Full text of "History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement .."

HISTORY

WINNEBAGO COUNTY

AND

HANCOCK COUNTY

IOWA

A RECORD OF SETTLEMENT, ORGANIZATION
PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENT

ILLUSTRATED

VOLUME II

CHICAGO
THE PIONEER PUBLISHING COMPANY

1917

THE NEW YORK

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ROBKRT CLARK

BIOGRAPHICAL

EOBEKT CLARK.

No history of Winnebago county would be complete without extended reference
to Robert Clark, whose name is inseparably interwoven with the story of develop-
ment, progress and improvement here. It was he who perfected the organization
of the county, serving as the first county judge. He laid out the town of Forest
City, became its first postmaster and was connected with every phase of its
growth and improvement from that time until his demise. The present generation
is reaping the benefits of his labors and for future development he laid a foundation
that is broad, deep and substantial.

New York claimed Judge Clark as a native son. He was born in Johnstown,
Fulton county, June 5, 1825, a son of Duncan and Anna (Walker) Clark. When
a young man of about twenty years he started for the west, making his way to
Chicago, where he purchased forty lots of land now included within the central
business section of that city. Some time afterward he disposed of his property
there and became a resident of Rockford, Illinois, where he resided until about
1853, at which time he came to Mason City, Iowa, remaining there until 1855. It
was in that year that Winnebago county received him into its citizenship. This
was then a wild, western frontier region and much of the land was still in the
possession of the government. He entered a large tract, began its development
and was ever afterward closely associated with the growth and improvement of the
county and with many of the prominent events which have molded its history. It
was in October, 1857, that Robert Clark was chosen the first county judge of
Winnebago county and in that capacity entered upon the duty of perfecting the
organization of the county, dividing it into townships and developing the system
of government. His native powers and sound judgment were brought to play in
the performance of this task, which he accomplished in splendid manner. He
seemed to understand not only the needs of the moment but to look beyond the
exigencies of the present to the possibilities and opportunities of the future and
his work was done with the idea of the continued development and improvement
of the county. After laying out the town of Forest City he became the first post-
master there and also established the pioneer store of the town. He built the
first residence in Forest City in 1856 and in 1858 the little hamlet was made the
county seat. In 1861 he retired from the ofiice of postmaster after four years'
service, and in 1866 he was elected treasurer of Winnebago county, to which
ofiice he was re-elected until his incumbency covered ten years, being ended by
death on the 12th of August, 1876, as the result of a stroke of apoplexy. In the
meantime he had also conducted business as a real estate and collection agent and

6 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

his work in that connection proved the initial step toward the establishment of
the Winnebago County State Bank, which has long been regarded as one of the
most reliable financial institutions of this section of Iowa.

Mr. Clark was married November 22, 1856, to Miss Eebecca Ann Brentner,
a daughter of George and Julia (Priutz) Brentner, who were natives of Germany
and of Virginia, respectively. The birth of Mrs. Clark occurred in Rockford,
Illinois, May 1, 1836, and in Mason City, Iowa, she was married. She still sur-
vives her husband and has reached the eighty-first milestone on life's journey.
Four children were born to them: Julia Ann; Brentner M. ; Duncan R., a resi-
dent of Scobey, j\Iontaua ; and Cora J., who passed away about twelve years
ago, when forty years of age. The daughter Julia was one of the first white chil-
dren born in Winnebago county, her natal day being September 19, 1857, and she
is now the wife of John F. Thompson, president of the Winnebago County State
Bank.

Upon attaining his majority Mr. Clark became a supporter of the whig party,
and following its dissolution joined the ranks of the new republican party, of
which he was ever afterward an earnest supporter. An exemplary Mason, he was
the organizer of Truth Lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M., and continued as its master
until he departed this life. Of him a contemporary writer has said: "His life
was in harmony with the beneficent teachings of tlie craft, which recognizes the
brotherhood of mankind and the obligation of the individual to his fellows. His
was an honorable, upright career, one of great service to the community in which
he lived, and his memory should be cherished and revered as long as Winnebago
county has existence."

L. S. ANDERSON.

For six decades L. S. Anderson, of Lake Mills, has been a resident of Winnebago
county, having come here many years before the city of Lake Mills was laid out.
He has a good trade as a coal dealer and his business interests are capably managed.
A native of Indiana, he was born in Zanas, July 3, 1842, and is a son of John S.
and Mary (Green) Anderson, also natives of the Hoosier state. The father
engaged in cabinetmaking until his removal to Winnebago county, Iowa, at which
time he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, including what became
the town site of Lake Mills. Subsequently he purchased an eighty acre tract
adjoining his original farm. He followed agricultural pursuits here until 1865,
when he removed to Iowa Falls, where he engaged in the draying business for a
few years. Still later he farmed successively in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma,
and eventually settled in Oregon just north of the California line. The last years
of his life were spent at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lovisa Blair. He is buried
in Lakeview, Oregon. The mother of our .subject died in Indiana when he was
but a child and the father was married a second and a third time. Of his nine
children but three survive. Lovisa, now Mrs. Thomas 0. Blair, of Reno, Nevada;
Belle, who married William Frazier and resides near Reno ; and L. S.

The last named attended the common schools of Indiana until he was fourteen
years old and in 1856 came with the family to Winnebago county. He worked for

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 7

his father on the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he pur-
chased one hundred and twenty acres in Center township. After farming this
place for eight years he carried mail to Northwood for twelve years and subse-
quently was for five years a grocer in Lake Mills and for two years engaged in the
livery business. During the last quarter of a century, however, he has been in
the coal business and as the result of his energy and his careful attention to all the
details of his business he has accumulated a competence.

In 1867 Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Olive A. Hinman, a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Hinman, natives of Vermont and early settlers of
Lake Mills. Both are now deceased. Mrs. Anderson passed away July 23, 1902,
and is buried iu the Lake Mills cemetery. She was the mother of seven children,
as follows: James A., who is married and resides in Alberta, Canada; Mabel, the
widow of Joseph Keeler and a resident of Lake Mills; Frank S., who is married
and lives at Verndale, Minnesota; June, now Mrs. R. W. Lloyd, of Verndale; John
Milton, a dentist practicing in Minneapolis; Florence, also a resident of Minne-
apolis; and Harry, who died when three years old.

Mr. Anderson believes in the basic principles of the republican party but is also
convinced that the qualifications of a candidate are likewise of great importance and
often, especially at local elections, votes independently. He has held every town
oflSce save those of mayor and justice of the peace. He served as councilman and
as a member of the school board and for several years was election judge. The
fact that he has been so often chosen by his fellow citizens for positions of trust
indicates the entire confidence which is justly reposed in his integrity and capa-
bility. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic blue lodge and Eoyal Arch chapter.
His is the distinction of being the oldest living settler in the north part of the
county, as he arrived here July 13, 1856, sixty-one years ago. He remembers well
the pioneer conditions which prevailed at that time — conditions in marked contrast
to those of the present — and he takes great satisfaction in the knowledge that as
farmer and business man he has had a part in the development of the county.
Although he is now almost seventy-five years of age he is still vigorous in mind and
body and is still doing well his share of the world's work.

