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

Biographies

History of Olmstead County Minnesota

Written by Joseph A. Leonard 1910

STARKSON, BAAR -----(deceased) was one of those hardy pioneers who left Norway, the land of their birth, to seek home and fortune in America, and whose lives were inseparably interwoven with the growth and development of the early history of Olmsted county. He was born in the year 1832, and was reared to manhood and educated in his native country.

In 1854 he immigrated to the United States and, like many of his fellow countrymen, first located in Dane county, Wisconsin. He lived there four years, working as a farm laborer, but in 1858 came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and bought a farm of eighty acres in Rock Dell township. This property five years later he sold, and moved to a farm on section 35, Salem township, where he lived the remainder of his days. Mr. Starkson was a man of unusual good business judgment. While he took a keen interest in public affairs, he devoted his energies mainly to the improvement and increase of his properties. Through hard work on the part of himself and wife, he accumulated 450 acres of choice land and improvements to the value of about $8,000.

During his life here he was identified with East St. Olaf’s Congregation, and upon his death, in 1894, was buried in the cemetery connected with that organization. To his marriage with Ingeborg Larson Sjerve, solemnized in 1859, these children were born: Stark, Ingeborg, Julius, Martin, Lewis, Albert, Caroline, Ella, Gurena, and Ida. The latter two died in childhood, also one son, Lars.

Mrs. Starkson, since the death of her husband, has resided in Rochester and on the home place, and is justly proud of the well-developed condition and splendid improvement of the farm brought into effect by the labor of her own hands and those of her husband. She is the daughter and only surviving child of Lars Erickson, an old, well remembered settler of Olmsted county. He settled on section 25, Salem township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, at the early date of 1856, was born in Norway, and was there married. With the tide of immigration flowing to America, he came to this country at an early day and finally settled in this county, here participating in the struggles and privations incident to pioneer life. He was one of the founders of East St. Olaf’s Congregation and was active in its government and prosperity for nearly a quarter of a century. He died in 1880, at the age of seventy-five years, followed by his wife three years later, aged seventy-eight years. They were good citizens, honest, industrious, law abiding, and died in the belief of the immortal life hereafter. They were the parents of three children, Mrs. Starkson being the only survivor. In 1910 she built her present beautiful home in Rochester, in which she expects to pass the remainder of her years.

STARKSON, LOUIS B. -----was born in Salem township, this county, in 1871, and is a son of Baar and Ingeborg Starkson. He spent his boyhood on the farm assisting his father and in attending the local schools, from which he secured a common school education. He finished his education by attending Darling’s Business College, Rochester, for two winters and then was prepared for the duties of life.

Soon after reaching his majority he began to rent the old homestead of his parents, and so continued until 1899, when he bought ninety acres in Section 26, Salem township, and here he has since resided, engaged in raising grain and livestock. He has improved the place very much since taking possession and is now in good circumstances and is prepared to enjoy life and get ahead very fast. He is well known over the township and has the confidence of the community. He is wide awake and modern in all his farm operations. He breeds Short Horn cattle and Poland China hogs, and raises considerable grain and hay. He deserves great credit for the work he has done for the betterment of the local schools.

He is a member of East St. Olaf’s Church and the Sons of Norway, and is a Republican. He is popular and has a host of friends. His progressive views and determined efforts for the improvement of this community are fully appreciated in this vicinity.

On October 13, 1898. he married Miss Emma Larson, whose parents were pioneers of Rock Dell township. To this marriage the following children were born: Ida, born May 25, 1900; Agnes, born July 15, 1901; Nellie, born March 9, 1903; Verna, born June 1, 1905; Elma, born February 10, 1910.

STARKSON, MARTIN -----was born in Salem township August 9, 1869, and was here reared to manhood and educated. He grew up on his father’s farm and learned all the details of successful farm management and operation. Though his education was limited, he has very much improved it in his mature years by reading and experience. Soon after becoming of age he rented the old home place, and in partnership with his two brothers operated the same with much success until the year 1900, when he bought a tract of 160 acres in section 25, this township, and here he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He carries on general farming, and raises considerable grain and hay, and numbers of cattle, hogs and horses for the market. His farm, which is mostly river bottom, is one of the best in the county for live stock and grain. Mr. Starkson is up to date in all his farm operations. In many ways his farm is a model in system and effectiveness. He is public-spirited and alive to the improvement of the community. He is a member of East St. Olaf Church and is a Republican in his political views. He owns stock in the Creamery, Lumber and Telephone Companies.

On June 13, 1908, he married Miss Martha T. Nelson, whose parents were pioneer settlers of Salem township, and to this union the following children were born: Berton T., born April 12, 1909; Merlin I., born May 13, 1910.

STARMER, R. A. -----is one of nine children born to the marriage of Robert and Elizabeth Starmer, who came from New York to Wisconsin in 1860 and there remained one year. In 1861 they came to High Forest township, Olmsted county, and bought 80 acres in section 35, and this place became their permanent home. The country was very new when they arrived, and they suffered all the privations incident to pioneer times. But they were industrious and determined to get ahead and rear their children to lives of intelligence, usefulness and honor. In time they became well-to-do and were well known and very highly regarded by all who were acquainted with them. The father passed away August 10, 1905, and was laid at rest in Oak Lawn cemetery, Rochester. At the time of his death he was the owner of 400 acres of excellent farmland, all under a high state of cultivation and improved with good buildings, and modern machinery, etc. His widow Elizabeth is now residing in Stewartville.

