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

Biographies

History of Olmstead County Minnesota

Written by Joseph A. Leonard 1910

RABINE, GUSTAVE -----chief engineer of the Rochester water works, was born near Stewartville, in Mower county Minnesota, January 30, 1881, the son of John and Augusta (Wentline) Rabine. Both parents were natives of Germany, where they were reared and educated, but at an early date immigrated to America and for many years were among the best citizens of Mower county.

Their son Gustave was educated in the public schools of this county and until two years ago always followed farming. He was then ap pointed chief engineer of the water works at Rochester and so well has he performed his duties that he has held this position ever since.

In 1904 he was united in marriage with Miss Olga Acker, daughter of John and Bertha (Stoltenberg) Acker, pioneers of Olmsted county, now residing in Rochester, and to them the following children have been born: Elmer, July 6, 1905; Helen, November 20, 1908, and Clarence Lester, May 1, 1910. The family are communicants of the Church of Peace, at Rochester. Mr. Rabine is a Republican in his political views, is a member of the Equitable Fraternal Union and takes an active interest in local party affairs.

RAFFELSON, JOHN -----(deceased) was born in Norway in 1840 and was there reared to manhood and educated in the local schools. During his early manhood he learned the carpenter trade, at which he worked a considerable portion of his time afterward. In 1869 he crossed the Atlantic ocean to the United States, and coming West to Olmsted county, he secured for his first job the task of grubbing a tract for a farmer. He then worked at farming and continued with success, saving the most of his earnings until 1879, when he bought a tract of 140 acres in sections 17 and 20, Salem township, and here he remained engaged in farming and stock-raising until his death in 1902. Mr. Raffelson was a Republican and took much interest in all laudable public affairs. While living here he became prominent and occupied various official positions of trust and responsibility with fidelity and credit. He was public-spirited and generous and was one of the leaders in progressive views and in public improvement. He served as treasurer of this school district and acquitted himself with honor. He owned stock in the Creamery Company and left to his beloved wife a fine property.

In 1881 he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Carlson, a native of Norway. Two years later they took up their permanent residence on the farm in Salem township. On this place they put about $5,000 worth of permanent improvements. At his death Mr. Raffelson was laid to rest in the family lot in St. Olaf’s Cemetery; he had been a member of St. Olaf’s congregation for many years. His widow is a woman of more than ordinary intelligence and public spirit. She has shown her business ability by conducting the farm profitably ever since her husband’s death. She is well read and knows what is going on in the world, and is up with the times in all her farm operations. She is highly spoken of by her neighbors for her kindness, upright womanly character, industry and honesty.

RANK, ELMER E. -----cashier of the First State Bank at Dover is the son of William J. and Elizabeth J. Rank, and has occupied his present position since 1885. His ancestors originally came from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania and one of the old residences built of stone is still standing there, having been erected about 105 years ago. This house is yet occupied by one of the family. The father of William J. was Samuel. In 1855 William J. came from the Wabash county, Indiana, and settled in this county and was thus among the first settlers. Upon his arrival here he pre-empted a farm of 160 acres within about three-fourths of a mile of Dover, and there he continued to reside until about a dozen years before his death. This farm is now in the hands of his descendants. In his busy lifetime he became prominent in local and county affairs. He occupied many positions of trust with credit and fidelity and at one time served as county commissioner. He died in March, 1906, and lies buried in the cemetery at Dover. His wife preceded him to the grave, dying in December, 1895, at the age of sixty-seven years. William J. was eighty-one years old when he died. Both were people of more than ordinary worth and lived upright and honorable lives. To their marriage ten children were born, two of whom died before their parents—Cora and Carrie. Sarah M. married R. A. Battis, a successful farmer of Dover township; Samuel A. is a civil engineer at Boulder, Colorado; George D. is a farmer of Dover township; Mary L. is the widow of J. H. Hall, a railway conductor; Thomas B. is a farmer of Dover township; Bertha J. married William F. Wilson, a farmer of Quincy township, this county; Frank W. is in the railway service at McCook, Nebraska, and Elmer E.

Elmer E. was born October 10, 1860, on the old home farm and in youth attended the district schools, finishing at Darling’s Business College, Rochester. For four winter terms he taught school in the country districts before he took his business course at Darling’s college. In 1885 he came to Dover and accepted a clerkship in the Dover bank, which position he held until 1898, when he was promoted to his present position as cashier. He is one of the directors of the bank, and is also secretary and treasurer of the Creamery Association at Dover. He has served as town treasurer for about eighteen years. He is an active Republican and has been delegate to the state convention of his party. He is a Knight Templar in Masonry. He is steward and has been one of the trustees of the Dover Methodist church.

