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

Biographies

History of Olmstead County Minnesota

Written by Joseph A. Leonard 1910

SACKETT, ROBERT N. -----is the worthy representative of an old pioneer family of this county and is a resident of Pleasant Grove town ship. He was born in Wisconsin in 1859, his parents being N. B. and Agnes Sackett, the father being a native of New York, where his birth occurred in 1818. N. B. Sackett spent his boyhood on his father’s farm, attending the district schools and assisting at all classes of farm work. His education was somewhat meager, but served his purposes in after life, as his best school was experience. In 1837 he married Olive E. Henry, and to this union the following children were born: Anna E., Martin M., Henry P. and Sarah L. His first wife dying November 29, 1845, he chose for his second wife Miss Agnes Young, to whom he was married March 2, 1846. This marriage was blessed with the following children: Solomon, Cyrus, James, William, Ellen and Robert N., the subject of this review. The family came West and for a time lived in Wisconsin, but finally came to Olmsted county in 1861 and bought 160 acres on sections 32 and 33, Pleasant Grove township, and here they lived and labored until the deaths of both parents, N. B. passing away August 13, 1886, and his wife February 6, 1882. They were most exemplary people, and their lives were spent in industry, sociability and honor. The father was one of the most prominent citizens and occupied various positions with fidelity and credit.

Their son, Robert N., the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on the old homestead in this county and received a common-school education. He learned the art of agriculture by hard work in his early years and this has since been his occupation. He remained on the place until the death of his mother in 1882 and in the meantime had accumulated some means of his own with which to face the struggle of life. He finally married Annetta Hopkins, whose parents, C. M. and S. L. Hopkins, were prominent pioneer settlers of Olmsted county, coming here at an early day from Canada and Ohio. They are yet living in Rochester, enjoying that rest and quiet so relished by elderly people. Robert N. and wife are parents of the following children: Robert A., Homer D., N. B., Clara A., Nellie M., Effie L., Lester E., Leslie C. and Mary A. After their marriage, Robert N. and wife continued in charge of the old homestead until 1886, when they bought 160 acres, being the old homestead in section 32, Pleasant Grove township, where they have ever since resided. They now have a well improved farm, equipped with substantial buildings and surrounded by a beautiful grove. It is one of the pleasant homes of the county, because the surroundings are beautiful and comfortable and the house is filled with refined and educated people.

In addition to the above mentioned farm, they own a tract of fifteen acres of timberland, and stock in the Farmer’s Elevator. Mr. Sackett is a member of the Methodist church, as also is his wife. He is a trustee and she is active in Sunday-school work. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and is identified with the Prohibition party. He is broad-gauged, public-spirited, and takes pride in giving his children good educations and in seeing them get properly started in life.

SAETTRE, OLE S. -----was born in Norway, February 12, 1827, and came to the United States with his parents in 1844. The family first settled in Dane county, Wisconsin, where Ole S. assisted his parents on the farm. While there he formed the acquaintance of Knute Nelson, who became United States Senator in after years; their friendship as boys has been continued down to the present time through all the years.

In 1856, the family came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and settled on a tract of land in Section 30, Salem township. While a resident of Wisconsin, Ole S. saw hard work on the farm in summers and in the pineries in the winters. Owing to his superior strength and skill he received 50 percent more wages than others while engaged in handling the broad-axe.

In 1854 he married Miss Ingeborg Gjesme, who was born in Norway, December 24, 1831, and whose parents came to Olmsted county and settled in Rock Dell township at an early day. To Ole S. and wife the following children were born: Sjur O., born April 27, 1855, died in 1899; Torbjon, born April 13, 1857, married and pastor of the United Lutheran Church at Evansville, Minnesota, has a splendid education obtained at Decorah College, State University of Minnesota, Columbia College, Columbia, Ohio, and at Madison, Wisconsin State University; Ole, born April 7,1852, farming in North Dakota; Andrew, born October 17, 1861 ; collector for the Minneapolis Thresher Company, Minnesota; Lewis, born March 29, 1864, married Julia Rush and they have Orin, Clarence, Florence; Adolph, born May 10, 1866, married and farming in Dodge county, has two children; Mathia, born September 28, 1868, caring for her parents in their old age; Inger, born October 12, 1870, died in infancy; Inger (2), born July 10, 1872, now Mrs. D. Revins, her husband being a merchant.

The family now owns 360 acres of excellent land, on which are improvements worth approximately about $10,000. Ole S. holds stock in the Creamery, Telephone and the Farmers’ Insurance Companies. The family are members of the United Lutheran Church. Mr. Saettre is a Republican and has served as assessor for sixteen years. He organized the school district 76.

SANDERSON, OLE -----was born on the old homestead in Rock Dell township, March 10, 1871. (For record of parents see sketch of Theo Sanderson.) Ole was reared on the farm of his father and in his early years was given a fair education at the common schools of the township. At the age of twenty-two years he took charge of the homestead farm, for the use of which he paid cash rent and continued to conduct the same for eight years, or until 1902, when he bought the Alseth farm of 120 acres in sections 26 and 27, and later bought the Russell farm of 160 acres in sections 26 and 27, each farm having a complete outfit of buildings of all kinds and everything necessary for a separate existence and operation. When his father died he was appointed administrator of the estate. Mr. Sanderson also owns ten acres of timber in section 6 in the panhandle of High Forest township, and 320 acres in McLain county, North Dakota. He has made an investment of $3,000 in Cuban lands. He is the owner of Creamery, Lumber and Elevator stock. In a comparatively short time he has made a comfortable fortune, all the result of his own industry, ability and sound judgment. That his honesty, excellent judgment and high character are well known and recognized is shown by his prominence in this community. He is a strong Republican and has served as town supervisor and justice of the peace and at all times is public spirited and broad-gauged. He is a member of the United Lutheran church, of which he has served as trustee. He is one of the leaders in thought, action and progress in this portion of the county.

