Jens Halvorsen Boxrud, aka John H. Boxrud. All of father Halvor Boxrud's sons had the middle initial/name 'H.' for Halvorson, son of Halvor. Patronymic naming.
Jens emigrated first, in 1862, then father Halvor and the rest of his children in 1864. Jens (John), the oldest son, came to America traveling on the bark ‘Nordlyset’ [‘Northern Light’ in English]. A bark was a type of masted sailing ship. His ship's record is listed under ‘Jens Halvorsen Bogsrud’. He sailed in 1862, leaving Christiania [Oslo] on April 30th and arriving Quebec CAN eight weeks later.
I have written a long narrative on the Boxrud family. Please contact me if you would like this information, no charge. I also have a lot of old photos of the family. The following notes are from the narrative:
By 1853, white settlers' homes could be found on the west side of the Mississippi River in Goodhue County; and by 1857, the town of Red Wing was incorporated. John Boxrud arrived at Red Wing only five short years later--just in time for the issuance of President Abraham Lincoln's 'Emancipation Proclamation' in September of 1862. On his arrival, he found himself unable to speak much English and smack dab in the middle of the Civil War, which had begun in 1861. He worked locally for a year or so and took some English lessons, but what does a young man with little money and few language skills do to survive? In 1864, about the age of 21, he joined the Union soldiers and planned to earn some money fighting. Also in 1864, his father Halvor Bogsrud and John’s remaining siblings arrived in America and headed for Goodhue County. By the time they arrived in Minnesota, John had already gone off to war. No welcoming committee for them!
His Civil War Pension file is interesting, even seems complex. John Boxrud’s name is on the record, but also shown is the name of an ‘alias’ he appears to have used--John Hollivers. I have a copy of the original record; and, indeed, it does show this alias quite clearly. However, I believe that “John Hollivers” is probably some amalgam of John Halvorsen—son of Halvor. On occasion, aliases were used during the Civil War when one man was paid by another man to take his place fighting—it was a for-hire sort of arrangement. I guess that could have been the case here, but I really believe the name Hollivers was some clerk’s misunderstanding/confusion about Norwegian naming patterns. And imagine what John’s accent must have been to further confuse the matter while explaining his name to the clerk, who probably just gave up and wrote what he heard!
He served in the Civil War in the Third Minnesota Regiment, Company ‘D’. (Per golden wedding newspaper account and legislative bio.) I believe this was a Scandinavian, mostly Swedish, unit. He served 1864-65 only. Post-war, John belonged to Post 75 of the local chapter of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic, organization for Civil War veterans); the GAR star is shown beside his grave in Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing.
In 1872, John married Helmina (aka Mina) Evensdattr., an immigrant Norwegian girl born in Vestre Toten, Oppland, Norway, who was eight years his junior. Together, they had (10) children. (See Helmina's memorial for names)
The Honorable John H. Boxrud served two terms in the Minnesota Legislature in the early 1890's. Below is the bio that was printed for the 1893 Minnesota State Legislature:
"John H. Boxrud (Republican) was born in Norway, where he was educated in the common schools of his country. After coming to this country he spent the two first winters attending the common school. In the war of the rebellion, he served in Company D, 3rd Minnesota infantry, and served until the close of the war. His occupation is that of a farmer and he has resided in Goodhue county, this state, ever since 1862. His age is fifty years and he is married. Was a member of the house of representatives in the session of 1893."
John was a charter member of St. Luke's English Evangelical Lutheran Church, established around 1897 in Goodhue Twp., and a modern-thinking agriculturist, willing to try new methods that might have long-term benefits for his farming operation.
In June of 1926, John Halvorsen Boxrud died at his home in Red Wing. Helmina will appear one more time on the 1930 US Census for Red Wing. She died in November of 1947 in Red Wing.