On June 1, 1892, he married Miss Luva Libby, daughter of Abram and Mary Libby, who came to this country in 1856 and were thus among the pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Rank have one daughter and one son: Luva Marie, who is attending high school, and Theron L., who is also attending high school. Mr. Rank is one of the leaders of public affairs at Dover. He has the confidence and respect of all who know him.

REESE, NORMAN W. -----was born in Illinois, November 11, 1860, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah Reese, who came to Olmsted county in 1865 and settled in section 31, High Forest township, where they bought a tract of eighty acres and made their permanent home. The father conducted a wagon shop for many years. Both parents were people of more than ordinary prominence and high character and were ever considered among the very best settlers and citizens. The father took much interest in all public affairs and was public-spirited, progressive and broad-minded. He finally passed away in 1887, at the age of sixty-seven years, and lies at rest in High Forest cemetery. The mother is still living at the age of seventy-six years.

Norman W., their son and the subject of this sketch, was provided in youth with a common-school education, which was supplemented with a course at the High Forest Seminary. During his minority he assisted his father on the farm and in the wagon shop. At the age of twenty-six years he started in business for himself by taking charge of the old homestead, which he farmed on shares and otherwise for many years. Soon after starting out for himself he met with a serious accident in having his left hand badly mangled and nearly destroyed in a harvester, but this calamity did not interfere with his work and progress, except for a short time. He has steadily advanced in property and surroundings until at the present time he and family are comfortable and happy. He is endeavoring to give his children educations better than the ordinary. Seven years ago he rented the Carlson farm of 240 acres and is now devoting the same to grain and the dairy interests. His farming operations are thus on a large scale. He milks about sixteen cows, and his creamery check averages about $100 per month during the summer months. He has thirty-two head of fine sheep. He owns stock in the Elevator and the Creamery companies. He is a steward in the Methodist Episcopal church at High Forest and senior warden of the Masonic lodge there. Mrs. Reese is president of the local Ladies’ Aid Society and is a member of the Eastern Star. They are sociable and well informed people of the highest character. The county has no better citizens.

REID, JAMES E. -----engaged in the jewelry business in Rochester since the spring of 1894, is a son of James A. and Isabella Reid, natives of Belfast, Ireland. Shortly after coming to America James A. Reid located in Wisconsin, but in 1866 came to Elgin, Wabasha county, Minnesota.

James E. Reid was born at Berlin, Wisconsin, July 8, 1865, and was educated in the public schools and a semi nary at Rochester, Minnesota, and at Darling’s Business College He learned his trade of watchmaker and jeweler at St. Paul. Then spent two years at Spokane, Washington, and subsequently resided for a time at St. Paul and Minneapolis. The spring of 1894 he returned to Rochester and established himself in business in the Ramsey Block, but in the year 1897 he moved to Horton Block, corner Broadway and Zumbro streets. He was here located five years, then removed to the Metropolitan Theatre, a brick and stone building, 140x66 feet, which he erected. For over sixteen years Mr. Reid has been engaged in the jewelry business at Rochester. His personality and the square methods with which he has conducted his business have brought him the legitimate reward of prosperity. With the exception of about three years, from 1899 to 1902, when L. A. Orr was his partner, Mr. Reid has been in business alone. In addition to his regular line he carries a well selected stock of musical instruments, and his patrons are numerous throughout all of Olmsted county.

To his marriage with Miss Birdie E., daughter of William Kruger, solemnized in 1894, five children have been born, named, Norman J., Roland A., Harold W., James E., Archi bald H. In addition to his business as above described, Mr. Reid conducts the Metropolitan and Majestic Theatres, the billboard advertising in Rochester, the old home farm of 260 acres, near Elgin, Minnesota, which he rents, and is also heavily interested in Rochester realty.

REITER, ERNEST H. -----of the firm of Reiter Brothers, was born in Elgin township, Wabasha county, Minnesota, June 14, 1871, a son of Julius J. and Henrietta (Wagner) Reiter, of whom appropriate mention is made elsewhere in this publication. He secured his education in the common schools of his native county, and remained with his father on the home farm, assisting in the work thereof, until twenty-one years of age.

On September 12, 1892, he came to Rochester, and after working one year in the grocery establishment of his brother, Julius J. Reiter, became a partner in the business and has since been thus associated. Under their able management and direction their business has prospered and has become one of the foremost of the kind in the county. On October 30, 1896, Mr. Reiter was united in marriage with Miss Anna Schacht, daughter of H. Schacht, of Farmington township, Olmsted county, who now resides in Rochester. To this union three children have been born and named as follows: Thelma, Arthur and Dorothy. Mr. Reiter has always taken an active part and interest in public affairs, as has his brother, and has served his community in local offices.

