"A History of Western Murray County" by Robt. B. Forrest, Pages 176-187, Murray Co., MN Published 1947 ========================================================================= USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. 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Be sure to read: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mn/murray/history/western/preface3.txt ================================================================================ Early W. Murray Co. MN Hist., pages 176-187 Commissioner since 1923, resident director of Mankato Teachers' College. He is an attorney by profession. Mrs. Hughes has been active in Women's Clubs, War Work, etc. Takes an active interest in civic and educational affairs. She is a graduate of Carleton College. Margaret attended Carleton College, Whitewater Teachers' College, at Whitewater, Wisconsin, Twin City Business College, St. Paul, and Minneapolis Business College, Minneapolis. Has resided at home in Pipestone for many years while teaching Commercial subjects in the high school there. She has also taught in several other places in Minnesota and South Dakota. Duncan attended Carleton and graduated from Minnesota University. He was united in marriage to Miss Mariam Buchanan of Tazewell, Virginia, in 1930. They have two daughters: Nancy Southwell, born October 25, 1938; and Margaret Allen, born August 19, 1943. Duncan spent many years in Texas, and returned to Minnesota in 1940, and is now controller and director in the Win. Bros Boiler and Mfg. Company of Minneapolis. Wm. Lowe was born in Canada, October 6, 1861, and came to Minnesota with his folks in 1876. He was the first teacher in Skandia township, teaching in a sod schoolhouse, with two little windows, home made benches, and walls of sod. Kids wore wooden shoes to school and made an awful clatter. No globes, no dictionary, no maps, very little of anything. From the schoolroom, he went to the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College in Chicago, graduating in 1889. Has been practising medicine ever since in Nebraska and South Dakota, and he says he is still at it. He served as postmaster for nine years. Dr. Lowe has three children. George B. Lowe, born January 20, 1900, was a veteran of World War I. He now lives in Pasadena, Texas. Richard Barrett, a leading educator of South Dakota, was president of Sioux. Falls College, president of the South Dakota Educational Association, and was prominent in other organizations. He has written several books. He is now at Peru, Nebraska. Was Lieut. Commander in second World War in Navy. His oldest son, Bruce, served in World War II. —176— The only daughter, Margaret Helen, married Garland R. Mundy. They have a son, William Lowe Mundy, who was in the Navy, took up medicine and is now an M.D. in the Navy Hospital at Boston, Massachusetts. Minnie, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Lowe, Sr., was married to W. B. Stine in 1881. To this union five children were born. Mrs. Stine died at Tracy, Minnesota, January 12, 1947. Alex, the youngest son, was married to Miss Ovdie Anderson, November 29, 1 889. He has been an active and energetic citizen, being engaged in farming, stock raising, stock buying, and for a while was in the merchandise business. He served in the Minnesota Legislature for four terms and was a member of the Hadley council for 20 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Lowe were born four sons and one daughter. Walter, who has been attached to the R. F. D. service at Slayton for over twenty years, married Mary Ingersoll. They have three children: Dorothy May, born September 20, 1922; Barbara E., born December 29, 1925; and Thomas W., born June 20, 1930. Barbara is a senior at St. Olaf College. Dorothy married Chas. Anderson, July 6,1946. Earl and Tom worked their way through the University of Minnesota and are practicing medicine at South St. Paul. They have been very successful, and besides general practice are medical advisors for both the Swift and Armour packing plants. Dr. Larson, a former Lake Wilson physician, is associated with them. Earl Lowe was married to Miss Ann Tobin, November 1, 1924. They have three children: Alexander, Joan and Mary Alice. Joan is a student at the University of Minnesota. Mary Alice and Alexander are in high school. Mrs. Lowe passed away in December, 1945. Tom was united in marriage to Birdie Keller of Marshall. They have a daughter, Bette. George Lowe married Miss Pauline Larson in 1922. Four children were born to this union: Muriel,who married Clifford Freeman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; George, Jr., who married Alice Bendix of Slayton; Andrean and Janice who are at —177— home with their father at Cedar Rapids. George, Jr., has one daughter, Winnifred Alice. George started contracting