Watonwan County, Minnesota Biographies C, D, E & F
Cottonwood and Watonwan Counties, Minnesota
Their People, Industries and Institutions
With Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families
John A. Brown
Volume II : 1916: B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.
Transcribed by Vicki Hartman
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Cassem, T. P. Page 456-457 T. P. Cassem, one of the prominent and successful farmers and stock raisers, of Long Lake township, was born in Grundy county, Illinois, in 1855, being the son of Peter and Anna (Heggem) Cassem. Peter and Anna Cassem were natives of Norway, and came to the United States immediately after their marriage in 1854. They located on a farm near Lisbon, Illinois, where they remained until their death some years later. To them were born three children: T. P., Eli and Christania. T. P. Cassem received his education in the schools of Illinois and grew to manhood there, after which he was engaged in farming for himself for five years before going to Storey, Iowa. He was here in the mercantile business for twelve years, when he sold and removed to Lake City, Iowa, where he engaged in fanning for three years! In 1904 he engaged in farming at Tracy, Minnesota, and remained here until 1907, when he purchased his three-hundred-acre farm in Long Lake township and Odin village. He does general farming, and raises full-blood Duroc-Jersey hogs as well as full- blood Shorthorn cattle. In 1 88 1 T. P. Cassem was united in marriage to Caroline Nelson, the daughter of Knute Nelson and Ella Nelson, natives of Norway. Mrs. Cassem was born in Illinois and later came to Minnesota with her parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Cassem have been born the following children : Perry James, Clarence, Alfred, Elmer, Palmer, deceased; Cora Tillie and William H. The family are members of the United Lutheran church. Fraternally, Mr. Cassem is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He has served his township as justice of the peace for six years. Clement, Berton F. Page 200-201 One of the efficient and popular public officials of Watonwan county is Berton F. Clement, the present incumbent of the office of city justice of St. James. He was born in Canada, October i, 1848, and is a son of John B. and Clarissa (Clifford) Clement. The father was born in Woodstock, Vermont, in 1813, and the mother was born in New Hampshire in 1815. They were married in the last named state, and soon thereafter went to Canada, where Mr. Clement engaged in contracting. In 1856 they went to Dodge county, Wisconsin, and in 1874 came to Mower county, Minnesota, and took up a homestead, later moved to St. James and lived with their son, Berton F., about six months, and here the father died, March 8, 1910, at the age of ninety-six years. The mother died in St. Louis Park, Minneapolis, in 1901. Berton F. Clement was eight years old when his parents took him to Dodge county, Wisconsin. He received his education in the public schools and when but a boy began railroad service as brakeman on the Chicago, St. Paul & Milwaukee railroad, in 1866, and when twenty years old was promoted moted to conductor. He continued railroading with success until 1900. In 1871 he was conductor for the old St. Paul & Sioux City railroad, and remained with that company until 1883, then went with the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad Company, with which he remained until 1900, then went to Watertown, South Dakota, and engaged in the real-estate business until 1907, when he came to St. James, Minnesota, and was proprietor of the Boston hotel for two and one-half years. In the spring of 1911 he was elected city justice, which office he has since held to the satisfaction of all concerned. Politically, he is a Republican. He is a member of the Episcopal church, although his parents were Seventh-Day Adventists. He was made a Mason on April 18, 1874, in Libanus Lodge No. 96, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member of Concordia Chapter No. 28, Royal Arch Masons; also belongs to Commandery No. 25, Knights Templar, at Sioux City, Iowa. He is at present master of the local lodge, and is one of the prominent Masons of this part of the state. He built a modern home in St. James, where he now resides. Berton F. Clement was married, in 1879, to Frances A. Cook, who was born in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, in 1860, and is a daughter of W. A. and Jane E. (Munn) Cook, who removed to Windom, Minnesota, in an early day, where they both died. Mr. Cook was a wagon-maker by trade. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Clement, namely: Earle died in infancy; Anna W. is the wife of W. H. Dooly, of Esterville, Iowa; Burton L. died in 1907, at the age of twenty years; Florence N. is the wife of Charles V. Corliss, of Watonwan county. Cooley, Charles H. Page 448-449 Charles H. Cooley was born in Washington, Fillmore county, Minnesota, July 31, 1870, a son of George B. Cooley, born in St. Lawrence county, New York, December 6, 1824. His mother's maiden name was Catherine Garber, born in Pennsylvania. She died in 1871. His father was again married, to Evelyn Houck. The children of the first wife were: William L., now living in California, and Charles H. Children by the second wife were: Herbert, Albert, Nellie, Fred and Eva. George R. Cooley followed the occupation of farmer and dairyman in St. Lawrence county, New York. In 