Edward G. Hammer, of Zumbrota village, is prominently identified with the dairy interests of this county. He was born in Stordalen, Norway, November 8, 1865, son of Gunder P. and Ingeborana Hammer, the former of whom is a carpenter by trade. These sturdy old people are still living in Norway, the mother being eighty-six and the father seventy-six years old. Edward was given the advantage of excellent training in the schools of his native village, and then learned the shoemaking trade. It was in 1885 that he came to America and located in Zumbrota. Three years later he went to Hallock, Minn., and learned the cheese-making business, subsequent to which he took a two years’ course in the Red Wing Seminary. For seven years he engaged in butter and cheese making in Wanamingo, and was the prime factor in establishing the Farmers’ Co-operative Creamery. Following this he engaged in the butter business in Goodhue and then returned to Wanamingo for two years, after which he came to Zumbrota and purchased the creamery at Goodhue, which he also owns. While in Goodhue he took the agency for the Lavelle cream separator, which he has since retained, having sold over 1,000 in this county. Mr. Hammer is a member of the village council of Zumbrota. He has served as treasurer of his school district, and while in Goodhue was treasurer of the village school board. In addition to his creamery interests he is vice president of the Zumbrota Clay Manufacturing Company. December 17, 1893, he was married at Red Wing to Anna Sletten, of Wanamingo, daughter of Ole and Hansena Sletten, the former of whom is a Wanamingo merchant. The fruits of this union are two children as follows: Emma J., born September 21, 1894, and Ottelle G., born July 12, 1897, both of whom are at home. The family worships at the Lutheran Church.
Source:
History of Goodhue County Minnesota
Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co., 1909
Page 765