Their son R. A., the subject of this review, spent his youth in getting a common school education and in assisting his parents on the home farm. In. 1892 he began for himself by renting his father’s farm, and at his father’s death inherited 100 acres of the old place. This he is farming at the present time. On September 23, 1894 he married Miss Ella Espenstheid, whose parents were pioneer settlers of Mower county and to this union the following family were born: Neil D., born November 27, 1896; Errol P., born March 13, 1898; Beatrice M., born March 8, 1900; Robert J., born June 7, 1902. Mr. Starmer is a Republican, and has served as school clerk and as township treasurer. He is a trustee of the Congregational church, a steward of the Masons, and advisor of the M. W. of A. He is also a member of the Grange. He owns stock in the Farmers’ Elevator at Stewartville. Mr. Starmer is wide awake, enterprising and public spirited. He encourages all praiseworthy movements.

START HON. CHARLES MONROE -----Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Minnesota and for many years a practicing lawyer at Rochester, was born at Bakersfield. Franklin county. Vermont. October 4, 1839. a son of Simeon Gould and Mary Sophia (Barnes) Start, both of whom were also natives of Vermont. His father, of English descent, was a farmer by occupation and his chief characteristics were sound judgment and a love of justice. In his native state he served as town representative, selectman and for some twenty-five years was a justice of the peace.

Charles M. Start in youth was taught the gospel of hard work and self-reliance. In early manhood he worked as a farm laborer summers and taught school winters in order to obtain money to defray his expenses in securing a better education. He received his scholastic training in the common schools. Bakersfield Academy and Barre Academy, in his native State.

In July, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company I Tenth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, was commissioned first lieutenant the following August, and in December, 1862, resigned from the service on the surgeon’s certificate of disability.

In 1863 he came to Rochester, Minnesota. During his residence here he served as city attorney of Rochester and as attorney for Olmsted county. He became attorney general of Minnesota, a position he resigned in 1881 to accept the appointment by Governor Pillsbury of judge of the Third Judicial District. He was unanimously elected to this position three terms, then resigned in 1895 to accept that of chief justice of the Supreme Court, to which office he has been elected three terms, the last two terms unanimously. Judge Start is a Republican in politics and a Congregationalist in religion.

August 10, 1863, he married Miss Clara A. Wilson, of Bakersfield, Vermont, daughter of Judge William C. Wilson, and of the two children born to this marriage but one, Clara L., is now living.

STEARNS, ALFRED P. -----for years one of the widely known men of Olmsted county and southeastern Minnesota, now living a retired life in St. Charles, was born January 9, 1830, in Grafton, New Hampshire, son of Henry and Louisa Stearns, of English descent, his grandfather being the progenitor of the family in the United States. He attended the district schools of his native locality until twelve years old, when his parents moved to Bradford, Vermont, where he finished his schooling at the age of sixteen years. About this time he secured employment in railroad work and for many years was thus engaged in different localities and in various positions. At the time of building of the old Transit railroad in Minnesota, west of Winona, Mr. Stearns secured a contract in its completion in Olmsted county and was afterwards identified with it in the capacity of roadmaster when the name of the road was changed. He was engaged in railroad work for over thirty years.

On December 2, 1854, at Hamilton, Canada, he married Eliza, a daughter of Francis and Louisa Monty, and in 1856 he moved to Olmsted county, Minnesota, with his wife’s family, and settled on a slightly improved farm on Section 24, Dover township, near St. Charles. At this period the country was in a primitive condition and the settlers were few and far between. In 1868 Mr. Stearns sold this property, but in 1872 bought 587 acres, then practically in a wild state, half prairie and half timber land. This he cleared, improved and brought to a high condition of cultivation and on which he resided until 1906, when he sold out and moved to St. Charles, which has since been his home. In many ways Mr. Stearns became one of the leading men of his locality.

He is a Democrat was twice elected county commissioner, and for about twelve years was town supervisor. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Order of the Temple, being a member of Home Commandery, at Rochester, and he is a stockholder and director of the Citizens’ State Bank.

The old pioneer, Francis Monty, or Frank Monty, as he was more generally known, died in St. Charles January 16, 1906, aged ninety-three years, preceded by his wife in July, 1872, at the age of fifty-five years. To Mr. and Mrs. Stearns three children have been born: Frank H., a graduate of the Business College, at Minneapolis, and now a conductor on the Great Western railroad; Louisa, who married Verne Tooke, a locomotive engineer on the Burlington railroad, and now residing in Dubuque, Iowa, and May, the wife of A. C. Kaufmann, a bookkeeper. Mr. Stearns is one of the best known men of this locality. His life has been one of activity and usefulness and his declining years are being passed among his many friends and neighbors, who esteem him for his exemplary life and character.

STEBBINS, HON. ALONZO T. -----was born in Mansfield, Massachusetts, September 21, 1847, and is a son of Thomas W. and Harriet C. (Blandin) Stebbins, the former a native of Brookline, Vermont, and the latter of Norton, Massachusetts. The grandfather was Rufus Stebbins, of Vermont, and the great-grandfather Jotham Stebbins, of Massachusetts. The progenitors of the Stebbins family in America were two brothers who came from England to the Colonies in 1634, Rowland locating in New England, and the other in Pennsylvania. The father. Thomas W., who was a carpenter and contractor by trade, came to Minnesota in 1857 and first located on a farm in Winona County, where he remained until 1868. He then came to Rochester and here continued his farming operations until he passed away, May 21, 1892. He was well known and universally respected for his excellent qualities of mind and heart.

