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

Biographies

History of Olmstead County Minnesota

Written by Joseph A. Leonard 1910

NELSON, HENRY O. -----was born in this township March 16, 1874. (For an account of his parents see the sketch of Theodore Nelson.) His early life was passed on the farm assisting in all sorts of work and in attending the local district schools. At the early age of sixteen years, having finished his education, he rented the old homestead and, associated with his brother Theodore, worked the place for three years. His brother then buying a farm of his own, Henry O. assumed full charge of the old place and was thus engaged until 1898, when he bought the homestead, which consisted of 160 acres, to which he has steadily added until now he owns a total of 240 acres in section fourteen. The place has two sets of good buildings with an abundance of modern machinery, implements and livestock. Everything about this farm has the appearance of thrift, industry and good taste.

On August 31, 1892, Henry O. married Miss Mathilda Severson, daughter of Stone and Martha, pioneer settlers of Rock Dell township, and both natives of Norway. Her father served four years in the Union army, enlisting in a Wisconsin regiment. He was in several battles and many hard campaigns and was honorably mustered out at the end of the war. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson the following children have been born: Clara M., born January 20, 1894; Stella T., born February 8, 1896; Roy E., born August 17, 1897; Hazel M., born July 23, 1899; a child born October 6, 1901, died unnamed; Esther R., born June 11, 1903 ; James T., born July 15, 1905, lived one year; Alice J., born April 27, 1907; James T., born September 4, 1909. The family worship at the United Lutheran church. Mr. Nelson is a Republican and a member of the M. W. of A. He holds a policy in the Mutual Life Insurance Company, of New York. He owns stock in the Farmers’ Elevator at Stewartville, in the Farmers’ Lumber Yard and in the Zumbro Creamery.

NELSON, THEODORE ----- was born in Rock Dell township, September 21, 1871, and is one of six children born to the marriage of Thore and Christina, both of whom were natives of Norway. In 1853 the father came to the United States and for two years was engaged in farming in Rock county, Wisconsin. He then went to California and remained there for two years, working at various jobs, and then returned to this county in 1861 and settled in Rock Dell township, taking up a tract of government land in section fourteen. Here he lived until 1896, when he retired from the farm and came to Stewartville, where he resided until the day of his death in 1905. He was an upright and useful citizen and during his stay here built up a large and valuable property and left behind him a name without reproach. He was prominent and liked by everybody and occupied various local offices with ability and faith fulness. His widow Christina is still living at an advanced age, though in the enjoyment of fair health.

Theodore Nelson was put to work on the farm at an early age and, besides the common school, did not have good opportunities for acquiring an education. Before reaching his majority he married March 24, 1892, Miss Serine Rime, who was born December 31, 1875, on an adjoining farm, her parents being pioneer settlers of this county. To this union nine children have been born, as follows: Thomas M., born May 25, 1893; Edwin M., born December 7, 1894, died May 31, 1902; Ella E., born July 28, 1896; George William, born September 19, 1898, died in infancy; George William (2), born May 23, 1900; Ida S., born November 7. 1902; Miner E., born December 3, 1904; Norman T., born March 16, 1906; Tillie L., born January 23, 1910. Since Theodore has had charge of the place he has made many improvements. The farm now is one of the best in this portion of the county. He owns 220 acres, well provided with good buildings and machinery. He is the sort of man to secure and retain a large circle of friends, and this he has done. He and family worship at the United Lutheran church. He holds stock in the Zumbro Creamery, Farmers’ Elevator and Farmers’ Lumber Yard. He is a Republican and takes much interest in the success of his party and its principles.

NERESON, HALVOR -----is a native of Norway and was born June 24, 1843. His parents were Nereck and Julia, who came to this country in 1853 and settled in Wisconsin, where they engaged in farming for two years. They then moved to Olmsted county and settled on a farm in section 3, Rock Dell township. Here the father died in 1864 and was buried in East St. Olaf’s cemetery. His widow survived him until 1880, when she, too, passed away and was placed at rest on the family lot in the same cemetery.

