Cottonwood County, Minnesota Biographies T, V, W, Y & Z
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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Takle, Jens Page 474-475 Jens Takle, one of the best-known and most substantial farmers of Ann township, Cottonwood county, and for years actively identified with the civic affairs of that township, having served at various times as clerk, treasurer and supervisor of the township, is a native son of Cottonwood county, born on the farm on which he now lives, and has been a witness to and a participant in the development of that part of the county since pioneer days. He was born on June 18, 1879, son of I. I. and Gudve Takle, natives of Norway and pioneers of Cottonwood county, the latter of whom is still living, making her home at Walnut Grove, in the neighboring county of Redwood. About 1870 I. I. Takle and his wife came from Norway to Minnesota. They first settled in Goodhue county, but about two years later, in 1872, moved over into Cottonwood county. I. I. Takle homesteaded a quarter of a section in section 28 of Ann township and there established his home. He built a dug-out, with a sod roof, and that humble abode served as a home until he was able some time later to erect a more substantial dwelling. After he got a start he prospered in his farming operations, enlarged his holdings and became one of Ann township's most substantial and influential farmers. In 1908 he retired from the active labors of the farm and he and his wife moved to the neighboring town of Walnut Grove, where he died on March 30, 1915, and where his widow is still living. They were the parents of four children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth, the others being Kirsti, widow of Andrew Marson ; Ebert, who is with his mother in Walnut Grove, and Henry, who is farming in Ann township. Jens Takle grew to manhood on the homestead farm on which he was born, receiving his schooling in the district school in the neighborhood of his home and at Lamberton, helping on the farm during the summers, and remained at home until his marriage in the fall of 1900. He then started farming for himself on an ""eighty"" secured from his father and upon the retirement of the elder Takle from the old home farm two years later, moved to the latter place, assumed the management of the same and there has lived ever since, he and his family being very pleasantly situated. Mr. Takle is a progressive farmer and in addition to farming the old home place, rents an additional ""eighty"" from his brother, Ebert, and is thus farming about three hundred and twenty acres. He has given considerable attention to the raising of pure-bred Shorthorn cattle and has done very well. Mr. Takle for years has given close attention to the affairs of local government and has served the township in various public capacities, supervisor for three years, clerk for two years, treasurer three years and school clerk for a number of years. He is a member of the East Ann Farmers' Club and takes a warm interest in the affairs of the same. It was on September 6, 1906, that Jens Takle was united in marriage to Charlotte Kopperud and to this union four children have been born, Guncla, Ira, Carrol and John. Mr. and Mrs. Takle are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and take an active interest in the general beneficences of the same, as well as in all neighborhood good works, helpful in promoting all proper movements thereabout. Thompson, Albert L. Page 149-150 Albert L. Thompson, a well-known and prosperous farmer of Amo township, Cottonwood county, proprietor, in partnership with his brother, Theodore Thompson, of a fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres situated on rural route 2, out of Windom, is a native of Wisconsin, born in Marquette county, that state, December 17, 1872, son of Ole and Martha Thompson, both natives of the kingdom of Norway, whose last days were spent in Faribault county, Minnesota. Ole Thompson was reared in his native land and became a soldier in the Norwegian army. It was during his period of service that the differences between the two branches of the dual government of Norway and Sweden, which years afterward resulted in an amicable separation of the two states, reached such an acute stage that the armies of the twin states were placed on a war footing with a view to resorting to the final arbitrament of arms, but, happily, these differences were adjusted without war and Mr. Thompson thus saw no active service. When he was twenty-six years of age he came to the United States and settled in Wisconsin, where he presently married a Norwegian girl who had come to this country with her parents when she was four years of age and had grown to womanhood in Wisconsin. After his marriage Ole Thompson settled on a farm in Marquette county, Wisconsin, where he lived until 1884, in which year he and his family came to Minnesota and settled in Faribault county, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, Henry, Theodore, Albert L., Randolph, Bennie, Joseph, Rose, Anna, Lizzie and Alvina, who are still living, and Orin and Lizzie, who died in infancy. Ole Thompson and wife were members of the Lutheran church and their children were reared in that faith. Albert L. Thompson was about twelve years old when his parents moved from Wisconsin to Minnesota and his schooling therefore was obtained in the schools of the former state and of Faribault county, this state. He remained on the home farm until his marriage in 1901, when he went to Polk county, where he was engaged in farming for two years, at the end of which time he and his elder brother, Theodore, bought the farm in Amo township, Cottonwood county, where Albert L. Thompson now lives, and the latter remained there for a couple of years, farming the same, after which he returned to Faribault county and was there, at Bricelyn, engaged in the livery business and retail meat trade for two years, at the end of which time he moved to Doland, South Dakota, and in the latter place was engaged in the same form of business for six years in partnership with his brother, Theodore. In 1911 Albert L. Thompson returned to Cottonwood county and resumed his place on the home farm, which he and his brother had continued and still continue to hold, the brother remaining in charge of the business at Doland, and he has ever since made his home on the farm, where he and his family are very pleasantly and comfortably situated. Mr. Thompson is an excellent farmer and in addition to his general farming has given considerable attention to stock raising and is looked upon as one of the substantial and progressive farmers of that neighborhood. It was in 1901 that Albert L. Thompson was united in marriage to Grace Foster, and to this union three children have been born, Viola, Gerald and Madge. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take a proper interest in the general good works and social activities of the neighborhood in which they live. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and in the affairs of that organization takes a warm interest. Thompson, Jesse O. Page 57-58 Photography is one of the newer arts of mankind. Since the days of our grandfathers, when the tintype was the only kind of likeness there has been great progress in this field of science. A highly skilled photographer may be found at Windom, Cottonwood county, in the person of Jesse O. Thompson, who keeps well abreast of the times in his chosen vocation. Mr. Thompson was born in Benton county, Iowa, April 22, 1880. He is a son of John and Elizabeth Thompson, natives of Ohio, and Iowa, respectively. The father, when young, came to Benton county, Iowa, with his parents, William Thompson and wife, and he has since resided there, being a farmer by occupation. His family consists of nine children, namely : Jesse O., Walter, Nettie, Merl, Roy, Harry, Myrtle, Oren and Erma ( deceased). Jesse O. Thompson grew up on the home farm in Benton county, Iowa, and there received his education in the public schools and, when a boy, began studying photography at Sioux City, where he remained four years. He came to Windom, Minnesota, in 1904, where he has since been engaged in business, maintaining a popular studio. Mr. Thompson was married September 20, 1904, to Clarabell Bortle, of Sioux City, Iowa. To this union two children have been born, Lucile Elizabeth and Bernice. Politically, Mr. Thompson is a Republican. He is at present a member of the city council. He was chief of the local fire department for seven years, doing his work most effectively and commendably. Fraternally, he belongs to Prudence Lodge No. 97, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, also the chapter at Windom. He belongs to Lodge No. 108, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Arcanum. Thompson, Oscar J. Page 156-157 Oscar J. Thompson, a well-known and well-to-do fanner of Amo township, Cottonwood county, proprietor of a well-kept farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the vicinity of Storden, former member of the board of supervisors of that township and for years ""road boss"" in his district, is a native of Norway, but has lived in this country ever since he was fifteen years old and has been a resident of this section of Minnesota since the year 1897. He was born in 1871, son of Jens T. and Kama J. (Flatebo) Oyre, both of whom are still living in Norway, their native land, the former of whom, a former soldier of his country, is now a retired farmer. To Jens T. Oyre and wife ten children were born, of whom two only came to this country, the subject of this sketch having a brother, Andrew, living in Cottonwood county, also a resident and well-known farmer of Amo township. But two of the remainder of the children are now living, Tor- bjon and Kristhe J. Oyer, still residents of their native land. Upon completing the course in the government schools in his native land, he then being about fifteen years of age, Oscar J. Thompson, in 1886, came to the United States, locating at Holstein, Ada county, Iowa, where he began working as a farm hand, and in that vicinity he continued to live for about ten years. There he married and established his home, but something more than three years after his marriage he came to Minnesota, arriving in Cottonwood county in 1897. He settled on a farm in Springfield township and there he and his family made their home for thirteen years, or until moving onto their present farm, a quarter of a section of excellent land in Amo township, which Mr. Thompson bought in 1910. Mr. Thompson is an excellent farmer and his place is well improved and well kept. In addition to his general farming he has given considerable attention to stock raising and has done well, long having been regarded as one of the most substantial farmers in that neighborhood. He also has given considerable attention to local civic affairs and during his residence in Springfield township, served for three years as a member of the board of supervisors of that township. The year after his removal to Amo township he was elected ""road boss"" in his district there and has ever since occupied that position, except one year, during which time he has done much in the way of advancing the cause of highway betterment thereabout. It was on January 23, 1893, that Oscar J. Thompson was united in marriage, in Ada county, Iowa, to Lena Bondhus, daughter of O. T. Bond- hus, now a well-known resident of Cottonwood county, a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume, and to that union nine children have been born, Caroline, Ole, Hattie, Agnes, Theodore, Sat- tie, Esther, Johanna Marie (deceased), Harra Kristhene (deceased). Mr. and Airs. Thompson are members of the Lutheran church and take a general interest in the good works of their home community, ever willing to promote all measures designed to advance the cause of the public welfare thereabout. Thorkveen, Lars P. Page 72-73 The REV. LARS P. THORKVEEN, of St. James, one of the best-known ministers of the United Lutheran communion in Minnesota, for years visitator for the Windom district of that church and present secretary-treasurer of the beneficent ""Skolekasse,"" is a native of the kingdom of Norway, born in the parish of Lorn, February 20, 1857. He received an excellent education in the government schools of his native land and when twenty-three years of age, in 1880, came to the United States. Shortly after arriving in this country, Mr. Thorkveen entered the Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa, where he further fitted himself for his theological studies and then came to Minnesota and completed his theological course in the German Lutheran Seminary at Afton. On January 19, 1888, he was ordained to the ministry of his church at St. James and has ever since made his home in that city, though his various pastoral and missionary labors as superintendent of religious schools, secretary of the board of regents of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, etc., have taken him to widely separated points in Minnesota and other states during that period. During his long ministerial service the Rev. Lars P. Thorkveen has served as pastor at Albion, Long Lake, Olaf, Rosendale and Butterfield congregations. The church at the latter place he organized in 1896 and the twentieth anniversary of the founding of that church was made much of by the congregation of the same in 1916. As a missionary Mr. Thorkveen is known widely throughout the state, an acquaintance greatly enlarged during his long service as ""visitator"" for the Windom district of his church. Among the various congregations of the churches thus under his visitational care he is exceedingly popular and his services in the performance of the marriage ceremony and in the preaching of funeral sermons are in wide demand, making him one of the very busy men of St. James. For years Mr. Thorkveen has taken an active interest in the affairs of that beneficent organization for the care of neglected children in the mission field of his church throughout the United States and Canada, the ""Skolekasse,"" and for some time has been performing admirable service in that behalf as the secretary- treasurer of the organization. Mr. Thorkveen is a student deeply versed not only in theology, but in the daily affairs of men, and his counsel and admonition in the long years of his service hereabout have been of inestimable value in this community. Spiritual ministry cannot be paid for at its true value. Fitted in many respects to occupy more conspicuous positions, he has been willing to minister to the spiritual wants of his fellow-men in the humble walks and has been content to spend his life in what might be called the humbler places — his missionary work ever having been to him a labor of love ; contented to speak the gospel to the few, even though to be prepared for this he had spent long years of careful preparation. Public spirited and enterprising, energetic and progressive, his voice ever has been heard in behalf of all proper .measures designed to advance the common interest in this section of the state and it is not too much to say that he is accounted one of the real factors in the wonderful progress and development of this region within the past quarter of a century and more. Thornton, John James Page 66-67 In presenting the biographical memoir of this well-remembered gentleman, whose life was that of a high-grade man, of noble ideals and laudable ambitions, it is believed that the youthful reader, whose destinies are yet matters for future years to determine, will be much benefited and encouraged. Col. John James Thornton, one of the leading lawyers and popular public officials of Watonwan county of the past generation, and a gallant officer in the Civil War, was born in Ohio in 1841, and he received an excellent education in the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He first prepared himself for a career as engineer, but later took up the study of law. He came to St. James, Minnesota, in 1871 and here he was admitted to the bar and was the first lawyer in Watonwan county. He was successful and built up a large clientage, continuing in practice at St. James until 1901, taking part in the important cases coming up in this locality for a period of thirty years and was a prominent and familiar figure in the local courts. He was postmaster under Cleveland's administration for four years, and he served as county attorney from 1874 to 1878. He was an ardent Democrat and a leader in his party in this section of the state. He was a charter member of Libanns Lodge No. 96, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and he was also a Knight Templar. Colonel Thornton was married on November 6, 1867, to Harriet B. Brown of Springhill, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, where she was born on February 27, 1846. She is a daughter of Jonathan C. and Harriet Louisa (Hulburt) Brown. The father was born in New York, October 12, 1815, and the mother was born in Hartford, Connecticut, November 14, 1815. After their marriage they resided at Springhill, Pennsylvania, the first sixteen years, then removed to Juneau, Wisconsin, in 1853, and there the death of the father occurred on January 22, 1882, the mother surviving until 1892. They were the parents of ten children, namely: Stanley, who was first lieutenant in the Third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, and whose death occurred on May 13, 1868; Mrs. W. D. Warner lives in Juneau, Wisconsin ; Earnest E. Brown lives in Oshkosh, Wisconsin ; Mrs. Augusta C. Trawbridge lives in Madelia, Minnesota; Harriet, widow of the subject of this sketch; Mrs. T. M. Miller lives in Buffalo, New York; Ivan Brown lived in Juneau, Wisconsin, now deceased ; Millie is unmarried ; and Mrs. C. M. Petibole lives in Wapun, Wisconsin. To Colonel Thornton and wife five children were born, four of whom died in infancy ; John James, who survived, is now superintendent of the Bradstreet Company of Memphis, Tennessee. He married Emma Mishler. Mrs. Thornton is a member of the Episcopal church, and the rest of the family attends this church. She has a pleasant home in St. James, where she has a host of warm friends. Tibbedeaux, Tuffiel Page 40-42 In making up the memorial annals of Cottonwood county no record would be complete that did not carry fitting mention of the life and of the services to this community of the late Tuffiel Tibbedeaux, of Great Bend township, and who, in his day, was one of the largest landowners and most extensive cattlemen in this part of the state. Tuffiel Tibbedeaux was a Canadian, of French descent, born on June 15, 1845, son °f Oliver and Mary Louise (Sears) Tibbedeaux, both of whom also were born in Canada and who lived there until 1850, in which year they moved over the line and located in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin. There the mother died and the father later came to Minnesota and located in Faribault county, where he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring in 1885. There were five children in the family, of whom the subject of this memorial sketch was the second in order of birth, the others being Philemon, Isadore, Rosa and Joseph, of whom Rosa is now the only survivor. Tuffiel Tibbedeaux was five years old when his parents moved to Wisconsin in 1850, and there, in the neighborhood of Fond du Lac, he grew to manhood. On September 5, 1864, he then being nineteen years of age, he enlisted for service in the Union army during the Civil War as a recruit in Company A, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, with which command he served until the close of the war and during the period of which service he participated in some stirring engagements. Upon the conclusion of his military service, Mr. Tibbedeaux came to Minnesota, arriving in Faribault county in June, 1865, and there he home- steaded a quarter of a section of land, which he proceeded to develop. The following September he married and on that homestead tract he established his home. Mr. Tibbedeaux was an excellent farmer and as his operations prospered he added to his holdings until he became the owner of six hundred and forty acres, on which place he made his home for about thirty years, at the end of which time he disposed of his extensive interests in Faribault county and moved to Cottonwood county. He bought a quarter of a section of land in Great Bend township, established his home there and again prospered in his farming operations, gradually increasing his land holdings until he became the owner of one thousand two hundred and eighty acres of land and was one of the largest cattle buyers and feeders in this part of the state. Mr. Tibbedeaux had a fine place in Great Bend township and took much pleasure in the extension and development of the same. He gave thoughtful attention to the general activities of the neighborhood in a business way and was regarded as one of the most substantial and influential residents of that part of the county, so that at his death on March 8, 1908, there was general regret throughout that community. Mr. Tibbedeaux was a Republican and gave a good citizen's attention to local political affairs, but was not a seeker after office. He was ever a faithful Catholic and on several occasions had served as church trustee. Tuffiel Tibbedeaux was twice married. It was on September 5, 1865, shortly after returning from war, that he was united in marriage to Rosa D. Guyette, daughter of Joseph and Madaline (La Valley) Guyette, natives of Canada, and to that union eleven children were born, namely: Ellen, who married John Smith and has five children, Fred, Henry, Verne, Lawrence and Marie; Solomon, who married Julia Paseneaux, who died, leaving one child, Irma, after which he married Rosa Puryer; Tuffiel, who married Virginia Ebert and has seven children, Bert, Mitchell, Clemeth, Genevia, Lucile, Victor and Blanche; Louise, who married Clayton Sole and has one child, Merton; Rosa, who married Robert Coulter; Joseph, who married Cecelia Sweeney and has three children, Alfred, Adrian and another; Lovina, who married William Viles and has three children, Roy, Joseph and Blanche ; Margaret, who married