Upon John’s death on June 18, 1926, these notices appeared in local Goodhue County newspapers:
MILITARY HONORS PAID TO VETERAN OF CIVIL WAR
Honorable John H. Boxrud Laid to Rest
At Oakwood Cemetery This Afternoon
Members of G.A.R. Act As Honorary Pall Bearers
“Highly Respected resident of Goodhue County for 64 years, who passed away at his home on Thursday evening. Full military honors were paid to Hon. John H. Boxrud, legislator, Civil War veteran and resident of Goodhue County for more than three score years, who died on Thursday evening following a brief illness, at funeral services at St. Paul's church this afternoon preceded by private services at the home on East Avenue. Many friends from Red Wing and the surrounding country gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased, who was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Rev. Edward J. Wackernagel and Rev. Willis Beck officiated. Members of the G.A.R. post, of which the deceased was a member, acted as honorary pallbearers. The flag draped casket was carried by B. J. Bollum, Henry Bollum, Jos. Schaeffer, P. C. Olson, John Hjermstad and H. A. Swanson. At Oakwood Cemetery taps were sounded and a volley was fired over the grave by a squad from Company (?)..."
HONORED CITIZEN - COUNTY 64 YEARS - CALLED BEYOND
Hon. John H. Boxrud Dies at Home Here--Veteran of Civil War and Member of Minnesota Legislature--Active in Community Affairs
"Hon. John H. Boxrud, soldier, legislator and honored citizen of Goodhue County for more than half a century passed to the Great Beyond at his home, 1203 East Avenue, this morning at 1:15 o'clock. The end came as the result of a stroke of paralysis, suffered on Saturday evening. He appeared to have almost recovered from the first shock when a relapse set in, which ended in his death. Born at Eidsvold, Norway, on December 7, 1843, Mr. Boxrud came to America when 19 years of age. He was the first of five brothers [actually six] to emigrate to this country, preceding them here by two years. Mr. Boxrud settled on a farm near Goodhue, taking up a homestead there which he developed from a wilderness into one of the finest farms of the county. Goodhue remained his home until 1920, when he removed to Red Wing and he and his family have since resided on East Avenue. Mr. Boxrud was active in community affairs during his long residence in the county. He was town treasurer and served as president of the Mercantile Elevator company of Goodhue for many years up to the time of his death. At the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Boxrud enlisted in the Third Minnesota Regiment and he saw active service in that conflict in several important engagements. Upon his return he was active in organizing the G. A. R. and was quartermaster of A. E. Welch Post of this city, an office he held for years, at the time of his death. He was one of the few surviving members of the corps and did much to keep the organization alive, being one of the most active of those enrolled. Mr. Boxrud served with distinction as a Goodhue County member of the Minnesota Legislature, taking up his duties in the House in 1893. Mr. Boxrud was a citizen, who was respected and beloved by all who knew him. He was four-square and honest in his business dealings, and a true friend to all who knew him. He was greatly interested in community and church affairs and was always ready and willing to do whatever he could to advance worthwhile movements. Mr. Boxrud was married in 1873 and three years ago he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at a family reunion at their home here. Of five [six] brothers and one sister in the Boxrud family who came to America from overseas, only three brothers remain to mourn his passing. They are R. H. [Richard] Boxrud, Red Wing; Anton Boxrud, Salt Lake City, Utah; Hans Boxrud, Salem Oregon. [Note: Brother Anton died one month later, in July 1926, in Salt Lake City.]
Surviving the deceased are his wife and the following children: Mrs. J. S. Brohaugh, Laurel, Montana; Mrs. D. L. Lytle, Raymond, So Dak; Miss Edith Boxrud and Mrs. Paulson, Red Wing. Emil Boxrud, and Alfred Boxrud, Minneapolis; Otto and Edward Boxrud, Goodhue; Harold Boxrud, Faribault. The funeral will be held on Monday afternoon. Private services will take place at the family residence on East Avenue at 2 o'clock to be followed by services at St. Paul's English Lutheran Church, with which he was affiliated, at 2:30 o'clock. The remains may be viewed at the home on Monday from 10 a.m. to the hour of the funeral. Friends are asked to kindly omit flowers.
