Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/1034

 892 HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY old homestead where he has since remained. He is the worthy son of a worthy father, and. like his noble sire before him, car- ries on farming on an extensive scale. He is unmarried, and looks after the comfort of his mother who is still sorrowing the loss of her distinguished and loving husband. Mr. Holtan is a staunch Republican and has served the town as road overseer. He holds slock in the "Wanamingo Elevator Company, and frater- nally has associated himself with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Samaritans, in both of which he is a popular member. The family has for many years been prominent in the Norwegian Lutheran church, and to that faith Mr. Holtan gives his loyal support and sympathy. Peter J. Blakstad, an esteemed farmer of Wanamingo town- ship, has reason to be proud of the record he has made as a pro- gressive citizen. Born in Norway. January 10, 1840, son of John Johnson and his good wife, Gertrude Peterson, lie came to America in 1871, locating first in Roscoe township and then in Pine Island township. It was in 1892 that he came to Wana- mingo township and purchased 160 acres of improved land in Seel ions 2 and 11. This farm lie lias continued to cultivate, erecting a new dwelling house and several commodious farm buildings, his operations consisting of raising the usual crops and breeding live stock. Mr. Blakstad 's seven years* service as supervisor has been cautious and economical, and his work as treasurer of school district l>4 has shown his interest in the liberal education of the younger generation. Aside from his farm prop- erty he owns slock in several elevator and creamery enterprises. In September. 1872, shortly alter coming to America, Mr. Blak- stad was married to Carrie Gundesdatter. Three children have blessed their home: Andrew, Joseph and Mattie, the latter of whom is married to Sivert Hagge, of South Dakota. The family worships at the Norwegian Lutheran church. Ole Follingstad, president of the First State Bank of Wana- mingo, Aas born in Norway. Augusl 15, 1834, son of Ole and Mary i. Kolberg) Pollingstad, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1861 and lived with their son. Martin Follingstad, until the time of their death, both passing away in 1882 or 1883. Ole 0. Follingstad received his education in the public schools of Norway and came to this country in 1861, locating in Wana- mingo township. In 1868 he purchased eighty acres of land, which he has since increased until he now owns 380 acres of highly improved land. His home is a pleasant one and well furnished, the large amount of books in the house testifying to his literary tastes. He still carries on general farming. In politics an independent voter, he has been elected assessor of the township seven different years, and has served on the school