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Anton J. Rockne, of Zumbrota village, the distinguished speaker of the Minnesota house of representatives, is of Minnesota birth, his natal place being in Harmony township, Fillmore county, and the date of his birth December 19, 1868. His parents were Michael and Anna (Amundson) Rockne. The father left Norway in 1849, and located in Illinois, where he farmed two years. In Wisconsin and South Dakota he also lived for a time, and was married in 1865. After coming to Minnesota he purchased 160 acres in the town where young Anton was born, and continued general farming. The home place is now managed by Michael Rockne and his brother. Anton's early youth was spent on the home farm, and his primary education received in the schools of the neighborhood. His classical and academic training was obtained at the Decorah Institute, Decorah, Ia. He then spent an interim in teaching school, subsequent to which he entered the law department of the Minnesota State University, from which he graduated in 1894, being admitted to the bar June 7 of the same year. A few months later he came to Zumbrota and opened up an office. His success was instantaneous and in this profession he has since continued. He at once took an active interest in politics, and in 1902 was elected to the legislature, being re-elected successively in 1904, 1906 and 1908. His elo-
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quence on the floor and his good sense in caucus and committee deliberation won the confidence of his fellow members, and in 1909 he was elected to his present position as speaker. Not alone, however, at the state capital, is his influence felt, for at home his merits are no less realized. He has served as president of the village council one year and has been a member of the council two years. He has also done considerable campaigning for the Republican party. Mr. Rockne was married December 10, 1899, at Zumbrota, to Susie Albertson, daughter of Elling Albertson, a prominent farmer of Wanamingo. The fruits of this union are three children - Melroy, born September 11, 1900; Elnor, born February 26, 1902, and Ariel, born June 26, 1904. The family worships at the Lutheran Church.
Source:
History of Goodhue County Minnesota
Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co., 1909