EDWARD E. ASHER.

Edward E. Asher is prominently identified with agricultural and kindred
interests in Winnebago county, being president of the Farmers Elevator at Forest
City and the owner of a valuable farm property of two hundred and forty acres on
section 37, Forest township, which pays to him a substantial annual tribute in rich
harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. He
was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, November 17, 1867, a son of William M.,
and Matilda (Atkison) Asher, who were also natives of the Prairie state, where
they spent their entire lives. They had a family of seven children, of whom but
two are now living.

Edward E. Asher was reared under the parental roof and to the public school
system of Illinois is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed
through the period of his boyhood. He early became acquainted with all kinds of

8 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

farm work and he has continued in active connection with general agricultural
pursuits throughout his entire life. Eemoving to Humboldt county, Iowa, he there
resided until 1913, when he became a resident of Winnebago county and purchased
the farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 27, Forest township, on which
he now resides. This is splendidly improved land which he has brought to a
high state of cultivation, his practical and progressive farm methods resulting
in the harvesting of large crops annually. He also handles live stock of all kinds
and this branch of his business is likewise proving a very gratifying source of
profit. Moreover, he is the president of the Farmers Elevator Company of Forest
City and in addition to his home place he owns two hundred and forty acres of
land in Humboldt county, Iowa, and is part owner of a farm in Missouri.

On September 21, 1891, Mr. Asher was united in marriage to Miss Emma M.
Beahler, who was born in Illinois, a daughter of George and Delilah (Burton)
Beahler, who were natives of Germany and of Illinois respectively. Mr. and Mrs.
Asher have become the parents of five children : George and Lilla both deceased ;
Homer E. ; Eay B. ; and Mervyn. Homer spent two years in college and Kay is
now in high school. The parents do everything possible to stimulate an interest
in education in their children, recognizing its value as a preparation for life's prac-
tical and responsible duties. They are also rearing and educating a little girl, now
eight years old. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr.
Asher is one of the church stewards. His life has been guided by high and hon-
orable principles and measures up to lofty standards of manhood and citizenship.

J. R. BAGGS.

J. R. Baggs has for some years been prominently identified with educational
affairs and is now eflBciently serving as county superintendent of schools in Hancock
county, Ms home being in Garner. He was born on the 22d of June, 1872, in
England, of which country his parents, Nathaniel and Amelia (Pigeon) Baggs,
were also natives, but he was only about a year old when the family came to
America and located in Denison, Iowa.

At the usual age Professor Baggs began his education in the public schools of
this state and later attended Des Moines College and the Sac City Institute, grad-
uating from both. He also continued his studies in the Iowa State Teachers
College and thus became well prepared for his chosen profession. He first engaged
in teaching in the country schools of Crawford county and subsequently was
connected with the Denison Normal School as an instructor. Professor Baggs
also taught in the Sac City Institute and was superintendent of the Dow City
public schools and also of the public schools of Corwith from 1903 to 1906. In
the latter year he accepted the superintendency of the public schools of Garner,
with which he was connected for four years, and in January, 1911, became county
superintendent of the schools of Hancock county. He was reelected in 1916 and
is now filling that responsible position in a most creditable and acceptable manner.

Professor Baggs was married in 1900 to Miss Ida Craft, of Denison, Iowa,
and they have become the parents of four children, namely : Verona, John, Robert
and William. Both Mr. and Mrs. Baggs are members of the Methodist Episcopal

J. R. BA(;(IS

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WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 11

church and he is also identified with the Masonic fraternity. He served in the
Spanish-American war as a member of Battery A, Utah Artillery, and was in
the Philippine islands for fourteen months. By his ballot he supports the men
and measures of the republican party and he takes an active interest in public
affairs, doing all in his power to promote the moral and educational welfare of
the community.

JASPEK THOMPSON.

Jasper Thompson, of Forest City, banker, merchant, railroad builder and
landowner, is now practically living retired but gives his supervision to his invest-
ments and business interests. The story of his life is a most interesting one, as it is
the story of persistent endeavor under circumstances which ofttimes would have
utterly discouraged and disheartened a man of less resolute spirit. There is no
phase of pioneer life in Iowa with which he is not familiar. He came to the state
sixty years ago with his father, mother and the other members of the family. They
traveled westward from Ohio with an ox team and were fifty days en route.
Upon Jasper Thompson devolved the support of his parents and in large measure
of the family. Like many other pioneers, had they known the kind of country
into which they were coming, they would never have undertaken the trip, but
once here, the native adaptability, laudable ambition and progressiveness of Jasper
Thompson were asserted in the struggle to subdue the western wilderness, and as
the years went on he wrested fortune from the hand of fate, becoming one of the
most successful and the most prominent citizens of his section of the state.

Mr. Thompson was born at Norton, Delaware county, Ohio, February 10,
1837, and is descended from the Spaulding and Chase families, prominent in
Vermont and actively connected with New England history. His maternal grand-
father, Abel Spaulding, joined the American troops under Captain Charles Nelson,
in Colonel Benjamin Wright's regiment, in September, 1781, and remained a
valiant soldier of his community throughout the Eevolutionary war. He was
afterward a pensioner of the government owing to his service with the colonial
troops, and he died January 16, 1845, at the age of eighty-one years. His wife,
Hannah Chase, was an aunt of Salmon Portland Chase, one of America's dis-
tinguished statesmen, who rose to the high position of secretary of the treasury
under President Lincoln.

Jasper Thompson attended the country schools for a short time. He owes
much to the educational training of his mother, a lady of culture and the old
time puritan philosophy who did everything in their power to stimulate his desire
for learning. In the school of experience, too, the has mastered many valuable
lessons, so that he now gives out of the rich store of his wisdom for the benefit
of others. On the 1st of November, 1857, he arrived in Iowa. As previously
stated, the family started from Ohio, having with them forty dollars in Ohio
scrip, and when their money was exchanged they got little out of it. The entire
sum was gone long before they had reached the Mississippi river. Meeting a man
who, accompanied by his two children, was driving oxen and horses to Iowa, Mr.
Thompson made a bargain to drive the oxen and take the younger child with
them, meeting the father near Eldora. For this service the man paid him in