At the age of sixteen Halvor left home and began the struggle of life on his own account. For six years he did teaming between Winona and Rochester and then for two years did teaming for R. J. Johnson. In 1868 he was united in marriage with Miss Ellef Engeborg, whose parents were pioneers of Rock Dell town ship. Her mother died in 1870 and her father in 1871. They were prominent people in their neighborhood and lived useful and highly creditable lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Nereson the following children were born: Julia, who married Sten Paulson and is the mother of six children; Amelia M., who married Martin Bratager in 1890; Neil, a farmer in Dakota; Jorgina, who married Henry Gunnefson and resides in Salem township; one daughter, Thea, married Juul Gunnefson; Ellis; Henry; Neman, Timan; William; Ella; Alma; the last seven being yet with their parents.

Halvor is a member of the United Lutheran church. He holds stock in the Farmers’ Lumber Company, at Hayfield, in the Zumbro Creamery Company, and in the Farmers- Telephone Company. His farm is well developed and under a high state of cultivation, with good buildings, equipment and high-grade livestock. They had the misfortune to lose their house by fire at eleven o’clock at night in 1899. The origin of the fire has always been a mystery. Had a son who had been to a neighbor’s not returned at that time, it is probable that the whole family would have perished. He returned just in time to discover the fire and save the family. Mr. Nereson is a Republican and has ever been prominent in the affairs of the township.

NORTON, JOHN M. -----proprietor of the Rochester Hotel, was born, reared and educated in this city and has always made it his home. His birth occurred on July 1, 1866, and he was the oldest of four children born to the union of Patrick and Ellen (Woods) Norton, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father came to America when a young man and in 1855 located in Wisconsin, remaining there one year. He then came to Rochester, which at that time was little more than a frontier village, and here spent the remaining days of his life. He was a pioneer in every sense of the word, and experienced all the trials and hardships incident to that life, but he possessed the courage and characteristic of the Irish race and in time accumulated a competency. He was a farmer and followed that occupation through life. To him and wife the following named children were born: John M., subject; Mary, now Mrs. Martin Lawler, of Rochester; Josephine, now Mrs. John McGovern, of Rochester, and P. F., who was born in Rochester, September 15, 1876, received his education in the sisters’ schools and St. John’s University and subsequently graduated from the American Medical College, Chicago, and is now engaged in the general practice of medicine in Minto, North Dakota. These children were all born and reared in the city of Rochester, and have become prominent and influential members of the community in which they reside.

John M. Norton, the immediate subject of this review, was educated in the convent schools of Rochester and subsequently entered Sacred Heart College at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and graduated at St. John’s University at Collegeville, Minnesota. Succeeding his schooling he was for four years associated with George Parmeley in the hardware business, and then bought out the livery establishment of Graves Brothers, which he successfully conducted for nine years. He then purchased the Rochester Hotel, on Main street, which under his supervision has become one of the leading hostelries in the city. Mr. Norton has taken an active interest in local improvements, particularly as regards sidewalks and pavements, and in 1904, and again in 1906, was elected a member of the city council. He has also served as city treasurer.

On November 26, 1888, he was united in marriage with Miss Frederica Getzman, a native of Baden, Germany, and the daughter of Michael Getzman. She came with her father to America when ten years old, locating at Wasteco, Minnesota, where the family still resides. To Mr. Norton and wife the following children have been born, named: Eileen, Maria, Eva, John, deceased, and Joseph, also deceased. Mr. Norton takes an active interest in all local affairs of importance and socially is identified with the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

O’CONNOR, JAMES ----- was born in Olmsted county in 1867, and is a son of Morris and Julia O’Connor who formerly resided in New York, where they were married. In 1865 they came to Olmsted county and settled in High Forest township, section 27, where they bought eighty acres and made their permanent home. They were industrious and honest and became well known and highly respected. The father passed away in 1907, and was laid to rest in St. Bernard’s Cemetery. He was a useful citizen and occupied a number of official positions with fidelity and credit.

His son James, the subject of this review, grew to manhood on his father’s farm, assisting at the work and receiving a common school education in the home district. In 1899 he married Miss Mary Marren, whose parents were pioneer settlers of this county, and to this marriage the following children were born: Florentine, born August 14, 1900; Catherine and Margretta (twins), born January 13, 1902; Veronica, born September 14, 1904; James, born October 11, 1906; Harold, born January 7, 1908, and died in infancy. Sometime after reaching manhood James bought a tract of eighty acres in section 11, High Forest township, and this has been added to until now he owns 240 acres in sections 11 and 12. This is one of the best farms in the vicinity. It is modern in all respects and is devoted to the raising of small grain and live stock for market. The family is comfortable and happy. Mr. O’Connor purchased a fine piano for his children, and his eldest daughter, Florentine, is already a skillful performer, and is yet taking lessons. Mr. O’Connor is an Independent Democrat. He is a member of St. Bridget’s congregation, and of the Foresters and the M. W. of A.