REITER, JULIUS J. -----engaged in the grocery business at Rochester, was born in Elgin township, Wabasha county, Minnesota, July 4, 1869, a son of Julius J. and Henrietta (Wagner) Reiter, both of whom were natives of Stettin, Germany. At an early date the parents came to America, and on June 19, 1868, first arrived in the city of Rochester. They went to Elgin township, Wabasha county, and there engaged in farming until February, 1875, then removed to Plainview, that county, where the father still resides, actively and successfully engaged in farming. The elder Reiter is still in the enjoyment of good health, and aside from his agricultural interests does quite an extensive business in dairying. To him and wife twelve children were born.

Of these, Julius J. Reiter, the immediate subject of this memoir, was the third, and received his education in the public schools of Wabasha county, Minnesota. When seventeen years old he left the old homestead and for a time secured employment in the general store of Koenig Brothers & Company at Plainview. He then came to Rochester and opened a grocery establishment at 111 South Broadway, and after five years removed to his present commodious quarters at 19 South Broadway. He has a large and up-to-date store and in addition operates the warehouses near the Northwestern Railway tracks. Through honest business dealings with the people Mr. Reiter has built up a large trade and he has been unusually successful in his particular line of business.

April 5, 1891, he was married to Miss Bertha C. Kruger, daughter of Augustus Kruger, of Farmington township, this county, and to them the following named children have been born: Clarence, Oscar, Lilia and Ervilla. In 1894 his brother was taken into partnership in the business and since that date they have conducted affairs under the firm name of Reiter Brothers. Mr. Reiter has served as alderman of his ward four years, was chairman of the street committee three years, and, as a Democrat in politics, has acted as chairman of the Democratic County Central Committee. He is well informed on the important topics of the day, and takes an active interest in local, state and national political affairs.

REYMORE, HENRY N. -----was born in Oswego county, New York, August 20, 1861, and is a son of Nelson R. and Louretta Reymore. He attended the common schools in the state of New York until he was 13 years old, when he branched out for himself. He arrived in Olmsted county in 1874, and here ever since he has resided. He worked for some time by the month on farms, and saved his surplus money, and before long was able to buy a farm of his own in Rochester township. This he occupied until 1909, when he sold out and retired from active operations.

During his residence on the farm he carried on extensive operations, raising grain, hay and livestock. In 1898 he was appointed superintendent of the Olmsted county poor farm and served as such for three years. He is a Republican, and takes great interest in the success of his party tickets. He is modern and public spirited, and has the reputation of being a thoroughly honest man.

In February, 1882, he married Miss Manetta, daughter of J. D. and Carrie (Richards) Terry; she was born in Oronoco village, July 26, 1857. Her father was for many years a carpenter in Olmsted county. To Mr. and Mrs. Reymore the following children were born: Carrie, born October 3, 1883; Louretta, born January 12, 1885, died October 1, 1894; George Henry, born June 3, 1887, married Josephine Worthington, and resides in Rochester; Mary E., born February 8, 1893, yet in school. The family are members of the Methodist church. He is an Odd Fellow and his wife a member of the Rebeccas. He has passed through all the chairs of the local Odd Fellows lodge, and has served as an officer of the grand lodge. He served as delegate to several lodge conventions.

RICHARDSON, HENRY M. -----a resident of Olmsted county, Minnesota, since 1867, and of Rochester since 1881, is of New England nativity and ancestry, his birth occurring March 10, 1844, at Waits River, Orange county, Vermont. James Richardson, his father was also a native of the Green Mountain state, and his mother, formerly Lucinda Orcutt, of Ackworth, New Hampshire. James Richardson died at Waits River in December, 1863. He was a farmer by occupation and held the rank of major in the Home Militia in what was known as the old “Floodwood Regiment,” so called because the members were compelled to drill with sticks of wood owing to the lack of guns. Hiram Orcutt, a brother of Mrs. Richardson, was a man noteworthy in his time. He began teaching school when fifteen years old and continued that occupation until his seventy-second year. His career as an educator was confined to the New England states. He conducted an academy at one time and many of his graduates are scattered throughout the United States, some of them residing in Olmsted county.

Henry M. Richardson was educated in the public schools and the select schools at Waits River, until the age of eighteen years, at which time he responded to the call of his country and enlisted in Company D, Fifteenth Vermont Volunteer Infantry. His military service was first in the defense of Washington, under General Hintzelman; he then served in the army of the Potomac and participated in the battle of Gettysburg under General Howard. He was honorably discharged from the service August 7, 1863, succeeding which he returned to his native state and completed his education by taking up bookkeeping and higher mathematics.