SANDERSON, THEODORE -----was born May 24. 1881, in Rock Dell township, and is the son of Helge S. and Anna Sanderson, who came to this country from Norway in 1868 and settled on section 10, this township. The father was a blacksmith in the old country and followed that occupation for some time after settling here. He became prominent here during his lifetime and occupied various official positions with wisdom and ability. He acquired considerable property and he and wife lived excellent lives. He finally, while on his way home from the World’s Fair at Chicago, died from heart failure. His death occurred October 13, 1893, and he was buried in the family lot in East St. Olaf’s Cemetery, the funeral services being held in the church which he had helped to build. He was a God-fearing man and was highly esteemed in the community. To him and wife the following named children were born: Sander, born in Norway, 1866, died in 1868; Knute, born in Norway in 1864, and died in Denver, Colorado, August 30, 1900; Sander O.. born in Minnesota in 1869, married and engaged in the real estate and Cuban land business at Minneapolis, took a business course at Rochester and served as county auditor for fours years, was part owner of Rock Dell store eight years, then for ten years was sole owner, then became treasurer and shareholder in the Northwestern School Supply Company of Minneapolis, with which company he remained until 1908, then became interested in Cuban lands, and is thus employed at the present time; Ole, born March 10, 1871, a farmer, and largely interested in Cuban lands; Albert, born May 14, 1872, a carpenter by trade, died in 1909; Helen A., born in 1873, married Severt Bale in January, 1903, had two children, removed to North Dakota, where she died June 25, 1906; Relius S., born June 14, 1876, went to North Dakota, bought 320 acres there, but is now in this township, working the farm with Theodore Sanderson, has $2,000 invested in Cuban lands; R. Berdie, born January 25, 1878, married, now farming in North Dakota; Thea A., born in 1880, died in infancy; and Theodore, our subject.

Theodore spent his childhood in getting an education and in assisting his parents on the farm. He took a business course at Albert Lea, and ended by graduating from the State Agricultural School in 1901, having distinguished himself in the poultry department. He is now an expert agriculturist and stock-raiser and a grower of fine blooded poultry. He is a Republican and has served as constable and in 1910 took the official census of Rock Dell township. He is a notary public. On July 22, 1908, he met with a severe accident while endeavoring to save his cattle from a flood. His horse fell and rolled over him, rendering him unconscious for thirty days. He has now about regained his former sound condition. He has 120 acres on sections 23 and 26, and has $2,000 invested in Cuban lands. He owns stock in the Farmer’s Lumber Company, of Hayfield, Minnesota, and is unusually well read.

SAWYER, J. A. ------one of the pioneer residents of Viola township, was born in Swanzey, New Hampshire, July 3, 1839, a son of Joshua and Lucina (Olcott) Sawyer, who were also natives of New Hampshire. the father’s birth occurring July 21, 1801. The above marriage took place on March 31, 1830. The father died on May 15, 1839 and the mother July 27, 1840. Three children, Emily, Lydia W. and J. A. Sawyer, were born to this union, and when the parents were summoned by death these homeless children were taken into the family of an uncle, Rev. Caleb Sawyer, who reared and cared for them as lovingly as if they were his own. They were especially endeared to him as he and his dead brother had married sisters, and at the time of the adoption he was childless.

The subject of this review, J. A. Sawyer, was educated at the school of Swanzey, N. H., and on January 1, 1868 was united in marriage with Miss Laura W. Engle, the daughter of Nathan Engle, her father born October 17, 1817 and died in 1890 at Tower, North Dakota. Mr. Engle took for a wife Miss Lavina Garrison, who died in 1890. and ten children were born to them as follows: Alvin C., born July 31, 1843, and died January 17, 1881: Laura W., wife of subject born February 13, 1845; George C., born December 21, 1847, died in April 1908: Agnes D., born July 24, 1849 died August 13, 1851; Caroline F. born May 28, 1852, died August 11, 1853: Arabelle S., born June 12, 1854; Amelia, born February 13, 1857; Charles Edgar and Cyrus Milton, twins, born January 25, 1860 and William Garrison, born March 5, 1862. The last five reside in Enderlin, North Dakota. To Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Sawyer the following eight children have been born: Caroline Mabel Doty, of Eyota, born October 19, 1868: Andrew Howard born August 23, 1870: Henry Caleb, born September 25, 1872; Emily Florence, born August 27, 1874; Frederick Elvin born April 22, 1881: Flora Louise McMartin born April 9, 1884, and Marjorie Amelia, born December 13, 1886. Of the above named children Emily, Henry, Flora and Marjorie are graduates of the Elgin high school, the former being also a graduate of the Winona normal school. The latter will complete her schooling in Carlton College. Northfield, Minnesota.

When Mr. Sawyer arrived in Viola township there was no settlement between Elgin and Viola. and no house was built during that year. He is at present the owner of 120 acres on Section 9, Viola township, fully equipped with all modern conveniences. In politics he is a Republican, having voted for Abraham Lincoln. He and family affiliate with the Methodist Church at Elgin. The family possesses numerous quaint and curious relics of olden times, chief among them being a twenty shilling colonial paper, issued in the fifteenth year of George III, dated January 1, 1776.