OLIN, MARK ----- for many years a resident of Rochester, was born at Savannah, Ashland county, Ohio, on November 23, 1849, a son of Salathiel and Rachel (Seager) Olin, who were natives of the state of New York. The family resided in Ohio until 1863, although the father first came to Rochester, Minnesota, in 1856, and thereafter spent a part of each year here. In 1863 they moved to Olmsted county and for five years resided in Rochester, later moving to the farm near Rochester, which the father had purchased and a part of which later was sold to the county. In 1891 Mr. Olin died at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. He was a man of sound business judgment and commanded the respect of all with whom he came in contact. He owned a farm of 500 acres, the greater part of which was under cultivation, and prior to his location here, and subsequently, was extensively engaged in stockraising, the Merino sheep being a specialty.

Mark Olin was the youngest but one in a family of six children, and during his boyhood days attended the public schools in his native state and at Rochester. He resided on the home farm until 1896, but since that time his place of residence has been in Rochester.

In 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Dinah F. Graham, a member of one of the old, well-known families of the county, and to this union three children have been born, named, Edith Elizabeth, Jane Esther and Christopher Mark.

O’NEILL, ANNIE -----widow of Patrick O’Neill, is now residing on a farm of about 100 acres in section 28, Orion township. She is the daughter of Patrick and Ann Harrington, both of whom were of Irish lineage. She is now 58 years old, and remarkably well preserved. Her life has been a happy one as a whole. She knew her husband before coming to this county. She came to America in 1870 and was married in Lathrop, Pennsylvania, and lived in that state five or six years, and then in 1880 she and her husband went to St. Louis. Patrick O’Neill, her husband was a native of Ireland, and was the son of Patrick and Nora.

When they were living in St. Louis he left his wife there and came to Olmsted county and secured work and finally rented a place which he conducted successfully and soon was able to buy a tract of 40 acres, which was the nucleus of their final home. The second year Annie joined her husband in this county, and ever afterward they lived happily together. They labored together and in the end added to their worldly possessions until they had accumulated the fine farm now occupied by Annie. Both were educated in Ireland and crossed the ocean in the same vessel. Patrick O’Neill was a man of more than ordinary ability and kindliness of nature. He was industrious, agreeable in his home, and had the respect of all who knew him. He and his good wife made all the improvements on the place, and at his death. which occurred February 11, 1909, his widow was left well provided for. He lies buried at the Chatfield cemetery. Patrick and Annie had six sons and three daughters: Hugh, with his mother on the farm; John and Thomas, who are farmers of this township; Patrick, who is assisting his mother; Henry, who is living in Dakota; William, who was drowned at the age of 17 while bathing; Annie, who married J. J. McConnell, a retired farmer of Rochester; Katie, now living in Boston; and Mary, who is yet in school. The family-is one of the best in this part of the county.

ORR, LATHAM A. -----was born at Berlin, Wisconsin, on January 18, 1861, his parents being Alexander and Isabella (Gamble) Orr. His mother was twice married, her second husband being James A. Reid, the father of James E. Reid, of Rochester. One of her brothers is Robert J. Gamble, who was the United States senator from South Dakota. John and Martha Orr, the grandparents of Latham A. Orr, were natives of Scotland and England respectively.

The youth and early manhood of the subject of this sketch were passed on the home farm in Wisconsin and in attending the district schools. When twenty-one years old he went to South Dakota, where he acquired three quarter sections of land in Spink county. During this time he worked on his property during the summer months and in the winters was learning the jewelry business and watchmaker’s trade in Rochester, Minnesota, of John Hedenstadt, an expert workman, who learned the trade of his father in Norway. This continued three successive years; he then went to St. Paul. where he completed the learning of his trade, succeeding which he came to Rochester and has since made his home in this city. For a time after coming here he was in partnership with his half brother, James E. Reid, but in 1893 he purchased the interest of Mr. Reid and has since conducted a large and constantly increasing business under the firm name of L. A. Orr Company. The retail end of the business is now carried on near the corner of Broadway, on Zumbro street, while the manufacturing is being done in the three-story and basement building, 71x140 feet, on Zumbro street, which was built in 1902. Mr. Orr is one of the best known, substantial businessmen of Rochester.