12 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

advance. Mr. Thonip.son's father and motlier and tlieir other cliihlren left him
at Davenport and wont on to Clayton county, Iowa, to join an older brother. He
found himself alone and with no finances. Eeturning to Eldora, he obtained a
three days" job at plastering on tlie little wooden courthou.«e of Hardin county, for
which ho received three dollars jicr day. It was necessary that he 'secure further
employment immediately and he .started out in the country. At the first house,
which was three miles out, he found work and made himself generally useful.
While there he was asked if he could teach school and he promptly replied that
he could without divulging the fact that he could barely read and write. From
Mr. Edgcrton, who became a colonel in the Civil war, he secured a sort of certificate
to teach, which stated only, "If you are satisfied, I am." However, Mr. Thompson
did not show his certificate. He received an appointment and proved a successful
teacher. He arranged to teach for three months at twenty dollars per month and
board and gave such satisfaction that the directors insisted that he should remain
another month at thirty dollars and board. This was undoubtedly the turning
point in his career. He had come to know himself and his power to overcome all
obstacles to success. His indomitable spirit, his self-confidence and his willingness
to work have rendered him a natural leader and have transformed him from a boy
without education or money, and even without sufficient clothing to keep him
warm, to a man of great influence wdio is a recognized leader of thought and
action. Twenty-five years later he entered Eldora under very different circum-
stances. The people held a series of meetings in different towns to discuss the
building of a railroad and Mr. Thompson was always made speaker. When the
Eldora meeting was held, the chairman was Colonel Edgerton, who a quarter of a
century before, when Mr. Thompson had applied to him for a school certificate
and told him he could not pass the examination but could teach school, had written
the exceptional certificate, "If you are satisfied, I am." In 1858 Mr. Thompson
became a resident of McGregor, where he worked at the mason's trade until 1871,
when he took up his abode in Forest City and became identified with its affairs as a
general merchant, conducting his store with growing success until 1883.

In that year Mr. Thompson turned his attention to- banking. He had no
business training whatever outside of the farm until he had passed the age of thirty.
His initial step in the commercial field was nuide as a peddler in carrying a pack
from house to house in the sale of such notions as he could obtain on credit. It
was not long, however, before he had saved from his earnings enough to enable him
to purchase a horse and wagon and from that time on his success was assured
because it was based upon indefatigable industry, laudable ambition, firm purpose
and sound judgment. As his financial resources increased he established stores in
various towns and became recognized as one of the representative merchants of
his part of the state. He turned to railroad interests in 1879, when he organized
and became treasurer of the Minnesota & Iowa Southern Railroad Company,
which built the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad from Albert Lea to Angus. In
1883 he became connected with the banking business as a partner of his brother,
J. F. Thompson, Hon. William Larrabee and others under the firm name of
Thompson Brothers. He also became interested in the Winnebago County Bank,
with which he was associated until July 1, 1896, when he organized the Winnebago
County State Bank, of which he became the president, with J. F. Thompson as

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 13

vice president and B. J. Thompson as cashier. In 1886 this firm organized the
Citizens National Bank of Britt, with Jasper Thompson, J. F. Thompson and
Eodney Hill as general partners and ex-Governor Larrabee and others as special
partners. In 1892 these gentlemen organized the Bank of Thompson, entering
into a partnersliip similar to the one at Britt. In the same year they broadened
the scope of their business activities by the organization of the Iowa Investment
Company, and also established a bank at Buffalo Center. Their next important
undertaking was the organization of the Chicago & Iowa Western Railroad Com-
pany, which built the Forest City extension of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids &
Northern Railway from Forest City to Estherville. Of this company Mt.
Thompson became president and general manager and conducted its interests along
the lines of continued prosperity and success.

In 1893 Mr. Thompson was elected president of the Winnebago County Agri-
cultural Society and it was he who conceived the idea and caused to be erected the
flax palace at Forest City. In 1893 he organized the Chicago & Iowa Western
Land and Town Lot Company, becoming associated in this undertaking with
President Ives of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Nortliern Railroad, the Hon.
S. L. Lows and others. This company owned many thousands of acres of land
in Winnebago and adjoining counties. The town of Thompson was so named in
honor of him as a recognition of his untiring and resultant efforts for the develop-
ment of that section of the country. In all his labors he has looked beyond the
exigencies of the moment to the possibilities and opportunities of the future, has
carefully studied conditions and has so directed his efforts that the results achieved
have been of great public benefit as well as a source of individual success.

On April 15, 1860, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Clara King,
of McGregor, and they became the parents of five children, as follows: Frank, a
fruit grower near Baker City, Oregon; Will, who died at the age of thirty years;
Harry F., a physician of Forest City; Burt J., an attorney of Forest City; and
May, the wife of Dr. E. D. Tompkins, of Clarion, Iowa. Burt J. Thompson
completed a trip around the world in 1899. He was present at the military
engagement at Manila from February 4th until February 2.3rd, being attached to
a South Dakota regiment. He was with his brother. Dr. H. F. Thompson, who
was serving as surgeon of that regiment with the rank of captain. He went to
Manila with the regiment in August, 1898, and served throughout the campaign.
They were in the hottest of the fight around Manila for several weeks and both
brothers had their full share of fighting during that time.

Mr. Thompson has always given great credit to the pioneer women, and especially
to his wife, for his own success. On March 29, 1917, he was called upon to mourn
her loss, after they had long traveled life's journey together. She had indeed been
a helpmate to him. Soon after his marriage he built a one room stone house on a
squatter's lot. This was their first home and there their first child was bom.
Afterward Mr. Thompson engaged to build cellars for a barn and a house, in
exchange for which he was to receive forty acres of land and board for himself and
wife while the work was being carried on. This he accomplished with the help of
Mrs. Thompson, who mixed and brought to him the plaster. This was their first
landed possession and their united and intelligently directed efforts enabled them
to add to their holdings from time to time until their landed interests were exten-

14 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

sive. Mr. Thompson believed in planting trees for protection, and at a conserva-
tive estimate he has been instrumental in the planting of a million trees in lovra.
In all things he had the sympathy and encouragement of his wife, who never
murmured at the hardships and privations of pioneer life but assisted her husband
in every possible way and made valuable contribution to his success.

The home of Mr. Thompson is one of the most beautiful residences of Iowa
and contains a most wonderful museum with a very interesting collection of relics.
In it is to be found a tusk from a prehistoric mammoth from Alaska, a turtle from
the islands along the equator, a buffalo head from Montana and a large collection
of ancient coins and money issued by the United States government and by the
Confederacy. His collection of ancient coins embraces specimens of almost every
coin issued and also of the earliest stamped from metal, some of them thousands
of years old. His eullection is probably as rare and as valuable as any in the
United States, Mr. 'J'hompson being assisted in getting it together by one of the
best experts and authorities in this country, Henry Miller, of New York, and
also by Sir John Evans, of England, the foremost publisher and authority on coins
on the globe.

In 1904 Mr. Thompson retired from active business and the following year
sailed from New York to the Azores and through the straits of Gilbraltar to
Italy. He visited Genoa, Naples, Corsica and other points and then proceeded
to Alexandria, Egypt, and up the Nile for a distance of one'thousand miles, taking
numerous side trips as well. He visited various points in Greece and Smyrna and
passed through the Dardanelles to Constantinople and on to the Black Sea and
Odessa. He cruised among the Ionian islands and sailed to Brindisi, thence
went to Naples and on to Eome, Florence, Milan, Venice and into France, where
he visited various cities and points of interest, thence across the channel to Eng-
land, and after visiting London and other ]ioints in that country sailed from
Liverpool for America. During his travels he picked up many curios now to be
seen in his museum, including a bulrush which he found near the spot where
Moses was said to have been placed by his mother, among the bulrushes, in his
infancy. He secured fine Oriental rugs with Arabic inscriptions, tapestries from
India, a metal shawl from the interior of Africa, a beautiful co])y of Van Dyke's
Eepose in Egypt, a terra cotla copy of Diana, at the Bath and a French bronze
of Diana the Huntress. Mr. Thompson has traveled as well all over North
America and has picked up many interesting relics in this country. He has a most
complete library and an interesting feature of his home is a park in the rear of
the house with a sun dial in the center and an Alaskan Indian totem pole at the
entrance.

