away August 10, 1895, and is buried in Oakwood cemetery at Rochester. Mr. Bradley is a Republican in his political views, but has never taken an active part in politics. He was one of the charter members of the Rochester branch of the G. A. R., and is a member of the Regiment Reunion Association and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been through all the chairs of the latter organization, and has been a delegate to the Grand Lodge of the Grand Encampments.

BRAKKE, D. B. -----was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota, December 9, 1870. His father, Lais K., was a native of Norway, his birth occurring in 1830. When a young man he came to this country and located in North Dakota, but later moved to Dane county, Wisconsin, where he resided for some time. He then came to Blue Earth county, Minnesota, but in 1879 moved to Olmsted county and settled in section 35, in Salem township. His wife, Christe, died in Chicago, Illinois, in 1900, but lies buried in East St. Olaf’s cemetery, Rock Dell township.

D. B. Brakke was reared on a farm and has made that branch of industry his occupation through life. He received a meager education at the district schools, but when 1 5 years old attended the Lutheran College at Decorah. Iowa, where he spent three years and came out well equipped for the struggle of life so far as education was concerned. He then taught school until he was 20 years old, but about that time bought 210 acres in section 5, Rock Dell township, and there he has resided until the present time, engaged in farming and stock raising. He keeps Poland China hogs and registered Durham cattle, and raises large quantities of grains and fruits. His farm is well provided with good buildings of all kinds. He is one of the leading farmers of the western half of the county. He is a member of East St. Olaf’s Lutheran church, of which he was secretary for several years and at the present time is trustee. He has been quite prominent in politics. and has served as delegate to several county conventions, his politics being Republican.  He has served as a member of the town board for eleven years, of which he served as chairman for five years. He is up-to-date and progressive in his views and operations.

On August 15, 1894, he was joined in marriage with Miss Martha Lee, whose parents were pioneer settlers in this portion of the county. Eight children were born to this marriage: Cora A., born May 29, 1896; Leonard R., born March 13, 1898, died in infancy; Anna C., born January 14, 1900; Delia M., born October 8, 1901 ; Lillian L., born November 25, 1905; Louise, born November 18, 1907; Victor N., born October 19, 1909. This is one of the educated and refined homes of the county.

BRAKKE, KNUTE L. -----was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, April 3, 1861. (For his parentage see sketch of D. B. Brakke, his brother.)

He grew up on his father’s farm and was given a common school education and remained there until his marriage June 1, 1885 to Gurine Larson, daughter of John and Guro Larson, both of whom are deceased and are buried in St. Olaf’s cemetery. In their lifetime they were prominent settlers and citizens of Rock Dell township. To Knute L. Brakke and wife the following children have been born: Julia, Lawrence, Cora, John, Albert, Grant, Leander and Gurine. Unfortunately the mother of these children passed away September 6, 1906, and now sleeps her last sleep in St. Olaf’s cemetery.

Mr. Brakke when he first began business for himself bought the Larson farm of 200 acres, and afterward added to the tract until now he is the owner of 400 acres in Rock Dell township and 160 acres in North Dakota.  He is farming extensively and is making money. He raises the small grains and considerable livestock for market. He has excellent short horn cattle.

In March, 1909, he married Mrs.  Agatha Lee Nelson, second daughter of Helge and Anna Lee.  Mr. Brakke is one of the leading farmers of this portion of the county. He is progressive and his character is above reproach. 

Helge N. Lee was born in Norway December 15, 1828, and was there reared on his father’s farm and educated. In 1857 he came to Rock Dell township, where he bought 160 acres in section 6. There he continued farming until his death in 1907, shortly after celebrating his golden wedding. His wife, formerly Anna Horvei, is still living and resides in their old house with Mr. and Mrs. K. L. Brakke. To Mr. Lee and wife the following children were born: Anna, Agatha, Nels, John, Louise, Martha, now Mrs. D. B. Brakke, and Ole. Mr. Lee was a man of more than ordinary ability and uprightness, and his death was a serious loss to the church which he attended and to the community where he had lived so long and had become so prominent.