Henry Percival and is now deceased ; Madaline, deceased; Nora, who married Anton Below and has one child, Tuffiel, and Michael, who died in infancy. The mother of these children died on May 15, 1881, and on September 23, 1883, Mr. Tibbedeaux married, secondly, Edwidge Better, who was born in Franklin county, New York, daughter of Peter and Mary (Sampson) Better, natives of Canada, and to this union five children were born, as follow: Ezra, who married Florence Sunnesack and has three children, Mavis, Colletta and Edwidge; Eva, who married Isaac Sunnesack and has three children, Delois, Reda and Phyllis; Anna Belle, who is at home with her mother; Florence, who married James Develon, and Blanche, who is teaching in Cottonwood county. Mrs. Tibbedeaux, who for some years has made her home at Windom, has a very pleasant home there and maintains a hearty interest in the general social and cultural affairs of the city, ever interested in such movements as are designed to advance the welfare of the people of her home town and of the community at large. Villa, John E. Page 96-97 John E. Villa is a native of Norway, born on August 24, 1873. He is a son of Jens N. and Martha (Kunston) Villa, both natives of Norway. Jens N. Villa followed the occupation of a ship-builder in his native country. He came to America in 1880 and located in Windom, Cottonwood county, Minnesota, and found employment working on the railroad for a year or so. After working in the vicinity of Windom for about two years he removed to Tracy, Lyon county, Minnesota, where he worked in the construction of a new railroad being built from Tracy to Marshall, Minnesota. In 1884 he abandoned railroad work and located on a homestead in Westbrook township, Cottonwood county, and engaged in farming, making this his home for the remainder of his life. In addition to farming he did carpenter work while living here. Part of the village of Westbrook now covers the homestead land of Mr. Villa. Mr. Villa died in 1895; his widow is still living in Westbrook. The children of this family were: Nds, Knut, Ole, John E., Marianna, who died young, and Bella. Mr. Villa was a Republican in politics. He was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. John E. Villa received his early education in Norway. After coming to America he attended school at Tracy, and also the school in Westbrook township. During his early years he worked with his father on the farm. Afterward he was employed for one year in the depot at Windom, and later was a clerk in a store in Windom. In 1901 he established a store in the line of general merchandise, in Westbrook, and continued this business until August, 1915, when he sold out. In 1902 he was one of the principal organizers of the Citizens State Bank of Westbrook. A year later he became one of the directors, and in 1907 he was elected vice-president; the following year, 1908, he was elected president of this institution. He has held this position ever since and is actively engaged in the management of the bank. In 1889 John. E. Villa was married to Inga Johnson, daughter of John Johnson. Two children have been born to this union, Jay C. and Glen R. Mr. and Mrs. Villa hold membership in the Norwegian church. Politically, Mr. Villa affiliates with the Republican party. He has served as village recorder and as a member of the village council; has been mayor for three years and holds that position at the present time. His fraternal affiliations are the Masonic order, the Elks, the Royal Arcanum, the Woodmen and Royal Neighbors. Vold, M. C. Page 284-285 M. C. Vold was born in LaSalle county, Illinois, August 6, 1887, a son of C. J. and Julia Vold, both natives of Norway. They came to America in 1840 and located in LaSalle county, Illinois, where they lived until 1878, when they moved to Story county, Iowa. There the father died in 1912; the mother is still living. M. C.Vold was educated in the common schools of Story county, Iowa. He started out to make his own way at the age of sixteen, working at odd jobs as he could find them. The first steady employment he found was a position as a clerk in a store, at Southernland, Iowa. The wages were small, but he stuck to his job for three years and made good. His next place was at Soo Rapids, Iowa, where he held a clerkship in a store for five years. In 1894 he started in the grocery business in Chicago, and conducted that business for about three years. Then he went to Alto, Iowa, and worked there for about four years; then started a general store at Sulphur Springs, Iowa, in partnership with C. P. Comelinson. He disposed of his interest there and, in the fall of 1902, he came to Jeffers. Here, in company with his former partner, he opened up a general store. In 1912 he bought the interest of his partner and has since been carrying on the business in his own name. He is also interested in real estate, being the owner of farms in Cottonwood and Murray counties. Mr. Vold was married to Amanda Anderson. To this union five children have been born: Harold M., George A., Leslie C., Helen A., who died when young, and Neida M. Mrs. Vold is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically, Mr. Vold affiliates with the Republican party. Voshage, Henry Page 190-191 Henry Voshage is one of the farmers of Mountain Lake township, Cottonwood county, who believes in improvements, as the general appearance of his farm would indicate. He was born in Germany, December 5, 1865, and he is a son of Christian and Stena (Meyers) Voshage, both natives of Germany, where they grew up, married and established their permanent home, the mother still living there, but the father died some years ago. To these parents six children were born, namely : Chris, Stena, Henry, Augusta, August and Ferdinand. Henry Voshage spent his boyhood in Germany, where he received his education. He came to America about 1885, landing in New York on January 2. He went direct to Holland, Iowa, where he worked five years, then began farming near George, Lyon county, that state, later moving to another farm in the same locality, remaining there until 1900, when he came to Cottonwood county, Minnesota, locating on the farm which he now owns in Mountain Lake township, the place containing two hundred and eighty acres, which he has greatly improved, erecting practically all the buidlings. He is successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising, specializing on a good grade of Shorthorn cattle. Henry Voshage was married in 1891 to Stena Shipper, a native of Holland. She is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Voshage the following children were born: Minnie, Anna, Christ, Bertha and Tina (twins), Ella, Susie and Henrietta. They are all living. Politically, Mr. Voshage is a Republican. He is a member of the township board and the local school board. He belongs to the Lutheran church. Voth, D. J. Page 47-48 The subject of this sketch was born in Carson township, Cottonwood county, Minnesota, September 10, 1885, a son of Jacob and Justina ( Loewen) Voth, natives of southern Russia. The father and mother came to America about 1875 and located in Carson township, Cottonwood county, Minnesota. Here they have continued to make their home on a farm of two hundred acres, engaged in general farming. Eight children have been born to them: Lena, D. J., Jacob, Justina, Henry, Isaac, Peter and Abraham. They are members of the Mennonite church; the father