While success has brought to him leisure for the eajoyment of those things in
which he takes an interest, even since his retirement from business Mr. Thompson
has concentrated his efforts by no means solely upon following out his inclinations
for recreation and pleasure. He is given to the serious consideration of significant
problems affecting the individual and the community at large. He has thought
with those who study the signs of the times in regard to the desertion of the
farms for the city by the young people and has sought the reason and the remedy
therefor. It was in watching a young Swedish girl who was in his employ that
he came to a conclusion that semed to him the solution for the difficulty. He

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 15

noted lier loneliness and felt that she wanted to meet and talk with other young
people, that she wanted entertainment, education, culture and the idealistic things
in life. He felt he had here found the key to the situation which he had been
studying and immediately sought to bring about different conditions with the result
that he has today invested seventy-five thousand dollars in a plan to promote the
social life of the community. That sum represents his investment in a farm and
clubhouse which he erected thereon at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars. He
employed an architect, who is also an artist, and the result was the erection of a
building sixty-eight feet long and thirty-two feet wide, two stories in height, built
of load-bearing tile with white stucco finish and cement slab porches. It was
dedicated September 11, 191.5. It is a building which in line carries out the
wide sweep of the prairies and suggests in the gradual slope of the roof the gently
undulating fields. The art of landscape gardening has been utilized in the adorn-
ment of the lawn and beautiful flowers add to the attractiveness of Community
Hall, by which name Mr. Thompson has called the place. The institution is to be
essentially a big farmers' club, to which all within traveling distance will belong.
The farmers can meet there to hear a lecture on soil fertility and the wives and
daughtei's may meet for social affairs. The building can also be used for a church
and Sunday school, and the library has been equipped to suit the tastes of varied
ages and dispositions. In the laboratory the farmer can make simple tests of his
soil, his feeds and his seeds, and he can turn to enjoy the sports of the swimming
pool, the tennis courts and baseball diamond. It is the plan to have moving
pictures and good entertainment from time to time, besides lectures by experts from
the State College on problems of farming and household work, and there will be
every opportunity for the discussion of any question to which the members may
wish to turn their attention.

One of the Des Moines papers, writing of this subject, said : "One can hardly
learn of this experiment and become interested in it without finding interest also
in its author. Jasper Thompson is a powerful, charming gentleman. At nearly
eighty years of age he is strong and vigorous and keenly intellectual. He is the
finished product of a long life spent on the land, planning and executing of big
projects, world-wide travel, and constant thoughtfulness. His life experiences
have given him a delightful philosophy which looks always toward the best there
is in civilization. He regards his attempt at socializing rural life as one of the
most important things he has ever done. To him it is a purely philanthropic enter-
prise. He is too old to care for the reputation he might gain personally by being
the first to inaugurate such an effort. 'T feel that the people are waiting for this
movement,' he said in the first interview he has consented to about his enterprise.
'The people do not know what it is they want but they want something. I feel
that the real call to the land is the call of better social relations. Our civilization
is based in the land. Our prosperity must emanate from out there in the fields.
Build a great strong manhood and womanhood on the prairies and your villages,
cities and towns will be great. We have tried to get at the right solution by
putting our social center out in the country, where the farmers will feel that it
leally belbngs to them and where they will make use of it. They don't like to go to
social gathrings in town because they feel out of place. Whatever you may say,
there is no getting around the fact that there is no close union in feeling between

16 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

town and country. But once you start social gatherings in tlie country you will
see a change. The farm people will naturally feel at home out there, and town
people who visit them there will feel at home because their daily social intercourse
makes them freer and easier. By and by they will begin to see the advantages of
farm life and you will have the current flowing back to the land. I don't know
what will come of our experiment. I hope it will prove a success and that it will
not be long till these country houses are scattered broadcast throughout the rural
districts, furnishing the people that opportunity for social life and culture that
they need.' " Such is the crowning efl'ort of the life of Mr. Thompson, whose
efforts, intense and determined, have brought him success — a success which he is
thus sharing with others.

JAMES C. WILLIAMS.

The demise of James C. Williams, which occurred in 1914, was felt as a
serious loss in Lake Mills, for lie was prominently identified with the business
development of the city and also with its advancement along moral and civic lines.
He combined the sound judgment, the power of quick and accurate decision and
the enterprise of the successful man of business with good will and public spirit
which found expression in much work for the general welfare. lie was born in
Quincy, Illinois, March 14, 1847, a son of Dr. Eobett S. and Florence C.
(McPhail) Williams, natives respectively of Westmoreland* Maryland, and Mont-
gomery county, Illinois. The father studied medicine in a college at Steubenville,
Ohio, from which he was graduated, and began practice at Quincy, Illinois, whence
he removed to Caledonia, Minnesota, and there he remained until his death in 1870.
The mother died soon afterward.

James C. Williams spent his boyhood and youth in Quincy, Illinois, and in
Minnesota, and after his father's death operated the home farm in Minnesota for
some time. Subsequently he clerked for his brother-in-law, A. D. Sprague, a
merchant of Caledonia, but in 1872 he became a resident of Northwood, Iowa,
where he engaged in the lumber business in partnership with 0. V. Eckert, an
association that was pleasantly maintained for more than four decades, or until the
death of Mr. Williams, and the estate still retains the interest in the business. In
1881 the partners started a branch at Lake Mills but later disposed of their lumber-
yards and engaged in the implement and grain business. Tliey operated a chain
of elevators along the Rock Island line and handled enormous quantities of grain
annually. In 1881 they established an implement and elevator business at Lake
Mills, of which Mr. Williams became resident manager and which a few years
before his death he converted into a corporation known as the Lake Mills Imple-
ment & Hardware Company. He became president and treasurer of the new
concern, with L. E. Ludvig as manager, and he continued at the head of the
company until his death. This concern is one of the largest of the kind in this
Bection of the state and in addition to serving as its president Mr. Williams was
vice president of the First National Bank and president of the Lake Mills Canning
Company. He also had large farm holdings in Winnebago county, Iowa, in
Minnesota and in the Dakotas and the supervision of all of his interests made
demands upon his time and energy that would have taxed to the utmost the

W YORfT

) K

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 19

powers of a less able or less enterprising man. His opinion upon any business
problem was listened to with great respect and it was recognized that he ranked
among the foremost men of his county.