Jens emigrated first, in 1862, then father Halvor and the rest of his children in 1864. Jens (John), the oldest son, came to America traveling on the bark ‘Nordlyset’ [‘Northern Light’ in English]. A bark was a type of masted sailing ship. His ship's record is listed under ‘Jens Halvorsen Bogsrud’. He sailed in 1862, leaving Christiania [Oslo] on April 30th and arriving Quebec CAN eight weeks later.
I have written a long narrative on the Boxrud family. Please contact me if you would like this information, no charge. I also have a lot of old photos of the family. The following notes are from the narrative:
By 1853, white settlers' homes could be found on the west side of the Mississippi River in Goodhue County; and by 1857, the town of Red Wing was incorporated. John Boxrud arrived at Red Wing only five short years later--just in time for the issuance of President Abraham Lincoln's 'Emancipation Proclamation' in September of 1862. On his arrival, he found himself unable to speak much English and smack dab in the middle of the Civil War, which had begun in 1861. He worked locally for a year or so and took some English lessons, but what does a young man with little money and few language skills do to survive? In 1864, about the age of 21, he joined the Union soldiers and planned to earn some money fighting. Also in 1864, his father Halvor Bogsrud and John’s remaining siblings arrived in America and headed for Goodhue County. By the time they arrived in Minnesota, John had already gone off to war. No welcoming committee for them!
His Civil War Pension file is interesting, even seems complex. John Boxrud’s name is on the record, but also shown is the name of an ‘alias’ he appears to have used--John Hollivers. I have a copy of the original record; and, indeed, it does show this alias quite clearly. However, I believe that “John Hollivers” is probably some amalgam of John Halvorsen—son of Halvor. On occasion, aliases were used during the Civil War when one man was paid by another man to take his place fighting—it was a for-hire sort of arrangement. I guess that could have been the case here, but I really believe the name Hollivers was some clerk’s misunderstanding/confusion about Norwegian naming patterns. And imagine what John’s accent must have been to further confuse the matter while explaining his name to the clerk, who probably just gave up and wrote what he heard!
He served in the Civil War in the Third Minnesota Regiment, Company ‘D’. (Per golden wedding newspaper account and legislative bio.) I believe this was a Scandinavian, mostly Swedish, unit. He served 1864-65 only. Post-war, John belonged to Post 75 of the local chapter of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic, organization for Civil War veterans); the GAR star is shown beside his grave in Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing.
In 1872, John married Helmina (aka Mina) Evensdattr., an immigrant Norwegian girl born in Vestre Toten, Oppland, Norway, who was eight years his junior. Together, they had (10) children. (See Helmina's memorial for names)
The Honorable John H. Boxrud served two terms in the Minnesota Legislature in the early 1890's. Below is the bio that was printed for the 1893 Minnesota State Legislature:
"John H. Boxrud (Republican) was born in Norway, where he was educated in the common schools of his country. After coming to this country he spent the two first winters attending the common school. In the war of the rebellion, he served in Company D, 3rd Minnesota infantry, and served until the close of the war. His occupation is that of a farmer and he has resided in Goodhue county, this state, ever since 1862. His age is fifty years and he is married. Was a member of the house of representatives in the session of 1893."
John was a charter member of St. Luke's English Evangelical Lutheran Church, established around 1897 in Goodhue Twp., and a modern-thinking agriculturist, willing to try new methods that might have long-term benefits for his farming operation.
In June of 1926, John Halvorsen Boxrud died at his home in Red Wing. Helmina will appear one more time on the 1930 US Census for Red Wing. She died in November of 1947 in Red Wing.