1860 he came to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and bought a fafm of one hundred and sixty acres and engaged in farming this land until about 1890. At that time he retired from active work and moved to Heron Lake, Jackson county, Minnesota, where he still lives. Charles H. Cooley, subject of this sketch, received his education in the public schools of Fillmore county, and afterward attended school at Heron Lake, Jackson county. In his younger years he was employed for a time as a clerk in a store at Heron Lake. In 1889 he came to Madelia, Minnesota, and took a position as clerk in a store at that place, and held that position for about ten years. In 1905 he opened up a general hardware and implement store in Madelia and has continued in that business since. On July 8, 1896, Charles H. Cooley and Mary E. Hammond were united in marriage. Mrs. Cooley is a daughter of John and Anne W. (Thomas) Hammond, of Madelia, Minnesota. To this union four children have been born: John G., Eunice, William R. and Russell C. Mr. and Mrs. Cooley are members of the Christian church. Politically, Mr. Cooley is independent, exercising his own judgment as to the character and qualification of the candidate for whom he casts his vote, without regard to the party affiliation of the candidate. He has not been an aspirant for office himself, being content to devote his energies to his private business and discharge his duties as a private citizen of the community. He is a member of the Masonic order, and also of the Woodmen. Crowley, Charley T. Page 123-124 The smokers of Watonwan county and vicinity who enjoy a good cigar are not compelled to use a brand made in Cuba or some other distant country, for they may procure excellent cigars manufactured by Charley T. Crowley at St. James. Mr. Crowley was born near Westside, Iowa, December 6, 1872. He is a son of Winfield Scott and Alice (Grimley) Crowley. The father was born in Illinois in 1847; the mother was born at Huntley, that state, in 1857. They grew up, attended school and were married in their native state. After spending a short time in Iowa they removed to Chicago, where the father engaged in the milk business until 1890. He also engaged in the real estate business for a number of years, but is now living retired. His wife died in 1896. He came to Watonwan county in the year 1889 and has since made his home in St. James. He was a member of the city council for some time, and also chairman of the county commissioners for sixteen years. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and attends the Presbyterian church. His family consists of two children, namely: Charley T., subject of this sketch; and Florence, who became the wife of Floyd Hall, is deceased. One child, a daughter, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Hall. After the death of his first wife, Winfield S. Crowley married Rose Morris, by which union one son, Winfield Scott, Jr., was born in 1904. Charley T. Crowley was educated in the Skinner public schools of Chicago and a business college in that city, later studied at Ames Agricultural College in Iowa. He came to St. James in 1890, where he obtained work in the hotel conducted by W. W. and E. A. Gibbs, with whom he remained five years, then worked two years in a drug store and two years in railroad service. In 1890 he began manufacturing cigars in St. James which he has continued with pronounced success to the present time, having built up an extensive trade. His factory is well equipped and an average of seven highly skilled workmen is employed by him. He made his first batch of cigars (or Winfield Scott Hammond. He makes the popular brand known as ""Our Governor,"" a ten-cent cigar; also the ""Governor,"" a five- cent cigar of excellent quality. Mr. Crowley was married in April, 1897, to Ada Forsyth, of St. James, and to this union two children have been born, namely : Winfield George, born in 1901 ; and Alice May, born in 1904. He and his family attend the Episcopal church. Politically, he is a Republican. He is a member of the city council at this writing, which position he has held for ten years. He has been a member of the local fire department for twenty-one years. He was captain in the same for some time and is now chief. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Royal Arcanum, Modern Woodmen of America and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Mr. Crowley is also engaged in the sale of automobiles, handling the Ford in this county. He is in partnership with Schoffman, Crowley & Veltun. Dammann, C. W. Page 366-367 C. W. Dammann, the subject of this sketch, was born in Chicago, Illinois, January 10, 1872. He is a son of Henry and Marie (Waswo) Dammann, the father a native of Neuen, Kirschen, Germany, and the mother, of Kellingkussen, Germany. Henry Dammann came to America in 1866, and located in Chicago, Illinois, where he followed his trade as a tanner. Later he engaged in the manufacture of sausage, following that business from 1882 until about 1887, when he moved to Jackson county, Minnesota. He located on a farm of two hundred and forty acres and engaged in fanning. His death occurred about two years later. His widow is still living. There were three children in this family: C. W., Amanda and John. C. W. Dammann was educated in the public schools of Chicago, and was employed part of the time during his school years as a clerk in a store. He came to Minnesota with his parents and lived