Mr. Williams was married in 1875 to Mrs. Nellie Dickson, who died three
years later, leaving a daughter, Winifred M., who is now teaching physical culture
at Kirksville, Missouri. On the 23d of April, 1902, Mr. Williams married Odella
J. Blackiston, a daughter of William B., and Cecelia C. (Hayes) Blackiston, natives
of Ohio. The father removed to Geneseo, Illinois, in 1858, and there resided
until called by death on the 4th of November, 1894. He was a merchant by occu-
pation but owned sixteen hundred acres of land in Winnebago county. The mother
passed away in March, 1896. To them were born four children, namely: Mrs.
Williams, Mrs. Laura A. Price, of Butler, Missouri; Mrs. Nora B. Chapin, of
Canton, Illinois; and William P., who died at Madison, South Dakota, January
14, 1889. Mrs. Williams is a charter member of Lake Mills Chapter No. 452,
0. E. S., and has been elected matron five times. She is also a member of the
Saturday Afternoon Book Club, and the Taka Art Club. Mr. Williams supported
the republican party at the polls, was a member of the town council at the time of
his death and kept thoroughly informed as to public affairs. He held membership
in the Lake Mills Business Men's Association and his work was of great value in
carrying out the plans of that organization for the advancement of the city. In
fact every movement seeking to further the interests of Lake Mills received his full
support. He was for thirty years a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church, a
record of faithful and efficient service for the cause of righteousness seldom
equaled. For years he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows but
eventually demitted from that organization but continued active as a member of
the Modern Woodmen of America and the Yeomen. He contracted pneumonia
while visiting the old home in Geneseo, Illinois, and passed away on the 15th of
March, 1914, after an illness of only four days. His sudden death was a great
shock not only to his family and immediate friends but to the entire community
and the memory of his life is cherished by those who were privileged to know him
well. He was upright and honorable in all things, was constant in his friendships
and was always ready to place the good of the public above his personal interests.
Mrs. Williams is still living in Lake Mills and is well known and highly esteemed
in the community. While she retains her membership in the Congregatonal church
in Geneseo, she succeeded her husband as a trustee of the Methodist church and is
president of the board and, like him, takes a keen interest in the civic and religious
advancement of Lake Mills.

GUSTAVE A. KAHLEE.

Gustave A. Kahler, a well known and highly respected farmer of German town-
ship, Hancock county, makes his home on section 17, where he has one hundred
and sixty acres of rich and productive land which he is now carefully and syste-
matically cultivating. He was born October 29, 1867, near Green Bay, Wisconsin,
a son of Christian and Dora (Gade) Kahler, who were natives of Germany and
came to America about 1847. They settled in Wisconsin, wliere they followed
farming and both are now deceased.

20 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

It was upon the homestead farm there that Gustave A. Kahler was born, and in
1876 he became a resident of Iowa, making his way to Wright county, where he
attended school to the age of fifteen years. His textbooks were then put aside that
he might assist his father in the farm work, and for two years thereafter he
remained upon the old homestead. He afterward worked for three years by the
month and then returned to the old homestead where he continued for one year.
On the expiration of that period he began buying horses and also breaking prairie.
He purchased land at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre and put in twenty
acres of oats. In the fall he operated a threshing outfit and for three years he
devoted the spring months to breaking sod and the fall seasons to threshing. His
entire life has been one of industry and activity, and whatever success he has
achieved has resulted entirely from his own efforts. He purchased a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres in Emmet county, Iowa, and after cultivating it for a
time sold it. Later he rented land in Emmet county for three years, after which
he returned to Wright county, where he purchased the old family homestead,
which he cultivated for four years. On the expiration of that period he sold that
property and in 1902 came to Hancock county, where he purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land on section 17, German township, constituting his present
home place. Through the intervening period of fifteen years he has carefully
and persistently carried on the work of the farm and his labors have resulted in
making this a productive tract of land from which he- annually gathers golden
harvests.

Mr. Kahler was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Myers, a daughter of
Fred and Kate Myers, who were natives of Germany and on coming to America
settled first in Pennsylvania. They afterward removed to Iowa, establishing their
home in Grundy county. Mr. and Mrs. Kahler have become parents of three sons
and a daughter: Earl E., who married Lily Velau, a daughter of Charles Velau,
and who engages in farming; and Ethel I., Eaymond and Emmett C, all at home.

The family are members of the German Methodist Episcopal church. In his
political views Mr. Kahler is a republican and for three years has filled the office
of township trustee. He has also been school director, and he takes an active and
helpful interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of the com-
munity with which he is identified. From the age of fifteen years he has been an
active factor in the world's work, earning his own livelihood throughout the entire
period. He is a man of upright character and sterling worth and he has con-
tributed much to the agricultural development of the county.

LAMBERT B. BAILEY.

Lambert B. Bailey, of Garner, is one of the venerable citizens of Hancock
county, having celebrated the eightieth anniversary of his birth on the 24th of
January, 1917. He was bom in Granville, Licking county, Ohio, a son of John A.
and Nancy A. (Washbond) Bailey, who in June, 1864, came to Hancock county,
Iowa, with their two sons, Lambert B. and Rolla E. The latter was killed by
lightning July 28, 1876, while working in a harvest field.

Lambert B. Bailey attended the public schools and an academy of Granville,

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 21

Ohio, in the acquirement of his education and during his active business life
devoted his time and attention to school teaching and to farming. He was a
young man of twenty-seven years when he came to Iowa and throughout the inter-
vening period he has lived in Hancock county, his time and energies being devoted
to general agricultural pursuits.

Previous to this time Mr. Bailey had attempted to join the army, enlisting for
service in the Twenty-first Wisconsin Infantry. He was rejected on account of
physical disability and in the fall of 1863 he was drafted for service, but was again
rejected for the same reason, so that he never had an opportunity to go to the
front. In 1866 he was called to public service in Hancock county, being elected
to the position of county recorder, in which he served for two years. In November,
1868, he was elected clerk of the courts and served in that position for two years.
In October, 1870, he was elected county recorder, was reelected in 1873 and at
each biennial election up to and including 1884, so that he served altogether in
that office for eighteen years, a notable period for length of service and character-
ized as well by marked fidelity to duty. No higher testimonial of his faithfulness
can be given than the fact that he was again and again chosen for the office. He
has always given his political support to the republican party since its organization,
yet has never been an active partisan.

In November, 1864, in Waushara county, Wisconsin, Mr. Bailey was married
to Miss Frances A. Ocain, a daughter of Isaac and Cynthia Ocain. Their children
are: Charles A., who married Mamie Tierney; Elwin E., who married Rena
Cuppett; and George L., who wedded Grace Eosecrans.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Congregational church and
fraternally Mr. Bailey is a Mason. He took the degrees of the lodge in 1868, of
the chapter in 1884, and in the latter year also became a Knight Templar. He is
widely and favorably known in Hancock county, where he has made his home for
home than a half century and where he has so long filled public office. His fellow
townsmen bear testimony to his worth and ability and no history of the county
would be complete without mention of him.

GEOEGE A. BEMIS, M. D.