BRAKKE, WILLIAM L. -----was born in the city of Chicago, February 18, 1858. (See elsewhere for sketch of his parents.) He spent his youth in attending the local schools and in assisting his parents on the farm. He became familiar with the full routine of farm work and management, and upon reaching manhood was prepared for the active duties of life. Though his education was limited, he made the lack up largely by reading and observation. At the time of his marriage he bought a tract of forty acres in Vernon township, Dodge county, and there made his home. He worked hard and intelligently and steadily added to his landed possessions until he owned a total of 200 acres of well improved land. He did farming on a large scale, handling livestock and large quantities of hay and grain. In 1892 he sold out and moved to Salem township, Olmsted county, where he now owns 230 acres in section 33, upon which are good and substantial improvements. Here he has since continued his farming operations and is making money. He is up-to-date in all his farm management and has one of the best farms in this section of the county. He is prominent and popular and is always ready to forward any movement that will likely advance the interests of the community. At present he is devoting much of his time to bee culture, in which he has been unusually successful.

His married children assist him to manage the farm.  He owns stock in the Creamery, Lumber, Telephone and Insurance Companies. He is a member of St. Olaf Church, of which for many years he has been sexton. He is a Republican and takes deep interest in the success of his party. In 1876 he married Miss Martha L. Brackhouse, who was born in 1861, and whose parents were Norwegian pioneers of Wisconsin. Their children are as follows: Lewis W., born August 12, 1877, farmer, married, has four children; Bertha L., born April 23, 1881, married John Trysted, a farmer of Salem township, has three children; Nora A., born September 21, 1886, married Mr. Brothen, a farmer, has two children; Julia I., born December 2, 1888, married Mr. Brothen, a farmer, has one child; William M., born May 13, 1891; Mabel, born January 9, 1893 ; Henry O., born January 1, 1899; Gustave N., born 1884, died 1888.

BRATAGER, KNUD S. -----who came to Olmsted county in the fall of 1856, and has participated in its growth and development for over fifty years, was born August 26, 1832, in paa gaarden, Quale, in Vose, Norway, a son of Stark Larson and Kari Davids (Hylle) Larson. His father was born in paa gaarden, Lemme (a farm name), and two years after his marriage purchased the Bratager farm, and in accordance with the custom sometimes practiced in Norway, the family name was changed to Bratager. The father was a farmer by occupation and was thus engaged all his life.

Until sixteen years old Knud S. Bratager resided with his parents on the Bratager farm, then he immigrated to America and for about three years resided in the vicinity of Palmyra, Jefferson county, Wisconsin. The date of his advent in this country was July, 1850. He then sent money to his father in Norway to pay for their passage to this country—they came in 1854, father, mother, three brothers and two sisters. The father lived near Palmyra, Wisconsin, for about two years, and then removed to Deerfield, Dane county, Wisconsin, where he passed away in 1855, aged sixty-two years, and was buried close by the Liberty Prairie church, about a mile and a half from Deerfield.

After spending a year and a half at Whitewater, Walworth county, Wisconsin, Knud S. Bratager joined his father in Dane county and was present when the latter died. Shortly thereafter he decided to come to Minnesota, took the train to Prairie du Chien, thence by boat to Wabasha, and from there by stage to Rochester, Olmsted county, Minnesota. This was in the fall of 1856. He secured a quarter section of land from the government in Rock Dell township, which was rough and uncleared, but he set to work with a will, making such improvements as he could, and in after years became one of the county’s most successful and progressive farmers.

Three years after locating in Rock Dell township, when about twenty-eight years old he was united in marriage with Miss Ingeborg Elevsdotter Houlom, a native of Norway, and whose parents were pioneers of Vernon township, Dodge county, Minnesota, the ceremony being solemnized on October 27, 1859.  In the spring of 1860 Mr. Bratager and wife moved to Vernon township, Dodge county, Minnesota where they pre-empted a quarter section of land remaining there seven years. They then sold their homestead and returned to Rock Dell township, where they bought 240 acres in sections 1 and 2, and at various times added thereto as their means permitted. Mr. Bratager was the first assessor of Rock Dell township, for eighteen years was clerk of the school board No. 15, and for eight years was president of the Zumbro Creamery Company. On June 24, 1905, Mrs. Bratager was summoned to the great beyond and now lies at rest in the cemetery of the United Lutheran church at Rock Dell. To their marriage the following named children were born: Stark K., one of the representative businessmen of Rochester; Ellis, in partnership with the above named son; Carrie M., the wife of R. W.  Brown, vegetable and fruit grower of Larkins, Florida; Lewis C., Martin E. and Edwin T., deceased. Mr. Bratager’s life has been an unusually clean and honest one and is well worthy of the emulation of the present younger generation. He started out a poor boy, came to a country without friends or influence, and by his own unaided efforts has acquired a competency and risen to a position of honor and respect among his fellowmen. Lewis C.  and Martin E. Bratager purchased the home farm ten years ago.  Lewis C. died April 8, 1908. Knud S. makes his home on the old farm with his youngest son, Martin E. Bratager, who was married to Anna Emelia Nereson November 11, 1890.