SAWYER, M. L. -----of Viola township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, is a native of New Hampshire, his birth occurring February 22, 1846, at Swanzey. His parents, Rev. Caleb and Hannah (Olcott) Sawyer, were also natives of that state, but in 1856 they came west and founded a home on the broad and rolling fields of Minnesota. They located on Section 8, Viola township, and although the father had previously been a minister of the gospel, he did not follow that vocation to any extent in Minnesota owing to ill health. Their trip to Olmsted county was made by rail as far as Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, then up the Mississippi river to Minnesota by boat, and thence by wagon to Viola township, at that time known as Washington. During the War of the Rebellion Mr. Sawyer served as recruiting officer for Viola township and was regarded as the father of the town, being familiarly known as “Father Sawyer” and “Squire Sawyer.” In 1867-8 he was elected representative to the state legislature, and was, perhaps, the most prominent man in public affairs in Viola township until 1872, at which time failing health prevented further participation in political movements. He suffered greatly from asthma during much of his life, and passed away at his home in Viola township on March 14, 1881, greatly be loved and respected by all who knew him. He and wife, who was born in Swanzey, New Hampshire, were married in 1829, and to them were born two sons, Caleb A. and M. L. Sawyer. They also assumed the responsibility of rearing a nephew and two nieces, J. A. Sawyer and Lydia Ward Sawyer, the latter afterwards be coming Mrs. Stanchfield, and Emily. J. A. and Emily Sawyer, of Viola township, were the parents of these adopted children, and died in 1839 and 1840, respectively.

The old family homestead, to which many additions have been made since the death of the elder Sawyer, is still in possession of the surviving members, and is in charge of the sons and grandson. On March 31, 1871, M. L. Sawyer, the immediate subject of this review, was married to Miss B. C. Dickey, who was born in September, 1845, and they had the following four children: Bradley C., residing in Viola township; Marian L., teaching school in North Dakota; Jesse E., of Viola township, and L. C. G. Sawyer, Bovina, Lincoln county, Colorado. To Jesse E. and Anna (Dubbles) Sawyer, who reside on the old home farm of 235 acres. two children have been born: Elwin on February 7, 1904, and Arthur, on June 29, 1907. In his political views M. L. Sawyer is a Prohibitionist and he has been chosen to fill many important positions in the administration of local public affairs. He served as township treasurer for fifteen years, and was chairman of the town board when smallpox was invading the community and when firmness was very essential. He and family are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Sawyer has been unusually successful in all his business dealings. In 1883, when the terrible cyclone swept over Olmsted county. carrying death and devastation, Mr. Sawyer suffered the loss of house, outbuildings and grain, and the escape, without injury, of himself and wife from the barn, which was utterly demolished, was little short of the miraculous.

SAXTON, WILLARD P. -----has been for more than forty years one of the well-known farmers of Olmsted county. Benjamin R. and Sarah Saxton, his parents, were of English ancestry, the former of the family of which Mrs. McKinley, the wife of President McKinley, was a member. The advent of the Saxtons in America was about the time of the landing of the Mayflower and were descended from two brothers. Benjamin R. Saxton was a farmer by occupation. He moved to Wisconsin at an early day and there died February 15, 1898, at the age of eighty-eight years, one month and seventeen days. His wife died February 2, 1901, aged eighty-five years.

Willard P. Saxton was born in Brookfield, Madison county, New York, March 19, 1848, and was taken by his parents to Wisconsin in 1853, where he assisted in the farm work and attended the district schools near Berlin during boyhood. He completed his school education at Ripon, Wisconsin, when twenty years old, and in 1868 came to Dover township, Olmsted county, Minnesota. For a time he was employed on a threshing machine, but soon rented an eighty-acre farm and in 1869 bought eighty acres of unimproved land. Purchasing a small house of a neighbor who had lost his place, he moved it on to his property and started in to grub, clear and break. As his means permitted he added to his original investment from time to time until he now owns 200 acres, all splendidly improved with buildings, trees and shrubbery. Mr. Saxton began life a poor boy and has made his own way in the world. Since 1901 he has resided in St. Charles, renting his farm, and dealing in horses and real estate. He was one of the organizers of the St. Charles State Bank, is a Republican, has held numerous local positions of honor and trust, and is a Royal Arch. member of the Masonic fraternity.

June 25, 1872, he married Miss Mary Augusta Childs, daughter of Isaac M. and Sarah R. Childs, who settled in Dover township, on Section 12, in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Childs were among those who reclaimed the township from its primitive condition and who are remembered as being honest. industrious, God-fearing people. Mr. Childs died May 24, 1885, since which time Mrs. Childs, for the greater part, has lived with Mr. Saxton. Four daughters and two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Saxton: Minnie S., died in infancy; George M., died when seven years old; Sarah Etta, died March 7, 1895, at the age of sixteen; Willard I., a graduate of Winona Business College, now engaged in the grain business in Montana; Myrtle Alice, a graduate of the St. Charles High School and the Winona State Normal School, married to H. J. Edison, attorney at law at Kasson, Minnesota; her marriage took place June 16, 1909; and Gladys M., now in her third year of high school at St. Charles.

SCANLAN, PATRICK J. -----is one of the younger members of the Rochester bar who have attained success in their profession. Born November 21, 1869, in County Kerry, Ireland, he is a son of Thomas Scanlan, a farmer and grandson of Jeremiah Scanlan. The father came to the United States in 1872 and for two years resided at Hudson, New York then, in 1874, came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and has since then engaged in farming in Haverhill township. Jeremiah Scanlan and wife, the grandparents of the subject of this sketch, came to Olmsted county in 1876 and here passed the remainder of their days.

P. J. Scanlan is the eldest son and fourth in order of birth in a family of eight children. He was brought to this country and county when a child, and after attending the public schools completed his education at the Academy of Lourdes, Rochester. From 1889 to 1895 he was deputy county auditor, but in the latter year he began his legal studies in the law department of the Minnesota State University, and was admitted to the bar in 1898. The following year he took a post-graduate course, upon the completion of which he received the degree of Master of Laws. The fall of 1898 Mr. Scanlan began the practice of law in Rochester and here he has ever since continued with success. In other ways he has taken an active part in public affairs, having been elected court commissioner in 1902 and city attorney in 1906, both of which offices he holds at this time. Mr. Scanlan is a member of the Royal Arcanum. the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

SCANLAN, THOMAS -----who for over a score of years has been actively and successfully engaged in farming and stock raising in Haverhill township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, was born in Ireland, December 20, 1838. He was the oldest of eight children born to the union of Jerry Scanlan and Debora (English) Scanlan, both of whom were born, reared and educated in the old country.