Upon John’s death on June 18, 1926, these notices appeared in local Goodhue County newspapers:
MILITARY HONORS PAID TO VETERAN OF CIVIL WAR
Honorable John H. Boxrud Laid to Rest
At Oakwood Cemetery This Afternoon
Members of G.A.R. Act As Honorary Pall Bearers
“Highly Respected resident of Goodhue County for 64 years, who passed away at his home on Thursday evening. Full military honors were paid to Hon. John H. Boxrud, legislator, Civil War veteran and resident of Goodhue County for more than three score years, who died on Thursday evening following a brief illness, at funeral services at St. Paul's church this afternoon preceded by private services at the home on East Avenue. Many friends from Red Wing and the surrounding country gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased, who was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Rev. Edward J. Wackernagel and Rev. Willis Beck officiated. Members of the G.A.R. post, of which the deceased was a member, acted as honorary pallbearers. The flag draped casket was carried by B. J. Bollum, Henry Bollum, Jos. Schaeffer, P. C. Olson, John Hjermstad and H. A. Swanson. At Oakwood Cemetery taps were sounded and a volley was fired over the grave by a squad from Company (?)..."
HONORED CITIZEN - COUNTY 64 YEARS - CALLED BEYOND
Hon. John H. Boxrud Dies at Home Here--Veteran of Civil War and Member of Minnesota Legislature--Active in Community Affairs
"Hon. John H. Boxrud, soldier, legislator and honored citizen of Goodhue County for more than half a century passed to the Great Beyond at his home, 1203 East Avenue, this morning at 1:15 o'clock. The end came as the result of a stroke of paralysis, suffered on Saturday evening. He appeared to have almost recovered from the first shock when a relapse set in, which ended in his death. Born at Eidsvold, Norway, on December 7, 1843, Mr. Boxrud came to America when 19 years of age. He was the first of five brothers [actually six] to emigrate to this country, preceding them here by two years. Mr. Boxrud settled on a farm near Goodhue, taking up a homestead there which he developed from a wilderness into one of the finest farms of the county. Goodhue remained his home until 1920, when he removed to Red Wing and he and his family have since resided on East Avenue. Mr. Boxrud was active in community affairs during his long residence in the county. He was town treasurer and served as president of the Mercantile Elevator company of Goodhue for many years up to the time of his death. At the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Boxrud enlisted in the Third Minnesota Regiment and he saw active service in that conflict in several important engagements. Upon his return he was active in organizing the G. A. R. and was quartermaster of A. E. Welch Post of this city, an office he held for years, at the time of his death. He was one of the few surviving members of the corps and did much to keep the organization alive, being one of the most active of those enrolled. Mr. Boxrud served with distinction as a Goodhue County member of the Minnesota Legislature, taking up his duties in the House in 1893. Mr. Boxrud was a citizen, who was respected and beloved by all who knew him. He was four-square and honest in his business dealings, and a true friend to all who knew him. He was greatly interested in community and church affairs and was always ready and willing to do whatever he could to advance worthwhile movements. Mr. Boxrud was married in 1873 and three years ago he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at a family reunion at their home here. Of five [six] brothers and one sister in the Boxrud family who came to America from overseas, only three brothers remain to mourn his passing. They are R. H. [Richard] Boxrud, Red Wing; Anton Boxrud, Salt Lake City, Utah; Hans Boxrud, Salem Oregon. [Note: Brother Anton died one month later, in July 1926, in Salt Lake City.]
Surviving the deceased are his wife and the following children: Mrs. J. S. Brohaugh, Laurel, Montana; Mrs. D. L. Lytle, Raymond, So Dak; Miss Edith Boxrud and Mrs. Paulson, Red Wing. Emil Boxrud, and Alfred Boxrud, Minneapolis; Otto and Edward Boxrud, Goodhue; Harold Boxrud, Faribault. The funeral will be held on Monday afternoon. Private services will take place at the family residence on East Avenue at 2 o'clock to be followed by services at St. Paul's English Lutheran Church, with which he was affiliated, at 2:30 o'clock. The remains may be viewed at the home on Monday from 10 a.m. to the hour of the funeral. Friends are asked to kindly omit flowers.