BROGAN, JAMES -----is now residing on a farm of 160 acres in section 35, Elmira township. He is a son of Anthony and Kate Brogan, who came from Ireland to the United States in the year 1855 and settled in Elmira township, and here passed the remainder of their lives as industrious and law abiding citizens. They were pioneers in every sense of the word, and passed through all the trials and hardships of the new country. When they came here there was not a railroad in the county, and none nearer than Winona, and to that point they were forced to go to market their products. The roads ran along the old Indian trails and the bridges were as fashioned by Nature—fords. Here they struggled and in time built up a fine property and became influential in township affairs. The father finally passed away in 1892.

Their son James was born June 5, 1874, on the old farm in Elmira township, and spent his youth in attending the district schools and in assisting his father on the place. He finally left school in 1891, and ever since has resided on the farm and been engaged in agriculture. He served for a time as clerk of the board of education.  He is a Roman Catholic. He is at present engaged in mixed farming and stock raising. On November 6, 1902, he married Miss Myrtle Lane, daughter of William and Lizzie Lane, prominent farmers of Fillmore county. They have one son and one daughter—Boyd and Vera.

BROGAN, JOSEPH -----is a son of Anthony and Katherine Brogan and now resides on a farm of 160 acres in section 28, Elmira township. The father, Anthony, came to this country from Ireland in 1865 and settled in Olmsted county, where he bought a farm of 160 acres and resided on the same until his death. For a time he worked in Milwaukee and while there saved enough money to enable him to buy the home in this county. He became generally known here and was regarded as one of the leaders in public spirit and progress. He cared little for politics, but usually could be found at work or attending to the duties of his farm. He died January 18, 1891, at the age of sixty-two years. His wife died November 23, 1909.

Joseph Brogan was born on his father’s farm August 16, 1867, and was given a fair education in the old-time schools of the neighborhood. He learned the art of agriculture on his father’s farm and has ever since made that branch of industry his business.  He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, and then hired out on the neighboring farms for three years. He then rented farms and carried on operations on a much larger scale than he could while working out by the month. He thus continued to rent for twelve years and during that time saved enough to enable him to purchase his present property. He not only cultivates his present farm, but rents 130 acres from his neighbors, and is one of the largest and most successful farmers of the county. He is progressive and up-to-date in all his operations. He raises all kinds of domestic animals and large quantities of small grain.

He is a Democrat and a Roman Catholic. He married, in the town of Forest, Vernon county, Miss Maggie Cauccutt, daughter of Thomas and Margaret, prominent farmers of that county. They have had four daughters and three sons: Margaret, a school teacher at Rochester; William L., assisting his father; Lucille; Frances; Anthony; Annie Elizabeth, and Francis Joseph.

BROWN, HARLOW -----assistant cashier and a director of the First State Bank of Dover, was born October 1, 1855, son of Stephen H. and Margaret S. Brown. For generations this branch of the Browns lived in the state of New York and it was there that the parents of the subject of this sketch were married. They moved to Illinois in 1836, and from there to Winona, Minnesota, in 1859, subsequently removing to St. Charles, where the father was engaged in merchandising. In 1875 they came to Dover, where they lived in quiet retirement the remainder of their days, the father dying November 27, 1882, and the mother January 14, 1900, and both being buried in the Dover cemetery. They were honest, God fearing people and commanded the respect and esteem of all with whom they came in contact. They became the parents of four children: Albert, a retired farmer in Washington; Julia A., the wife of William T. Ives, a retired farmer of Fairmont, Minnesota; Charles H., president of the First National Bank of Inglewood, California, and Harlow.