His son, Alonzo T., was ten years old when the family came to Minnesota in 1857. He secured his education in the common schools of Vermont and Winona county, in the Winona high school, and in 1865 went to Boston and took a course in Bryant & Stratton’s Commercial College, and thus finished his education. In 1866 he went to Winona and began clerking in the hardware store of O. M. Farrington & Co., and continued thus engaged for one year. Succeeding this he served about a year as station agent at Utica, Minnesota, at the time the railroad was completed there. In 1871 he and his father embarked in the hardware business at Rochester, prospered, made several moves, and finally located at 219 South Broadway. which property they purchased. They occupied the whole two stories of the building and a warehouse in the rear and carried a full line of light and heavy hardware, stoves, etc.

At the present time Mr. Stebbins has a fine store, a large stock, a good business and an unblemished credit and reputation. He has taken an active and prominent part in all movements calculated to benefit Rochester, the county and the state. As an unswerving Republican he has been before the people for many years and has served them with notable credit in various capacities. In 1881-2 and again in 1883-4 he served as alderman of his ward. In 1888 he made the race of his party for the lower house of the Legislature, was elected and served with distinction during the session of 1889. In 1894 he was again brought forward by his party and nominated to the state Senate, was triumphantly elected and served ably and creditably from 1895 to 1897. He served as president of the Southern Minnesota Fair Association from 1889 to 1900.

He has found time during his busy business and political career to cultivate the social and fraternal side of life. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen; the Knights of Pythias ; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Masonic order. Of the latter he served as Master of Rochester Lodge, No. 21, A. F. & A. M.; High Priest of Halcyon Chapter, No.8, at Rochester, and as Eminent Commander of Home Commandery, No. 5, Knights Templar. In 1899-1900 he enjoyed the distinction of serving as Grand Master of Masons of the state. He is a member of Winona Consistory and of Osman Temple, St. Paul.

On September 26, 1871, he married Adelaide L. Stebbins, born July 31, 1849, in Windham county, Vermont, and they have the following children: Mabelle C., now Mrs. W. C. Webber, and George M., now county attorney at Roseau, Minnesota.

STEENE, HALVOR -----now residing in Rochester, was born in Kragro, Norway, July 21, 1883, the son of Jens B. and Anna Steene. The father was originally a teaming contractor in the old country, but upon coming to America engaged in farming, and owns a fine farm at the present time in Mitchell county, Iowa.

His son, Halvor, the immediate subject of this review, received a portion of his education in the public schools of Norway, and after coming with his parents to the United States in 1893, finished his schooling in the land of his adoption. Early in life he decided to follow farming, and for seven or eight years engaged in that line of business, but subsequently embarked in the cement business in Kasson, Dodge county, Minnesota, and continued thus for a period of three years.

The succeeding two years were spent in the employ of K. K. Dryland and Peter Anderson, buffet proprietors of Kasson, Minnesota, and then Mr. Steene came to Rochester, where he purchased the establishment of Peter Rasmussen, and has been successfully engaged ever since on Third street, between Broadway and Main. Mr. Steene takes great delight in his social relations with his fellowmen, and as such is identified with the Sons of Norway, Redmen, Eagles, of which he is a past president; Commercial Club, Loyal Liberty League of Minnesota, being the present secretary of that organization. He also is an enthusiastic member of the Gun and Automobile clubs of Rochester, and owns a fine car, in which he does a great deal of touring.

July 25, 1906, he was married to Miss Ruby Lee. daughter of Eric and Anna Lee, of Dodge county, and to them have been born Eres Janet, July 5, 1907 and Lee Joseph, May 12, 1909. Mr. Steene is independent in his political views and is a member of the Lutheran church.

STEVENS, GEORGE J. -----for fifteen years one of the active and progressive businessmen of Rochester, was born at Sparta, Wisconsin, February 11, 1866, and is one of three children born to the marriage of O. D. Stevens. a native of Richland county, Ohio, and Mary Folger, who was born in Vermont. Benjamin Stevens, his grandfather, was one of the early pioneers near Sparta, Wisconsin, where for many years he followed his trade of carpenter and builder. O. D. Stevens, his father was a cooper by trade. but was later engaged in the meat and provision business; he moved to Watertown, South Dakota, in 1884, where he resided until his death June 20, 1908.

George J. Stevens had a varied career during his early manhood. When a boy he attended the public schools of Sparta, Wisconsin, and was there graduated from the high school in 1884. He learned the jewelry business and watch making, and for four years resided at Watertown, South Dakota, then was employed as a commercial traveler on the road for the Rockford Silver Plate Company, of Rockford, Illinois. In 1895, he came to Rochester, Minnesota, and bought the book and stationery business of H. J. Richardson, which he conducted until 1891, when he sold out to H. S. Adams. In this year he purchased the large carpet business carried on by A. D. Leet, and this line of occupation, together with window hangings, he has since built up until it has become recognized as one of the large retail business establishments of Rochester. As his trade increased and developed Mr. Stevens has found it expedient to carry on a jobbing trade in connection with his retail business.

June 25, 1895, he was united in marriage with Stella, the daughter of Stephen Crouch, who for many years was one of Rochester’s leading businessmen.

STEVENSON, ARCHIBALD C. -----for many years actively engaged in the insurance business at Rochester, Minnesota, is a native of Wisconsin, born at Janesville, December 22, 1862. His paternal grandfather, Archibald Stevenson, came from his native country, Scotland, to America when a young man, and purchasing a tract of land was engaged in farming until his death. David Stevenson was the father of the immediate subject of this sketch. He moved to Wisconsin at an early period and there represented the Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company, which later was absorbed by the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1873 he came to Rochester, Minnesota, as general agent for the southern half of this state for the latter corporation, having in charge a large number of sub-agencies in the different districts. He thus continued actively engaged until his death, October 10, 1900. He married Helen Sanborn, a native of Chelsea, Vermont, and they were among the best known people of Rochester and were members of the Congregational church.