Jens Halvorsen Boxrud, aka John H. Boxrud. All of father Halvor Boxrud's sons had the middle initial/name 'H.' for Halvorson, son of Halvor. Patronymic naming.
Jens emigrated first, in 1862, then father Halvor and the rest of his children in 1864. Jens (John), the oldest son, came to America traveling on the bark ‘Nordlyset’ [‘Northern Light’ in English]. A bark was a type of masted sailing ship. His ship's record is listed under ‘Jens Halvorsen Bogsrud’. He sailed in 1862, leaving Christiania [Oslo] on April 30th and arriving Quebec CAN eight weeks later.
I have written a long narrative on the Boxrud family. Please contact me if you would like this information, no charge. I also have a lot of old photos of the family. The following notes are from the narrative:
By 1853, white settlers' homes could be found on the west side of the Mississippi River in Goodhue County; and by 1857, the town of Red Wing was incorporated. John Boxrud arrived at Red Wing only five short years later--just in time for the issuance of President Abraham Lincoln's 'Emancipation Proclamation' in September of 1862. On his arrival, he found himself unable to speak much English and smack dab in the middle of the Civil War, which had begun in 1861. He worked locally for a year or so and took some English lessons, but what does a young man with little money and few language skills do to survive? In 1864, about the age of 21, he joined the Union soldiers and planned to earn some money fighting. Also in 1864, his father Halvor Bogsrud and John’s remaining siblings arrived in America and headed for Goodhue County. By the time they arrived in Minnesota, John had already gone off to war. No welcoming committee for them!
His Civil War Pension file is interesting, even seems complex. John Boxrud’s name is on the record, but also shown is the name of an ‘alias’ he appears to have used--John Hollivers. I have a copy of the original record; and, indeed, it does show this alias quite clearly. However, I believe that “John Hollivers” is probably some amalgam of John Halvorsen—son of Halvor. On occasion, aliases were used during the Civil War when one man was paid by another man to take his place fighting—it was a for-hire sort of arrangement. I guess that could have been the case here, but I really believe the name Hollivers was some clerk’s misunderstanding/confusion about Norwegian naming patterns. And imagine what John’s accent must have been to further confuse the matter while explaining his name to the clerk, who probably just gave up and wrote what he heard!
He served in the Civil War in the Third Minnesota Regiment, Company ‘D’. (Per golden wedding newspaper account and legislative bio.) I believe this was a Scandinavian, mostly Swedish, unit. He served 1864-65 only. Post-war, John belonged to Post 75 of the local chapter of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic, organization for Civil War veterans); the GAR star is shown beside his grave in Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing.
In 1872, John married Helmina (aka Mina) Evensdattr., an immigrant Norwegian girl born in Vestre Toten, Oppland, Norway, who was eight years his junior. Together, they had (10) children. (See Helmina's memorial for names)
The Honorable John H. Boxrud served two terms in the Minnesota Legislature in the early 1890's. Below is the bio that was printed for the 1893 Minnesota State Legislature:
"John H. Boxrud (Republican) was born in Norway, where he was educated in the common schools of his country. After coming to this country he spent the two first winters attending the common school. In the war of the rebellion, he served in Company D, 3rd Minnesota infantry, and served until the close of the war. His occupation is that of a farmer and he has resided in Goodhue county, this state, ever since 1862. His age is fifty years and he is married. Was a member of the house of representatives in the session of 1893."
John was a charter member of St. Luke's English Evangelical Lutheran Church, established around 1897 in Goodhue Twp., and a modern-thinking agriculturist, willing to try new methods that might have long-term benefits for his farming operation.
In June of 1926, John Halvorsen Boxrud died at his home in Red Wing. Helmina will appear one more time on the 1930 US Census for Red Wing. She died in November of 1947 in Red Wing.