is independent in politics. D. J. Voth was educated in the public schools of Carson township, and in the high school at Windom. Later he took a course in the Mankato Business College, where he acquired an education fitting him for the banking business, in which he afterwards engaged. In June, 1909, he took a position in the First State Bank, at Bingham Lake, as assistant cashier; in 1910 he was made cashier of this bank and has since continued in that position. On January 29, 1913, Mr. Voth was married to Anna Heibert, daughter of C. F. Heibert, of Bingham Lake, Minnesota. To this union one child, Richard D., has been born. Mr. Voth has a good knowledge of the banking business in all its details and commands the confidence of the patrons, and of the community in general, as a man of upright character and strict integrity. He is not only interested in the banking business but among the leading public spirited citizens of the community, ready to give aid and encouragement to every cause that tends to the promotion of the welfare and prosperity of the town and county of which he is a citizen. He is not allied with any particular political party, reserving the right to give his support to the candidate whom he deems best qualified for the office to which he aspires, regardless of the party faith to which the candidate subscribes. Vought, Andrew P. Page 226-228 Andrew P. Vought, chairman of the board of supervisors of Springfield township, Cottonwood county, and one of the best known and most substantial farmers of that township, proprietor of a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres in the Heron Lake neighborhood, is a native son of Minnesota and has lived in this state all his life. He was born on a farm in Fillmore county, June 12, 1866, son of James C. and Mary A. (Goudy) Vought, the former a native of the state of New York and the latter of Ohio, who later became well-known residents of Cottonwood county. James C. Vought was nine years of age when he came to Minnesota with his parents back in pioneer days and he grew to manhood on a homestead farm in Fillmore county. After he left school he worked for some time as a farm hand in his home county and then for the better part of three years was engaged in rafting on the Mississippi river. He returned to Fillmore county, married there and settled on a farm, where he remained until 1870, in which year he moved to Jackson county and there entered a homestead tract of eighty acres, on which he made his home until he moved to Cottonwood county in 1883. Upon locating in the latter county he rented a farm and there lived until about five years before his death, which occurred in 1909. He had served the public in the capacity of constable and also had been road overseer for a number of years. James C. Vought and wife were the parents of thirteen children, of whom Andrew P. was the third in order of birth and of whom eleven are still living, two of these being residents of Cottonwood county, Andrew P. Vought having a sister, Mrs. Inez Reisdorph, living here. Andrew P. Vought received his schooling in the schools of Jackson county, he having been but six years old when his parents moved to that county. He grew up on the paternal farm, assisting his father in the development of the same, and remained there until his marriage in 1886, after which he rented the farm on which he is now living and was a tenant on the same for twelve years, at the end of which time he bought it and has ever since continued to live there, he and his family being very comfortably situated. Mr. Vought has a well-kept place of three hundred and twenty acres and has done well in his farming operations. He has made several thousands of dollars worth of improvements on the farm and is regarded as one of the substantial farmers of the Heron Lake neighborhood. In addition to his general farming he also has gone in somewhat extensively for the raising of high-grade cattle and also maintains a dairy herd of twenty head or more. Mr. Vought has given a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs and is now a member of the school board and chairman of the board of supervisors of his home township. He is a Prohibitionist and has for years been active in the work of promoting the anti-saloon movement in his neighborhood. It was on May 6, 1885, that Andrew P. Vought was united in marriage to Kate Seimond, daughter of Henry Seimond, and to this union eight children have been born : Walter, Verne, Chester, Charles, Fannie, Pearl, Robert and Harold. Walter Vought married Lillian Lanham and has one child, a son, Donald. Fannie Vought married John Neumandal and has one child, and Pearl Vought married Joseph Knutson. Mr. and Mrs. Vought are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Windom and take an earnest interest in the general good works of the community. Wall, Jacob H. Page 309-310 Another German farmer who has made good in Minnesota is Jacob H. Wall, of Mountain Lake township, Cottonwood county, where he has been a resident for over a quarter of a century and has by thrift and economy become well-to-do. He was born in 1868, and is a son of Henry and Anna ( Dick) Wall, natives of Germany and Russia, respectively. They spent their earlier lives in the old country, coming to America in 1875 and located near Mountain Lake, Cottonwood county, Minnesota. He finally moved into the village of Mountain Lake, where he died, his wife having died on the farm. Two sons and five daughters were born to them. Jacob H. Wall spent his boyhood on the farm and he received a common- school education. He has always followed farming for a livelihood. He was seven years old when his parents brought him to the United States. He has lived on his present farm since 1891. He has a valuable farm of four hundred and forty acres on which he has erected modern and substantial buildings and made many other improvements, and he carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. Mr. Wall was married in 1890, to Agetha Buhler, a daughter of Abram Buhler, a native of Russia, and to this union the following children have been born: Lena, Henry, Abram, Justina and Anna. Mr. Wall is a member of the Mennonite church. He has taken considerable interest in local public affairs, and has been township assessor for a period of seventeen years and is township clerk at the present time. Ware, Mark Charles Page 169-171 Mark Charles Ware, one of the best-known and most progressive young farmers of Lakeside township, Cottonwood county, whose home at “Clover Leaf Stock Farm"" is one of the pleasantest in the Bingham Lake neighborhood, is a native son of Minnesota and has lived in this part of the state all his life. He was born at Mapleton, in the neighboring county of Blue Earth, January 25, 1880, son of C. E. and Eliza Jane (Moore) Ware, the former a native of the state of New York and the latter of Wisconsin, who are. now living retired in the pleasant village of Bingham Lake. C. E. Ware was born in the city of Buffalo, New York, March 15, 1849, son of George M. and Anna (Kelly) Ware, both natives of that same state, the former of whom is still living, a prominent resident of Faribault county, this state. George M. Ware was a buggy-maker in Buffalo. About 1858 he moved to Medina county, Ohio, where he lived until 1862, in which year he and his family joined the tide of emigration that then was setting in so ""strongly towards the Northwest