Harlow Brown was educated in the public schools of St. Charles, and the high school of Winona.  After leaving school he lived with his parents on a farm near St.  Charles, and after coming to Dover attended to his father’s business; the latter being an invalid for several years before his death. In 1881, in company with L. W. Needham, he bought an elevator in Dover, but soon after buying Mr. Needham’s interest in 1885 he sold the elevator, retiring from the grain business.  From 1889 to 1901 he was railway postal clerk on the Chicago & North-Western railroad. In 1903 he became assistant cashier of the First State bank, a position he has ever since filled to the satisfaction of all concerned. In politics he is a Republican by conviction, and for years has served as a deputy sheriff. In the Masonic fraternity he has attained the order of Knights Templar, being a member of Home Commandery, No. 5, at Rochester, and Osman Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at St. Paul.

September 27, 1883, he married Della Greenwood Coppersmith, at Eyota, daughter of George G. and Helen Coppersmith, of German ancestry, where the name originally was Kupferschmidt. Mr. and Mrs.  Coppersmith came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, in 1875. They were the parents of four sons and one daughter, as follows: Frank W., engaged in railroad work; Arthur L., a railroad engineer; George A., conductor on a railroad; Royal A., telegraph operator, and Della. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown one son has been born, Lou Roscoe, who died May 2, 1895. They are well known citizens of Dover and among the best in Olmsted county. 

BROWN, HARRY----- who passed away on July 4, 1875, and now lies at rest in the cemetery at Chatfield, was born in St. Lawrence county New York, June 18, 1825, and was of English extraction.  Early in life he removed to Michigan and from there went to Illinois, where he was married. He and wife then moved to Winnebago county, Wisconsin. When gold was discovered in California, Mr. Brown crossed the plains by ox team, the trip occupying a period of three months, and for three years cast his lot with the fortune-seekers whose struggles for wealth have since become a matter of history. He then returned East and joined his family in Iowa, where they had removed during his absence. Shortly there after the family came to Minnesota and settled on a farm near Albert Lea, one mile north of Bear Lake, remaining here until 1859. Mr. Brown then disposed of his farm and settled on a tract in Fillmore county, this state, about six miles west of Chatfield, where he farmed successfully for two years. In the spring of 1861 he went to Colorado, but in the fall of the same year returned home and resumed farming. In 1862 he enlisted with the “Boys in Blue” for the preservation of the Union, joining Company H, Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and after a three years’ service was honorably discharged by the War Department of the United States Government. He then returned home and followed farming until his death. To him and wife a family of five children were born, named Leosa, Warren H., Emma, Hannah and Carrie, and of these Emma, Carrie and Warren are yet living.

Warren H. Brown, son of Harry Brown, was born in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, February 27, 1851, and his boyhood days were spent in attending the public schools and assisting his parents with the work of the home farm. At the age of twenty-one he started out in life for himself, working one year as a farm hand, and then engaged in farming in Fillmore county, Minnesota, for two years. At different times he was identified with the hardware, grocery, restaurant and livery lines, but in 1895 embarked in the hotel business, and has been thus engaged ever since. In this latter line of endeavor he has been most successful, and is now the proprietor and owner of Brown’s Hotel at Rochester. He also is the owner of 400 acres of farm land in Crow Wing county, this state. 

In 1873, when twenty-two years old, he married Miss Helen Doty, and to them these children have been born: Henry, Clara D., Idela and Elmer. In 1889 Mrs. Brown died and the year following Mr.  Brown was united in marriage with Miss Mary Drury. To this union Mabel, Josephine and Seymour have been born, all of whom are residing at home. Our subject is a member of the Universalist church, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Eagles, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Masonic fraternity.  He has been successful in his business dealings and takes an active interest and part in the growth and development of his county.

BROWN, RENSLER J. -----was born in Oswego county, New York, December 31, 1853, and is a son of Asa and Eliza E. (Tuttle) Brown. Both parents were natives of the state of New York; the father was born March 27, 1832. He was a Free Methodist and in politics supported the Republican party. The ancestor on the father’s side came from Ireland and settled in Massachusetts before the Revolution. On the maternal side, Grandfather Tuttle was born in 1800, and when he was sixty-one years old enlisted in the Union army and served with credit for three years. At first he was in the New York Heavy Artillery, but later in the war was transferred to the New York Light Artillery. He participated in the battle of Bull Run and in other bloody engagements and hard campaigns. He was injured while engaged in carpenter work at headquarters, and was honorably discharged. He died in 1880. 