In 1872 the family immigrated to America and for two years resided in New York state. They then decided to come West to the broad and fertile fields of Minnesota, and located in Haverhill township, Olmsted county. Here for years the father and mother lived happily together, engaged in farming and the rearing of their children to useful lives, and when they passed away were greatly respected by their fellowmen for their many good traits of mind and character.

For about ten years after the advent of the family in Olmsted county, Thomas Scanlan farmed on rented land, but in 1888 he was enabled from his savings to purchase his present fine farm, and has since been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising thereon. He was married in Ireland to Ellen Collins, who was born and reared in that country, and to them four sons and four daughters have been born, two in the old country as follows: Bridget. Ellen, Mary, Dorothy, Patrick, Michael, Jerry and John. Mr. Scanlan has always been a staunch Democrat in his political views, and takes an active interest in the success of his party. Both he and family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church, and are regarded as one of-the influential families of the community in which they reside.

SCHARBERG, OLE -----was born in Sweden in 1828 and was reared in that country and given a fair education. In 1860 he married Breta Abrahamson who was also a native of the same country, her birth occurring in 1829. They came to America in 1862 and settled in Rock county, Wisconsin, where they worked at farming for two years and then moved to the famous copper region of Michigan, where Mr. Scharberg worked in the mines for about one year. They finally came to Rock Dell township and bought eighty acres in section 19. This was in 1865. Mr. Scharberg continued to work at his trade and on the farm until his death, February 5, 1900. He became well known and possessed the respect of everybody. At the time of his death he was the owner of 260 acres of well improved land.

His son, Carl O., who is now in possession of the old homestead was born April 27, 1866, and was reared on the farm and received a common school education. He was confirmed at St. Olaf’s Church. In 1901 he married Miss Caroline Rockvam, a native of Norway. To this marriage the following children were born: Arthur, born in 1902; Nora, born in 1903; Alice, born in 1905; Floyd, born March, 1906; Walter, born in 1908. His sister Sofie was born in 1862, married John Elingson, has three children and lives in North Dakota; his brother Frank was born in 1864 and died in 1865; his brother August was born May 15, 1868, married Mary Hansen and resides in Dodge county; his sister Lizzie was born in 1871, married Isick Trondson, a farmer at Hayfield, also running a feed mill; his brother Frank was born in 1873 and is now engaged on the construction of the Panama canal.

SCHOENFELDER, CARL -----now residing on the old Schoenfelder homestead in section 32, Haverhill township, Olmsted county, was born in Cascade township, this county, April 1, 1887. He was the oldest of a family of ten children born to the union of Gustave and Katherine (Holler) Schoenfelder, both of whom were born, reared and educated in Germany. The father’s birth in the old country occurred in 1858, but when about 17 years of age he immigrated to America, and has since made it his home. He first located at Rochester, Olmsted county Minnesota, and for several years worked out at odd jobs acquiring enough to purchase a fair sized farm. He also rented land in Cascade township, and in 1897 bought the present fine farm in Haverhill township. This he cleared and improved and it is now one of the most productive tracts of land in the entire county. He and wife who came to this country when about 22 years old, became the parents of five sons and five daughters, all being born, reared and educated in Olmsted county. The home place is now being farmed by his son. Carl, and Mr. Schoenfelder is operating the Cascade House in the city of Rochester. In politics the father is independent, voting for the man rather than the party, and he is a member of the Church of Peace.

Carl received a limited education. Under his able management the farm has come to be regarded as one of the best in the community. Mr. Schoenfelder is actively engaged in agricultural pursuits and is also interested largely in the raising of fine cattle.

SCHULZ, PAUL -----cigar manufacturer of Rochester, is a native of Brandenberg, Germany, his birth occurring October 22, 1873, and he was a son of G. Schulz, also a native of that place. In 1881 the father came to this country and for a time resided in the city of Rochester, but later settled on a farm some two miles from the city and engaged in the nursery business. Six children, five of whom are now living, were born to his marriage.

Paul Schulz was educated in the public schools of Rochester and later learned the cigar business under C. Neuses and then went West and spent some time in Spokane. In 1895 he started out in the cigar business on his own account, having as a partner J. Stebor, and operating under the firm name of Stebor & Schulz. This association continued until 1900, when Mr. Schulz purchased the interest of his partner, and has since continued the business alone. His establishment is located at the corner of Broadway and Third street. Mr. Schulz has manufactured a cigar known as the Don Cassio, which has been very successful in sales, and his five-cent Hiawatha is also widely known to smokers throughout the middle West. He carries, in connection with his line of cigars, a full and complete stock of pipes, tobaccos and smoker’s articles, and employs a number of expert cigarmakers in his manufacturing department. Aside from business, Mr. Schulz has found time to take part in local affairs of importance, and in 1904 and 1906 served as alderman from the Fourth ward. The latter year he was also a member of the Utility Board, which was composed of one alderman and two citizens. Socially he is identified with the Court of Honor, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of which he has been financier for seven years; the Commercial Club and the Merchants’ Club. In March, 1898, he was married to Miss Helen M. Conley, of Rochester, and they make their home in this city.