Archibald C. Stevenson, their son. received his schooling in his native state. upon the completion of which he associated with his father in the insurance business, and with him came to Rochester and eventually succeeded him in business. He is now associated in partnership with James A. Melone.

On April 25, 1883, Mr. Stevenson was united in marriage with Miss Hattie M. Bell, daughter of Edward Bell, of Milwaukee, and three children born to them are named David F., Willard Arthur and Robert. In 1903 and again in 1904 he was elected mayor of Rochester and in many other ways has been actively identified with the social and commercial growth and development of Rochester. He is a Knight Templar and a thirty-second degree Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Mason, a noble of the Mystic Shrine and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

STEVENSON, OLE -----deceased, was born in Norway on January 1, 1833. Together with his parents he came to America and in 1844 located in La Salle county, Illinois. In 1849 he went to California in company with a caravan of Illinois men to seek gold. They crossed the plains with ox teams and were six months in making the trip. They were in almost constant danger from Indian attacks and thrilling adventures were of almost daily occurrence. They finally reached the Sacramento valley, which was their destination. Mr. Stevenson remained there four years. Upon his return he took a vessel at San Francisco, sailed to the Isthmus of Panama, crossed that fever-stricken neck of land on foot, and then sailed to New York city and came West to his Illinois home.

In 1856 Ole Stevenson came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and, pre-empting 160 acres from the government in section twenty-nine, Salem township, built him a cabin and began clearing and improving the land. The date of his location here was two years after the first settlement was made in the township, at a time when everything was wild and unimproved. Mr. Stevenson was one of the best men in Salem township. He worked hard that he might establish a home for himself, wife and children, and in all his actions he was regarded as a good neighbor, honest in all his dealings, charitable and a conscientious, God-fearing man. He was one of the organizers of St. Olaf’s church, of which he continued a member until his death in 1873.

In the year 1856 he was united in marriage with Esther Saettre, whose parents were among the pioneers of this locality and appropriate mention of whom is included in this publication. To their union these children were born: Severt, in March, 1858; Anna, in January, 1860; Louis, in June, 1862, now married and the father of three children; Inger, in 1865 ; Martha, in July, 1868, now Mrs. Benedict, of Stewartville, and the mother of four children; and Olena, born in 1872 and died in infancy. The old home farm of 240 acres is now, as it always has been, in the possession of the family. Inheriting the integrity, thrift and economical traits of their parents, the children of Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson have prospered and are a credit to Olmsted county.

ST GEORGE, MARTIN ----- deceased pioneer farmer and stock raiser of Marion township, Olmsted county, was a native of Pennsylvania and a son of Michael and Julia (Kelly) St. George. His father was born in September, 1817, in County Kilkenny, Ireland, and came to America in 1837, stopping for a time in New York, and later removing to Savannah, Georgia, where he passed five successive winters, coming North in the summers. Subsequently he went to Buffalo, New York, where he remained seven years, thence went to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and from there to Indiana. In May, 1856, he came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and located on section 29, Marion township. Here he was married in 18— and resided until death. He acquired a tract of 200 acres, which he improved and cultivated, and which after his death, was divided among his children.

Martin St. George, the immediate subject of this review, and a son of the pioneer Michael, was reared and educated in Marion township. After arriving at manhood he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Hurley, daughter of Dennis Hurley, of Canada, and to them a family of fourteen children, six sons and eight daughters, were born. All of these that lived to maturity were reared and educated in Marion township and at tended the Rochester College. By hard and conscientious work Mr. St. George acquired a competency, and when death summoned him he was greatly respected and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was a Democrat in his political views, as were his antecedents before him, and he and family were devout members of the Catholic church.

STINCHFIELD, DR. AUGUSTUS W. -----president of the First State Bank of Rochester, and for the past thirty-seven years a practicing physician and surgeon of Olmsted County, was born at Phillips, Maine, on December 21, 1842, and is a son of Jacob H. and Jane R. (Whitney) Stinchfield, both of whom were of English ancestry.

The early life of Doctor Stinchfield was passed on his father’s farm and spent in attending the common and high schools at Strong, Maine. In 1863 he came to Wisconsin and while there, in 1864, enlisted as a private in Company F, Thirty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Owing to ill health he was discharged after one hundred days’ service, succeeding which he returned to his native state.

Having made up his mind to study medicine, he entered Maine Medical College at Brunswick and after a full course was graduated therefrom with credit in 1868. Soon after his graduation he again came west in search of a suitable location for the practice of his profession. Previous to the spring of 1872 he was established at Verona, southwestern Missouri, but at the latter date came to Minnesota and located one and one-half years in Rice County. For the succeeding eighteen years he resided at Eyota, where he built up an extensive practice and a reputation of the highest order. It would be difficult to trace step by step through many discouragements his really remarkable professional career. Through the storms and cold of winter and the burning heat of summer, both day and night, he pursued his calling, one successful operation after another adding still further to his skill, knowledge and reputation. He was thus finally forced by the extent and nature of his practice to establish the hospital at Eyota and to secure assistance to care for the cases that came to him for relief. Being called to still higher and wider fields, he finally came to Rochester, where he has since practiced his profession with such distinction that his name and operations are known in all parts of the world.