at the farm homestead, working on the farm, until 1899, when he went to Jackson, Minnesota, to take a position in a retail store. In 1902 he came to Ormsby and opened up a general merchandise store, and has been in this business at this place since that time. In 1911 he was appointed postmaster of this village and is now attending ^to the duties of that office in connection with his other business. In 1896 C. W. Dammann and Meta Struck were united in marriage. She is the daughter of Christ Struck and wife. To this union three children have been born : Henry, Christian and Willis. Mr. Dammann is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen's lodge, also a Mason. Davies, Joseph Page 290-292 The greatest results in life are often attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary qualities of common sense and perseverance. This fact having been recognized early in life by Joseph Davies, farmer and legislator of Antrim township, Watonwan county, he has seized the small opportunities that he has encountered on the highway that leads to the ultimate goal of success. Mr. Davies was born in the above-named township and county, September 27, 1867, and is a son of William and Gertrude (Thomas) Davies. James Thomas, the maternal grandfather, was a native of England and there he grew up and married, finally bringing his family to the United States, locating in Wisconsin, settling with an English colony in Columbia county, and there resided until after the death of his wife, then moved to Watonwan county, Minnesota, locating in Antrim township and made his home with the Davies family. William Davies, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Wales, where he married Mary Williams. They came to America, locating in Columbia county, Wisconsin, where they resided a number of years; then came to Watonwan county, Minnesota, and took up a homestead in Antrim township, of one hundred and sixty acres on which they spent the rest of their lives. William Davies, Jr., father of the subject whose name heads this review, was a native of Wales, where he spent his boyhood and attended school, being about nineteen years old when he came to America with his parents. He homesteaded eighty acres in Antrim township, to which he later added another eighty, and became one of the progressive farmers of Watonwan county. This place is now owned by his son, Joseph, eldest of his six children, the others being named as follow : Mary, who died when seventeen years old; James T., who married Kate Radcliff; Fred, who married Mary McLain; Bertha and Marcus, who died when about thirty years of age. Joseph Davies grew up on the home farm, where he worked when a boy, and he received a common-school education, later attending the Man- kato Normal, after which he engaged in teaching three years, then filled the office of county superintendent of schools ten years in a very commendable manner, doing much to better the conditions of the schools of Watonwan during that decade. While county superintendent of schools he studied law in the offices of J. L. Lobben and Hammond & Burns and was admitted to the bar in 1908. His principal work since leaving the office of county superintendent has been general farming and stock raising. He owns eighty acres of the homestead and one hundred and sixty acres additional, all well improved and under a high state of cultivation, in fact, he put on all the improvements on his home place. Mr. Davies was married on June 28, 1905, to Margaret Cumberland, who was born near Franklin, Pennsylvania, July 14, 1877, a daughter of Arthur Cumberland, a native of England, from which country he immigrated to Pennsylvania, and now lives in Canada. In his earlier career he taught school, but is now a farmer. He formerly lived in Dodge county, Minnesota. He married Caroline Homan. Their daughter, Margaret, was given a good education. She is a graduate of the Mantorville high school and the Winona Normal school. She taught for some time in the schools of Dodge county, and later in the city schools of St. James, Minnesota. To Mr. and Mrs. Davies five children have been born, namely: Elizabeth Gertrude, born on September 4, 1905; Burton Joseph, August 15, 1908; Dorothy, November 28, 1910; William Arthur, June 10, 1913, and Helen Pauline, June 13, 1915. Politically, Mr. Davies is a Republican, and has long been active in party affairs. He has served two terms in the Legislature, serving through the regular sessions of 1909 and 1911 and the extra session of 1912. He made a very commendable record in the House, his course meeting the hearty approval of his constituents. Fraternally, Mr. Davies is a member of the blue lodge of Masons of Madelia, and the chapter at St. James; also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. Dewar, Frank Page 375-376 A good general farming country is nearly always a desirable locality for the stock man, but it is not everyone who can make a success of the stock buying and shipping business. It seems to take a peculiar innate ability. Frank Dewar of Lewisville, Watonwan county, has the natural qualifications for success as a stock trader and this has been his special line of endeavor for some time. He was born near Rochester, Minnesota, January 1, 1864, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Nesbitt) Dewar. The mother was born on the Isle of Man, and the father was born in Canada, removing with his parents to Wisconsin, and later to near Rochester, Minnesota, where