On this Date in Minnesota History: April 2

April 2, 1914 – In Redwood County, Minn., near Springfield, lives Michael Skones, one of the oldest men in the state. He celebrated his 103rd birthday today. Skones was born in Levanger, Norway, April 2, 1811, and lived in Norway until he was 82 years old. In 1893 he came to America to visit his children, who had immigrated several years previously. He liked Minnesota and decided to spend his remaining days in this state. He lives with his daughter, Mrs. John T. Hojem.

Skones had been in good health up to the present winter, but illness overtook him several months ago. Now, however, he has his health again and expects to live a great while longer. Until recently he read the Norwegian newspapers, but his eyesight is failing him now. He sometimes amuses himself by singing the songs of his native land, memorized in his youth.

Three years ago relatives and friends gathered to celebrate his 100^th birthday. He had seven children, but only two are living, the daughter with whom he lives, and a son, Henry Skones, of Turner, Minn. Skones has never used liquor or tobacco and believes his longevity is partly due to his abstinence.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Redwood County Man Is 103 Years Old. Hale and Hearty, He Still Hopes for Many Happy Returns of Day. Michael Skones Came From Native Norway When He Was 82. Only Very Recently Has His Eyesight Failed Him for Reading.”; April 3, 1914; p. 9.
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Skones would not make it to his 104^th birthday. He died Feb. 3, 1915.

New Ulm Review; “Centenarian Is Dead”; Feb. 17, 1915; p. 6.

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