Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/1152

 1000 ' HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY 1893, he retired from active work and bought a home on East avenue in Zumbrota. Mr. Mathews was married, July 1, 1883, at Zumbrota to Anna J. Miller, daughter of Alfred J. and Amy A. (Davis) Miller, who came from Nova Scotia, first settling in Illinois and later removing to Zumbrota. The father died in 1882 and the mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Mathews had three children: Leslie E., born August 23, 1884; Margie A., born October 7, 1886 ; Robert A., born September 21, 1889. Mrs. Mathews died October 14. 1898, at Zumbrota and Mr. Mathews was married June 24, 1908, to Emma E. Miers, of Zumbrota, daughter of Simon and Catherine (W^eiss) Miers, the father being a retired farmer of that place. Mr. Mathews is a Republican in his political views and is a member of the Modern AVoodmen of America and the Modern Samaritans. He and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Swen L. Swenson, of Zumbrota village, was born in Minneola township, August 25, 1864, son of Lars and Borgel (Ilaugen) Swenson. They located in Minneola township in 1860, purchas- ing 170 acres of land, which the father broke and improved, erecting a comfortable home for himself and family, and other farm buildings for his stock. lie followed general farming until he retired in 1894, at which time his son. the subject of this sketch, purchased the homestead. Swen L. received his educa- tion in the public schools of Minneola and after finishing his school days remained with his father on the farm, assisting him until he became owner. He added many improvements to the place and was a very successful and progressive farmer, continu- ing to live on the farm until 1906, when he rented it and removed to Zumbrota village, purchasing a substantial home, where he now resides with his mother, his father having passed away in 1895. Mr. Swenson is Republican in his political views, but has never sought public office, he lias made his own way by industry and perseverance, being a man who was not only a good farmer, but a good citizen, being interested in the affairs of the village in which he lives. He and his mother attend the Lutheran church. Mr. Swenson has never married. Ole A. Stonedahl, of Zumbrota village, was born in Decorah. Iowa. August 25. 1854. son of Ragnald K. and Martha Stonedahl. originally from Norway. They came to America in 1878, locat- ing in "Wisconsin for five years, for one year in Iowa, and then in 1854 in Fillmore county. Minnesota, where they purchased 160 acres of land. To this they added at different times until they had 520 acres, which they broke and improved, following general farming up to the time of the father's death in 1851. The mother died June 20, 1865. Ole acquired his education in the public schools and the business college of LaCrosse, Wis., and