Rensler J. spent his youth in assisting his parents on the farm and in getting an education at the public schools. He finished at the Pulaski and Mexico academies. When twenty-three years old he emigrated to Byron, Minnesota, and on September 5, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Airy King, daughter of Rev. D. L. King, of Byron, Minnesota. In the spring of 1880 they moved to Clay county, Iowa, where they resided for three and one-half years, and then returned to Kalmar township and bought eighty acres in section 17, and upon this tract they now reside. To this union nine children were born, six of whom are now living, as follows: Marcus J., born January 10, I882; Flossie May, born March 12, 1883; Ernest R., born May 20, 1889; Manley Evans, born July 19, 1891; Jennie Lurana, born June 6, 1892 ; Frances Lilly, born October 10, 1894. Mrs. Brown was the fourth child of a family of twelve. Her father was a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and when twenty-five years old settled in Vermilion county, Illinois, and in 1855 came to Minnesota. He served in the state legislature and was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and first began to preach in Illinois. He died in 1898.

BROWN, WILLIAM -----deceased, was for many years active in the administration of local public affairs. He was born in Canada, December 15, 1833, a son of James and Jennette (Lamby) Brown, who were natives of Scotland. The father was a lumberman and followed that occupation through life.

William Brown received his education in the public schools of Canada, and early in life decided to follow farming. His first venture in the business world was, however, at the trade of blacksmith, but after coming to Olmsted county he secured a tract of land and for years engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was unusually prominent in public affairs, and as a Democrat served as sheriff of the county many terms. He also was at one time elected to the lower house of the state legislature, was subsequently re-elected and served with that body with credit and distinction many years. As sheriff he was popular with everyone, and there were few depredations committed in the community during his term of office.

When war was declared between the North and South Mr. Brown enlisted for the preservation of the Union in Company —, of the Sixth Minnesota volunteer infantry, and after seeing active service and attaining the rank of first lieutenant, was honorably discharged by the war department of the United States government.

Mr. Brown was well known in Masonic circles throughout the county, and when death halted his career on May 23, 1904, he was buried with honors by that organization. On May 25, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Adelaide Compton, and they had two children, one dead and one, William C. Brown, now residing in Rochester. William Brown always took a keen interest in local movements of importance and his death marked the passing of one of the best citizens of the county.

BURGAN, W. H. -----is one of the few remaining old settlers of Olmsted county. His silvery locks and faltering footsteps tell us that ere long he will “pass within that tent whose curtain never outward swings.” In no way can we so well commemorate such heroes of the olden time as by imitating their virtues and preserving inviolate the blessings guaranteed unto us in the civil, educational and religious institutions founded and fostered by their wisdom and self sacrifice.

He was born in Lee county, Virginia, on June 26, 1826, a son of Isaac and Ellen Burgan, and a nephew of Yelverton P.  Burgan. All these were natives of Virginia, and the latter was among the first to settle within the present confines of Olmsted county. Isaac Burgan was descended from German ancestry. He served in the War of 1812 and was a participant in the Bloody Run engagement. He learned the cooper’s trade, which he followed until his death in 1839.