The spring of 1867 he came to Minnesota, his mother arriving in February, 1868, and a farm being purchased near Viola, in Olmsted county, they located thereon and began farming. Mr. Richardson was thus engaged until 1881, when he was elected to the responsible office of county sheriff, a position he continuously held by reelection until 1893. He also served as president of the city council of Rochester four years, and in 1893 was elected a member of the state legislature. As a Republican, Mr. Richardson has been active in the councils of his party, and an advocate for the best principles. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and in the Masonic fraternity has attained the order of Knights Templar and the Mystic Shrine. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist church.

January 11, 1870, he was united in marriage with Sarah J. McCrillis, of Salem, Massachusetts, and to them three children have been born: Harold J., William B. and Edith M. The two sons are lawyers residing in Rochester; the daughter is the wife of A. D. Sanders, of Evanston, Illinois.

Harold James Richardson, eldest son of Henry M. Richardson, was born on the home farm in Haverhill township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, March 26, 1872, receiving his primary education in the district schools, and later graduating from the Rochester high school in 1899. After one year spent in the classical course of the University of Minnesota he was compelled to relinquish his studies because of failing health, but in 1900 was graduated from the Law Department of the University of Minnesota with the degree of LL. B. He was regularly admitted to the bar and has since practiced his profession at Rochester. While a university student he was active in all matters pertaining to his alma mater. In 1889 he was president of the Athletic Board of Control, was class president while in College of Liberal Arts, was law editor of the annual “Gopher” in 1900, a member of the debating club of the law school, and is a member of the alumni association of the University of Minnesota, the Delta Tau Delta and the law fraternity of Phi Delta Psi. He is a past commander of the Sons of Veterans and a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Masons. He is the owner of a fine farm and one of his chief sources of pleasure and recreation is supervising and developing this property. As a Republican he has actively campaigned the First congressional district of Minnesota, and from 1903 to 1909 was county attorney. January 1, 1903, he married Miss Anna C., daughter of John J. and Mary (Dinkeman) Reimers, of Rock Island, Illinois. Their two children are Mary Catherine, born November 30, 1904, and Susanne Edith, born February 18, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are members of the Methodist church.

William B. Richardson, second son of Henry M. Richardson, is associated with his brother, Harold J. Richardson, in the practice of law at Rochester. He was born in this city November 10, 1874, was graduated from the Rochester high school in 1892, and for about three years was engaged in the grocery business in Rochester with his father. He subsequently entered the Law Department of the University of Minnesota, from which he was graduated in 1900, and since then, as a member of the firm of Richardson & Richardson, has been actively engaged in legal pursuits. From 1902 to 1904 he served as city judge, and although a stanch Republican in politics, he devotes the greater part of his time to his profession. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Commercial Club, the Automobile Club and the Methodist church.

RICHARDSON, RODNEY -----one of the pioneer residents of Viola township, was born in Topsham, Vermont, November 24, 1844, a son of Thomas and Orrilla (Fellows) Richardson. The father was born in the same place in 1805 and in 1844 was married, as above stated. In 1854 he and family came West to Illinois, thence to Wisconsin in 1858, and in 1863 located in Viola township, Olmsted county, Minnesota. To him and wife six children were born, as follows: Rodney, subject of this memoir; Dollie J., died in 1863; Robert G., died at forty-eight years of age; Henry C., of Viola township; Willie H., died in 1863; and Charles F., of Viola township.

Of the above named children, Robert G. Richardson married Miss Charlotte Melissa Butterfield, daughter of Augustus Butterfield, of Farmington, Maine, who died February 3, 1898, and Sophia Melissa (Jenkins) Butterfield, a native of Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield had one other child, Howard Augustus, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Richardson were born four children: Bernice S. Adams of Foley, Minnesota; Mabel O. Bryant, of Clarkston, Washington; Nettie Dickerman, of Viola, and Thomas C., of Minneapolis, Succeeding Robert G. Richardson’s death, his widow married, on December 27, 1897 Rodney Richardson, a brother of her former husband and one child, Sarah G. Richardson, now at home, was born on January 15, 1900. The family now owns 310 acres of Viola township’s choicest farm land, on sections 11, 12 and 13. and their home and outbuildings thereon are all of the finest. The family are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church at Viola, and Mr. Richardson has served as justice of the peace, school clerk and chairman of the town board on different occasions. He is one of the progressive and public-spirited men of his community and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

RICHTER, CARL -----who is now residing in St. Charles, Winona county, is the owner of 240 acres in Elmira township and eighty acres in Dover township, Olmsted county. He is the son of Carl Frederick and Hannah Richter, both of whom are deceased, and was born near Kemnitz, Saxony, Germany, on July 8, 1841.

