Sven E. Swenson

As printed in 1909

Sven E. Swenson, one of those men whose industry and perseverance has assisted in the development of the agricultural resources of Minneola township, is a native born son, having first seen the light of day in Minneola, July 29, 1867. His parents were Erick and Susanna Swenson, substantial farmers. He lived on a farm in his youth, took advantage of the educational opportunities offered in his neighborhood and then attended St. Olaf 's College at Northfield, Minn., where he proved a capable student. His natural bent, however, was toward agricultural pursuits, and after completing his college studies he returned to Minneola and farmer with his father until 1892, when he purchased a farm of 160 acres on section 26, Minneola township, where he has since continued to reside. He has brought the land to a high state of cultivation, has erected a comfortable home and a room barn, and in fad has made those improvements which characterize the place as an up-to-date farm in every particular. He raises his own stock, makes;i specialty of several high grades and carries on general farming. Although interested in the progress of modern events, he has never sought public office, being content to cast his vote for others whom he deems besl fitted for public position. Mr. Swenson was married at Pine Island. June 4. 1891, to Gina Monson, daughter of Gunder and Gertrud Monson. The fruits of this union are six children— Stella. Grace. Mattel. Anna. Ervie and Adaline.

Guy C. Marshall, of Minneola township, was born in Wabasha county, this state. September 1. 1867, son of Russ and Rachel Luke Marshall, who came from Pennsylvania and located in Plainview, Wabasha county, in 1SU2. and engaged in farming until 1890, when they retired and spent the remainder of their days with their sons. Clarence and John, the father dying November 20, 1901, and the mother September 2< 1905. Guy C. attended the schools of Elgin township, Wabasha county, and farmer for a time with his father. Ee learned the barbers' trade, worked at it three years, then farmer Tor a while, later clerked in a hotel at Plainview and in 1900 came to.Minneola township and took up farming on the Reitman estate, where he 1ms since remained. He was married April 9, 1895, to Sophia Reitman, daughter of John and Christine E. (Katterjohn) Reitman, natives of Germany. To this union has been horn one child, Angeline. who first saw the light of day in Plainview. September 6, 1901. Mr. Marshall votes the Republican ticket and belongs to the Foresters. John and Christine E. Reitman came from Germany at an early day and lived Tor a time in Indiana. In March, 1866, they came to.Minneola township, purchased 160 acres, improved the farm, erected a home and became prominent citizens. The father died December 31, 1904, and the mother still occupies the old homestead at the age of seventy-six years. They had twelve children.

Christian Peterson stated out 1 he first claim in Minneola township, built the first cabin, and marked the way for the influx of civilization which was to follow. He was born in Norway, May 16, 1835, and there received his education. In 1852 he came to America and after living for a time in Roekford, Ill., located in Minneola, and took up a claim on section 26 of 160 acres. The story of his early experiences is told in the general history of this inw ship. In 1882 he bill a ae-w home, commodious and well furnished. Here he lived until his death, May L5, 1!H>4. litserved Hi township as chairman, as supervisor and as a member of the school board. Be was also deeply interested in the Norwegian Lutheran Church, of which he was Tor many years trustee. Mr. Peterson was married March 19, 1859, at Red Wing, to Hilda L. Swenson, horn in Smaaland, Jonkjoping, Len Sandjosochen, Sweden, February 7. 1838. She came to America with her mother in 1850 and located in Rockford, Ill., where she remained until coming to Minneola in 1856. Her father, Swen Swenson, died in Sweden in 1843, and her mother..Marie Jonas, died in Roekford in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were blessed With the following children: Caroline, horn July 26, 1860, is now Mrs. Kyllo, of Red Wing..Matilda, horn September 28, 1862, is the widow of Xels Ostedahl, and is engaged in the millinery business in Zumbrota. Charlotte, born July 8, 1866, died March 21,1867. John A., horn February 18, 1868, died in 1875. William I- born April 27. 1870. Charlotte.1., born December 11, 1872, is married to Olaf Xordvold, a farmer. Carl A., born November 19, 187" lives on the old homestead and manager the farm. Clara A., born April 22, 1879, is a music teacher and lives at home. Mr. Peterson Avas a good man in every respect, and was accorded that honor and respect which he so richly deserved.

Ole A. Lexvold was born in Minneola, in which township he still resides, July 11, 1869, son of Andrew Lexvold. His early years were spent in Minneola, where he attended the public school, worked on his father's farm, assisting him in carrying on general farming until going to North Dakota, where he filed on a homestead of 160 acres, on which he lived five years. He also purchased two and one-fourth sections of good farm land in Towner county. He then sold most of this land and returning to Minneola township in 1902 purchased 160 acres in section 9. To this he added ninety acres in section 15, where he now conducts general farming operations, raising the usual crops, breeding live stock and meeting with considerable success. By his wife, Sophie Hastad, born March 18, 1871, daughter of L. J. and Kristine (Romo) Hastad, he has eight children — Arthur L., born March 17, 1897; Sidney, born January 8, 1899; Getha C, born August 13, 1900, and died April 21, 1904; Orla S., bom April 26, 1902; Viola, born December 10, 1903, and died April 29, 1904; Getha TV., born June 13, 1905; [name withheld], born October 10, 1907, and [name withheld], born April 18, 1909. The family attend the Lutheran Church. Mr. Lexvold is a Republican in his political views, but has never sought public office. He is a good citizen, a hard worker and an honorable man.

Hogen G. Romo, Minneola, was born in Minneola township, October 16, 1869, son of Guilder. O. and Anne (Trelstad) Romo, of Norway. They emigrated to America in ist!." and coming to Minneola township, purchased in section 20 eighty acres of land. which they broke and improved, following general farming until ls77. Returning to Norway, they remained until 1884, then came hack to America, buying L20 acres in section 32, continuing general farming until 1896, when tiny retired from active life. The father died November 29, 1903, and the mother still lives with her son. Hogen <i. first look up agriculture with his father until,1896, when he came into tin possession of the old homestead, which he has since continued to farm, building upon it, in 1903;i new home. Mr. Romo was married February 10. 1897, to Julia daughter of John and Johannah Johnson, natives of Norway. They came to America, Locating in Wisconsin, and in 1877. at Steele county. Minn., following agriculture for fourteen years, after which they moved to Webster, Rice county,.Minnesota, where they fanned ami are still residing. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Romo are: John < horn November 26, L897; Alice born Augusl 15, 1899; Harry-I.. born October 5, 1901, and Edwin P.. horn March Hi. 1905. Mr. Romo is a Prohibitionist ami attends the Lutheran Church, lb is now school clerk of district 160 and is well thought of by all who know him.

As printed in History of Goodhue County, Minnesota (1909). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.