Dr. George A. Bemis, recognized as a capable representative of the medical
profession practicing in Garner, wheije he opened his ofiBce in 1913, was born in
Spencer, Iowa, April 37, 1884, a son of W. S. and Flora E. Bemis, the former a
native of Independence, Iowa, and the latter of Janesville, Wisconsin. The
paternal grandfather, George W. Bemis, was a native of Spencer, Massachusetts,
and came to Iowa as a pioneer settler about 1860. He was very prominent in
shaping the policy of the state and promoting its progress along many lines. As
state senator he aided in framing its legislation and from 1878 until 1888 he
filled the position of state treasurer. In fact he exerted a widely felt influence over
political affairs and was ever actuated by a public-spirited devotion to the general
good. His son, W. S. Bemis, studied law and for many years practiced at Spen-
cer, Iowa.

George A. Bemis, after acquiring a public school education, attended the Culver

11—2

22 AVINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Military Academy and was graduated from the University of Iowa with the class
of 1909. For two years he practiced at Hawarden and in 1913 removed to Garner,
where he opened an ofSce and has since successfully followed his profession. He is
a member of the County, State and American Medical Associations and keeps in
close touch with the advanced thought and scientific investigations of the pro-
fession.

Dr. Bemis belongs to the Scabbard & Blade, to tlie Sigma Chi and the Phi
Beta Pi, college societies and fraternities. In Masonry he has taken the Royal
Arch degrees and he also has membership with the Odd Fellows, the Knights of
Pythias, the Eagles and the Elks, loyally adhering to their teachings concerning
mutual obligation and responsibility. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party but he has never been an office seeker, preferring to concentrate
his time and energies upon his business affairs.

FRANK MARION HANSON.

Frank Marion Hanson, president of the First National Bank of Garner and a
prominent figure in financial circles of the state through extensive connection
with many banks in various parts of Iowa, belongs to that class of representative
business men who are ever ready to meet any emergency with courage and whose
ability enables them to successfully cope with complex situations. Iowa claims him
as a native son. He was born March 28, 1873, at Cedar Falls, a son of James and
Mary Hanson, who were natives of Denmark. They emigrated to the United
States soon after the Civil war and made their way to Iowa, settling on a farm
in Grundy county.

Reared under the parental roof, Frank M. Hanson attended the country schools
until sixteen years of age and later became a student in the Waterloo (Iowa) Col-
legiate Institute, from which he was graduated on the 1st of June, 1891. In the
intervening period he has made for himself a most creditable name and position
in the banking circles of the state. He first entered the employ of the Citizens
State Bank of Goldfield, Iowa, as bookkeeper on the, 1st of October, 1892, and on
tlie 1st of July, 1893, he became bookkeeper in the Iowa Valley State Bank at
Belmond, Iowa, where he remained until September 1, 1896, acting for the last
two years of that period as assistant cashier. He then resigned to accept a position
with Leavitt & Johnson, private bankers, by whom he was employed during a
part of the years 1896 and 1897. He next became cashier of the State Savings
Bank of Klemme, where he remained for two years, when he organized the State
Savings Bank of Kanawha, now the First National Bank. In that institution he
continued as cashier from June 1, 1899, until July 1, 1905, when he resigned
and accepted the cashiership of the First National Bank of Garner. Later he
was promoted to the vice presidency and on the 1st of January, 1916, became
president. In the meantime he had extended his connections and is now president
of the State Savings Bank of Ventura, a director of the First National Bank of
Kanawha, the State Savings Bank of Goodell, Iowa, and the State Savings Bank
of Woden, Iowa, while in the Bank of Hayfield, Iowa, he is a partner. He is like-
wise a director of the Hancock County Abstract Company of Garner and presi-

FEAXK M. HANSON

AS'.'0;-(. .'-.M,
TILDKN KrC.-.
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WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 25

dent of the Oregon Timber & Investment Company of Garner. He is likewise
interested in eleven hundred and twenty acres of land in Hancock county, near
Garner, and has other financial interests.

On the 12th of September, 1906, at Kanawha, Iowa, Mr. Hanson was united
in marriage to Miss Ada Adell Huyck, her parents being John and Alice Huyck,
who reside on a farm near Kanawha. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson now have two chil-
dren: Morris Frank, born July 1, 1907; and Edna Genevieve, whose birth
occurred on the 28th of April, 1911. Mr. Hanson and his family attend the
Congregational church. His political endorsement is given to the republican
party but he has never sought nor held public office. In fact, he has never had any
desire for political positions, feeling that his time has been fully occupied with
other interests. In fraternal circles he is well known, being now treasurer of
Bethel Lodge, No. 319, A. F. & A. M., of Garner, which office he lias filled for ten
years. He is likewise a member of Bethel Chapter, No. 116, K. A. M.; Bethel
Council, No. 33, E. & S. M. ; and Antioch Commandery, No. 43, K. T., of Mason
City. He is likewise connected with El Kahir Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., of Cedar
Eapids, and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of
Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Throughout his entire life he has
practically concentrated his efforts along one line and it is this singleness of pur-
pose which has constituted one of the strong forces in his success. He has com-
prehensive knowledge of the banking business and his pronounced ability is widely
recognized by his colleagues and contemporaries throughout the state.

MIKKEL J. HOLSTAD.

Mikkel J. Holstad, deceased, was for many years one of the leading farmers
of Winnebago county, his home being on section 2.5, Norway township. He was
a native of the land of the midnight sun, his birth occurring in Norway, Novem-
ber 5, 1837, and he was a son of John and Gjori Holstad, in whose family were
five children. The parents never came to the United States, but on crossing the
Atlantic Mikkel J. Holstad was accompanied by his brother, A. J., who bought
land adjoining his farm and continued to reside there until 1900, when he
returned to Norway, where he is now living.

Mikkel J. Holstad grew to manliood upon his father's farm but in early life
learned the tailor's trade, at which he worked for some time. Later he operated
the home farm in Norway, remaining there until 1867. , In the meantime he
married Miss Martha Thorsdatter Void, whose parents were Thor and Solvei
(Honsey) Void. They came to America a few years after the Holstad family
located here and settled in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where Mr. Void followed ■
farming until his death. Both he and his wife were buried in Ridgeway, Iowa.

In 1867, accompanied by his wife and two children, as well as his brother,
Mr. Holstad came to the new world and took up his abode in Winneshiek
county, Iowa, where he remained one year. He then removed to Winnebago
county and purchased the east half of the southeast quarter of section 26, Norway
township, and the west half of the southwest quarter of section 25, whereon he
made his home until his death, which occurred on the 9th of August, 1892. As

26 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

time passed he prospered in his farming operations and added to his farm the
north half of the northwest quarter of section 36. His widow still resides on
the old homestead. He was a republican in politics and was a member of the
United Lutheran church.

Before leaving Norway two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Holstad, these
being Thor or Thomas, who lives near Kiester, Minnesota; and Julia, who makes
her home with her mother. The children born in America are John, born Sep-
tember 8, 1867; Edward, born February 3, 1870; and Sylvia, born May 8, 1872.
John and Edward are engaged in farming in Rolette county. North Dakota, near
Kelvin.