he rented a farm about two years, then removed to Antrim township, Watonwan county, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres, and there he engaged in farming until retiring from active life, locating in Lewisville, about five years prior to his death. His family consisted of ten children, namely: Frank, Duncan, Elizabeth, Ann, Grace, Fannie, John, Earl, Stella and Lucretia. Frank Dewar grew up on the home farm, and attended school in a sod school house. He engaged in farming in Antrim township when starting out in life for himself and still owns a good farm there of two hundred and forty acres, which is well improved and on which stands a splendid group of buildings. He removed to the village of Lewisville in the fall of 1914, since which time he has been engaged in buying and shipping live stock. Mr. Dewar was married December 23, 1888, to Sarah Lewis, a daughter of Thomas Lewis, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Dewar five children have been born, all living at this writing, namely: Archie F., Lena E., Grace, Madge, and Gordon. Politically, Mr. Dewar is a Democrat. He is now serving -as county commissioner. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and the family belong to the Christian church. Dewar, John Sr. Page 438-440 Diversified farming in its truest sense calls for a methodical practice of a thorough rotation of crops. These things have been clearly understood and practiced by John Dewar, Sr.., now living in retirement in Lewisville, Watonvan county. Mr. Dewar was born in the vicinity of London, Ontario, Canada. November 3, 1841, and is a son of Duncan and Ann (Webb) Dewar, natives of Scotland and New York, respectively. The father came to America as a child with his parents, the family locating in the vicinity in which the subject of this sketch was born, in pioneer days, when the land was timbered and there the father developed a home and a farm by years of hard work. John and Margaret Dewar, the grandparents, died in Canada, the grandfather meeting death by a falling tree, after a life as a farmer, having located on what was known as Canada Company land. His family consisted of seven sons and one daughter. Robert and Margaret (Harrison) Webb, the maternal grandparents, were natives of England and Ireland, respectively. They first came to the state of New York, later moved to Canada, about 1838, locating near the Dewars, and there engaged in farming. Their family consisted of seven children. When advanced in years they came to Wisconsin, where the death of the grandfather occurred, after which the grandmother went to Michigan, where her death occurred. In his youth he was a sailor on a British man-of-war for many years, and took part in one of England's wars. Duncan Dewar, mentioned above, grew up in Canada and was educated there and began farming in that country. In 1862 he came to Wisconsin, continuing farming in Marquette county until his death, and there also his wife died. They were the parents of ten children, named as follow : John, Robert, Margaret, Daniel, William, Betsie, Mary Ann, Duncan, Jennie and Katherine. John Dewar, Sr. grew up on the home farm and he received his education in the common schools of Canada. He came to Marquette county, Wisconsin, about a year after his parents located there, and continued farming for awhile, removing to Minnesota in 1867, locating on land adjoining what is now the village of Lewisville, homesteading eighty acres, and later bought additional land of the government. Here he has resided for nearly a half century. He broke and improved his land and made a success as a general farmer and stock raiser. However, during the three years when the crops were destroyed by the grasshoppers, he was compelled to go to Blue Earth county and work for wages awhile. He purchased one hundred and twenty acres adjoining the village, which he finally sold. He also owns valuable timbered lands in northern Minnesota, and he retains his original one-fourth section at Lewisburg. In the fall of 1910 he built an attractive and modern home in the village and retired from active life. He is spending his declining years in the midst of plenty as a result of his earlier years of hard work and good management. Mr. Dewar is a Republican, but independenj in politics, and formerly held various offices in Antrim township. He belongs to the Christian church. Mr. Dewar was married on May 15, 1864, at Oxford, Wisconsin, by Rev. T. Black, to Jane E. Marsden, and to this union five children have been born, namely : Annie M., Katie, Alice M., Thomas B. and Jessie J. Mrs. John Dewar was the daughter of Thomas and Ann (Nixon) Marsden. Thomas Marsden was born in Ireland. They were married in Ireland and came, to this county about five years after marriage. To them were born eight children — five girls and three boys, as follows: John, Jane, Catherine, Mary Ann, Ellen, Elizabeth, Thomas and Christopher. The parents are dead. The mother died in Jackson, Minnesota; the father in Oxford, Wisconsin. Drake, George Page 282-283 There is a certain distinction in being a native of the Empire state, which has furnished many great men to our national life and has from the beginning been a potent factor in the affairs of the Union. One of those who hail from within her borders is George Drake, farmer of Fieldon township, Watomvan county. He was born in Monroe county. New York, September 26, 1844, and is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Pen-in) Drake. Grandfather