W. H. Burgan, the subject of this sketch, left home after the death of his father and began life’s battle as a farm hand, first receiving $5 a month for his services and later $10. For a number of years he traveled throughout the middle west, finished his schooling with a two years collegiate course at Oskaloosa, Iowa, and served two years in the Union army. In 1851 he married Ellen Collins, and having saved considerable money, which he carried in a belt about his body, bought, for $500 cash, a sixty-acre tract of Iowa land, upon which he located and began improving. From this time on he bought farms as his judgment warranted. In 1854 he disposed of his holdings in Iowa, and coming to Olmsted county, Minnesota, pre-empted a quarter section of land from the Government, in Pleasant Grove township. At that time wild animals were more plentiful than domestic ones, and Indians were as frequently to be seen as white men. Here Mr. Burgan built his cabin in the wilds; here he grubbed, cleared and improved, passing through the transition period of primal conditions to modern conveniences, and here he reared his family to honest, industrious manhood and womanhood. As time passed his worldly means increased until he became one of the prosperous men of the county. He took an equal part with his neighbors in the support of all laudable public enterprises, and while not seeking political preferment, has filled local positions with credit as becomes the duty of all good citizens. His wife, who shared with him his struggles and privations for fifty three years, passed away on January 2, 1906. They were the par ents of ten children, named as follows: John Wesley, deceased; Sarah M., now Mrs. Brown; Abigail J., Mrs. Bentley; Mary F., Mrs. Olcutt; Anna E., Mrs. Smith; Edward R.; Luman S.; Jesse W.; Lydia, and Laura, the last two named being dead. The old homestead is now owned by Luman S. Burgan, who, with his sister, Mrs. Sarah M. Brown, now operates it. Mr. Burgan, the father, resides here, passing his declining years in peace and with the full knowledge of a well spent life. He is a member of the Christian church and is a Republican in politics.

BURKE, CURTIS E. -----is the owner of 160 acres on Section 26, Orion Township, post office, Chatfield. He is one of the oldest and most highly respected settlers and citizens of the county, and a sketch of his life is well worth reading. He is the son of Franklin B. and Lucie Burke, the latter dying in 1839 and the former in 1896. The father was a pioneer settler and for many years was a justice of the peace and a supervisor. He was born in Vermont and after several years spent in Canada he came to this county and remained until his death. After the death of his first wife he married again and the subject of this sketch was reared by her. 

Curtis E. was born in Cornish, New Hampshire, October 10, 183 5. His mother died when he was about four years old, but he was given a fair education in youth, continuing until he was about seventeen years old. During all this time he was assisting his father at the home place. When his father and stepmother went to Canada he accompanied them and all remained there about three years.  In 1856 they came to this county and settled in Orion township, where father and stepmother passed the remainder of their days.  Upon their arrival here they were at first unable to get lumber with which to build a house; they accordingly built a “dugout” of earth and covered it with rough plank and here they resided until they could build a better structure of stone which was covered with boards. In the course of time the boards warped and rain and snow came in, so that they were again forced to build. The new structure was a frame and in this they lived for many happy years. 

Curtis E., in 1859, rented a farm and conducted it until 1861, when he enlisted in one of the Minnesota regiments destined for the Union army and participated in all the movements and battles in which it was engaged. His regiment was one of the best from this state and was engaged in many hazardous and exhausting campaigns. Mr. Burke participated in the bloody battles of Resaca, Atlanta, Savannah, Evansboro and others. He escaped without serious wound or sickness. After serving for six months Mr. Burke was promoted to corporal. In all regards he was a faithful soldier, doing his whole duty and at the end of the war was honorably mustered out and returned home.

He rented a farm, but at the same time bought a farm of 160 acres in Rock county, but when the grasshoppers came by the millions he became disheartened and left the place and returned to the rented place, which he conducted for three years. He then bought his present farm and here he has resided ever since. When he bought the place there were only seventeen acres broken and the buildings were poor, but he went to work in earnest and in time made one of the best farms in this part of the county. He is engaged in mixed farming and has on hand a large number of livestock.

On March 31, 1859, he married Miss Ellen M., daughter of Lyman and Mary Case, and they had three children, two of whom died while their father was in the war. His first wife, Ellen M., dying in 1874, he chose for his second wife Miss Mary A. Loomis, daughter of Harris and Mary Jane Loomis. His son Perry is a farmer at Watertown, South Dakota. Floyd is a farmer on Section 26. Lena married Lawrence Herrick. Linus is yet with his father. Curtis E. is a Republican and has served as assessor, con stable, justice of the peace and chairman of the board of super visors. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he has been commander of his local lodge. His military career was excellent and his whole life has been one free from blame. The county has no better citizen.