In 1872 he became a member of the Minnesota State Medical Society and in 1875 the American Medical Association. He has ever been a believer in the principles of the Republican party. In 1875 he joined the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which fraternity he has attained the Order of the Temple and Shrine.

While a resident of Eyota he met and on the 1st of May, 1878, married Miss Mattie J. Bear, a school teacher, the daughter of Benjamin Bear, one of the earliest settlers of Eyota Township. To this union five children were born, as follows: Nellie M., Charles I., who died when seventeen years old; Minnie; Lura A., and Alice.

For fifteen years Doctor Stinchfield was a member of the medical and surgical firm of Mayo & Stinchfield: but in 1907 he resigned from the firm and has since devoted his time and attention to special practice—the chest chiefly the heart and lungs.

STOKES, JOSEPH T. -----is the son of Patrick J. and Mary Stokes. and at present is residing on a farm of 240 acres in sections 25 and 26, Elmira township. The father, who is now about 90 years of age, is still living in Fillmore county. The mother passed away in 1903 at the old home. The parents were farmers and built up a large property and a good name. Patrick, the father, immigrated to this country in the thirties and first located in New Orleans, where he ran a steamboat for eleven years. He then spent several years at farming in Ohio, but eventually settled in Wisconsin, where he worked on railway construction in that and other states. He finally came to Olmsted county and bought 80 acres in section 36. Elmira township. Later he added to this property until he owned a total of 265 acres. He was industrious and honest and became prominent in local affairs. He occupied a number of official positions with distinction, and was public spirited and popular. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religion a Roman Catholic. He participated in the war with Mexico in 1847-8 and came out with a clean record. Notwithstanding his great age he is still hearty and clear-headed.

Joseph T. was born on the home farm in this township on December 27, 1867, and in boyhood went to school in the home district and during vacations helped his parents on the old farm. At the age of 22 years he began operations for himself and soon afterward bought of his father the first 80 acres obtained when the latter came to the township. He made such good use of his time that in the end he has been able to buy the balance of the place and now owns 240 acres. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising and is unusually successful. In 1888 he married Miss Rose Brogan, daughter of Anthony and Katherine, and they have had the following children: Clarence, Loretta, Beatrice, Raymond, Lloyd, Mary, Geneva, Esther and Paul living, and Francis, who died at the age of one year and nine months.

STOLP, EDWARD FREDRICK -----was born in Lincoln township, Eau Claire county Wisconsin, August 30, 1877, and was educated in the public schools of Oronoco village and at Rochester, in this county. He farmed with his father until 1897, then started to work for himself at any kind of work he could get to do. In 1902 he carried mail from Oronoco to Rochester, on the old star route. January 19, 1903, he purchased the William Phelps stock of general merchandise at Oronoco, which he has ever since conducted. In conjunction therewith he operates the stage line between Oronoco and Rochester.

He is a Republican in politics, has been township treasurer for the past five years, and is secretary of the Oronoco Cemetery Association. To his union with Miss Anna M. Stedman, which took place June 21, 1905, two daughters have been born—Beatrice Anna, October 3, 1907; Nina May, August 8, 1910.

STOLP, JOHN C. -----who died July 27, 1904, and was buried at Oronoco, was one of the solid, substantial men of the community, an earnest friend of educational matters. a great reader, especially of German literature, a splendid neighbor and a highly respected citizen. He was born in Prussia, January 21, 1832, a son of Gottlieb and Rose Stolp, and, after attaining manhood, served in the army of his native country.

Upon his arrival in America he located in Marquette county, Wisconsin, in 1861, and engaged in farming. After reflection he deemed it his duty to assist his adopted country in the preservation of the Union, and accordingly enlisted in Company D, First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, and served with his command at Gulf of Mexico points. Subsequently to the war he came to Eau Claire county, Wisconsin. In 1881 he came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, where his latter years were spent. He was a Democrat, an A. O. U. W. of Rochester, and a member of the German Lutheran church at Oronoco, which he helped build.

June 6, 1857, while in the old country, he married Augusta Petrick, and to their union were born the following children: Herman Edward November 7, 1859, died September 5, 1864; Malwina Hatta, September 22, 1862, died September 2, 1864; William August, February 9, 1865, died November 6, 1884; Gustave Julies, October 17, 1867, a farmer in Oronoco township; John Louis, June 13, 1870; Henry Albert, October 20, 1872; Carl Frederick, March 7, 1875; Edward Frederick, whose biography follows; Amelia Ona Malvine, February 19, 1880; Adolph Emil, September 15, 1882. The mother is living and resides on the old home place in the village of Oronoco; she was born in Labans, Prussia, May 14, 1838.

STOPPEL, CHARLES -----son of Frank J. and Mary (Schwab) Stoppel, was born on the old Stoppel homestead in section 8, Rochester township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, on March 16, 1859. His boyhood days were passed in assisting his father with the work on the home farm and in attending the district schools. He early in life decided to follow farming and has always been successfully engaged in that line of business. His farm consists of a finely cultivated tract of 160 acres, which he devotes to the raising of small grains, and he also owns a fine herd of milk cows.

On September 29, 1888, Mr. Stoppel was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Strobel, also a native of Olmsted county, and the daughter of Fred and Christina Strobel, and to them have been born the following six children: Otto C., born September 10, 1889; Frieda E., born April 17, 1892; Laura M., born November 22, 1893; Roy R., born September 14, 1895; Ralph F., born August 30, 1898: Helen M., born May 23, 1902. Although of Democratic tendencies, Mr. Stoppel generally votes for the man regardless of party affiliation, and takes an active interest in all local movements of importance. He has served as school treasurer of his district for a number of years, and socially is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He and family are communicants of the Church of Peace at Rochester and are highly regarded in the community where they reside.