He attended the local schools up to his fourteenth year, and then for three years served an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade and thereafter for four years worked at his trade, continuing thus until he was twenty-one years old. He was then conscripted in the army and saw six years of hard and dangerous service in the wars of 1863 and 1864, participating in the battles of Donnerwerke and Duebblershauzen, and during the war of 1866 against Austria was in the engagements of Zietabin and Konigratz, suffering severe disability in a little skirmish between the two places. After his return from the war he resumed his trade of carpentering and so continued until 1870, when he immigrated to the United States and came west to Minnesota and settled for a year or two in St. Charles.

He then bought eighty acres of his present farm and after ten years of hard work and saving bought the other 240 acres in Elmira township, completing the purchase in 1882. His life in Olmsted county was filled with industry and characterized by success and honesty. Assisted by his large family, he acquired a large and valuable property and can now look back on a career wisely and profitably spent. Soon after his arrival in this county he took out naturalization papers and ever since has been a warm friend and citizen of this country. He is a Republican and has served as clerk of the board of education and as a director for thirty-five years.

On December 24, 1869, he married in Germany Miss Pauline Miller, daughter of Frederick and Juliana Miller, and they have had a family of nine children, five boys and four girls, as follows: Herman, a farmer; Ernest W.; Annie; Rosa, who married Henry Berg, a farmer; Charles A.; Otto; Henry; finishing his education; Hattie, finishing her education.

RICHTER, CHARLES AUGUST -----was born in Dover township on April 22, 1878, and is a son of Carl and Pauline Richter, a sketch of whom appears above in this work. He is now residing on a farm of 240 acres owned by his father in sections 3 and 4, Elmira township.

He acquired his primary education at the district schools near his father’s residence, and finished by attending the high school at Dover. Quitting school at the age of twenty-one years, he began the active duties of life for himself. While attending school he worked during the summers for his father on the farm. He rented a farm of eighty acres from his father and continued to cultivate the same until 1905, when he enlarged operations and rented a total of 240 acres of his father, and is still in charge of the same. He raises large quantities of the small grains and considerable livestock for market, and is making money. His methods are up to date and his livestock are of good grades.

He is a Republican and a member of the United Brethren church. On October 12, 1909, he was wedded to Miss May Emmerson, daughter of John Emmerson, a farmer of Wisconsin.

RICHTER, ERNEST W. ------ is a son of Carl and Pauline Richter, who are now residing in St. Charles and a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this book. He is now residing on a farm of 160 acres in Section 20, Elmira township.

He was born July 2, 1872, in North St. Charles, Winona county, and in youth attended the district schools in Dover township. He went to school off and on up to the eighteenth year of his age and during that time received several diplomas. While yet a boy he went to work in earnest on his father’s farm and thus continued engaged up to the time of purchasing his present property. During this time he managed to work out to the neighbors and was enabled to acquire considerable property. During this time also he purchased a threshing machine, which he operated in the fall of each year. Also during the winters he earned considerable in special jobs for the farmers adjacent. He was thus enabled to buy his present farm in 1905. He is now rapidly adding to the valuable improvements of the place. He is engaged in mixed farming and in raising livestock. He is a Republican and a member of the Methodist church.

On November 22, 1905, he was united in marriage with Miss Bertha, daughter of Gust and Wilhelmina Giese, prominent farmers of Elmira township. They have two children: Milo and Bernaldo, the former a boy and the latter a girl.

RIORDAN, REV. WILLIAM ----- for many years an influential factor in the cause of religion in southern Minnesota, is a native of Ire land, his birth occurring in March, 1838, in County Limerick. To his parents, Daniel and Catherine (Murphy) Riordan six children were born, one son, Patrick, becoming a priest and dying in 1903, in Australia, at which time he was in charge of a parish in that country.

Rev. William Riordan passed his youth and early manhood in his native country and, after attending the parish schools, completed his literary education in the classical institution of learning at Charlieville. He subsequently attended the college at Drumcondra, Dublin, where he finished his theological studies, and in 1869 was ordained to the priesthood at Dublin. Shortly after this event he came to America and for some time served under Bishop Grace, at St. Paul, Minnesota. About one year later he was appointed to the parish at Chatfield, Minnesota, where he remained eleven years.