and came to Minnesota, settling in Blue Earth county. The next year, in 1863, he moved down into Faribault county, where he had taken a homestead the year before, and there he established his home, becoming one of the most substantial and influential pioneers of that section. George M. Ware, who is still living on his old homestead in Faribault county, has been married twice. To his union with Anna Kelly two children were born, C. E. and Catherine. Upon the death of the other of these children, Mr. Ware married Lydia Mattingly and to this second union three children were born, Eva, Francis and William Vincent. C. E. Ware was about nine years old when his parents moved from Buffalo to Ohio and was about thirteen when they came to Minnesota in 1862. He completed his schooling in this state and early learned the carpenter’s trade, becoming a building contractor, which business he followed until 1900, his last contract having been the completion of an eighteen- thousand-dollar residence. It was in 1900 that C. E. Ware bought a quarter of a section of partly-improved land in Lakeside township, Cottonwood county, and there established his home, becoming one of the most progressive farmers and stockmen thereabout. He erected practically all the buildings on the place with the exception of the dwelling, including a fine barn and a silo, and brought the farm up to a high state of productivity. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Ware went in somewhat extensively for stock raising, with particular attention to the raising of pure-bred Shorthorn cattle and did very well. He named his farm ""Clover Leaf Stock Farm,"" and there he made his home until 1915, in which year he rented the place to his son, Mark C. Ware, the subject of this sketch, and he and his wife retired to the village of Bingham Lake, where they are now living. The elder Mr. Ware is independent in his political views and has for years given close attention to local political affairs. During his long residence at Mapleton he served for some time as a member of the village council and for six years was village justice. He also served for seven years as chairman of the township board and in other ways did his part in the public service. His wife is a member of the Methodist church and he has ever been a contributor to the beneficences of the same. It was on December 6, 1874, that C. E. Ware was united in marriage to Eliza Jane Moore, who was born in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, December 20, 1851, daughter of Henry and Sallie (Clark) Moore, and to this union five children have been born, George H., Grace, Mark C., Florence M. and May L. Mark C. Ware, who is now occupying ""Clover Leaf Stock Farm"" and who is developing the same in accordance with modern methods of agriculture, has given his best thought to the subject of farming and is making a success of his operations. Upon completing his schooling at Mapleton, he took his place on his father's farm and became a thoroughgoing farmer. Upon his father's retirement in 1915 he took over the active management of the home place and he and his wife have since then made their home there, Mrs. Ware, who, before her marriage, was Jennie Olena Larson, taking an equal interest with him in the progress of their agricultural operations. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Ware keeps up an active interest in stock raising and has a fine herd of Shorthorn cattle. He is a Republican and gives his earnest attention to local political affairs. In 1911 he was elected township clerk and served until 1916. Mrs. Ware is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and both she' and her husband take an earnest interest in the general good works of their home community. Mr. Ware is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and in the affairs of that organization takes a warm interest. Wicklund, Alfred J. Page 85-86 The subject of this sketch was born in Sweden, September 6, 1859, a son of Johannes Larson and Anna Cajsa, both natives of Sweden and both spent their entire lives in their native land. The father died in 1906 and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. They were members of the Swedish Lutheran church, and were the parents of eight children : Swanta, August, John, Henry, Alfred, Ida, Augusta and Hilma. Alfred J. Wicklund was educated in the public schools of Sweden. When not in school he found abundant opportunity in the training of industrial habits by working on his father's farm in Sweden. In 1881, soon after attaining his majority, he followed the example of many others of the hardy Swedish youth by coming to America, where there was a prospect of better opportunities for applied industry and energy to be rewarded with due compensation. After landing in New York he followed the footsteps of others of his countrymen and found his way to Carver county, Minnesota, and soon found employment working on a farm near East Union, of that county. He spent about one year in this employment and then got a position in a mill, at East Union, and applied himself to learning the trade of a miller. He soon became proficient in this trade and held the position as an expert miller in that mill for fourteen years. In 1896 he left that mill and went to Jordan, Minnesota, where he took a position as night miller in a mill at that place, continuing in this occupation for five years. In 1900 he came to Bingham Lake, Cottonwood county, and, in association with A. L. Holt, opened up a general merchandise store, and has continued in this business ever since. In this, as in all other business ventures in which Mr. Wicklund has been engaged since coming to this country, he has been quite successful. The store is enjoying a good trade, with a substantial patronage of the people of the town and surrounding country. Mr. Wicklund was married, in 1889, to Emma Holt, daughter of John Holt. To this union four children have been born: Edward P., Effie M., Harry E., Lillian C. Their church affiliation is with the Swedish Lutheran church. Mr. Wicklund's political affiliation is with the Republican party. Mr. Wicklund's name when he came to America was Alfred Johnson, but on account of mail being mixed up so much, he took the name of Wicklund. Wog, Daniel E. Page 339-341 Daniel E. Wog, chairman of the board of supervisors of Germantown township, Cottonwood county, owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres in section 23 of that township, a director of the Farmers' Elevator Company at Sanborn, a director of the Westbrook Fire Insurance Company and in other ways identified with the business interests of that community, is a native of Minnesota and has lived in this state all his life. He was born on a pioneer homestead farm in Charlestown township, in the neighboring county of Redwood, March 20, 1875, son of Alexander and Agnetta (Danielson) Wog, natives of Sweden, both born in the same community in that country, and who became early settlers in the southern part of Redwood county back in pioneer days. For some time after coming to this country, Alexander Wog worked in a brick-yard in St. Paul and was there engaged until 1871, in which year he homesteaded a tract of eighty acres in Charlestown township, Redwood county, and set about ""proving up"" the same. He and a neighbor owned a team of horses in partnership and for two years used that team in the joint labors of the two