Thomas Perrin was a native of England, a miller by occupation, and he finally settled at Rochester, New York. Isaac Drake was also a native of England and was married there, and five of his children were born in that country. He then removed with his family to America and settled in the state of New York, locating in Monroe county, where he engaged in farming, removing to Cheboygan county, Wisconsin, in 1854, buying eighty acres there, on which he spent the rest of his life. He was a member of the Baptist church. He was twice married, and his family consisted of the following children : Mary, James, John, Eliza, William, Jane, George and Isaac. George Drake grew up on the farm where he worked when a boy and he received his education in the public schools. In 1867 he came to Minnesota and took up a homestead in Eieldon township, Watonwan county, but did not prove up on it. Later he purchased eighty acres on which he has since resided. He was a pioneer. There were but ten miles of railroad in the state when he came to Minnesota; the country was sparsely settled, and dangers beset him on every hand, not the least of which were prairie fires. He worked hard and developed a productive farm from the raw prairie. He first built a small pine house on his land, in which he lived fifteen years. He set out the first tree— a cottonwood — in the township. He has since set out trees of the following varieties: Cottonwood, maple, box-elder, elm, ash, and willow, and now has attractive surroundings to his home. He built his present dwelling in 1889, and his barn in 1908. Mr. Drake was married in 1869 to Ellen Johnson, a daughter of Warren Johnson, a pioneer in Minnesota. To this union one child has been born, Earl H. Drake. Politically, Mr. Drake is a Republican. He has never cared for public office. He is a member of the Baptist church. Ellingsberg, Anton Page 135-136 Anton Ellingsberg, a well-known and substantial farmer of Madelia township, Watonwan county, proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the vicinity of Madelia, is a native of the kingdom of Norway, born on May 21, 1866, son and only child of Iver and Anne Ellingsberg, natives of that same country and farming people. They were earnest members of the Lutheran church and their son was reared in that faith. Anton Ellingsberg received his education in the schools of his native land and was well grown when he came to this country. His mother came six years later. After his marriage in 1891, he then being about twenty- five years of age, he located on the quarter section in Madelia township which he now owns and where he and his family are very pleasantly situated. Mr. Ellingsberg is an excellent farmer and has brought his place to a fine state of cultivation. The farm is well improved and carefully tended and shows many evidences of its owner's progressive and modern methods of agriculture. It was on February 27, 1891, that Anton Ellingsberg was united in marriage to Susan Fedje, who was born in this state on August 7, 1869, daughter of John O. and Brethe (Suphammer) Fedje, natives of the kingdom of Norway, the former of whom was eighteen years of age when he came to this country with four younger sisters, settling in Minnesota, and the latter of whom was eleven years old when she came to America with her mother and four sisters, they also being pioneers of this state. John O. Fedje was an honored veteran of the Civil War, having served in behalf of the Union cause throughout that struggle between the states as a member of the Eleventh Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Upon the conclusion of his military service he homesteaded a tract of land in section 12, Madelia township, Watonwan county, and established his home there, becoming one of the substantial and influential pioneers of that part of the county, and there he died in 1911, at a ripe old age. To Mr. and Mrs. Ellingsberg ten children have been born, John, Carl, Helmer, Anna, Martha, Alma, Edwin, Helen, Earl and Luther. The Ellingsbergs are members of the Lutheran church and take a warm interest in the general good works of their community. Mr. Ellingsberg is a member of the local lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America and takes an active interest in the affairs of the same. Englin, John S. Page 285-286 John S. Englin was born in Adrian township, Watonwan county, January 9, 1872, a son of Swan and Kari (Swanson) Englin, who were both born in Sweden. Swan Englin was a farmer and wagon-maker while living in Sweden. He came to America in 1870 and located for a short time in St. Peter, Nicollet county, Minnesota. There he was employed in the construction of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroad, between St. Peter and St. James. In 1871 he came to Adrian township, Watonwan county, and located on a farm in section 12, and, in 1874, he located a homestead in section 10, Adrian township. He lived on this farm for the rest of his life. He died in April, 1912. His wife, to whom he was married in 1871, is still living. Swan Englin was a member of the Swedish Lutheran church. He was a Republican and served as treasurer of Adrian township. John S. Englin is said to be the first boy born in Adrian township. The other children in this family are : Anna, Emma, Ida, Mary and Carl. John S. Englin was educated in the public schools of Adrian township, and during his early years worked with his father on the farm. In 