Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/849

 HISTOKY OP GOODHUE COUNTY 739 Columbus, and belongs to the Yeomen, the Red Men and the Red Wing Commercial Club. The family religion is that of the Roman Catholic church. John J. Ferrin was married at Chi- cago, August 1. 1884, to Catherine T. Farrel, of that city. The Farrel family passed through the horrors of the great Chicago fire, Catherine being the only one of the family who escaped with her life. To Mr. and Mrs. Ferrin have been born six children: Mary Ann, April 30, 1885; Francis J., December 22, 1888; George C. March 19, 1896; Margaret, February 19, 1898; Catherine E., September 17, 1902. and John B., September, 1905. All the children are at home, the older sons helping out in their father's store. Gustaf S. Fisk, paperhanger, painter and decorator, also pro- prietor of a store at 221 Main street, Red Wing, was born in Sweden, November 25, 1874, son of Erick J. and Annie (Parson) Fisk, the former of whom after spending his life as a miller in the old country died in the spring of 1882. The mother is still living, making her home in Sweden. Gustaf received his education in the Swedish public schools, worked on a farm until eighteen years of age, and then, in the spring of 1893 came to America and located in Red Wing. His first employment here was with the potteries, three years, as a kiln worker. Desiring more out-of-door employment, he learned the painting and paper- hanging trade with B. A. Olson, remaining four years. He next started in business for himself with Robert Ringstrom as a part- ner. Two years later he bought Mr. Ringstrom 's interest, con- tinued the business alone one year, admitted Aaron Anderson as a partner one year, and then again conducted it himself. He now has a large establishment, handles a fine line of goods, does a good business, and during the busy season employs about a dozen men. From 1907 to 1909, Mr. Fisk served as a member of the city council. He votes the Republican ticket, attends the Swedish Mission church and belongs to the Scandinavian Benevolent Society. October 18, 1899, Mr. Fisk was married to Christine Peterson, daughter of Andrew Peterson, a wagon maker, who died in Sweden as the result of an accident. The mother still lives in Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Fisk live at 537 East Seventh street, Red Wing. Andrew J. Frenn, carpenter and general contractor, of Red Wing was born in Sweden, September 8, 1845, son of Lars and Stena Frenn, who came to America in 1852. Like several other Scandinavian families, who located in Goodhue county, they lived first for a time at St. Charles, Kane county, Illinois. Later the family went to Wayne, DuPage county, in the same slate, where the father bought thirty-three acres and carried on farm- ing and stone laying, also working some a1 his trade as plasterer.