SCHUSTER BROTHERS, prominent businessmen of Rochester, Minnesota, deserve more than passing notice for their industry and success. They are Henry, who was born at Fox Lake, Wisconsin, May 29, 1862, and Fred W., born at Rochester, August 15, 1863. They are the sons of Henry Schuster, who was born at Frankfort on the Rhine, Germany. November 28. 1835. The father was educated in the public schools of the old country and in early manhood learned the trade of blacksmithing. His father having died when he was only five years old and his mother two years later. he was thus thrown upon his own resources at an early age. Upon attaining manhood he married Josephine Hohler and soon afterward came to America, arriving in 1858, accompanied by a younger brother.

They first located in Milwaukee, where the brother learned the trade of carriage building. A little later they moved to Fox Lake, Wisconsin. where they conducted a blacksmith and carriage shop. In 1863, Henry Sr. came to Rochester by team and formed a partnership with a Mr. Olsen in the blacksmithing and wagon making business. In 1869 Mr. Schuster bought the interest of his partner. In 1866, he became interested in a small brewery which had been established in 1858 by a Mr. Dreshcer. This plant was conducted until 1871, when it was totally destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of over $8,000. A new building of brick was immediately built and was at the time considered one of the best brewery structures in the state. Mr. Schuster conducted this brewery successfully until his death, after which his two sons, Henry and Fred W., assumed charge, though scarcely out of their teens. The father in his lifetime here built up an excellent reputation as a sound businessman and a citizen who at all times had the public welfare at heart especially the growth and prosperity of Rochester. His kindness of heart made him hosts of friends, and his generosity did not a little to advance the public institutions at Rochester and elsewhere. His death occurred in August, 1885. His wife passed away in May, 1897. Henry and Fred W. continued the business where their father dropped it.

Both sons were educated in the public schools of Rochester, and immediately thereafter Henry entered his father’s office as a clerk and Fred W. began work in the plant to fit himself for the practical management of brewing. Three years later Fred W. accepted a position with the France-Folk Brewing Company, of Milwaukee, which later was consolidated with the Pabst establishment. After three years spent there he returned to Rochester and took charge of the brewing department of the plant, while Henry remained in charge of the office. Under their good management the business grew and prospered. In 1897 they were forced to enlarge and rebuild the plant in order to meet the demands of trade. They began by adding a new bottling house two stories and 36x120 feet. Soon afterward they erected a brick power and machine house; a cold storage and stock house of brick, two stories and 40x80 feet; a brewery and wash house of brick, 80x110 feet, the brew house being five stories and the additional stock house three stories. The rehabilitation of the plant was completed by the erection of an elegant and commodious office building, 40x80 feet. The original capacity of the brewery was but 1,000 barrels per annum; now the capacity is 75,000 barrels per annum. In order still further to perfect himself in the science of brewing, Fred W. took a course in the American Brewing Academy, of Chicago, from which institution he graduated with credit in June 1896. Upon his return they began the manufacture of Schuster’s Malt Extract, a medicinal preparation which has reached the enormous sale of ten million bottles per year. This product is shipped to all points, particularly to the Pacific coast, Hawaiian Islands, the South, and western Canada. These goods are handled by over seventy-five jobbers, who receive them in carload lots. In 1905 the firm was incorporated, the stock being taken by Henry, Fred W. and their sister, Mrs. J. R. Henderson. The Schuster brothers are wide-awake businessmen and are rated high in the financial world. Both are members of the lodge of Elks.

SCHUTT, FRED -----is a son of Gotlieb and Louisa Schutt, and is at the present time residing on a farm of 240 acres on section 4, Elmira township. The parents, who were worthy people, passed their entire lives at Brandenburg, Germany. Their son Fred, the subject of this memoir, was born in the old country and during his youth attended school at Schwachenwald, County Arnswald, but left at the age of fifteen years to begin the struggle of life on his own responsibility. His birth occurred September 1, 1854. After leaving school he worked on a farm until he came to this country in 1890.

When he arrived he was the possessor of ten pfennigs, in addition to which he was given by his relatives at the time of starting a ticket that brought him to Wisconsin. After his arrival he worked in that state for his relatives for two years, and then came to Olmsted county and first worked as a farm laborer for three years. He then began to rent farms, as he could get on faster than by working by the month. After operating thus for twelve years he purchased his present property. His struggle has been long and tiresome, but he has succeeded, and is now in comfortable circumstances and prepared to enjoy life and take matters easier. He is a Republican and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

He married, in Germany, Miss Wilhelmina Schonrock, in September, 1879, and they have had five children: Bertha, who married a farmer; Minnie, who married Mr. Henry Wandro, a threshing machine operator; William, Fred, Jr., and Herman. The family is industrious and has become one of the most prominent in this portion of the county.

SCHWANKE, FREDERICK W. ------was born in Germany, March 14, 1856 and is one of a family of three. The parents were well-to-do citizens of the Fatherland and were prosperous farmers by occupation. They passed their entire lives in that country, the father dying of cholera in 1866.

Their son, Frederick W., the subject of this review, was reared on his father’s farm in Germany and was given a fair education in the common schools. A few years after his father’s death he crossed the ocean to the United States and came West to Wisconsin, where he worked for some time on a farm. In 1874 he came to Rochester and secured employment with the Schuster Brewery and continued thus occupied until 1884, when he took charge of the Schuster farm, which he managed successfully until 1906, when, having accumulated considerable means of his own, he bought the old Papple place of 240 acres in section 6, High Forest township. This place is well improved and is now being cultivated by Mr. Schwanke and his family. He is breeding a number of Holstein cattle, and his place generally is well equipped with high-grade livestock and modern machinery and implements. Mr. Schwanke is industrious, progressive and public-spirited. He has lately subscribed to the Dan Patch Electric stock, not as an investment, but as a step to secure better transportation for this portion of the county. In all his operations he is encouraged and assisted by his intelligent and ambitious wife and by his children.