1899 he bought a farm, located across the road from that of his father, and began farming on his own account. His farm comprised two hundred acres, a fine body of land. He continued to operate this farm until 1914, when he discontinued the farming business and, in partnership with A. J. Samuel- son, opened up a hardware and implement store in Darfur. He has since given his attention to this business, and still owns his farm, which he manages through renters. In 1890 John S. Englin and Amanda E. Carlson were united in marriage. Mrs. Englin is a daughter of John A. and Brita Carlson. To this union five children have been born: Arthur B., Oscar R., Albert A., Aton F., and Richard E. Mr. and Mrs. Englin are members of the Swedish Lutheran church. Politically, Mr. Englin is a Republican. For about nine years he served as treasurer of Adrian township, while a resident on his farm in that township. Englin, Theo Page 225-226 Theo Englin was born in the province of Scania, Sweden, on March 1, 1867, a son of Andrew and Elna (Person) Englin, both natives of Sweden, the former of whom was born on February 24, 1840, and the latter on May 24, 1843. Andrew Englin, the father of the subject of this review, was a farm laborer in his native country. He came to America in 1881, coming first to Chicago, where he remained for a short time, then went to Wesley, Iowa. In 1882 he came to Watonwan county, Minnesota, and a year later located on a farm in section i, Adrian township. He had a farm of two hundred acres in that township, which he cultivated and where he made his home until the spring of 1907, when he leased his farm and removed to St. James. He purchased a tract of land within the city limits and has since made this his home. He is the father of two children: Theo, and Elma C, who he- came the life of Axel R. Johnson, and lives at St. James. The Englin family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church. Theo Englin received his early education in the common schools of his native land, and after coming with his parents to this country attended the public schools of Adrian township, Watonwan county, also taking a business course in the Mankato commercial college. As a young man he worked on his father's farm during the summer months, and during the winter found employment as a clerk in a store at Butterfield, where he worked for five years. He then returned to the old homestead and engaged in farming until the spring of 1907. He is the owner of a farm of two hundred acres adjoining his father's farm, in Adrian township. In the fall of 1909, on November 15, he was elected cashier of the State Bank of Darfur, and he gave up his farming business and took this position in the bank, a position which he has since continued to hold. He is also at the present time the treasurer of the Farmers Elevator Company at Darfur. During the time he was living on his farm in Adrian township he was a member of the board of directors of the Farmers Elevator Company, of St. James, and served for several years as secretary of this company. Politically, Mr. Englin affiliates with the Democratic party. For a period of fourteen years he served as a member of the board of supervisors of Adrian township, during his residence there. After removing to the village of Darfur he was elected as village recorder and served in this capacity for a term of four years. In 1915 he was elected president of the Darfur village council, a position he now holds. Erickson, Elof Page 346-347 Elof Erickson, one of the most prosperous farmers in the vicinity of St. James, proprietor of a fine farm in section 35 of St. James township, Watonwan county, is a native son of Minnesota, born on a pioneer farm in Goodhue county, March 10, 1869, son of Swan and Besje Erickson, both natives of Sweden, the former born in 1830 and the latter in 1835, who are still living on their old homestead farm in Goodhue county. Swan Erickson came to the United States in 1854, he then being twenty-four years of age, landing at New York, and in 1856 came to Minnesota, settling in Goodhue county, where he entered a tract of government land, being one of the earliest settlers of that part of the then Territory of Minnesota. In June, 1866, he married Besje Chellson, who had come to that same part of the state the year before, and established his home on the homestead tract. In 1873 he bought an adjoining quarter section and it was not long until he became recognized as one of the most substantial farmers of that section. He and his wife took an active part in the organization of the first Swedish Lutheran church in Vasa township. Goodhue county. Mr. Erickson is a Republican and has ever given close attention to political affairs in his community, on several occasions being elected to local office. Not long after the opening of this western part of the state to settlement he came over here and bought a tract of land in section 35, St. James township, Watonwan county, and an ""eighty"" in section 7, Long Lake township, later selling the latter tract and buying another ""eighty"" in sections 2 and 3 in Long Lake township, on which latter tract his son, John B. Erickson, is now making his home. To Swan Erickson and wife eight children were born, of whom Elof was the second in order of birth, the others being Hilda, Esther, John B. and Jennie (twins), Edward A. and Annie (twins), the latter of whom died in infancy, and Anna A. Elof Erickson was reared on the paternal homestead in