Hawley Archives

Biography of S. Bernhard Widlund of Hawley Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

S. Bernhard Widlund, born in 1878 in Ramsjö, Sweden, is a prominent businessman in Hawley, Clay County, Minnesota. Emigrating to the United States in 1897 with his family, he continued his education in Cooperstown, North Dakota, and later graduated from the North Dakota Business College. Widlund began his career with the Acme Harvester Company and Avery Manufacturing Company before moving into banking. In 1906, he became the cashier and manager of the First National Bank in Hawley. Widlund is active in his community, involved with the Union Church, the American Society of Equity, and the Masonic Order.

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Biography of William G. Hammet of Hawley Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

William G. Hammet, born in Tolpuddle, Dorsetshire, England, in 1874, immigrated to the United States in 1880. He settled in Hawley, Minnesota, with his family and later moved to a homestead in Cromwell Township. Hammet transformed the farm into one of the county’s best, held local public offices, and retired to Hawley in 1905. He married Florence Morton in 1903, who assisted him in his legal and insurance work. Hammet studied at Moorhead State Normal School and the University of Minnesota, becoming a lawyer in 1902.

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Biography of Nels J. Thysell of Hawley Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

Nels J. Thysell, born in Sweden, became a prominent citizen of Hawley, Clay County, Minnesota. Arriving in the U.S. in 1873, he initially settled on an 80-acre homestead near Hawley, expanding his holdings to 1,100 acres over time. A pioneer Scandinavian settler, Thysell experienced and contributed to the region’s development. After decades of farming, he moved to Hawley and acquired his brother’s business, forming Thysell & Sons. He was active in public service, including roles on the board of supervisors and school board. Thysell married Inga Thorkeelson in 1874, and they had seven children.

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Biography of Rev. S. G. Hauge of Hawley Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

Rev. S. G. Hauge, born in Norway in 1875, is the influential minister of the Lutheran church in Hawley, Minnesota. After immigrating to the United States in 1891, he studied at Augustine College in South Dakota and the Theological Seminary in Minneapolis, graduating in 1900. Appointed as the first resident pastor of the Scandinavian Lutheran church in Hawley that same year, Rev. Hauge has significantly expanded the congregation to about 300 members. He delivers sermons in both Norwegian and English and serves additional churches in neighboring townships. Married to Mrs. Hauge on July 25, 1900, they have three children: Ragnhild, Norma E., and Haakon.

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Biography of Herbert Glaisyer of Hawley Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

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 Hans Rushfeldt of Hawley Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

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 Fred Herring of Hawley Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

Fred Herring, a highly regarded citizen of Hawley, Minnesota, was born in Sandford-on-Thames, England, in 1867. After receiving his education in Oxford, he worked as a teacher and later as a bookkeeper in a grocery store with a sub-postal station, gaining valuable knowledge of postal service operations. In 1894, he immigrated to the United States and settled in Hitterdal, Minnesota, before moving to Hawley. Fred became the seventh postmaster of Hawley in 1907, bringing efficiency and systematic methods to his work. He actively participated in social and religious activities, and his commitment to temperance and community improvement earned him widespread respect. Fred and his wife, Victoria, have three children: Made-line E., Bertha E., and William James.

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Biography of Dr. Knut Olai E. Heimark of Hawley Minnesota

Clay County, Yellow Medicine County / History of the Red River Valley

Dr. Knut Olai E. Heimark, the first white child born in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, has made significant contributions as a physician and a businessperson. Born on a farm in 1873, he grew up witnessing his father’s determination and success in establishing a homestead. Dr. Heimark pursued his education, graduating from St. Olaf Academy and the University of Minnesota before obtaining his medical degree. He established a thriving medical practice in Hawley, becoming a leading figure in the Red River Valley. Alongside his professional success, he also manages a splendid farm and an elegant home. Dr. Heimark is actively involved in local politics and community organizations.

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Biography of Andrew Johnson of Hawley Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

Andrew Johnson, a diligent and ethical businessman, has risen to prominence in Hawley, Minnesota. Originally from Norway, Johnson immigrated to the United States in 1877 and settled in Ettrick, Wisconsin. After working as a carpenter and wagon maker, he moved to Hawley in 1879 and established his own carpenter’s shop. Through hard work and prosperity, Johnson formed a successful partnership with Peter Larson, operating a planing mill and lumber business. Expanding his ventures further, he purchased a store and transformed it into a comprehensive and modern department store. Johnson’s son, Elbert, manages the store, while Andrew himself engages in community affairs and various business endeavors. With his notable achievements and involvement in the community, Johnson is highly regarded in Hawley.

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Biography of Axel W. Peterson of Hawley Minnesota

Becker County, Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

Axel W. Peterson, a prominent businessman in Hawley, Minnesota, has built a successful career through hard work and determination. Born in Sweden in 1870, he immigrated to the United States with his family at a young age and settled in Minnesota. After completing his education, Peterson worked various jobs before eventually opening his own store in Hawley. Known for his savvy buying skills and effective advertising, he has managed to attract a significant amount of trade to his business. While his commitment to work has limited his social engagements, Peterson is an active member of local organizations and a respected figure in the community. He is happily married to Lena, and they have four children together.

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