STOPPEL, GEORGE -----was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 11, 1813, and in youth was given a good education at the common schools. When he was about seventeen years old he was apprenticed to his uncle for three years to learn the cooper’s trade and in due time completed the same. About this time he attained his majority and for one year worked at his trade in Switzerland and also for the next thirteen years continued to work at his trade in France. In early life he was a Catholic, but while in France he began to think along independent religious lines, and in the end could not accept the doctrines of the Catholic faith.

During much of his life afterward he continued to think independent on nearly all subjects; in fact. had a mind of his own, and used it. In 1848 he came to America, and after forty-one days in a sailing vessel on the ocean, landed at Castle Garden, New York. He first went to Rochester, New York, where he worked on a farm for one year. He then went to Cincinnati, where his brother, Frank Joseph, had gone one year before, and there worked at the cooper’s trade for seven years, or until 1856, when both brothers came to Olmsted county and each pre-empted a quarter section in Rochester township, that taken up by George lying wholly within section 4, and that of Frank J. adjoining his brother’s tract. George immediately began to improve the place and when the land came into market paid the government price of $200 for the 160 acres, or $1.25 per acre. After about ten years he bought an adjoining eighty acres, thus giving him a fine farm of 240 acres, which, as the years passed, he put under a high state of cultivation and erected excellent buildings of all kinds, and bought implements needed on an up-to-date and modern farm. Mr. Stoppel was industrious, intelligent and honest, and under all circumstances was enterprising and high-minded.

He was at first a Republican, but later became a Democrat, though in politics, as in religion, he was critical, far-seeing and independent. He held several of the township offices with credit. After a busy, clean and useful life, he passed away November 29, 1897, and was lamented by a large circle of friends who appreciated his sterling worth during life.

While at Cincinnati in his younger days he married Mary Faber, on December 25, 1849, and they became the parents of four children, as follows: Louis, George, Jr., Louisa and Fred. Louis and Louisa are deceased. George, Jr., resides in Rochester. Fred, after reaching manhood, worked six years for his father and then took charge of the old homestead, the father retiring. Fred is now the owner of the old home place, which he rents. He resides in Rochester.

STOPPEL, HENRY -----engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 8, Rochester township, Olmsted county, is a native of the State of Ohio, his birth occurring at Cincinnati in September, 1856. He was a son of Frank J. and Mary (Schwab) Stoppel, both of whom were natives of Germany. Early in life Frank J. Stoppel immigrated to America, and for a number of years engaged in farming near Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1857 he brought his family to Olmsted county, Minnesota, took up a claim of 160 acres in Rochester township, cleared and cultivated same, and resided thereon until death halted his career in 1899. His wife passed away in 1909. Both lie at rest in Oakwood Cemetery and their deaths were greatly mourned by their many friends throughout the county. To them seven children were born, six of whom are now living.

Of these, Henry Stoppel now resides on and farms the old homestead. He was educated in the public schools of Rochester township, and since his schooling was completed has always followed farming. He devotes his time to the raising of grains and livestock and in dairying. His farm is well equipped with all modern conveniences, and aside from his holdings in Rochester township he owns 160 acres in Haverhill township, which he rents.

In his political views Mr. Stoppel is a Democrat, and has served as school treasurer and supervisor of his township, holding the latter office for eleven consecutive years. His administration of township affairs has met with the approval of his fellowmen and he is influential in all public under takings.

In 1879 he was married to Mary Grimm, of Rochester township, and of German descent, and to them five children were born, named Clarence, Ella, Ernest, Elmer and Mabel. The family are members of the German Lutheran church.

STRANGE, MILFORD F. ----is the son of W. T. and Mary Strange, and is one of the prominent and successful farmers in the eastern part of the county. His farm consists of 200 acres in section 5, Elmira township. His father was born in Ireland and when two years old was brought by his parents to this country, and upon their arrival they located in the State of Maine, and there they remained until the year 1850, engaged in farming. They then came West to Wisconsin, where they resided for seven years. Subject’s father then came to this county and bought 160 acres on the school section in Elmira township, which he held until 1868, when he bought 160 acres of the land now held by Milford F. He was a Republican and for many years was a school director and was a member of the Presbyterian church. He was respected by all who had the honor of his acquaintance, and finally died January 1, 1892, at the age of seventy years, and lies buried in the cemetery at Chatfield.

Milford F. was born November 22, 1860, and received his education at the district schools and later at the high school in Chatfield. After leaving school he worked on his father’s farm until the death of the latter, soon after which event he bought the interest in the old place of the other heirs, and has held the same ever since. In 1908 he bought an additional forty acres and now has a total of 200 acres, all constituting one of the best farms in the eastern half of the county. Since becoming the owner he has put over $1,000 in needed and handy improvements. He raises grain and livestock for the market.

On June 11, 1884, he married, in this township, Miss Eva L. Kellam, daughter of L. L. and Nancy J. Kellam, prominent farmers of this township. They have six daughters: Grace M., who married Emil Hansen, a plumber of Chatfield; Olive, who married Royal Davis; Pearl, who is yet at home with her parents; Meril, Bernice and Lucille, all with their parents.

STRANGEWAY, JOHN -----one of the venerable pioneers of Olmsted county, was born in Yorkshire, England, February 10, 1830, and is a son of Richard and Grace (Clinton) Strangeway. The father was a carpenter by trade and passed his entire life in the old country, finally passing away in Yorkshire.

