Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/1153

 HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY 1001 worked with his father until twenty years of age. Subsequently he farmed one year for himself in the county, worked at the machine trade one year and then located in South Dakota two years. After this he went to Norman county. Minnesota and homesteaded 160 acres of land on which he farmed for seven years. In 1889 he removed to Cummin gs, X. D., and bought grain for two years, and in 1891 became manager of the Na- tional Elevator Company for twelve years, after which he ac- cepted the position of general manager for the Zumbrota Farmers' Mercantile and Elevator Company, which position he still holds. Mr. Stonedahl was married October 9, 1892, at Cum- mings, X. D., to Martha Holm. Their home is brightened by the presence of an adopted daughter Mary and a little niece whom they have cared for since two years old. Mr. Stonedahl is a Republican and has the excellent record of twelve years' service as constable and two years' service as assessor at Cummings, X'. D. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen and attends the Lutheran church. Charles Himmelman is a name that will be remembered for many generations to come, whenever the story is told of the early days of Vasa township. He first saw the light of day in Sweden, April 26, 1827, and after going to school and working for a time in that country he came to America in 1853. One year later he took up his residence in Vasa and pre-empted some land, where he carried on farming operations on an extensive scale. Adding to his property from time to time, he finally owned 460 acres, all rich and under cultivation. He was the first chairman of the township of Vasa and he and his family were numbered among those who joined the church at Vasa at the time of its organization by the Rev. E. Xorelius. In 1859, he rented his farm and came to Red Wing, where he carried on the grain business until 1870. In 1862, while still engaged in selling grain, he purchased a farm in Belle Creek towmship, and eight years later moved onto the place, carrying on general farming for sev- eral years. From 1888 to 1892 he sold sewing machines in Red AVing and then went to California with his family for the benefit of his health. There he remained until his death, Xovember 9, 1901. After his decease, his widow returned to Red AYing and took up her residence at 611 East avenue, where she still resides. Aside from the office above mentioned, Mr. Himmelman saw pub- lic service as supervisor, justice of the peace and town clerk. He w r as married October 23, 1850, at Boraas, Sweden, to Pauline Constantia Brovall, who came to America in 1857, and joined her husband at Vasa. To this union Avere born three children : Alma M., born March 10. 1851, died July 26, 1867; Teckla M. born March 6, 1852, died March 31, 1852; Charles, born May 4,