In 1881 he married, and has the following children: Edward W., born October 9, 1883 now employed in the State Hospital of North Dakota; Louisa, born October 3, 1885, married Arvol Scott, resides in Omaha, Nebraska; Carl, born December 16, 1889, with his parents; Irona born June 26, 1890, married William Schultz, a fruit farmer of Rochester township; Lama, born April 20, 1893; Bunhard, born April 2, 1895; Martha, born September 19, 1898; Arthur, born March 22, 1902; Walter, born June 21, 1904. The family worship at the German Church of Peace.

SCOTT, WILLIAM GILBERT -----who died May 12, 1908, was for many years one of Olmsted county’s best and most deserving citizens. Born at Bridgewater, Oneida county, New York, May 23, 1846, he was a son of Joel Ives and Nancy Ann (Clark) Scott, both of whom were natives of New York state. Their children were Fannie S., Benjamin F. and William Gilbert. Joel was born August 15, 1815, died September 1, 1894. Nancy Ann, his wife, was born February 20, 1816, died November 11, 1903; they were married about the year 1837. The father was a farmer and followed that occupation in New York until 1862, when he came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and engaged in agricultural pursuits in section thirty-four, Salem township, until his death. He was a good and honest citizen, was prominent in local affairs of importance and held the office of town supervisor for a number of years.

Their son, William Gilbert Scott, the immediate subject of this memoir. received his early education in the public schools of New York and Olmsted county, and also assisted his father with the work on the home farm. When fourteen years old he was brought by his parents to Olmsted county, and after completing his attendance in the public schools, entered the Clinton Preparatory School. This institution, however, he was forced to leave owing to poor health, and having been reared to hard work on a farm, naturally turned to that business as a means of livelihood. He located upon the old home farm and in time acquired a few hundred acres adjoining. This also was healthful work and for years he was successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising, organizing a farmers’ co-operative creamery near his farm; also organized several societies of equity, co-operating with J. A. Everitt, of Indianapolis. He was for several years president of the local equity movement. Aside from these interests Mr. Scott showed remarkable ability as an inventor, and many improvements on cultivators, expanding wheels and pulleys, agricultural implements and bobsleighs were perfected by him. He also was the owner of a private trout hatchery. He was one of the first to advocate and put into local streams bass fry and was ever alert to have the game and fish laws enforced. He was always striving to better the existing conditions, not only in his own life, but in others as well.

In politics he was independent and progressive, fearless in argument, preferring to cast his vote for the man he thought best qualified to fill a position, regardless of party affiliation. For many years he advocated the position now taken by the progressives of both parties.

On September 24, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Emma M. Haber, and to them five children were born, as follows: Frances K., B. Ives, Alice A., Wilhelm G. and Gilberta. Mr. Scott was an ideal father, affectionate and kind but firm, always insisting on the truth and honesty of purpose with his children—the two principles upon which he based his religion. Mr. Scott was one of those public spirited men and conscientious citizens who have done so much toward making Olmsted county one of the best in the state of Minnesota.

SHEARER, RICHARD DIXON -----who is now residing in Chatfield, Elmira township, and is the owner of 280 acres of land in that town ship, and also a farm of 465 acres in Fillmore county, is one of the prominent figures in the southeastern part of the county.

He is the son of Samuel and Rebecca Shearer, the former of whom died September 15, 1903, but the latter is yet living at an advanced age with her son. The father was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and settled in Olmsted county in 1864, and was thus among the first settlers. When a young man and still a resident of Pennsylvania, he enlisted in the American army for the Mexican war and saw hard and dangerous service. After that war and when the California gold excitement first broke out, he started for the Pacific slope, taking passage in a sailing vessel that had to go entirely around Cape Horn. It required six months to make the voyage, to which time another month was added by reason of the Captain’s leaving the ship at Valparaiso and remaining away for a whole month, forcing all passengers to remain at that point against their wishes and interests for that time. The hardships of this trip were ever afterward an unpleasant memory of Mr. Shearer. After some time spent in the gold fields, Mr. Shearer returned to Pennsylvania and finally as above stated came in 1864 to this county and settled on section 35, Elmira township, where he in time built up a farm of 520 acres and passed the remainder of his days, acquiring a large property and an excellent name and reputation.

Richard D., his son, was educated in the district schools and at the Chatfield high school, where he finished his literary training at the age of 18 years. Previously during the summers he assisted his father on the farm. Here he remained until his retirement in 1905. While on the farm he was one of the best farmers of the county, raising large quantities of mixed products and large numbers of livestock. He made vast improvements on the various tracts which he owned. His residence in Chatfield cost about $6,000 and is an ornament to the town. He is a Roman Catholic and has served eight years as treasurer of the board of education.

On October 20, 1886, he wedded Miss Margaret, daughter of Michael and Rosanna Brady, prominent farmers of Winona county. To this union five children were born: Pearl Rebecca, who is a graduate of the Normal School and of the Winona Ladies’ Seminary; James Walter, who is a graduate of St. Thomas College, St. Paul; Reuben Leo, Francis Paul and John Samuel, the latter three being yet at home with their parents. The family is prominent in this portion of the county.

SHEEHAN, JERRY -----who has been a resident of Marion township, Olmsted county, since 1871, was born in 1845, in County Cork, Ireland, the third in a family of six children born to Jerry Sheehan. The father was a farmer by occupation, and lived and died in the old country.