During this time Father Riordan displayed executive ability of a high order and caused to be erected five churches and increased the membership materially. His activity and zeal attracted the attention of his superiors and he was then assigned to the more important pastorate at Rochester, where he has since lived and labored. Under his wise guidance the present Church of St. John was completed, and the chapel, one of the most beautiful in Minnesota, was erected. Father Riordan is not only the priest of his parish in looking after the spiritual and moral welfare of his parishioners; he is an American citizen imbued with a love for his country, state, county and city, democratic in his views and actions and at all times having the good of all uppermost in his mind. Long after the present generation shall have passed away the good accomplished by Father Riordan will be felt in Olmsted County.

ROBERTSON, GEORGE B. -----a resident of the town of Dover, is the son of John and Sophia Ann Robertson, both of whom were of Scotch descent. The family came originally from Scotland to this country over a hundred years ago and settled in the state of New York. John, the father of George B., was a tanner in early life, but later followed the occupation of farming and stock raising. He finally died in New York in 1864 at the age of fifty-five years. His wife died in 1860 at the age of fifty years.

George B. was born in Chestertown, Warren county, New York, January 27, 1846, and secured his education in the district schools and later in the Warrensburg high school, where he finished his education in his twentieth year. Previous to this event, in 1863, he enlisted in the Union army and served as a member of Battery I, Sixteenth New York Volunteer Heavy Artillery, until 1865, when he was honorably mustered out of the service. He entered the service as a private, but was promoted a corporal for meritorious conduct. He is now drawing a pension for his disabilities while in the service.

After the war he continued his schooling one year, or, rather, for one winter, after which he worked in a general store for a while, later returning to the farm, where he remained until 1869, when he came west to St. Charles and worked at various jobs for three months. He then located in Dover and here he has since resided. He is a Republican and has served as town clerk for several terms.

On December 2, 1876, he married, at St. Charles, Miss Margaret, daughter of John and Jane Morrison, the father a carpenter by trade. Both parents are deceased. George B. and wife have two daughters and one son: Alice J., a graduate of the St. Charles and St. Paul high schools, a teacher, residing with her parents; Catherine T., a graduate of the state normal school at Winona, a teacher, residing with her parents; Donald M., residing with his parents, a stock buyer and the postmaster at Dover.

ROBINSON, A. G. -----was born in Wilton, Franklin county, Maine, August 25, 1851, and there grew to manhood and was educated at the common schools. In his early manhood he learned the trade of machinist and when he left Maine at the age of nineteen years to begin the battle of life on his own account, he first worked at his trade in various locations, but in 1864 came to Olmsted county and located in Viola township. At that time the county was very new, settlers were few and roads few and without bridges. The township was mostly a broad prairie, interspersed with small groves and brush thickets. He took up 160 acres from the government and this has been his property ever since. The place is now occupied by his son. It required a great deal of hard work to put the land under suitable tillage, but in time the farm became one of the best in the township. At the present time Mr. Robinson reserves only a small tract of ground for his own use in his declining years.

His father was Addison Robinson, who was born on Martha’s Vinyard Island April 3, 1810; and his mother was Abigail Webster. This branch of the Robinson family have traced their origin far back in English history and to a very early period in this country. The children of Addison and Abigail were A. G., the eldest; Abigail Dilana, wife of Wilson Gray, died aged 24 years; Marilla M., died aged two years; Betsey B., married James Thomas, resides in New Mexico; Estelle M., married William D. Seamans, she is deceased.

A. G. Robinson married Katherine Melissa Harriman February 26, 1855, she being the daughter of Benjamin and Katherine (Emerson) Harriman. Eight sons and three daughters were born to this union as follows: George William, born February 28, 1856, a resident of St. Paul; Russell Gilman, born October 26, 1857, residing in St. Paul; Slayton K., born July 30, 1859, in Montana; Charles W., born April 15, 1861; Etta L., born March 2, 1864, died 1889; Arthur L., born February 13, 1867, at Warren, Minnesota; Webster H., born September 26, 1868, at Taylor’s Falls; Abbie M., born April 14, 1871, died 1898; Myrtle E., born October 6, 1875, died 1889; Lester A., born October 18, 1877, residing on the old homestead; Guy B. H., born October 7, 1879, residing with his parents. The old homestead has splendid improvements. In politics Mr. Robinson is a Prohibitionist. He and wife are members of the Methodist church at Viola. He has served as town treasurer and supervisor. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Elgin. He has the confidence and respect of all who know him.

ROBINSON, HANS -----was born in Denmark, December 21, 1851, and was there reared and educated. He attended school until his fifteenth year, when he commenced learning his trade of blacksmithing, which even to this day he has never entirely abandoned. In 1873 he came to America and for three years worked at his trade in Cleveland, Ohio, shoeing horses for streetcar companies. In 1876 he came to Olmsted county and bought a tract of forty acres in section 7, High Forest township, built a house thereon and began to cultivate the soil, at the same time operating a forge for the accommodation of the neighbors. He was industrious and saving and slowly added to his landed possessions until at the present time he owns a total of 120 acres of excellent land, all well improved and under a high degree of tilth. His buildings are substantial and his machinery up to date. He is one of the level headed men of the township and is liked by everybody who knows him.