P. P. MEDLANG.

P. P. Medlang, now successfully operating the old Holstad farm in Norway
township, Winnebago county, was born on the 19th of May, 1873, and is a son of
Peter E. and Inger (Olesdatter) Medlang, both of whom are now deceased. They
spent their entire lives in Norway, where the father followed farming and also
worked at the carpenter's trade. P. P. Medlang is the fifth in order of birth in a
family of twelve children. He aided his father in the work of the home farm
until nineteen years of age, at which time he and two sisters came to the United
States and located in Northwood, Iowa, where he worked on a farm for one year.
In 1900 he took charge of the Holstad farm and is still engaged in its operation.
This place consists of the west half of the southwest quarter of section 25 and
the north half of the northwest quarter of section 36, Norway township, and is a
valuable tract. Its neat and thrifty appearance testifies to the industry and good
management of Mr. Medlang, who thoroughly understands the occupation which
he follows and is a man of good business ability.

In 1900 Mr. Medlang married Miss Sylvia Holstad, who was born on the
8th of May, 1872, and is a daughter of Mikkel J. and Martha Holstad, whose
sketch appears above. By this union five children have been born but Selena died
at the age of five years and was buried in the United Lutheran cemetery. Those
living are Martha, Palmer, Inger and Thelma.

Mr. and Mrs. Medlang are members of the United Lutheran church and he
casts his ballot with the republican party. For several years he has served as
school director and has always taken a commendable interest in the welfare of
his adopted country. Wherever known he is held in high esteem and he has many
friends throughout Winnebago county.

OLAF WESTERBERG.

■ Olaf Westerberg, who follows farming on section 5, Ellington township, Han-
cock county, and is meeting with excellent success in his chosen occupation, was
born on the 7th of March, 1879, in Sweden, of which country his parents, John
and Anna (Hockinson) Westerberg, were also natives. In 1882 the family came

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 27

to the United States and took up their abode in Hancock county, Iowa, where the
father purchased a farm, but he and his wife are now living in Forest City. They
have two sons, the older being E. J. Westerberg, whose sketch appears on another
page of this volume.

Olaf Westerberg was only three years of age when brought to this country by
his parents and upon the home farm in Hancock county he grew to manhood,
his education being acquired in the district schools of the neighborhood. He was
only fifteen years of age when his brother married and the responsibility of
carrying on the home farm devolved upon him. Success has attended his well
directed efforts and he is today one of the prosperous farmers of the community.
After his marriage his parents removed to Forest City and he remained on the
homestead, which he had purchased of his father the year previous. This place
comprises one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 5, Ellington township,
Hancock county, and he also owns eighty acres on section 8, one-half mile south
of the home farm, all under excellent cultivation.

In 1901 Mr. Westerberg was united in marriage to Miss Anna Clauson, a
daughter of Nels Clauson, of Forest City, who was one of the early settlers of
Winnebago county. They have become the parents of two children, a son and a
daughter, Arvid E. and Euth E.

Mr. and Mrs. Westerberg are faithful members of the First Swedish Baptist
church of Forest City and are people of prominence in the community where
they reside. The republican party finds in Mr. Westerberg a staunch supporter of its
principles and he does all within his power to promote the moral and material
welfare of his community. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative
Creamery Company of Forest City and is one of the substantial farmers of Elling-
ton township.

JENS M. TAPAGEE.

Jens M. Tapager, who is a cashier of the First National Bank at Lake Mills,
is a representative of the fine class of citizens which Denmark has given to the
United States. His birth occurred on the 2d of August, 1871, and he is the son
of Mikkel Kristensen and Maren (Dalgaard) Tapager. Mr. Tapager is the second
child and was left motherless when a year and a half old. A number of years
later his father remarried, and in 1889 emigrated to the United States, settling
on a farm near Albert Lea, Minnesota, where he resided until his death in 1905
His widow is still living there.

Mr. Tapager attended the common schools until he was confirmed, and later
took a liberal arts course in a private institution. He graduated in July, 1889,
from the University of Copenhagen. For the next two years he taught in the
government schools, and in 1891 emigrated to the United States, settling at
Albert Lea, Minnesota. He entered the employ of the Albert Lea Creamery Com-
pany as engineer, holding that position at the time their plant was erected. After
remaining with this company for two years, he came to Winnebago county and
became buttermaker for the Logan Butter Factory, which was being built at that
time in Logan township. After six years spent with this concern he moved to

28 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Thompson, where in partnership witli his brother, Morris Tapager, he purchased
a hotel. He also managed the Thompson Creamery. He was in business at
Thompson from 1899 to 1901. In the fall of 1901 Mr. Tapager with his family
moved to Lake Mills, Iowa, he having accepted the position of assistant cashier
of the Farmers State Bank of that city. In 19it5 he accepted a similar position
in the Fir,st National Bank, and two years later became cashier, in which capacity
he has since served. That the direction of the affairs of this institution has been
in able hands is shown by the steady growth of the business of this bank in the
intervening years, and by the high place which Mr. Tapager holds in the confidence
of the general public.

On the 85th of August, 1894, Mr. Tapager was married to Miss Mary Willad-
sen, a daughter of 0. L. and Dorothy (Kristensen) Willadsen, of Herning,
Denmark. Mrs. Tapager's mother died when she was fourteen years of age, but
her father is still living in that country. To Mr. and Mrs. Tapager have been
born six children : Ethel, deceased February 28, 1901 ; Cyril, who was a student
at the University of Minnesota, but joined the United State Marine Corps and
left Minneapolis May 3, 1917, for Mare Island, California; and Roy Willard,
Merle Ethelyn, Vernon James, and Virginia Mary, all at home.

Mr. Tapager is a standpat republican and supports loyally the candidates and
policies of his party. He has filled the office of city treasurer since 1905, and his
long service in that connection indicates his popularity. Furthermore, he has
been president of the Lake Mills Commercial Club for th*e past two years. Mr.
Tapager holds membership in the Lutheran church, and in all relations of life
conforms his conduct to high ethical standards. The success which he has gained
reflects great credit upon his enterprise and business ability, as he began his inde-
pendent career empty handed.

JOHN JOHNSON.

' For almost a third of a century John Johnson has been a resident of Winnebago
county, where he started out in life as a farm hand and was thus employed for
eight years. He then purchased property and has since carried on general agri-
cultural pursuits on his own account, being today one of the substantial farmers
of his locality. He was born in the stiff of Bergen, Norway, August 7, 1862, and
was the fourth in order of birth in a family of eight children whose parents were
John and Madle Nelson, farming people of that country. The parents never
came to the United States and the father has now passed away. Seven of their
children are yet living and those still in Norway are Nels, Mons, Haldor and Ole.
Those in America are: Madle, the wife of Emil Larson, of Cherokee, Iowa;
Nels, living in British Columbia; and John, of this review.