Jerry, his son, and the subject of this review, was educated in the public schools of his native country, and there married Miss Ellen Sweeney, also a native of Ireland. Shortly after the above ceremony took place Mr. and Mrs. Sheehan came to America and first located in New York State, where for three months Mr. Sheehan worked by the month. He then worked one month in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, after which he went to Omaha and for seven years was engaged in railroading throughout the West. In 1871 he came to Olmstead county, Minnesota, purchased a tract of land which he improved and cultivated, and in time became one of the foremost farmers and stock-raisers of Marion township. He now owns 240 acres of finely improved farm land. To him and his wife a family of six sons and five daughters have been born, three of whom are deceased. Mr. Sheehan is a lifelong Democrat.

SIEWERT, BENJAMIN W. -----was born October 12. 1872. .in Pleasant Grove township, and is a child of Gotlieb and Wilhelmina Siewert, both parents being natives of Germany. In 1850 the father came from Germany to the United States and at first for a short time located in Wisconsin. At a still later date he came to Olmsted county and located in Pleasant Grove township, where he bought eighty acres and resided upon the same from 1873 to 1881. He and his wife were the parents of twelve children, of whom Benjamin was the ninth. The parents are both now deceased, the mother passing away in 1877 and the father in 1908. They were well to do and prominent people and had the respect of all who knew them.

Benjamin in his boyhood attended the district schools and assisted his parents on the farm. He worked at the carpenter trade from his seventeenth to his twenty-second year. He finally bought a tract and began to improve the same, and afterward added to this place until in the end he was one of the large land owners of the county. He recently sold 160 acres in Kalmar township and has owned and disposed of other tracts. He is now devoting a considerable part of his time to the handling of real estate and has an office in Byron. At present also he is operating a large farm south of Byron, and there his family now resides.

On July 26. 1894, he married Miss Jennie Belle Russell, whose parents were natives of Ireland, and to this marriage six children were born, as follows: Myrtle May. born March 10, 1895; Benjamin W., born June 23, 1896; Jennie Lorraine, born October 22, 1899; Charles Orial, born August 1, 1902; Mabel Issettia, born August 3, 1906; Lyda Leona, born November 12, 1908. Mr. Siewert is an independent Republican in politics and is well known and liked by everybody.

SLEEPER, CARLOS B. -----owner of what is known as “The Zumbro Valley Stock Farm,” in section 31, Farmington township, was born in Clinton county, Iowa, November 27, 1853, his parents being Amasa and Caroline (Hatfield) Sleeper. The father died in 1860 and the mother subsequently married Mr. Calvin Davis.

In the year 1873 Carlos B. Sleeper came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and engaged in farming, and a few years later began his career as a farmer on rented land. In 1894 he bought his present farm of 160 acres. on which he has since resided. Mr. Sleeper is a Republican.

He was married November 17, 1881, in Lyon county, Minnesota, to Miss Josie S. Schmitz, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Peter and Katharine (Story) Schmitz, Clarence George Sleeper, born April 8, 1884, is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Sleeper. He was primarily educated in the public schools, finishing at Rochester. He is unmarried and makes his home with his parents, and his farm of ninety-two acres adjoining the 160 of his father’s makes a joint tract of 252 acres which father and son operate as one. They are among the best farmers and stock raisers of Olmsted county, and their herd of grade shorthorn Durham cattle is a credit to the stock interests of the community. The senior Mr. Sleeper, aside from his farming interests, is a stockholder in the Ringe Co-operative Creamery Company, of Farmington township, of which he was one of the organizers.

SMITH, NICK -----was born in Richland county, Wisconsin, May 28, 1868. In youth he assisted his father on the farm and during the winters secured a common-school education at the district schools. His father, Henry James Smith, was born in 1818, in the State of New York, and after a useful and honorable life, passed away in 1878. The mother, who was formerly Miss Melissa Thompson, was also a native of New York. To the marriage of this couple the following children were born: Ezra, now at Byron; Walter, of this township; Mrs. Alice Hicks, residing in Wisconsin; Pomeroy, residing at Byron; William, residing in Wisconsin; Mrs. Mary Robinson, of Montana; Andrew, of Minneapolis; Mrs. Martha Morrow, of Minneapolis; Nick, the subject of this review; Grant, of Richland, Wisconsin; Alta, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Nick, of this fine family, came to Viola township in 1887, and here he has resided ever since. He owns forty acres of excellent land, all well improved and under a fine state of tilth. He is living on Z. T. Newsham’s farm. The entire place is equipped with everything modern, and is one of the best in this part of the county. Soon after reaching manhood Mr. Smith married Miss Clara Newsham, of this township, the daughter of Z. T. and Jane (Collins) Newsham, and they have the following children: Irwin, born April 7, 1895; Noal T., born July 4, 1897 ; Richard, died in infancy; Helen V., born February 9, 1901. Mr. Smith is a Republican and has served as constable and as clerk of the school board. He and wife are members of the Methodist church at Viola. He is a member of the M. W. A. at Viola and of the Masonic order at Elgin.

SMITH, L. N. -----who has been a resident of Olmsted county since 1869, was born in the extreme northern part of Germany, October 25, 1842, a son of Nelsen Jensen and Meta Smith. The parents passed their lives in their native land and died there many years ago.

The subject of this sketch left his native country and came to America in 1865. He landed in New York City, where he remained about nine months, and then removed to New Lisbon, Wisconsin, where for three years he worked in the lumber camps. In 1869 he came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and has since made this place his home. Mr. Smith has been interested in many lines of business since his advent in Olmsted county, including livery, hotel, saloon and farming. In 1889 he engaged in the mercantile business in Eyota, continuing until 1906, when he sold the old business and began the erection of larger and more commodious quarters on his present site. This has grown to be one of the largest merchandise establishments in the community, being sixty feet square and occupying a prominent corner. When Mr. Smith first crossed the Atlantic from Germany to New York the journey extended over a period of seven weeks. All the money he possessed upon his arrival in the land of his adoption was seventy-five cents, and he found himself among strangers who neither spoke nor understood his language. But he possessed an unusual amount of grit and determination, and these qualities alone were responsible for the successful business career which followed. In 1880 Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Rosa De Villars, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, both born in England. The father died in England, the mother in Eyota. In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat and socially he is identified with Eyota Lodge No. 47, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

SMITH, WALTER B. -----was born in Richland county, Wisconsin, November 12, 1850, and is a son of J. Henry and Melissa (Thompson) Smith, natives of New York state. (For more concerning the parents and their children, see sketch of Nick Smith herein.)