at an early age and developed into one of the biggest contractors in Iowa. He has employed six crews and 1,500 men. He built many airports and other government installations during World War II. Mrs. Lowe passed away in April, 1946. Jessie Lowe, the only daughter, was united in marriage to Clifford Reed in 1914, who was formerly in the banking business, but is now with the R. M. S. out of St. Paul. A daughter, Edith, married George Nelson of Elk Rapids. The other daughter, Alice, married William Cooper of Birmingham, Alabama. Charles is attending the University of Washington. Homer is engaged in the ice cream business. A son, Herbert, died in infancy. THE MIHIN FAMILY Mike Mihin and his wife, Mary, both natives of Ireland, came to America in 1849. Stopping along the way in the states of New York and Illinois they came to Minnesota, settling in Wabasha County. They came to Murray County in 1872, and took a homestead in Section 32, where he built the log cabin, a picture of which appears in this book. They had one son, John J., who was born in McHenry County, Illinois, August 23, 1 856. He came to this county shortly after his parents located on a homestead in Lowville township. He was married in 1881 to Miss Katie Ryan of Millville. To this union five children were born; three of the children passed away and the two now living in 1946 are Frank and Viola. Ever since coming to this section John J. Mihin was active in all affairs of government, especially in school, township and county affairs, and to these branches he gave years of service, serving as a member of the school hoard for 46 years, as town clerk 50 years, and 16 years as county commissioner. He was also president of the First National Bank of which institution he was a charter member. —178— Frank was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Eichhorn in 1918. To this union five children were born: Douglas, Doris, John, Marie, and Viola. Douglas is a veteran of World War II, serving in the Coast Guard for 28 months; twenty-one months in the European sector, and seven months in the Pacific. He was on a destroyer convoying troop ships, and was a Chief Machinist's mate. He was in five years and had 21 months at sea. He was united in marriage to Miss Gwendoline Harinsen in 1942. A girl, Mary C., was born to this union on February 7, 1945. This little miss is the fifth generation to live on the homestead taken back in 1872. Doris was united in marriage to Otto J. Hruby, January 30, 1945. They live at Hinsdale, Illinois, and have one son, Michael Thomas. Jack is in the U. S. Navy and its taking his boot training in California. Marie and Viola are at home with their parents in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Marie is attending the Cathedral High School. JOSEPH G. McGLASHEN No man in Murray County has done more for patriotic and civic endeavor than Joe McGlashen. He has never been in the rear; always out in front doing what was expected of him and more too. Joe is not what one would call a newcomer to western Murray County. Fifty-one years ago he worked in his father's elevator in Chandler. He worked there in 1896 and 1897, leaving to attend business college at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After finishing business school, he moved to Pipestone County where after farming for a number of years he entered the State Bank at Edgerton as assistant cashier. He remained there until 1919 when he returned to Chandler as cashier of the State Bank. While serving as cashier he had the experience of being held up twice by bank robbers. The first time the loot amounted to $1,777.00. The second time Joe, being of Scotch ancestry, talked the young fellows out of committing the crime. —179— But it was back in 1927 when he experienced real trouble. The bank was engulfed in the financial wave that swept over the entire United States. The bank was out and so was Joe and the outlook was blank for both of them. It’s not very often that a cashier of a closed bank ever goes back to his job, but the folks in the community had faith in him, and best of all, Joe had faith in himself with the result that they pulled the bank from a dead level with no footings to one that has footings of over $700,000; a mighty fine record for Joe, the stockholders, and the community. Joe has been president of the bank now since 1945. He has served his village well as recorder and school treasurer for at least twenty years. His life has been one of service to this section of the county, service that has been given willingly and unselfishly. Honest and sincere, few men have more friends. Joseph G. McGlashen was born in Traer, Iowa, October 23, 1880. His father James, was born in Scotland and operated a flour mill in Edgerton in the early days. Mr. McGlashen was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Evans