Upon John’s death on June 18, 1926, these notices appeared in local Goodhue County newspapers:
MILITARY HONORS PAID TO VETERAN OF CIVIL WAR
Honorable John H. Boxrud Laid to Rest
At Oakwood Cemetery This Afternoon
Members of G.A.R. Act As Honorary Pall Bearers
“Highly Respected resident of Goodhue County for 64 years, who passed away at his home on Thursday evening. Full military honors were paid to Hon. John H. Boxrud, legislator, Civil War veteran and resident of Goodhue County for more than three score years, who died on Thursday evening following a brief illness, at funeral services at St. Paul's church this afternoon preceded by private services at the home on East Avenue. Many friends from Red Wing and the surrounding country gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased, who was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Rev. Edward J. Wackernagel and Rev. Willis Beck officiated. Members of the G.A.R. post, of which the deceased was a member, acted as honorary pallbearers. The flag draped casket was carried by B. J. Bollum, Henry Bollum, Jos. Schaeffer, P. C. Olson, John Hjermstad and H. A. Swanson. At Oakwood Cemetery taps were sounded and a volley was fired over the grave by a squad from Company (?)..."
HONORED CITIZEN - COUNTY 64 YEARS - CALLED BEYOND
Hon. John H. Boxrud Dies at Home Here--Veteran of Civil War and Member of Minnesota Legislature--Active in Community Affairs
"Hon. John H. Boxrud, soldier, legislator and honored citizen of Goodhue County for more than half a century passed to the Great Beyond at his home, 1203 East Avenue, this morning at 1:15 o'clock. The end came as the result of a stroke of paralysis, suffered on Saturday evening. He appeared to have almost recovered from the first shock when a relapse set in, which ended in his death. Born at Eidsvold, Norway, on December 7, 1843, Mr. Boxrud came to America when 19 years of age. He was the first of five brothers [actually six] to emigrate to this country, preceding them here by two years. Mr. Boxrud settled on a farm near Goodhue, taking up a homestead there which he developed from a wilderness into one of the finest farms of the county. Goodhue remained his home until 1920, when he removed to Red Wing and he and his family have since resided on East Avenue. Mr. Boxrud was active in community affairs during his long residence in the county. He was town treasurer and served as president of the Mercantile Elevator company of Goodhue for many years up to the time of his death. At the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Boxrud enlisted in the Third Minnesota Regiment and he saw active service in that conflict in several important engagements. Upon his return he was active in organizing the G. A. R. and was quartermaster of A. E. Welch Post of this city, an office he held for years, at the time of his death. He was one of the few surviving members of the corps and did much to keep the organization alive, being one of the most active of those enrolled. Mr. Boxrud served with distinction as a Goodhue County member of the Minnesota Legislature, taking up his duties in the House in 1893. Mr. Boxrud was a citizen, who was respected and beloved by all who knew him. He was four-square and honest in his business dealings, and a true friend to all who knew him. He was greatly interested in community and church affairs and was always ready and willing to do whatever he could to advance worthwhile movements. Mr. Boxrud was married in 1873 and three years ago he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at a family reunion at their home here. Of five [six] brothers and one sister in the Boxrud family who came to America from overseas, only three brothers remain to mourn his passing. They are R. H. [Richard] Boxrud, Red Wing; Anton Boxrud, Salt Lake City, Utah; Hans Boxrud, Salem Oregon. [Note: Brother Anton died one month later, in July 1926, in Salt Lake City.]
Surviving the deceased are his wife and the following children: Mrs. J. S. Brohaugh, Laurel, Montana; Mrs. D. L. Lytle, Raymond, So Dak; Miss Edith Boxrud and Mrs. Paulson, Red Wing. Emil Boxrud, and Alfred Boxrud, Minneapolis; Otto and Edward Boxrud, Goodhue; Harold Boxrud, Faribault. The funeral will be held on Monday afternoon. Private services will take place at the family residence on East Avenue at 2 o'clock to be followed by services at St. Paul's English Lutheran Church, with which he was affiliated, at 2:30 o'clock. The remains may be viewed at the home on Monday from 10 a.m. to the hour of the funeral. Friends are asked to kindly omit flowers.