BURNAP, SIDNEY who now resides in Chatfield, but he and family own and control a tract of 655 acres on Sections 8, 17 and 18 in Orion township, is the descendant of an old and honorable family of the county their arrival here being in 1854. Sidney was born January 3, 1859, and was educated in the district school near his father’s residence and at the high school in Chatfield, finishing at the latter when aged twenty years. From 1879 to 1897 he remained with his father on the farm. During that time he became one of the best farmers of the county, taking advantage of all up-to-date improvements and devices. He served as chairman of the board of supervisors for nine years, which fact is alone sufficient to show how highly he was regarded by his fellow citizens. In 1897 he moved to Chatfield and became cashier of the First National Bank there, and continued to serve as such until January 11, 1910, when he resigned, though he is still a stockholder. Since coming to town he has served as city treasurer for seven years. In all ways he has shown his fitness for business along modern and profitable lines and his high ability in positions of responsibility. His honesty and high character are above question. He is a Republican.

On November 25, 1885 he married at Rochester Miss Lavina J. McMurchy, daughter of Alexander and Betsy McMurchy, who are farmers in this county.  Mr. and Mrs. Burnap have two sons: Alvers, who is now attending St. Thomas College. and Sidney. Jr., who is now in high school.  The Burnap family is one of the oldest and best of the county.  Long before the county was thought of the family lived in New Hampshire.

The ancestor of the family in this country was Deacon John Burnap. He and his wife moved from Lebanon, Connecticut.  to Norwich, Vermont in 1771. Originally the name was Burnett.  At Norwich Deacon John became prominent and useful and left three children: John, Sarah and Elijah. The children of the latter were Orril, born October 7, 1792; Arunah, born October 10, 1794; Jedidah, born about 1797, and David, born April 5, 1801. Orril married Asa Goodnow. Arunah married Betsey Burr, February 14, 1816. Jedidah married Frances Cobb.

David married Almedia Williams, of Plainfield, New Hampshire, on January 12, 1820. He was first a carpenter and lived for a while in Norwich, but later at Plainfield, or rather two miles east of that town. Later, having a large family of boys, he moved on a farm of fifty acres, which was increased by fifty acres in the course of time. Their children were Elijah W., Laura Jane. Sarah Ann, Orville W., Sidney L., Alvares E., Castanus S., Mary E., George L. and Ella M. Elijah W. married Emily Fay. Laura Jane married Sylvester Austin. Orville W.  married Sarah H. Dewey. Sidney L. married Loretta P. Walker.  Alvares E. married Dianna A. Nichols, of this county. Mary E.  married Alfred Ward. George L. did not marry. Ella M. married John W. Peterson.

Alvares E. passed much of his childhood with his uncle Arunah, but upon becoming eighteen years old concluded to commence farming instead of shoemaking, as he had originally intended. After six years on his father’s farm he came to Minnesota in the fall of 1854. He located in Orion township, Olmsted county, and in the end became one of the foremost farmers and citizens of this portion of the State. For twelve successive years he served as chairman of the board of supervisors and town treasurer, three years as county commissioner, member of the lower house of the State legislature, elected in 1874 and 1876. The latter election was one of great honor, because he did little to secure the nomination, while his opponent fought tooth and nail for the honor which came to Mr. Burnap unsought. It is not too much to say that he became one of the most prominent citizens in, this part of the State.  His children were as follows: Sidney (the subject of this sketch); Charles H., born July 10, 1862; Arthur, born December 15, 1865; Elijah, born July 17, 1869; Tira Ella, born June 13, 1874.  The log cabin, a cut of which is shown in this book, was built by Alvares E. on the southeast quarter of section 17, Orion township, in 1855. The above cabin was the birth place of Sidney Burnap.

BUSH, FRED C. ----- residing in Dover, is one of the largest farmers and stock-raisers of Olmsted county, having charge of the homestead farm and the two farms of his brother, Hon. Avery K. Bush, who served as State Representative and County Commissioner, amounting to over 1,000 acres in all.

Harvey F. Bush, the father of Fred C., was a native of Massachusetts, born in Spencer, Worcester county, January 29, 1826, and was of Scotch ancestry. In 1850, he married Ellen A. Elsey who was born June 10, 1836, in Norwich, England, and the winter of 1855, moved with his family to Olmsted county, Minnesota locating on a farm he had preempted on Section 32, in Quincy township. At that time there were very few families living in this locality and the surrounding country was largely in its primitive condition. Here the Bush family experienced all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life.  Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bush, named, Avery K., John G., Mary G., Fred C., Frank H., Abbie, Charles H., Rosa B., Nellie A. and DeEtta, all but four brothers are living.