farms. One horse then died and they traded the other for a team of young oxen and continued working thus in amicable neighborliness until they were able to see their ways sufficiently clear to admit of the purchase of additional stock. In those days there were still a few Indians in this part of the country and Mr. Wog found a couple of abandoned canoes, which he utilized as mangers for his stock. After the first few hard years, however, he began to prosper and later added to his farm an adjoining ""eighty"" of school land, which he bought at auction, and became a substantial farmer. His death occurred on June 26, 1887, in a hospital at Minneapolis, to which place he had been taken for treatment for a cancer. Alexander Wog and wife were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and their children were reared in that faith. There were five of these children, of whom Daniel E. was the first born, the others being Carl O., Nels Gustav, Alexander, Wilhelm and Johan Alfred. Daniel E. Wog grew to manhood on the homestead farm on which he was born, receiving his schooling in the old school house in district 33, Charlestown township, and from boyhood proved a valuable aid to his father in the labors of developing the home place. He also became a skilled painter and when not working on the farm was engaged in painting throughout that part of the country. In 1902 he bought the farm of two hundred acres on which he now lives, in section 23, Germantown township, Cottonwood county, and proceeded to develop the same. All the improvements have been made by him and the place is regarded as one of the best improved farms in that part of the country, substantial buildings and everything in keeping with the same. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Amboy township, eighty of which was inherited by his wife, he afterward buying the adjoining eighty. Mr. Wog not only has been a successful farmer, but he has given considerable attention to outside business interests. He is a director of the Farmers' Elevator - Company at Sanborn, a director of the Westbrook Fire Insurance Company, agent for the Madelia Farmers' Cyclone Insurance Company and local agent for the Mutual Benefit Association. He also has given close attention to local civic affairs and since 1908 has been a member of the board of supervisors of Germantown township and has been serving as chairman of the board since 1912. On March 7, 1910, Daniel E. Wog was united in marriage to Emma Grewatz, daughter of Ernest Grewatz, of Amboy. Mr. and Mrs. Wog are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and take an earnest interest in parish affairs, as well as in all local good works. They have a fine home and give proper attention to the various social activities of their home community, being accounted among the leaders in all movements designed to advance the common welfare thereabout. Woodruff, Amelius E. Page 406-407 Amelius E. Woodruff was born in Essex county, New York, July 26, 1842, a son of Lyman L. Woodruff, who was born in New York City, and Laura (Lee) Woodruff, who was born in Essex county, New York state. Lyman L. Woodruff was a lumberman and handled wood, and was also connected with ore mining in New York state. He made his first trip West in 1861, coming to St. Paul, Minnesota, but only remaining for five months, when he returned to New York. Four years later, in 1865, he came again to St. Paul, this time bringing his family with him. . His first occupation after coming to Minnesota was manager of a stage line, with headquarters at Mankato. After two years in this business he located on a farm near St. Paul, where he lived the rest of his life. The children in this family were: William Wallace, Alonzo S., Harry, who died at the age of three years; Millard L., Amelius E., Alice A., Nellie E., Sarah, who died at the age of fourteen, and Millie. Amelius E. Woodruff was educated in the district schools of Essex county, New York, and worked during his boyhood years with his father in the lumber and mining business. He came West with his father, in 1865, and was engaged for about four months driving the stage between Stillwater and Taylor's Falls, Minnesota. He then went on a farm at Meriam Park, St. Paul, and fanned for nine years; then conducted a farm for one year at Fridley Park, Minneapolis; following this he was employed on the railroad for two years. In 1875 he came to Cottonwood county and conducted a farm in Mountain Lake township for fifteen years. In 1890 he came to Mountain Lake, built a store and started a general merchandising business, which he continued until 1910, when he retired. For ten years he was connected with the Cottonwood County Bank, serving as director and vice-president of this institution. Mr. Woodruff was twice married, first to Lauretta Ware, daughter of Silas Ware and wife. His second marriage was to Rose Bawman. To this union four children were born : Harry E., Winnifred, who died at the age of three years; Seymour and Winnifred, who died when a child. The mother died on March 14, 1902. Mr. Woodruff is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. His fraternal affiliation is with the Masonic order, including the blue lodge, Royal Arch Chapter, and the Shriners, at St. Paul. Yarger, T. M. Page 374-375 T. M. Yarger, a substantial farmer of Storden township, Cottonwood county, and the proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the vicinity of Storden, is a native of the great Keystone state, born on a farm in Center county, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1851, son 01 Christian and Sarah Jane Allison (McManigal) Yarger, natives of that same state, who were the parents of ten children, of whom T. M. was the fifth in order of birth, the others being Mary C, Hattie J., James L., Frank R., Ella, William, Julia, Laura J. and Hiram M. In 1865 Christian Yarger moved with his family from Pennsylvania to Illinois, settling on a farm in Stevenson county, in the latter state, where he spent the rest of his life, a substantial and influential farmer. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church and their children were reared in that faith. T. M. Yarger was about fourteen years old when he moved with his family to Illinois and the schooling which was interrupted when he left Pennsylvania was resumed in the district school in the neighborhood of his new home. He grew up to the life of the farm and presently began farming on his own account in Illinois. He married there in 1884 and con- tinued to make his home in that state until 1889, in which year he moved to Iowa, settling in Osceola county, where he was engaged in farming until 1913, when he disposed of his interests there and came to Minnesota, settling on the farm on which he now lives, in Storden township, Cottonwood county, and where he and his family are very pleasantly and comfortably situated. Mr. Yarger is the owner of a quarter of a section of fine land, which he has improved in excellent shape and which he is profitably cultivating. Though a resident of that community but a few years he has come to be looked upon as one of the substantial citizens of that part of the county and takes an active interest in the general affairs of the neighborhood. On December 15, 1884, T. M. Yarger was united in marriage, in Stevenson county, Illinois, to Anna Myers and to this union eight children have been born, Mildred, Luther, Edna, Fred, Elmer, Arthur, Sadie