Clay County

Red River Valley title page vol 2

Biography of Henry Schroeder of Clay County Minnesota

Clay County /

Henry Schroeder, born on August 31, 1855, in Rendsburg, Holstein, Germany, immigrated to the United States in 1871, settling first in Alexandria, Minnesota, and then moving to Clay County in 1878. He established a successful potato farming operation on a 160-acre tree claim near Sabin. Schroeder became renowned for his expertise in potato cultivation, significantly expanding his acreage and gaining a reputation as the “Potato King.” By 1908, he and his sons, Edward and Theodore, cultivated 700 acres, producing 109,000 bushels of seed potatoes. Active in his community, Schroeder served as vice-president of the State Bank in Sabin and a director of the First National Bank of Moorhead.

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Biography of Johannes O. Feragen of Hitterdal, Minnesota

Clay County /

Johannes O. Feragen, born in 1863 on the Feragen farm in Reros, Norway, was the cashier of the Security State Bank in Hitterdal, Minnesota. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1882, initially working on a farm in Clay County before purchasing his own farm in Goose Prairie Township in 1884. Feragen served in various local offices and was a candidate for county auditor. He helped organize the Hitterdal State Bank in 1904, now known as the Security State Bank. Married to Ellen Hitterdal, Feragen had two daughters, Olga and Mabel. He was active in the United Lutheran Church and the Modern Woodmen of America.

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Biography of Herbert Glaisyer of Hawley Minnesota

Clay County /

Herbert Glaisyer, an influential citizen of Hawley, Minnesota, was born in Brighton, England, in 1847. His paternal lineage includes several generations of druggists. Educated in England, Glaisyer spent thirteen years at sea, achieving the rank of first officer before immigrating to the U.S. in 1874. Settling in Clay County, he later opened a successful drug store in Hawley in 1880. Glaisyer served as village treasurer, justice of the peace, postmaster, and president of the school board. A dedicated Mason, he was the master of Lodge No. 256. He married Emma Caroline Plummer in 1878, and they had seven children, many of whom pursued notable careers.

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Biography of Iver Holman of Ulen Minnesota

Clay County /

Iver Holman, born in Hudlund, Norway, in 1851, was a resilient Norwegian farmer in Ulen Township, Clay County. Son of miller Hans Peterson, Holman learned the milling trade in Norway before emigrating to the U.S. in 1883. Settling initially in North Dakota, he faced numerous hardships but persevered, eventually moving to Clay County in 1892. There, he purchased 240 acres and built a prosperous farm. Married to Eonda Peterson, Holman had five children and was an active member of the United Lutheran Church, serving as a trustee. He is remembered as a respected and esteemed community member.

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Biography of James H. Sharp of Moorehead Minnesota

Clay County /

James H. Sharp, born in western Pennsylvania, was one of six brothers who served in the Civil War. Following Horace Greeley’s advice, he moved to Minnesota in 1870 and settled in Moorhead in 1871. Sharp established the first dry goods store in Fargo-Moorhead in 1872 and later faced financial hardships in 1891. A dedicated advocate for education, he served on the board of education for 33 years and was president of the State School Board Association in 1904. Sharp, currently in his fifth term as probate judge in Clay County, is a respected figure with nine children, contributing significantly to

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Red River Valley title page vol 2

Biography of H. O. Gilbertson of Ulen township, Minnesota

Clay County, Houston County /

H. O. Gilbertson, a prosperous farmer from Ulen township, Minnesota, overcame hardships and developed a successful farm, owning 200 acres of productive land. He arrived in the U.S. two years before his father, who settled in Clay County at the age of eighty-eight. Married to Miss Astra Herbransen, they had seven children, with several now living on the family homestead.

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Biography of Gustav B. Wollan of Barnesville Minnesota

Clay County /

Gustav B. Wollan, born in Glenwood, Minnesota on September 21, 1877, had a diverse career, ranging from teaching to journalism and banking. He graduated from Luther College and worked as an editor and advertising manager. Additionally, he served in various positions in state legislature committees and associations. In 1908, he became the managing editor of the Barnesville Record-Review. He married Minnie S. Bergh, a talented pianist from St. Paul. Both shared the Lutheran faith and were active members of the Norwegian Lutheran Synod.

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Biography of Hans Rushfeldt of Hawley Minnesota

Clay County /

Hans Rushfeldt, a Norwegian immigrant born on October 5, 1849, played a vital role in the development of Hawley, Minnesota. After arriving in the United States in 1869, he worked on construction trains and engaged in railroad projects. Eventually, he settled in Hawley and established a successful hardware store, which expanded over the years. In addition to his business ventures, Rushfeldt actively participated in fraternal organizations and was an influential figure in local politics. He married Helen Olson in 1882, and together they raised nine children. Their contributions to the community have left a lasting impact.

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Biography of George J. Thompson of Moorehead Minnesota

Clay County /

George J. Thompson, born in 1870, is the founder of Moorhead Plumbing & Heating Company. Starting as a blacksmith, he later ventured into steamfitting and plumbing. In 1907, he established his current company, which has since undertaken significant projects in the city. George is married to Gertrude Peterson, and they have four children. He is also a member of the Masonic Order and the A. O. U. W.

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