Jens emigrated first, in 1862, then father Halvor and the rest of his children in 1864. Jens (John), the oldest son, came to America traveling on the bark ‘Nordlyset’ [‘Northern Light’ in English]. A bark was a type of masted sailing ship. His ship's record is listed under ‘Jens Halvorsen Bogsrud’. He sailed in 1862, leaving Christiania [Oslo] on April 30th and arriving Quebec CAN eight weeks later.
I have written a long narrative on the Boxrud family. Please contact me if you would like this information, no charge. I also have a lot of old photos of the family. The following notes are from the narrative:
By 1853, white settlers' homes could be found on the west side of the Mississippi River in Goodhue County; and by 1857, the town of Red Wing was incorporated. John Boxrud arrived at Red Wing only five short years later--just in time for the issuance of President Abraham Lincoln's 'Emancipation Proclamation' in September of 1862. On his arrival, he found himself unable to speak much English and smack dab in the middle of the Civil War, which had begun in 1861. He worked locally for a year or so and took some English lessons, but what does a young man with little money and few language skills do to survive? In 1864, about the age of 21, he joined the Union soldiers and planned to earn some money fighting. Also in 1864, his father Halvor Bogsrud and John’s remaining siblings arrived in America and headed for Goodhue County. By the time they arrived in Minnesota, John had already gone off to war. No welcoming committee for them!
His Civil War Pension file is interesting, even seems complex. John Boxrud’s name is on the record, but also shown is the name of an ‘alias’ he appears to have used--John Hollivers. I have a copy of the original record; and, indeed, it does show this alias quite clearly. However, I believe that “John Hollivers” is probably some amalgam of John Halvorsen—son of Halvor. On occasion, aliases were used during the Civil War when one man was paid by another man to take his place fighting—it was a for-hire sort of arrangement. I guess that could have been the case here, but I really believe the name Hollivers was some clerk’s misunderstanding/confusion about Norwegian naming patterns. And imagine what John’s accent must have been to further confuse the matter while explaining his name to the clerk, who probably just gave up and wrote what he heard!
He served in the Civil War in the Third Minnesota Regiment, Company ‘D’. (Per golden wedding newspaper account and legislative bio.) I believe this was a Scandinavian, mostly Swedish, unit. He served 1864-65 only. Post-war, John belonged to Post 75 of the local chapter of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic, organization for Civil War veterans); the GAR star is shown beside his grave in Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing.
In 1872, John married Helmina (aka Mina) Evensdattr., an immigrant Norwegian girl born in Vestre Toten, Oppland, Norway, who was eight years his junior. Together, they had (10) children. (See Helmina's memorial for names)
The Honorable John H. Boxrud served two terms in the Minnesota Legislature in the early 1890's. Below is the bio that was printed for the 1893 Minnesota State Legislature:
"John H. Boxrud (Republican) was born in Norway, where he was educated in the common schools of his country. After coming to this country he spent the two first winters attending the common school. In the war of the rebellion, he served in Company D, 3rd Minnesota infantry, and served until the close of the war. His occupation is that of a farmer and he has resided in Goodhue county, this state, ever since 1862. His age is fifty years and he is married. Was a member of the house of representatives in the session of 1893."
John was a charter member of St. Luke's English Evangelical Lutheran Church, established around 1897 in Goodhue Twp., and a modern-thinking agriculturist, willing to try new methods that might have long-term benefits for his farming operation.
In June of 1926, John Halvorsen Boxrud died at his home in Red Wing. Helmina will appear one more time on the 1930 US Census for Red Wing. She died in November of 1947 in Red Wing.