John the subject of this review, was educated in the schools of his native land and early manhood learned the trade of wheelwright, which he followed until he was fifty years of age. In 1850 he came to the United States and first located in Erie county, Pennsylvania. In 1852 he moved to Illinois, where he remained until 1856, when he came to this county. He located in Marion, Olmsted county, where he bought property and continued to reside until 1891, when he removed permanently to Rochester. He has seen this county grow from primitive wildness to a populous, prosperous and happy community, blessed with modern churches, schools and institutions.

In 1860 he was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Busgan, of Marion township, and to this union the following children were born: William Milton, born April 12, 1861, now in Polk county, Minnesota; Charles, born May 28, 1862, married, 1886, Miss Eva Engle, daughter of Joshua W. and Frances (Morris) Engle; she was born November 10, 1868, Charles and Eva have Ethel Frances, born August 24, 1890 and is now Mrs. Morris, of Rochester; Grace Luella, born March 13, 1893, yet in school; Roy Ernest, born July 20, 1888, died in 1893. He was the eldest child of Charles and Eva. Charles died in 1893 of typhoid fever, and his widow and daughter reside with John, the father of Charles. Mary Strangeway Morris born in 1867, now resides at Sisseton, South Dakota. Mrs. John Strangeway passed from this life in Marion township in 1869. John chose for his second wife Mrs. Margaret Dieter, and they have had the following children: Mrs. Grace Kinney, of Rochester, born January, 1876: Mrs. Lillian Maies, born May 27, 1877, resides at Eckman, North Dakota; Mrs. Florence Conaty, born May 5, 1882, resides in Rochester. Mr. Strangeway has been independent in politics. He served as school director in Marion township. He is a member of the Methodist church. He owns the old homestead of 130 acres, which he rents; part of it lies in the village of Marion. Mr. Strangeway is well preserved for one of his age. He has the respect of all who know him.

SULLAND, JORGEN S. -----was born in Norway, November 9, 1867, and is the son of Sorn and Christina, both of whom were natives of that country and came to America in 1868 and settled on section 27, Rock Dell township, where they bought 160 acres of wild land and began to clear and improve the same. Here they lived and labored until their respective deaths, the father passing away in 1900 and was buried at Leeds, Benson county, North Dakota, and his wife in 1891, and now lies at rest in the family lot in St. Olaf’s Cemetery. They were people of excellent character, industrious, honest and God-fearing, and were well thought of in this community. The father occupied various local positions with faithfulness and credit.

Their son Jorgen S., the subject of this sketch, was brought to this country in his infancy by his parents and was here reared on his father’s farm and received in his early years a common-school education. In early life he was confirmed in St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church. Sometime after attaining his majority he bought 120 acres of wild land in sections 23 and 26, this township, and began to clear and improve the same. A considerable portion had to be grubbed and required a great deal of hard work to fit for the plow, the rake and the barrow. In time it became what it is now—one of the best in this portion of the county. It has good buildings. fences, machinery and surroundings, all showing the care and hard work that was required to fit it for its present up-to-date uses and benefits. The place is now devoted to general or mixed farming of small grains and livestock. Mr. Sulland is well known and has the respect of all who are acquainted with him. He is a Republican and takes great interest in the success of his party.

On December 1, 1892, he was united in marriage with Miss Marian, the daughter of Christian C. Bergen, a pioneer of Olmsted county, and to this union the following children have been born: Arthur C., born January 9, 1893; Carl S., born November 15, 1894; Laila, born September 21, 1896 who died aged about four months; Norman L., born December 24, 1897; Georgia, born June 20, 1900; Louis, born January 30, 1903; Hilda, born May 6, 1904 lived twelve days; Hilda (2), born January 17, 1905; Lidla, born June 17, 1907. The family worship at St. Olaf’s Church. Mr. Sulland owns Creamery and Elevator stock.

SULLIVAN, PATRICK -----was born in the state of New York, March 18, 1854, and is the child of Edward and Anna Sullivan, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They came to this country in their early years and were finally married in New York. Edward worked out by the day until 1858, saving in the meantime considerable of his wages. In that year he came west to Minnesota and located in St. Paul, where he found employment as a laborer, and was thus occupied until 1863, when he went to Scott county and bought eighty acres, which he farmed until 1871, when he moved to Olmsted county and bought 120 acres in section 17, High Forest township. This became his permanent home. He died in 1883 and his widow followed him to the grave in 1889, and both now lie at rest in St. Bridget’s Cemetery.

Patrick spent his youth getting a common school education and assisting his parents on the farm. In 1883 he began operations for himself on rented land and he has continued farming to the present time. It is his opinion based on experience, that the cash rent which he pays for the farms is much less than the interest on the amount that would be required to buy said farms. He has accumulated a large property and is doing well. He carries on general farming and stock raising along modern and up-to-date methods.

Early in 1884 he married Elizabeth, daughter of James Sullivan, a pioneer of Minnesota, the match having been really formed in childhood, as they were school children and playmates together. Their children are as follows: Edward F., born November 18, 1884, at present a mail carrier; William, born April 1, 1886, yet with parents; Theresa, born October 17, 1889, yet with parents; James, born August 17, 1892, yet with parents. Mr. Sullivan is a member of St. Bridget’s Church and Father Mathew’s Temperance Society and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is the owner of elevator stock. It is probable that there is not a better all-round farmer in the county than Mr. Sullivan.