Goodhue county, obtaining his schooling in the primitive schools of that time and place, and remained on the home farm, a valuable aid to his father in the development of the same, until he was twenty-five years of age, when, in the spring of 1894, he came to this part of the state and took charge of the tract of land his father had bought in the vicinity of St. James and there he ever since has made his home. He at once set about improving the place, planting a fine grove and in other ways beautifying the tract, and soon became recognized as one of the substantial and progressive farmers of that section. Four years after coming here he married and established a comfortable home on his place and has long held a responsible and dignified position in the community. He not only has prospered in his farming operations, but has found time to give a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs. He is a Republican and for eleven years or more has been a member of the town board and for some years a member of the local school board. He and his wife are members of the St. James Swedish Lutheran church and take a general interest in local good works. On June 15, 1898, Elof Erickson was united in marriage to Christine Linquist, who was born in Nicollet county, this state, November 26, 1869, daughter of Gustav and Augusta Linquist, natives of Sweden, who are now residents of Long Lake township, Watonwan county. The Ericksons have a very pleasant home on their well-kept farm and take a proper part in the general social activities of their neighborhood. Flitter, H. C. Page 403-404 One of the young business men of Lewisville, Watonwan county, who is succeeding by reason of his industry and fair dealings with his fellow- men is H. C. Flitter, hardware merchant. He was born in Waseca county, Minnesota, September 22, 1881, and is a son of Andrew Flitter, who is now living retired in Blue Earth county, this state. H. C. Flitter received his education in the public schools of his native community. He grew to manhood on the home farm, where he worked in the crops when he became of proper age, but not finding husbandry entirely to his liking, left the farm and clerked in various places until December 12, 1912, when, having saved his earnings and learned the various details of merchandising, he opened a hardware store in Lewisville, Minnesota, and has continued the business to the present time, with increasing success, enjoying a good trade with the surrounding country. He erected his present substantial and convenient brick building. He carries a large stock of general hardware and implements, and conducts his business without a partner. Mr. Flitter was married in 1903 to Ernestine Bergemann, of Blue Earth county, Minnesota, where she grew to womanhood and was educated in the common schools. To this union five children have been born, namely: Gerhard, Lorin, Alma, Lillian, and Viola. The last named is deceased. Mr. Flitter is a member of the German Lutheran church, and politically, he is a Republican. Flogstad, Martin H. Page 245-246 Martin H. Flogstad, one of the best-known and most substantial farmers in Nelson township, Watonwan county, proprietor of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on rural route No. 3, out of St. James, former chairman of the board of supervisors of his home township, former assessor of the same township and in other ways for many years actively identified with the best interests of that part of the county, is a native of Norway, but has lived in this country since he was fifteen years of age. He was born on a farm in Norway, November 22, 1852, son of Halvor and Martha (Olson) Nelson, both natives of that country, the former of whom died in 1863, leaving his widow with eight children. In 1866 the two elder sons, Carl and Ole, had come to the United States and had located in Wisconsin and after the death of the father, the Widow Nelson and her other children also came over here and located at Oconto, Wisconsin. In 1870, desiring to create a permanent home for her family, this courageous widow joined the tide of emigration to this part of Minnesota and located in Watonwan county. She homesteaded a tract of eighty acres in Nelson township and there established her home. All hands assisted in the work of developing that homestead and there the widow Nelson made her home the rest of her life, her death occurring in 1890, twenty years after she had come here, a plucky pioneer. Of her eight children, five are still living and all are filling well their respective stations in life. Martin H. Flogstad was fifteen years old when he came to the -United States with his mother and after the family had located at Oconto, Wisconsin, he worked there in a saw-mill for more than two years, or until the family came out here to develop a homestead farm in Watonwan county. He remained with his mother through the trying days of ""proving up"" the homestead claim. Upon coming here, the family funds were very low and he trapped muskrats during the first season in order to secure the money with which to pay for the homestead papers; that first season selling seven hundred pelts at fifteen cents the pelt. He was too young to homestead a place for himself and continued with his mother, remaining on the home place and developing the same until after his marriage in 1881, when he bought eighty acres in Nelson township, where he ever since has made his home. From the first he prospered in his farming