Upon John’s death on June 18, 1926, these notices appeared in local Goodhue County newspapers:
MILITARY HONORS PAID TO VETERAN OF CIVIL WAR
Honorable John H. Boxrud Laid to Rest
At Oakwood Cemetery This Afternoon
Members of G.A.R. Act As Honorary Pall Bearers
“Highly Respected resident of Goodhue County for 64 years, who passed away at his home on Thursday evening. Full military honors were paid to Hon. John H. Boxrud, legislator, Civil War veteran and resident of Goodhue County for more than three score years, who died on Thursday evening following a brief illness, at funeral services at St. Paul's church this afternoon preceded by private services at the home on East Avenue. Many friends from Red Wing and the surrounding country gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased, who was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Rev. Edward J. Wackernagel and Rev. Willis Beck officiated. Members of the G.A.R. post, of which the deceased was a member, acted as honorary pallbearers. The flag draped casket was carried by B. J. Bollum, Henry Bollum, Jos. Schaeffer, P. C. Olson, John Hjermstad and H. A. Swanson. At Oakwood Cemetery taps were sounded and a volley was fired over the grave by a squad from Company (?)..."
HONORED CITIZEN - COUNTY 64 YEARS - CALLED BEYOND
Hon. John H. Boxrud Dies at Home Here--Veteran of Civil War and Member of Minnesota Legislature--Active in Community Affairs
"Hon. John H. Boxrud, soldier, legislator and honored citizen of Goodhue County for more than half a century passed to the Great Beyond at his home, 1203 East Avenue, this morning at 1:15 o'clock. The end came as the result of a stroke of paralysis, suffered on Saturday evening. He appeared to have almost recovered from the first shock when a relapse set in, which ended in his death. Born at Eidsvold, Norway, on December 7, 1843, Mr. Boxrud came to America when 19 years of age. He was the first of five brothers [actually six] to emigrate to this country, preceding them here by two years. Mr. Boxrud settled on a farm near Goodhue, taking up a homestead there which he developed from a wilderness into one of the finest farms of the county. Goodhue remained his home until 1920, when he removed to Red Wing and he and his family have since resided on East Avenue. Mr. Boxrud was active in community affairs during his long residence in the county. He was town treasurer and served as president of the Mercantile Elevator company of Goodhue for many years up to the time of his death. At the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Boxrud enlisted in the Third Minnesota Regiment and he saw active service in that conflict in several important engagements. Upon his return he was active in organizing the G. A. R. and was quartermaster of A. E. Welch Post of this city, an office he held for years, at the time of his death. He was one of the few surviving members of the corps and did much to keep the organization alive, being one of the most active of those enrolled. Mr. Boxrud served with distinction as a Goodhue County member of the Minnesota Legislature, taking up his duties in the House in 1893. Mr. Boxrud was a citizen, who was respected and beloved by all who knew him. He was four-square and honest in his business dealings, and a true friend to all who knew him. He was greatly interested in community and church affairs and was always ready and willing to do whatever he could to advance worthwhile movements. Mr. Boxrud was married in 1873 and three years ago he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at a family reunion at their home here. Of five [six] brothers and one sister in the Boxrud family who came to America from overseas, only three brothers remain to mourn his passing. They are R. H. [Richard] Boxrud, Red Wing; Anton Boxrud, Salt Lake City, Utah; Hans Boxrud, Salem Oregon. [Note: Brother Anton died one month later, in July 1926, in Salt Lake City.]
Surviving the deceased are his wife and the following children: Mrs. J. S. Brohaugh, Laurel, Montana; Mrs. D. L. Lytle, Raymond, So Dak; Miss Edith Boxrud and Mrs. Paulson, Red Wing. Emil Boxrud, and Alfred Boxrud, Minneapolis; Otto and Edward Boxrud, Goodhue; Harold Boxrud, Faribault. The funeral will be held on Monday afternoon. Private services will take place at the family residence on East Avenue at 2 o'clock to be followed by services at St. Paul's English Lutheran Church, with which he was affiliated, at 2:30 o'clock. The remains may be viewed at the home on Monday from 10 a.m. to the hour of the funeral. Friends are asked to kindly omit flowers.
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