SWARTWOOD, ERASTMUS DARWIN ----- deceased, farmer and stock raiser of Haverhill township, was born in New York state, September 30, 1833, a son of Henry B. and Diana (Daniels) Swartwood. Two children were born to this union: subject and Elize Rodelphia. Upon the death of the mother the father remarried, Sarah Orser becoming his wife, and in 1878 emigrated West to Tracy, Minnesota, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1893. One child, Henry Bastian, was born to the second marriage. His third wife was Cynthia Treadwell who presented him with three children: Charles W., Llewellyn N., and Horatio R.

His son, D. Swartwood, the subject of this review, remained on the home farm in New York and attended the public schools until sixteen years of age. He then learned and embarked in the lumber business, and on July 3, 1859, was united in marriage with Miss Rhoda L. Loghry, who was a native of New York state and of Irish parentage. The Loghry family were among the first to settle in America, and Mrs. Swartwood’s paternal grandfather served the Colonies in their struggle for independence. In 1869 Mr. and Mrs. Swartwood came to Rochester, Olmsted county, Minnesota, and for a time resided in a house which stood on the present site of the Christian church. They bought 200 acres of land in Haver hill township, just adjoining Rochester, which was divided into farms, and for years actively engaged in farming and stock raising.

Later Mr. Swartwood disposed of his interests and became a salesman and machine expert for Himes & Edgar, of Rochester, but after acting in this capacity for six years engaged in the sale of Deering and McCormick binders and mowers for the succeeding seventeen years. Through his own unaided efforts Mr. Swartwood acquired a competency, most of which was invested in farm mortgages, and in 1895 he retired from the active business cares of life and made his home in Rochester. On May 13, 1899, he passed away, a man bearing the respect and high esteem of all who knew him. He was a member of the Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Baptist church. Mr. Swartwood bore the reputation of being an honest and industrious man, and when death beckoned him Olmsted county lost a good citizen.

SYVERSON, CARL O. -----one of the well known farmers of Rock Dell township, was born in Christiania, Norway, on April 22, 1832, and is the only surviving child born to the union of Olaf and Carren Syverson. The father was a potter by trade, and died in Norway in 1834, the mother surviving him until 1850.

Carl O. was educated and reared to early manhood in his native country and followed the potter’s trade in Christiania, until April 1853. He then decided that he would have a greater chance to succeed in life in America, and accordingly came to this country and located at Janesville, Wisconsin, where for one year he secured employment in a shoe factory. In 1854, he removed to St. Paul, which at that time had no building of over two stories in height, but after spending a month there, went to Menomonie, Wisconsin, and worked for one year in a sawmill there. He then returned to Janesville, Wisconsin, and until 1857 worked in a furniture store, but then came to Olmsted county, securing 160 acres of land from the Government, and has since resided thereon.

In May, 1857, Mr. Syverson was united in marriage with Miss G. Nelson, of Janesville, Wisconsin, and three children have been born to them as follows: Carline, Martin and Natin. On May 21, 1907, Mr. and Mrs. Syverson celebrated their golden wedding, one hundred friends and relatives being present to wish them long and useful lives.

At the age of seventy-seven years, Mrs. Syverson was still steady enough of hand and quick of eye, to make by hand, bed-quilts for her children. In his political views, Mr. Syverson is a Republican, and he cast his first vote in favor of that party when John C. Fremont was the candidate for the presidency. Although not an office seeker in any sense of the word, Mr. Syverson has served his community in minor capacities, such as supervisor and town clerk for twenty years and for sixteen years was assistant pastor of United churches. He has always been remarkably active in anything that tended toward the betterment of the county. The family has always been prominent in church work and is among the oldest and most highly respected ones of the county. In 1889, he helped organize the new church congregation. known as United Lutheran church. as the progressive members of East St. Olaf’s church did not believe in pre-ordination and pre-destination.

SYVERSON, SYVERT O. -----was born in Rock Dell township, November 5, 1873, and is a son of Ellif and Ambjor, who came to the United States from Norway in 1870 and bought 178 acres in section twenty-two, Rock Dell township. Here they lived in contentment until the death of the mother in 1884.

Syvert O. spent his boyhood on his father’s farm and was given a fair education at the district schools. After the death of the mother he remained with his father on the place until he was twenty-four years old, when be rented the land of his father for two years. Early in 1899 he married Miss Helen Rime, whose parents were among the early settlers of Olmsted county. Her father is a veteran of the Civil war, having participated in nineteen engagements and many hard campaigns, among them being the siege of Vicksburg, Red River campaign, Spanish Fort, Mobile, etc. His war record is splendid; he was honorably mustered out at the end of the war. He and his wife are yet living on an adjoining farm. Mr. Syverson and wife have one daughter, Lilla V., born December 21, 1899.

A short time before his marriage Mr. Syverson began the business of firing engines and in the fall of 1899 passed the state examination and was granted a license to run engines by the state boiler inspectors. He continued farming and added threshing in the fall. He bought a one-half interest in the threshing outfit of Ole Christianson, with whom he threshed three falls. He then bought his partner out and conducted the business alone for three falls. He then sold a half interest to Gus Nelson and afterward sold half of the remainder, leaving him now a one-fourth interest. In 1899 he bought 100 acres in sections 15 and 22, and in 1910 he bought his father’s homestead of 186 acres, making him the owner at present of 286 acres. He is lucky enough to have on his place a never failing well. He holds creamery, lumber yard and elevator stock. It is his intention to cease running the thresher after the 1910 season. He expects to devote his whole time to stock and grain farming. He rears high grade cattle and hogs. He has a fine flock of White Leghorn poultry, of which he has an excellent egg-producing strain. He is a Republican and is township supervisor at the present time. His family worship at East St. Olaf’s Church. The county has no better citizens.

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