of Edgerton, June 3, 1903. They have no children. THE CARL H. NISSEN FAMILY Carl H. Nissen, who was born July 1, 1887, came to Murray County with his parents in 1898, from Storm Lake, Iowa. Carl started farming for himself in 1914 and took an active part in township matters. He was united in marriage to Miss Anna Micheel, of Cameron township, June 10, 1916. Mrs. Nissen was born February 9, 1897. To this union seven children were born: Loraine M., June 3, 1917; Arnold A., July 20, 1918; Viola F., born August 28, 1922; Erna A., born August 26, 1929; Christian H., born June 14, 1935; Dorothy Ann, born February 29, 1940. A daughter, Verna A., born October 18, 1927, died February 7,1928. Loraine, who is a graduate of the Mankato Teachers' College, taught four years in the rural districts and is now teaching in her fifth year at Kanaranzi. —180— Arnold is assisting his father on the farm. Viola, who is also a graduate of the Mankato Teachers' College, taught in rural schools for four years. She was married to Clarence Klinker November 14, 1943. They live in Cameron township. Erna is attending high school at Lake Wilson. Chris and Dorothy Ann are attending district school. THE HANS NELSON FAMILY Hans B. Nelson and wife, Bergethe, were born in Norway and came to Murray County in 1873. They homesteaded two miles east of Lake Wilson. Mr. Nelson was the most unfortunate among the early settlers losing his home by fire three different times. In the last fire his wife died from injuries received, leaving a babe of less than three weeks. On Mr. Nelson's shoulders fell the duty of raising his family of eight children. The oldest Nelson son died in Norway, two boys were drowned while the family lived in Fillmore county, Anton and Ole died when they were young men. Three of the daughters, Sina, Ida and Marie, were school teachers. Sina married John Lane. They had three daughters, Selma, Jennie and Antoinette, also one adopted son, Clifford. Mrs. Lane died in 1920 and Mr. Lane in 1927. Jennie married Claude Smith. They have two daughters: Dorothy and Francile. Dorothy married Nelvin Larson. They had one daughter, Eloise, who died in 1945. Francile married Robert Peterson of St. James. Josephine married Otis Lapham. They had five children. Lester married Cora Graf. They have two children: Donna Joan and Erla. They live at St. Croix Falls, Wins. Russell and his wife and son, Peter Kent, live in Alaska. Leland was with the Boeing Air Craft Co. for six years. He lives at Luck, Wis. Landon was a captain in the Medical corps and spent two years in the Philippines. Was on General Staff of hospital at Highland Park, Mich. They have a son, Richard. Alice lives in Milwaukee, Wis. Ida married Andrew G. Johnson (see Johnson biography). —181— Ellen, the youngest daughter, married Bert A. Olson in 1907. They have eight children Kenneth L. is teaching and coaching at Maxwell, Iowa. He married Marjorie Wood in 1940. They have two children: Lowell and Marlys. Thelma married Harry Eager. They have a son, James Allen. Lenora married Emil Dvorak. They have four children: David, Sandra, Bruce and Douglas. Luther married Maxine Lundgren. He teaches at Stanton, Iowa. They have two children: Gerald and Tressa. Helen married Paul Wilke. They have a son, Paul. Naomi married Robert Merryman in 1945. Eugene is attending Luther College. Gerald is with his parents at Fort Dodge. He is attending Junior College. The father, Rev. B. A. Olson, was ordained in the Lutheran church in 1915. He served at Stavanger, Seneca, and Marseilles, Illinois and at Badger, Iowa. Hans Nelson was one of the founders of Leeds township. He signed the petition for the formation of the township. THE JULIUS F. NEPP FAMILY Julius Frederick Nepp was born January 15, 1868. He came to America in 1882. He came to Minnesota in 1886 with his father and mother, Frederick and Augusta Nepp. Julius worked on the farm in the summer. In the winter he would work in the coal mines at Streator, Ill. He married Linna Bauman at Streator, Ill., March 26, 1891. They came to Minnesota that year and started farming for themselves. Seven children were born to them. Carl, married Tena Nelson of Absaraka, N. D. in 1914. They have two children: Kathryn, a graduate of University of Minnesota, taught in schools in Michigan, Minnesota and North Dakota. Alice did secretarial work for the N. W. Air Lines and North Dakota Agricultural College. She married Harold Goble, September 1946. They live at Fargo, N. D. Carl has been depot agent at Absaraka since 1911. Walter married Bertha Reese in 1916. Farmed in Cameron Township until 1945 when they retired. Walter was town clerk for 24 years and school treasurer for 24 years. They live at Pipestone. Elmer married Myrtle Peterson in 1923. They have two children: Derald, who farms with his father, and