operations, and as he prospered added an adjoining ""eighty"" and has long had his fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in a high state of cultivation. Upon taking possession of his farm he planted a fine grove, which adds greatly to the present attractiveness of the place. He has put about four thousand dollars worth of improvements on the place and has long been regarded as one of the substantial and progressive farmers of that neighborhood. Mr. Flogstad has ever taken an active interest in local civic affairs and has served the public in his home township in the several capacities of road overseer, assessor and chairman of the board of supervisors, in all of his public service performing his duties with an eye single to the public good. In July, 1881, Martin H. Flogstad was united in marriage to Mary Hanson, daughter of Sigurd Hanson and wife, and to this union eight children have been born, Hilda and Hulda, twins, died when eight months old; Stella, Hilmer, Millie, Oscar, Agnes and Philip. Stella Flogstad married Thomas Berge and the other children are still at home with their parents. The Flogstads are earnest members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and take an active interest in the various beneficences of the same, Mr. Flogstad having, at one time and another, filled all the several offices in the local congregation. Mr. Flogstad attributes his success largely to his wife's ability in managing her home and to his children's interest in their parents' affairs. Flogstad, Paul Page 228-229 Paul Flogstad, a well-known and well-to-do retired farmer of Nelson township, Watonwan county, proprietor of a fine farm of two hundred acres on Rural Route No. 3, out of St. James; one of the pioneers of that part of the county and for many years actively identified with the work of developing the same, is a native of Norway, but has been a resident of this country since he was fifteen years old. He was born on a farm in Norway, October 3, 1841, and received his schooling in his native land. When he was twenty-eight years old, in 1869, his younger brother, Carl, having emigrated one year before, came to the United States and both settled at Oconto, Wisconsin, where they began working in a saw-mill. Nine years before their father, Halvor Nelson, died at his home in Norway, 1860. In 1870 their mother, Martha Olson Nelson, and the other members of the family, there having been eight children in all, came to this country and joined her sons at Oconto. Three years later the family came out here and located in Nelson township, Watonwan county. The widow homesteaded a tract of eighty acres in that township and there established her home with her younger children, remaining there the rest of her life, her death occurring in 1890. Of her eight children, five are still living and doing well their respective parts in life. Paul Flogstad was about thirty years old when he came to Minnesota in 1872 and settled in Watonwan county, and upon locating in Nelson township homesteaded a tract of eighty acres of land, upon which he threw up a sod shanty and settled down there to ""prove up"" his claim and improve his tract. He broke the sod with a team of oxen and had a crop out the first year. From the very first he prospered in his farming operations and as he prospered in his labors added to his holdings until he became the owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres, well improved and profitably cultivated. When Mr. Flogstad came to America he had less than twenty dollars; now he is a well-to-do retired farmer, possessing a very comfortable competence from the proceeds of the farm. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Flogstad was also engaged quite extensively in stock raising for some time and did very well. Some time ago he gave up the active labors of the farm and is now renting his rich fields to responsible tenants. In January, 1873, a little more than two years after coming to Minnesota, Paul Flogstad was united in marriage to Ingeborge Hanson, who was born in Norway, a daughter of Sygert and Mary Hanson, also natives of that country, farming people, who came to the United States in 1870 and located in Wisconsin, where they remained a little more than a year, at the end of which time they came to Minnesota and settled in Brown county. Sygert Hanson and wife were the parents of seven children, five of whom are still living, those besides Mrs. Flogstad being Hans, Isaac, Nellie and Mary, the latter of whom married Martin H. Flogstad, former chairman of the board of supervisors of Nelson township and a brother of the subject of this sketch. To Paul Flogstad and wife eight children have been born, namely: Halvor, deceased; Mary, who married Ole Halvorson and has three children, Inez, Amy and Oleta; Sophia, who married George Selber; Thorvall, who married Caren Weaken and has five children, Cora, Paul, Hazel, Carl and Alice; Olga, who married Peter Tintinger and has two children, Marie and Carl, and Axel, Mabel and Pearl. Mr. and Mrs. Flogstad are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which Mr. Flogstad for years was a trustee, and their children have been reared in that faith, the family taking an earnest interest in the various beneficences of the church, as well as in all local good works. Mr. Flogstad is an independent voter and takes a good citizen's interest in general civic affairs, but has never been included in the office-seeking class. |