In 1877 he married Bessie Fingerson, whose parents were among the early settlers of Rock Dell township. To this union the following children were born: Anna, born June, 1878, married George Peterson, a North Dakota farmer, and has five children; Minnie, born May, 1880, married O. Strumpsted, a retired North Dakota farmer; Carline, born October, 1887, with her parents; Tina, born November, 1888. Mr. Robinson is a stanch Republican and he and family are members of East St. Olaf Church, of which he has served as trustee for several years. He owns stock in the Creamery and the Elevator Companies.

ROEDER, CHARLES A. -----farming and residing in High Forest township, was born June 9, 1860, in Rochester township, this county, the son of Christopher and Wilhelmina (Shenderheda) Roeder. The father was a native of Germany, born in 1826, and in 1857 immigrated to America. He worked at his trade of shoemaking for one year and three months. In 1858 he came to Rochester, Minnesota, where he worked two years, and then rented a farm in Rochester township, which he conducted until 1867. He then purchased an 160-acre tract in section 32, Rock Dell township, to which, from time to time, as his means permitted, he added to, and at the time of his death, in 1893, was the owner of 420 acres of finely improved farm land, of which his original 160 acres was a part. His wife, Wilhelmina, passed away in 1902, and both are now at rest in St. Bridget Cemetery at Pleasant Grove. They had the following named children: William G., now farming in Olmsted county; Charles A., our subject; Frank M., retired farmer of this county, now residing in Stewartville; Louise, now Mrs. Eichstadt, of Olmsted county; Henry J.; Louis, on home farm; and Christopher, recently married, now resides in Rochester.

Of these children, Charles A. was educated in the public schools of Olmsted county, and has always followed farming and stock raising. In 1890 he and his brother, William G., bought a 240 acre farm in High Forest township, and here he still resides. Aside from farming, Mr. Roeder has become well known as a successful breeder of thoroughbred Shorthorn and Polled Angus cattle. He is also interested in the Farmer’s Elevator Company, of Stewartville; the Farmer’s Lumber Company, of Hayfield, Minnesota; the Farmer’s Telephone Company and the Zumbro Creamery.

In 1893 he was married to Miss Mary Peters, daughter of old pioneers of this county, and to them have been born these children: Arthur F., July 8, 1894; Irene, April 12, 1896; Carl, March 10, 1898; Gladys, September 23, 1900; Helen, July 23, 1902, and Paul F., April 13, 1909, all residing at home. In politics Mr. Roeder is an independent Democrat, has served as town treasurer and school clerk, holding the latter position nine years, and he and family are members of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, at Stewartville.

ROMMEL, FREDERICK D. -----for many years engaged in the meat business at Rochester, was born on Franklin street, this city, August 1, 1867, the son of Frederick and Amelia (Frankhauser) Rommel, now residing at 836 Penn street. The parents of Mrs. Rommel settled in Olmsted county in 1856.

Frederick D. received his education in the public and high schools of this place, and subsequently entered Darling’s Business College. The elder Rommel was at that time in the meat business, and after his schooling had been completed Frederick D. learned that trade under his father’s tutelage. From 1886 to 1893 they continued the business together, then the son started out on his own account at 315 South Broadway where he continued successfully until 1909, selling out at that time to H. A. Huney. Mr. Rommel was an extensive buyer of livestock in addition to his regular line, and shipped many head of cattle annually to the Chicago Union Stock Yards.

On August 2, 1900, he was united in marriage with Miss Paulina Gachenheimer, daughter of Henry and Pauline, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and to them the following children, all residing at home, were born: Freda, Henry, Walter and Mabel. The family are communicants of the Universalist church, of which Mr. Rommel is at present trustee. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and, with his wife, the Rebeccas.

In his political views he espouses the cause of the Democratic party, has served as alderman from the First ward of Rochester and is the present candidate of the Democratic party for the office of county auditor. He has been strongly urged to run for this position by his many friends throughout the county, where he is well known as a stock buyer. Since disposing of his meat market Mr. Rommel has not been actively engaged in any particular line of business. He is a public spirited man, and takes an active interest in any movement that tends toward the betterment of the county and community.

ROSE, ROBERT J. -----was born in Rochester township June 13, 1871, and is a son of William and Anna Rose, who were pioneer settlers of this township, and here they resided until their respective deaths.