Walter B. was educated at the common schools and in youth assisted his parents on the farm. On July 6, 1873, he married Miss Ella Vine, of Viola township, she being the daughter of Wendal and Henrietta (Howard) Vine. She was born July 2, 1855. To this marriage the following children were born: Jay, born December 11, 1874, now a resident of this township; Ernest, born December 28, 1876, now residing in New Mexico just across the line from Oklahoma; Lula Busian, born November 6, 1879, a resident of Dover, Minnesota.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith have eight grandchildren. He owns 140 acres of excellent farm land in section seventeen, this township, and is engaged in mixed farming. He raises hay, grain and livestock for the markets. He and family are in comfortable circumstances. In politics he is a Republican, and takes much interest in the success of his party ticket. He is a member of the Masonic order at Elgin and of the M. W. A. at Viola.

SOUTHWICK, WILLIAM L. -----a well known farmer and stock raiser of Farmington township, and one of the organizers and stock holders of the Ringe Co-operative Creamery Company, was born near Buffalo, Erie county, New York, August 28, 1853. His parents were Hiram and Nancy (Parks) Southwick, and his grand parents, Jesse and Sarah (Sprague) Southwick, were natives of Massachusetts and Vermont, respectively, and of Quaker extraction. His great-grandparents were Enoch and Mary Southwick, the former being a strong adherent and preacher of the Quaker faith. Hiram Southwick was born October 23, 1817, near what is now Colden, Erie county, New York, and was there married January 26, 1839. He continued to live in his native county until 1864, when he moved to Farmington township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, where he died October 14, 1898. He was a man highly esteemed and widely known for his many sterling qualities of mind and heart. He and wife were the parents of three children: Sarah J., Lucy M. and William L.

The latter is the immediate subject of this sketch. When a boy he was brought to Olmsted county by his parents and here was reared to hard work on the farm. In 1880 he went to Walsh county, North Dakota, but after five years sold his property and returned to Olmsted county, where he has since been continuously engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1893 he bought the “Sumner Snow” farm, to which, by purchase, he has since added, until he now possesses 320 acres. In connection with farming, Mr. Southwick is widely known as a raiser of thoroughbred Holstein cattle, and a considerable part of his income is derived from dairying.

To his marriage with Miss Ida G. Jacobs, solemnized December 23, 1878, these children have been born: Jesse, October 31, 1879 ; Bernice E., February 5, 1882; Chester E., August 1, 1887; William Leroy, July 15, 1891; Ruth Carol, May 22, 1896; and Glenford Edwin, April 8, 1898. Mrs. Southwick was born in Haverhill township, this county, May 9, 1859, daughter of Edwin and Elvira Jacobs, who were among the early settlers of Olmsted county. Mr. Southwick is a Republican and a substantial and progressive farmer.

SPENCER, J. F. -----one of the extensive land owners and stock raisers of High Forest township, was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, being a son of John and Margaret Spencer. The father died on May 9, 1874, but the mother is still living, active and happy at a ripe old age.

Early in life J. F. Spencer developed a remarkable liking for books, and when ten years of age had read the History of the French Revolution, a feat which many an older person could not boast. When sixteen years old he started out in life for himself, farming on rented land and assisting his neighbors, and when he had reached the age of nineteen he had saved enough to purchase a farm of 100 acres in Fillmore county, Minnesota. In 1872 he came to Olmsted county and bought 520 acres in High Forest township, and has since made this latter place his home. The farm is equipped with all modern conveniences and is ideally situated. In recent years Mr. Spencer disposed of 120 acres, leaving him 400 on which to continue his work. He owns a fine herd of Durham cattle and is a lover of fine horses, the breeding of which has been his specialty. His land is also well adapted to raising all the crops which have made Minnesota so famous in the field of agriculture, and Mr. Spencer annually derives some substantial benefit from this portion of his labors.

On February 1, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss A. Mahona, of Juneau county, Wisconsin, who passed away January 3, 1893, and to them were born the following children: John, of Kasson, Minnesota; Frank, of Clifford, Arizona; A. L., of Canal Zone; Margaret, of Fargo, North Dakota: J. W., of Dickinson, North Dakota; Charles E., of Bowman, North Dakota; R. C., of Colorado Springs, Colorado; F. J., at home, and two dead. On November 25, 1901, Mr. Spencer married Marguerite Whelan, of Minneapolis.

Aside from the active business cares of life Mr. Spencer has found time to serve his fellowmen in many public capacities. In 1885 he was elected by the state legislature to the position of sergeant at arms, and two years later was made enrolling clerk of the house. As a Republican he was elected state representative from the fourth legislative district in 1907. For years, he has been active in the cause of temperance, and in 1910 he was nominated for representative on the county option ticket. In the fall of 1894 he was elected county recorder of deeds and attended to the duties of that office while driving to and from his farm every day. Mr. Spencer had held every town office and was appointed a member of the condemnation committee to acquire the right of way for the Chicago & Great Western Railway and the Long Distance Telephone through Olmsted county. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and family have long affiliated with St. Bridget’s parish. Although a very busy man, Mr. Spencer yet finds several hours each day in which he continues his perusal of books and magazines, and he is remarkably well informed on all leading topics of the day. His library is well stocked with works of history and fiction and his love of books and learning has stuck with him through his entire life.

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