The Tomhave Families of Otter Tail County, Minnesota

In a visit to the home of those of our pioneer settlers, who still make their homes in Minnesota, one would find many interesting facts concerning the experiences of ox team and other primitive modes of travel in the days when railroads were only anticipated luxury. It was during these trips from the East that some of the greatest hardships of pioneer life were experienced, and it is to those who were brave enough to face the many dangers of the wilderness period that much credit is due.

Henry Tomhave, farmer, Fergus Falls township, Otter Tail county, was born on September n, 1845, in the province of Hanover, Germany, and is a son of John and Katherine (Bungar) Tomhave. He was educated at the public schools of Germany, and as a young man, came to America in 1866, landing at New York City, where he was obliged to work for six months in order to secure money with which to reach Minnesota. On reaching La Crosse, Wisconsin, the river was full of ice, and he did not possess enough money to pay stage fare, thus necessitating his remaining at that place and working on the railroad, finally reaching Red Wing, where he remained two years. In 1869, he came to Otter Tail county and establishing his farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the wilderness. He traveled from St. Paul to St. Cloud, walking all the way. There was not a building at Fergus Falls when he and his one companion arrived. They crossed the river at Fergus in a boat made of fence bark. This was in the spring, and they returned to Red Wing, coming back in the fall with an ox team, experiencing many struggles because of the lack of railroad facilities. They had no opportunity to market their grain without making long hauls, and all the buildings and improvements had to be put on the place.

Mr. Tomhave has become eminently prosperous, dividing his attention between general Farming and stock raising. Politically, he gives his support to the Republican party, in the politics of which he has for a ! been actively interested, and is the present town treasurer, and has been district supervisor. Religiously, he is an earnest member of the German Lutheran church, to which he contributes liberally.

John and Katherine 1 Bungar) Tomhave, parents of the subject of this sketch, were both natives of Germany, from which country the father never departed. The mother came to America and homesteaded one hundred and twenty acres in Otter Tail county near her son, Henry. She died in this county.

Henry Tomhave was united in marriage on December 20, 1872, with Anna Bradahoeft, daughter of Jacob Bradahoeft, by whom he has had five children, John H., Anna, Carl, Claus and Henry.

Mr. Tomhave bears the distinction of being a real pioneer, and has gained many warm and admiring friends throughout Otter Tail county, where he is well and prominently known.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

TOHN T. TOMHAVE.

John J. Tomhave is one of the representative agriculturists of Carlisle township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and his life is typical of the progressive spirit of the community. He is a native of Germany, where his birth occurred on July 27, 1858. He is the son of John Tomhave and a brother of George E. Tomhave. of Fergus Ealls township, Otter Tail county. John J. Tomhave received his education in the schools of Germanv, Fontenac. Wisconsin and in Fergus Falls. As a young man his time was devoted to the vocation of masonry, which trade was also followed by his father.

In 1884 Mr. Tomhave became interested in agriculture and purchased a farm in Carlisle township on which he has since remained. With the exception of one winter, he has lived his entire life in this locality since his arrival in America. I lis first farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres. located in section 27, ( Carlisle township, hut he has increased his holdings until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres, all in this township. IK also owns eighty acres in section 30, Fergus Falls township, about twenty-one acres in the city of Fergus halls, locate. I in the third ward and twelve and one-half acres of timber land in section 28, Elizabeth township. Otter Tail county, llis agricultural operations consists in general farming and the place is well improved.

John J. Tomhave was united in marriage to Carlena Schmidt, daughter of Ludwig Schmidt, and they are the parents of seven children whose names follow: Louis A., Mary, Emelia, Clara, John, Bertha and Albert, John

I. Tomhave and his wife are members of the German Evangelical church, of which denomination lie is the treasurer. Politically, he is affiliated with the Republican party and has served as clerk of the school board. He is also a member of the Sons of Herman and is at present supervisor of Carlisle township, Otter Tail county.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ALBERT C. TOMHAVE.

Albert C. Tomhave was born on December 16, 1878, in Fergus Falls township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, the son of John and Anna M. (Mier) Tomhave, both natives of Germany. Albert C. Tomhave received his education in the schools of Fergus Falls township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and upon the completion of same, assisted his father with the work on the home place until twenty-five years of age. At the age of twenty-three his father purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, in Buse township, Otter Tail county, with the intention of selling it to Albert when he should reach twenty-five years of age. Upon reaching that age Albert C. Tomhave purchased the place but immediately re-sold it and rented a farm, which he operated for one year. He then purchased eighty acres of land of his father, located 111 Fergus Falls township, and has increased his holdings until he now has one hundred and sixty acres, all well improved. His original purchase was made in [905 and the entire farm is devoted to general agriculture and stock raising The barn was built in 1907 and the home in [912. Beside the general line of production, a herd of fifteen dairy cows is kept.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

1912. Myrtle (Raprager) Tomhave is the daughter of William and Nina A.. (Blodget) Raprager, and her birth occurred on December in. [887. Albert C. Tomhave and his wife attend the German Evangelical church. Politically, he is independent, and is at present overseer of roads for district No. 5. In partnership with his brother be owns and operates a threshing outfit and im\ grinder.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE E. TOMHAVE.

George E. Tomhave was born in Fergus Falls township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, on April 21, 1883, and is one of the younger generation who have chosen agriculture as his life work. He is die son of John Tomhave and hi> wife, Anna H. (Mier) Tomhave, both natives of Germany. John Tomhave was born on January 13, 1834, and died on February 9, 1907. His wife was born on August 4, 1839. They emigrated to America in 1868 and effected a temporary location of two years in Fontenac, Wisconsin, removing at that time to St. Paul, Minnesota, where they lived for six months.

In 1870 they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, under the homestead law. in Fergus Falls township. Otter Tail county, and continued to live on this place for six years. The place was then sold and another farm was purchased in the same township, on which the family continued to reside for fifteen years, and then sold to the son, Louis. John Tomhave had a struggle in the early years of his residence in this township and followed his trade of mason, as well as his agricultural operations. He built the first brick block that was erected in Fergus Falls and did the first mason work in Elizabeth, Mr. Mason splitting out the Ixxird? on which he plastered. In 1889 he invested in the place on which his son, George, now lives, and in tSq2 he erected the present buildings. To John Tomhave and his wife were born the following children: John J., Henry A.. Louis. Catherine, who is the wife of ('. J. Holzbauer; Anna. who is the wife of Ed Kemnitz; Peter W. (deceased), Albert C, Carl (deceased), and George E. John Tomhave was a member of the German Evangelical church and an officer of the same.

George E. Tomhave received his education in Fergus Falls, upon the completion of which he assisted his father with the work of the home place. In 1005 be purchased eighty acres of land, which be-till owns Tn 1006.

together with his brother, Albert, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Carlisle township, which was sold in 1913. In 1910 they invested in one hundred and sixty acres mure, which they divided equally, and this is devoted to general farming and the breeding of Shorthorn cattle. In 1909 George E. Tomhave was united in marriage to Alma Baumgart. and they are the parents of two children, [name withheld], who was born on May 18, 1912, and Dorothy Alma, who was born on December 2, 191 5. Alma (Baumgart) Tomhave was born on March 11. 1885, and is the daughter of G. J. and Hettie (ScoveD Baumgart. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In political matters, George E. Tomhave votes the Republican ticket in national affairs, but votes independently on local questions. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.