In February, 1877, he married Miss Flora C. Bultman, daughter of Frederick Bultman, now a retired farmer of Spink county, South Dakota, and they are the parents of three children: Vera B., Frieda, deceased. and Robert A. Mr. Orr is a member of the B. P. O. E. fraternity and the Modern Woodmen of America. He was member of the city council for. four years as alderman of the Second ward.

OSTROM, C. H. -----is one of the progressive farmers of Olmsted county, of which he has been a resident since the age of seven years. He was born April 13, 1860, in the state of New York, and is a son of William and Louise (Grinman) Ostrom. Both parents were natives of New York state, but were married in Wisconsin. They came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, in 1867, and were engaged in farming until 1898, when they removed to the city of Rochester, and have since made that place their home.

C. H. Ostrom received his education in the district schools and, since attaining manhood, has always been a farmer in Farmington township. His original farm contained only 90 acres, but by purchase, the last being in 1910, he has increased his real estate until he is now the owner of 200 acres of the best land in Farmington township. Mr. Ostrom is not content to farm as did his forefathers, but is of that class who use the intelligent, progressive methods of modern times. Aside from the cultivation of his land he raises stock, Durham cattle being his specialty. While he takes an active interest in public matters, he has invariably declined to hold office, wisely preferring to confine his attention to the independent life of farming and stock raising.

On September 25, 1882, he married Miss Cecelia Haggen, who was born at Warsaw, New York, March 16, 1864, the daughter of Chris and Mary (Carren) Haggen. Mrs. Ostrom’s father was a native of Germany, and a Lutheran in religion; her mother was a native of Rochester, New York, and a Catholic in religion. They came to Wabasha county, Minnesota, in 1866, and there the mother now resides. The following named children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ostrom: Claude, April 25, 1885; Grace Della, March 18, 1887; Olive Myrtle, February 13, 1890, and Lura Blanche, November 21, 1900. Mrs. Ostrom is a member of the Methodist church; Mr. Ostrom is a Republican in politics, a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and was one of the organizers of the Ringe Co-operative Creamery Company.

OSTROM, CHARLES H. -----residing at Douglass in Kalmar township, was born in Cohoes county, New York, April 11, 1856, the son of David S. and Henrietta Clay (Stowe) Ostrom, his paternal and maternal ancestors being old American families. David S. Ostrom died in Cohoes county, New York, forty-seven years ago, but his widow survived him until December, 1908, and is buried in Center Grove Cemetery, at Douglass, this county.

Charles H. Ostrom after attending the public schools in boyhood, became a clerk in the store of Charles Russell and thus continued about five years. Then, for four years, he was employed in the store of C. H. Morrill. The succeeding four years he drove a “butter and egg” wagon throughout the country for W. J. Eaton, the well-known commission merchant at Rochester, then resigned that position to embark in the general mercantile business at Douglass Station. Here Mr. Ostrom has ever since continued with a more than average degree of success. Since March, 1900, he has been post master at Douglass, his predecessors in the order named being Hiram Miller, John Finnegan and Walter Eckhold.

Mr. Ostrom has been twice married, first to Miss Katharine Rose, on July 9, 1884, who bore him three children named, Roy, who lives in Rochester; Mrs. Zola McKenzie, of Pine Island, and Tracy, who is in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company at Douglass. Mrs. Ostrom died March 18, 1902, and was buried in Center Grove Cemetery, Douglass. Mr. Ostrom’s second marriage occurred March 17, 1909, to Miss Ida Schwanz, of Lake Benton, Minnesota. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is the banker of his camp of that fraternity. He was formerly an Odd Fellow, but owing to inability to attend lodge regularly, resigned his membership in that body. In politics he is a Republican, and while he manifests a keen interest in public affairs, he finds his time fully occupied in successfully attending to private business matters. Mr. and Mrs. Ostrom are members of the Society of Royal Neighbors, and are regarded as royal neighbors by their many friends.

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