The life of Robert J. thus far has been spent on his and his father’s farms. In youth he received a common school education, and at the time of his father’s death he started business operations for himself. In 1904 he bought 280 acres in section 36, Salem township, for $14,000, and here he resides at the present time engaged in farming and stock raising. His farm is an excellent one of rolling land, with good buildings and modern conveniences. Mr. Rose is well and favorably known throughout this portion of the county. He is a Republican and has occupied various official positions in the township with credit. He has been a member of the county grand jury several times. He is a member of the Baptist church at Rochester, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen. He owns stock in the creamery company. He owns a herd of excellent Short-horn cattle, nine of which are registered. In 1899 he married Miss Edna Fish, whose parents were pioneer settlers of this township. To this union the following children were born: Leon, born March, 1900; Maud, born March, 1902 ; Vera, born February, 1903; Alice, born April, 1904; Lester, born September, 1909.

ROWLEY, MARTIN V. -----a native of Steuben county, New York, came to Rochester, Minnesota, in 1864, and, for many years was here engaged in blacksmithing and farming. He was born March 8, 1838, a son of John S. and Nancy (Van Houten) Rowley. His grandfather, also named John S. Rowley, espoused the cause of the Colonies and was an officer in the War of Independence. He was an expert swordsman and after the establishment of the United States as an independent nation, taught the art of fencing to numerous pupils. The junior John S. Rowley, the father of Martin V., passed the greater part of his life engaged in the lumber and sawmill business, and his death occurred in Steuben county, New York, at the age of sixty-five years.

Martin V. Rowley was the third child in a family of fourteen, thirteen of whom lived to maturity. After attending the public schools in boyhood he worked in his father’s mill until about 1856, then resided in Ohio one year, succeeding which he moved to Wisconsin. There he lived until his removal to Rochester. For many years he was the foremost blacksmith in Rochester, and in conjunction with this work was extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits. July 4, 1856, he married Nancy Wilson, daughter of Hawley Wilson, of New York state, and they lived happily together for more than fifty years. They were the parents of six children as follows: Charles M., John M., William H., Julia A., Sadie B. and Norman G.

John M. Rowley, son of Martin V. Rowley, was born December 18, 1859, at Baraboo, Wisconsin, and when five years old was brought to Rochester by his parents. He was educated in the public schools of this city and began his business career as an errand boy and later as a clerk in the store of J. D. Blake & Company. In 1892 he associated himself with the firm of Leet & knowlton, which had succeeded the firm of J. D. Blake & Company. and was thus employed about five years. In 1897, in partnership with Henry E. Gerry, he embarked in the clothing and furnishing business, and this firm has since continued as one of the substantial, up-to-date mercantile establishments of Rochester.

Mr. Rowley is an Episcopalian in religion and a Republican in politics, and has served his party as a member of the National, State, County and City committees. He early identified himself with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained distinction. He is a past worshipful master of Rochester Lodge No. 21, A. F. & A. M., is a member of Halcyon Chapter No. 8, R. A. M. and is past commander of Home Commandery No. 5, K. T., and member of Winona Consistory N0. 4., and is the present eminent grand senior warden of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of the State of Minnesota, and a member of Osman Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S. He also is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Rowley was one of the first to advocate the erection of a Masonic temple at Rochester, and since its completion has been active in its management.

To his marriage with Miss Nora M. Nelson, solemnized January 8, 1890 two children have been born, Walter Nelson and John Martin. Mrs. Rowley is the daughter of Andrew Nelson, a native of Norway, who came to America in 1854 and to Rochester in 1859; was one of the pioneer merchants of this city and one of its most respected citizens.

RUEBER, GEORGE W. -----a successful and progressive farmer and stock raiser of Oronoco township, was born at Lakeland, Ramsey county, Minnesota, on September 23, 1856. J. F. Rueber, his father, was a shoe merchant at Lakeland, but the spring of 1857 when the county was yet in a primitive condition, he came to Olmsted county and engaged in farming until his death in 1896. He was of that industrious class of pioneers whose exemplary life and character were the foundation upon which the present moral and commercial development of Olmsted county was built. In his political views he was a Democrat, and served as a member of the school board and as township assessor many years.

George W. Rueber was but six months old when he was brought to Olmsted county by his parents. He remained at home, attending the district schools and aiding his father with the farm work, until he became a man, then bought his present farm of eighty acres. This Mr. Rueber has brought to a high state of cultivation, and in addition to general farming, carries on stock raising and dairying. In 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Ada Huntsinger, daughter of Arthur Huntsinger, of Oronoco township, and they are the parents of one daughter Iva May, born May 6, 1882.

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