and Reuben. Mr. and Mrs. Yarger are members of the Methodist church and take an active interest in the affairs of the same, as well as in all local works, and are earnest promoters of all movements having to do with the advancement of the common welfare hereabout. Mr. Yarger is a Democrat and takes a proper interest in local political affairs. Zender, John Page 59-60 While the German Empire has not furnished so many settlers for Watonwan county as have some other countries, those she has sent to this locality are thrifty and have become comfortably fixed by reason of their industry. One of this number is John Zender, now living in retirement in the town of St. James. Mr. Zender was born in Germany, July 8, 1846, and is a son of Jacob G. and Katherjne (Green) Zender, both of whom lived and died in Germany, the father dying in 1869 and the mother about 1879. They were the parents of the following children: Susanna, who died in Germany; Angela, who married and spent her life in Germany,, dying there a number of years ago, and had two sons who came to the United States, Jacob and Theodore Oik, of Nebraska; Katherine, who died in Germany; Peter is deceased; John, the subject of this sketch; Veronica, who married Wendal Liver, came to the United States, where she died, and Antone lives in Iowa. John Zender spent his boyhood in Germany, where he was educated in the public schools. On August 10, 1871, he sailed from the Fatherland to the new world, locating in Chicago, where he remained until April, 1872, then came to Faribault, Minnesota, but in a short time went on to Scott county, locating seven miles south of Jordan, where he lived about seven months, then came to Watonwan county and bought a homestead right of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he added until he now owns seven hundred acres of valuable and well-improved land, two hundred acres of which lies in St. James township and five hundred in Butterfield township. He carried on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale until 1913, whe he retired from active life and purchased a fine home in St. James, where he has since resided. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company here. Mr. Zender was married in 1876, to Katie Goll, who was born in Austria in 1858. She is a daughter of Michael and Mary Goll, who came to Mankato, Minnesota, in 1867, but the following year located in Watomvan county, Mr. Goll taking up a homestead in Rosedale township, on which he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1907 at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Mrs. Goll is still living on the home place, being now eighty-two years of age. To Mr. and Goll the following children were born : Katie, wife of Mr. Zender; Andrew died in 1899; Margaret is the wife of John Barrett; Frank, Mary, Anna. To Mr. and Mrs. Zender thirteen children have been born, named as follows : Mary, Michael, Margaret, Francis, Theresa, Anton Joseph, Andrew George, Jacob, Anna Clara, Albert Joseph, Julia, Florence, and Eleanor. They are all living at this writing. Mr. Zender and family are members of the Catholic church, and he is affiliated to the German Catholic Association. Zender, John J. Page 60-62 One of the representative business men of Watonwan county is John J. Zender, merchant, of St. James, who devoted his earlier years to farming in this locality. He is essentially a man of affairs, sound of judgment and far-seeing in what he undertakes, and with scarcely an exception every enterprise to which he addresses himself results in gratifying financial returns. Mr. Zender was born in St. James township, Watonwan county, September 4, 1876, and is a son of Peter and Magdalena (Miller) Zender, natives of Germany, the father born in 1844 and the mother in 1846. There they spent their early lives and attended school. Peter Zender came to America in 1872 and his wife at a later date, with her parents, Peter and Anna Miller. The latter were both natives of Germany, his birth occurring in 1818 and hers in 1820. The Miller family located in St. James, Minnesota, the latter part of the year 1872, and here the parents spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in 1880, at the age of sixty-two years, and the mother in 1912, at the advanced age of ninety-two years, having outlived her husband thirty-two years. Peter Zender secured a homestead of eighty acres upon, coming here. He was a man of industry and sound judgment and, prospering with the advancing years, he added to his original holdings until he owned five hundred and one acres of good land. He carried on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, but spent the last three years of his life in retirement in St. James, where his death occurred in 1905, his widow surviving until 1914. Politically, he was a Democrat and active in party affairs. He was a member of the township board for a period of thirteen years. He was a member of the Catholic church. His family consisted of the following children: John J., Annie, Nicholas L., Peter J. and Mary. They all survive at this writing. John J. Zender grew to manhood on the home farm, where he worked when a boy, and he received his education in the public schools. He remained on the farm until 1901, when he came to St. James and engaged in the restaurant business, beginning in December of that year, which he continued successfully until July 5, 1905. In the spring of 1906 he went to Butterfield, where he engaged in the implement business for four years, enjoying a good trade, then returned to St. James. He took up farming again, which he continued on an extensive scale until the spring of 1915, when he sold out and was employed by Meyer & Uhlhome in their hardware store until March 4, 1916, when he was admitted to the firm, which was incorporated under the firm name of The City Mercantile Company. They handle all kinds of hardware, implements, harness, automobiles, etc. Mr. Zender is secretary and treasurer of the firm. A very large business is carried on and it is rapidly increasing. Mr. Zender owned a well improved and productive farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres in St. James township, but sold eighty acres, now owning ninety-five acres in sections 19 and 20. He is a stockholder in the Security State Bank, and is also interested in the estate of his mother. Politically, he is an independent voter. He was a member of the town council one year. He is a member of the Catholic church. Mr. Zendet was married in 1899, to Ludwina Stemper of Russell county, Wisconsin, where she was born. Her parents still live in that state. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Zender has been without issue. Mr. Zender is a member of the Foresters and the German Fraternal Society. Mr. Zender's paternal grandparents were Jacob G. and Katherine (Green) Zender, both of whom spent their lives in Germany, his death occurring in 1869 and hers in 1879. Their children were named as follows: Susanna died in Germany; Angeline, who married and spent her life in Germany, had two sons to come to the United States, Theodore Oik and Jacob; Catherine died in Germany; Peter, father of the subject of this sketch; John, who lives in St. James, Minnesota, is mentioned elsewhere in this work ; Veronica, who came to the United States, married Wendal Lever, who lives in Carroll county, Iowa, but she is deceased; Antone lives in Iowa. |