Donald, a sen- —182— ior in high school. Elmer was a corporal in World War I, serving in England and France. William married Delia Harmsen in 1919. They live on the farm his grandfather bought in 1885. Four children were born to them: Mahlon, married Una Lopau of Pipestone, is farming with his father; Marion died at the age of seven in 1932; Howard went into the Merchant Marine in 1944, now an ensign, was active in sports, all star District Basketball team in 1944; Roger was Valedictorian of the class of 1945, played on All Star Basketball team '44-'45. Received two medals. Roger died in 1946 at the age of 18. Irene is a graduate of Stout Institute and taught Home Ec. in schools in Iowa and Minnesota. Was married to Stephen Stephenson in 1926. They have two children: Audrey, born August 17, 1928 who is attending St. Olaf and Norris, born February 26, 1931, is attending Slayton High School. Mr. Ste-phenson is a veteran of World War I; he was a Sergeant in the 88th Division. Ewald attended U. of Minn., is connected with the Investors Syndicate, married Ray McCauley of Mobridge, S. D. in 1929. They have two children: Nancy and John, who are attending school in Albert Lea. Paul died at the age of two in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Julius F. Nepp assisted in organizing the German Evangelical Church, the first church in Lake Wilson. They later joined the Lutheran Church. Mr. Nepp helped organize the Farmers' Elevator and Lumber Company, and was on the board for several years. Was a charter member and President of the First National Bank of Lake Wilson. The J. F. Nepps, Sr., celebrated their golden wedding anniversary March 26, 1941. J. F. Nepp died in 1944, age 76. His widow lives in Lake Wilson. THE HENRY NETT FAMILY Henry B. Nett was born November 6, 1883 at Wershoven, Germany. In 1904 he and his brother, Herman, immigrated to America; he settled in Lake Wilson, Minnesota. He was united —183— in marriage to Meta Martins April 17, 1912. He managed the Farmers Elevator for 18 years; resigning, he entered the hardware business until his death October 30, 1944. Mrs. Nett also arrived from Germany in 1910, with her parents, Martin Martins and four brothers and two sisters. They had eight children: Margaret, Thelma, Herman, Martin, Ann, Helen, Emma and Henry. Margaret was united in marriage to John Van Eede in 1940; they have two children: John and Robert. Thelma was married to Russell Gillette in 1936. They have two children: Ronald and Michael; they live in Creve Coeur, Illinois. Herman worked in his father's Hardware store until his call came for the army in November 1942. He sailed on the Queen Mary to England in August 1944. He was attached to the Ninth Armored Division and later joined Patton's Third. He fought on the Siegfried Line and was killed in action in Germany on April 15, 1945. Martin was married to Orla Scarset in 1942. He is with the Coast Guard and ranks as Chief Commissionary Steward and is stationed at Boston, Massachusetts. Ann married Allan Clauson in 1941. They have three children, Nancy, Thomas and Judith. They live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Helen was married to Lloyd Olson of Hadley on June 2, 1942. To this union a son, David, was born on June 20, 1944. Mrs. Olson died December 13, 1944. Emma is employed with the accounting department of the Standard Oil Co. in San Francisco, California. Henry is attending St. Johns College at Collegeville, Minn. He served with the navy for two years. THE SWEN NELSON FAMILY Among the early settlers of Leeds township were Swen and Eliza, natives of Sweden, who settled here in 1872, coming here via Decorah, Iowa, The Nelsons were real pioneers, Mr. Nel- —184— son being one of the men who signed the petition for the formation of Leeds township. With them came their son, Herman, who was born in 1855. Herman took a homestead on section 4, and from there rose to be one of the most prominent men in the county. He moved from the farm to Hadley to enter the general merchandise business in 1881 and in 1887 be entered the general merchandise business in Slayton. Gaining in popularity he was elected register of deeds which office he held for several terms. When he retired he was elected to the legislature in 1917 and 1919. The Nelsons had three children: George, Lawrence and Isabel. Soon after reaching manhood George was elected sheriff of Murray County, a position he has held for over twenty years. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have two children: Leslie and Sadie. Leslie married Mildred Brue in 1937. Sadie married Al Wolfe in 1939. They have a daughter, Sue Ann. Lawrence married Mildred Flom in 1918. George, the sheriff, was united in marriage to Miss Verna Slaybaugh in 1910. THE A. J. OSBORNE FAMILY Albert J. Osborne was born at Sutherland, Iowa in 1871. He was united in marriage to Miss Edna Simar, November 18, 1896. The family moved to Lake Wilson in 1901. Mr. Osborne was Lake Wilson's first dray man. He always took an active part in Methodist church affairs and for 30 years was president of the Sunday School. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Osborne: Eunice, born in 1900; Rowena in 1904; Helen in 1906; Page in 1908, and Mildred in 1917. Eunice was united in marriage to A. E. Reha in 1920. Mr. Reha has been manager of the Hubbard & Palmer elevator here for several years. The Rehas have three children: Lorna, Jean and Byron. Lorna married George Sierk, see Sierk biography. Jean attended the Minneapolis Business School and now works for the New York Life Ins. Co. in Minneapolis. Byron spent three years in the navy in World War II, mostly in the Atlantic and North Africa areas. He was a member of the crew on air- —185— plane carrier "Guadalcanal." He is now attending the Mankato Commercial College. Rowena married Chester Perry in 1926. They have a daughter, Ardyce, born in 1932. The Perrys live in Lake Wilson. Helen married Mahlen A. Clauson, see Clauson biography. Page Francis married Olga Rasmussen in 1932. They have three children: Royce P., Janice L., and Cheryl Jane. They live at Balaton. Mildred was born in 1917, attended normal school in Slayton, taught in Murray county schools five years, attended Mankato Commercial college, is now employed by the Honeywell Company of Minneapolis. THE ALBERT OBERG FAMILY Albert Oberg was united in marriage to Nannie J. Bangston at Tisklwa, Illinois, February 17, 1887 and came to Murray County in April 1887. They settled on the N. E. Ό of section 31, in Lowville Township where they lived until March 1926 when they moved to Lake Wilson. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Oberg: Fred E., Clarence A., Miles D., Ada L., and Leslie S. Fred E. married Lena Gunderson in 1909. They had four children: Lillian (deceased), Marvin, Victor and Vivian. Fred died in 1916. Clarence A. was united in marriage to Eula Spurlock of Center, Texas, May 21, 1922. To this union four children were born: Alvin F., Olner F., with the U. S. army in Japan; Lloyd M., and Aris M. Clarence served in World War I; he was with the 313th ammunition train with the 88th Division. He lives at Raymondsville, Texas. Miles D. was united in marriage to Annabelle Scholl of Larrabee, Iowa, February 8, 1926. They have three children: Miles D. Jr., Jane E., and Janis E.; they now farm in Pipestone County. Ada was united in marriage to Albert C. Jentz of Henderson, Minn., June 27, 1943. They live at Henderson. —186— Leslie S. was united in marriage to Mildred R. Carlson of Lake Wilson, December 28, 1927. They have three children: Kenneth L., Donald L., and Mildred Joan. They are farming on the old home place where his father settled 60 years ago. Ada attended the University farm school, Leslie and Miles attended the Mankato Commercial College and Clarence attended the Parker College at Winnebago. Albert Oberg was a striking figure in the development of this community. He had good business sagacity and became successful. He encouraged the raising of hogs here in the early days and shipped the first car load from Lake Wilson. He was deeply interested in the Lake Wilson Farmers Co-op. Elevator & Lumber Company and devoted time and money to the institution. He served as its president for many years. He was also a staunch supporter of the Methodist church at Lake Wilson. His son, Leslie, is following in his father's footsteps in his interest in the Farmers' Co-op. Elevator Co. and the Methodist church, and is one of the most modern farmers in this area. THE ANDREW I. OLSON FAMILY Andrew I. Olson was born near Spillville, Iowa, June 15, 1856. He came to Murray County in 1882 and in 1883 married Miss Lena Holmen of Hadley. After his marriage he took a homestead in Chanarambie township. In 1894 he entered the general merchandise business at Chandler. In 1897 he sold the store and moved on a farm east of Lake Wilson. He took an active paint in civic and religious affairs; he was one of the organizers of the Lake Wilson Farmers' Elevator Company and the Hadley creamery, and also was a charter member of the Lake Wilson Lutheran church. Mrs. Olson died in 1910. Mr. Olson then moved to Slayton where he was in business until 1914 and returned to the farm. He moved to Chandler in 1925 where he lived until his death September 18, 1935. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Olson: Bert A., Oscar A., Ernest, Clifford, Carl and Chester. Clifford and Carl died in infancy and Chester died at the age of 11. Bert A., the oldest, married Miss Ellen Nelson (see the Hans Nelson biography). Oscar was born October 8, 1886. He was united in marriage to Helen Van Winkle in 1925. They —187—