Fred C. Bush was born January 10, 1857, and in youth attended the district schools and assisted his father on the home farm. In 1878, he bought 240 acres of land in Eyota township on which he resided five years, then sold out and returned to the old homestead in 1883, purchasing 160 acres of the same. This he yet owns, together with 40 acres additional and other valuable real estate holdings. Mr. Bush is a Republican in politics and while in no sense a politician or office-seeker, he has served as supervisor in both Eyota and Quincy townships, and as a member of the Board of Education in the latter for six years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Dover, of which he is steward.  

October 2, 1878, he married Miss Ida M. Betry, daughter of Gilbert and Rebecca Betry, and to them have been born three daughters, as follows: Ella, born November 18, 1880, died July 24, 1900; Ruby Ann, a graduate of the St. Charles high school, now Mrs.  G. L. Bussian, of Algona, Iowa, and Lelia Marie, who graduated from the Marshall, Minnesota, high school and is now attending her third term in the State University at Minneapolis. The Bush family is one of the best known and generally respected in the county. Members of the family have been honored by public positions of honor and trust, and all have filled their respective stations in life in a clean, capable, conscientious manner that brought credit to the family name.

BUSH, JOHN -----was born in Massachusetts June 22, 1832, and came to Olmsted county in 1856, where he met and married Miss Matilda Cummings, also a native of Massachusetts, her birth occurring in 1840, and who had been a resident of Olmsted county since 1854.  In coming to this locality Mr. Bush traveled by stage from Dubuque to Rochester via Winona. He first settled on a farm near Dover, where he lived several years, and then disposed of that tract and bought another in Eyota township. On this latter farm the father passed the remainder of his days, dying May 6, 1908, a successful man and a good citizen. He was a member of Ashler Lodge, No.  61, A. F. & A. M.; a Republican in politics. The old homestead is still in possession of the family, situated just north of Eyota, and on it Mrs. Bush still resides. To Mr. Bush and wife the following ten children were born: George Henry, our subject; Lewis, who now resides on the old homestead; Mrs. Addie Lewis, of Wisconsin; Mrs. Elizabeth Hobson, of Sparta, Wisconsin; Edna, residing at home; John Avery, of Wells, Minnesota; Eva, Martha, Lawrence, and Howard, at home.

George Henry Bush was the oldest of the children and received his early education in the public schools of his community. At an early date he began the study of drugs, learned the business thoroughly, and in 1892 started in Eyota, locating in the store which he now occupies. Success was assured him from the start and he now enjoys a large and profitable business. He carries a full and complete line of drugs, medicines, paints, oils, toilet articles, etc. In his political views Mr. Bush is a Republican and socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Ashler, No. 61, A. F. & A. M., and Orient Chapter, No. 19, R. A.  M., of St. Charles, Minnesota.

BUSH, JOHN G. ----- a resident of the village of Dover since 1880, is a member of one of the best known families in Olmsted county.  He is a son of the old pioneer Harvey F. Bush, extended notice of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

John G. Bush is no exception to the rule that the children of Harvey F. Bush have been more than usually successful in their various walks of life. He was born December 14, 1852, and lived with his parents, assisting in the farm work and attending the district schools, until he had attained manhood. He taught school for one term, but has devoted practically all his life to agricultural pursuits. He started out with little capital, but the original tract of land purchased by him was gradually improved and increased until it became 480 acres of highly improved property. Avery K. Bush, a brother who became prominent in the public affairs of Olmsted county, who is living in Minneapolis, was interested with him in this farm and together they made other investments, a drug store purchased of Dyer & Ingham being one of their acquirements.

At the present time, Mr.  Bush is the owner of a finely improved farm, of 280 acres in Dover township which he rents. In politics he is a Republican, but while an earnest believer in the principles of his party, is in no sense a politician, as he prefers to devote his energy and attention to business pursuits. Socially he is interested in the great truths and teachings of the brotherhood of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. in which he has attained the Order of the Temple, being a member of Home Commandery, No. 5, Knights Templar, at Rochester.

On June 28, 1877, he married Miss Luella, daughter of Mason and Caroline Hatfield, who came to Olmsted county at the early date of 1854, and to them has been born one son, Harry A., now engaged in the general merchandise business.

 

 

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