During his boyhood, which was spent in his native land, John Johnson had
no special advantages to aid him in preparation for life's responsibilities and
duties. He came to the United States alone when twenty-three years of age and
made his way at once to Winnebago county. He had no capital and necessity
rendered it imperative that he obtain employment immediately. He began work-
ing as a farm hand and spent eight years in that way, but he was desirous of

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 29

engaging in business on his own account and carefully saved his earnings, until
about 1893 he was able to purchase a farm in connection with his brother-in-law,
Emil Larson. After his marriage he took possession of the south half of the south-
west quarter and the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 13,
Logan township, comprising a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. Upon this
place he yet resides and through the intervening period he has worked a marked
transformation in the appearance of the place, converting it into a valuable and
productive tract from which he annually gathers good crops.

When thirty-two years of age Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss
Ada Anderson. They have become parents of seven children who are yet living,
namely : Elmer, Cora, Melvin, Kenneth, Mabel, Joseph and Clarence. They also
lost two children in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson hold membership in the
Synod Lutheran church and he votes with the republican party, but the honors
and emoluments of ofBce have no attraction for him. His time is fully devoted to
his business affairs and today he is the owner of a finely improved farm because
of his untiring activity and persistency of purpose. He has never regretted coming
to America, feeling that he has here found better opportunities than he could have
enjoyed in Norway, and having voluntarily chosen to become an American citizen,
he has ever been loyal to the interests of his adopted land.

MARTIN RASMUSSON.

Martin Rasmusson, a well known farmer living on section 19, Crystal town-
ship, is one of Hancock county's native sons, born on the 24th of July 1884. His
parents, N. P. and Anna (Madson) Rasmusson, were natives of Deimiark, in
which country they were reared and educated, but in 1881 they emigrated to
America with the hope of bettering their financial condition in this country with
its broader opportunities and natural advantages. On landing here they continued
their journey westward to Hancock county, Iowa, where the father has since made
his home, but the mother passed away in 1914. In their family were eight chil-
dren of whom five still survive.

During his boyhood and youth Martin Rasmusson had the advantages of a
common school education and when not busy with his text books assisted his
father in the labors of the farm. He remained under the parental roof until
twenty-one years of age and then began farming on rented land, being thus
employed for eight years. Having lived economically and prospered in his labors,
Mr. Rasmusson was able to purchase his present farm in 1910 and is now the
owner of two hundred acres of very fertile and productive land on section 19,
Crystal tovniship, Hancock county, on which he has made many useful and valu-
able improvements. He is engaged in general farming but makes a specialty of
the raising of stock of all kinds which he finds quite profitable.

In 1914 Mr. Rasmusson married Miss Rachel Davis, who was bom in Iowa
Falls, Iowa, and is a daughter of Henry and Luella (Johnson) Davis, natives of
Wisconsin and Norway respectively. Her parents are now living retired jn
Crystal township, Hancock county, enjoying a well earned rest. To Mr. and Mrs.

30 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Easmusson have been born two children but the first died in infancy. The other,
Anna Fern, was born April 3, 1916. Mr. Rasmusson supports the men and
measures of the republican party and is regarded as one of the leading citizens
of his community.

EEV. MARTIN HEGLAND, PH.D.

In the educational field the name of Dr. Martin Hegland, president of Waldorf
College at Forest City, is well known. He is yet a comparatively young man but
has already made for himself an enviable position in the field of Christian educa-
tion and his work is reaching out through its influence and inspiration over a wide
territory. He took charge of Waldorf College and its work on the 1st of January,
1915, being then thirty-five years of age. His birth occurred on the 20th of
January, 1880, in Merton, Steele county, Minnesota, to which place his parents
had removed on leaving Nedre Telemarkcn, Norway, their native country. They
settled upon a farm upon which Dr. Hegland spent his boyhood and youth, acquiring
his early education in the country schools, after which he entered upon the work of
the eighth grade in the schools of Owatonna, Minnesota, where he later completed
high school work, being graduated after taking the Latin-scientific course. He was
president of his class in his senior year. After finishing his high school course he
matriculated in St. Olaf College at Northfield, Minnesota, where he pursued the
study of the classics and during that period was an active member of the difierent
college societies. He also served for two years on the editorial staff of the
college paper and was editor-in-chief of the "Viking '04." As a representative of
the senior class he won the Ware oratorical contest and as representative of the
college won the state contest in competition with the different colleges of the
state. Following his graduation from St. Olaf College he was elected superin-
tendent of schools and teacher in the high school at Fertile, Minnesota, where he
remained for three years, and while engaged in secular school work he continued
an active worker in the church as superintendent of the Sunday school, as president
of the Luther League and as teacher of the Bible class in the United Church con-
gregation. His interest in church work led him to take up the study of theology
at the United Church Seminary, from which he was graduated with the class of
1910, and while there he also studied at the University of Minnesota, specializing
along the lines of English philology, education and history of philosophy. He won
the M. A. degree in 1908 and during the summer vacation of that year he substi-
tuted for Rev. C. K. Solberg, of the Zion church in Chicago. During the follow-
ing summer he was advance agent for the St. Olaf Band on their twelve weeks'
trip to the Pacific coast, which included a visit to the Seattle Exposition, and in
the summer of 1910 he filled the pulpit during the absence of the Kev. J. C.
Roseland in the Covenant church of Chicago.

Dr. Hegland afterward became a student at Columbia University in New York
city, where he specialized on education, pursuing the studies of history of education,
educational philosophy and psychology, and educational administration and com-
parative education, the last two receiving particular attention. He was awarded
the Foreign Fellowship by the university and went abroad to make a special study

a
o

KEV. MARTIN HKOLAND, Ph. D.

t;:;:

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TILDFN K' ir.'N' OATION,-
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WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 33

of the school systems of the European countries. He also visited most of the
colleges and -universities in the eastern part of the United States.

Following his return from Europe, Dr. Hegland was called to the pastorate of
the United Lutheran congregation at Grand Forks, North Dakota, and in 191.3
was ordained to the ministry. The same year he submitted his thesis on the
subject "The Danish People's High School," and the degree of Ph. D. was con-
ferred upon him by Columbia University in 1914. At the annual meeting of
the United Church in that year he was elected one of the associate editors of
the "United Lutheran."

In the fall of 1914 he was called to the pastorate of the United Lutheran
congregation of Forest City and to the presidency of Waldorf College and on the
1st of January, 1915, entered upon his duties. He is often called upon to speak
on educational and religious matters and is a contributor to church publications.

Dr. Hegland was married in 1911 to Miss Georgina E. Dieson, of Dell Rapids,
South Dakota, who was graduated from the high school there and later from
St. Olaf College in 1904. She served as teacher and preceptress at Concordia
College, Moorhead, Minnesota, from 1904 until 1907, and occupied the same
position at St. Olaf College from 1909 until 1911. She also did some post-grad-
uate work at the Columbia University and she is of great assistance to her hus-
band in the performance of his duties in both the pastoral and educational fields.
Dr. and Mrs. Hegland now have a little daughter, Anna Tonette, born June
13, 1915.

Dr. Hegland is concentrating every effort upon the upbuilding of the church
and school. It would be tautological in this connection to enter into any series of
statements showing him to be a man of broad scholarly attainments, for this has
been shadowed forth between the lines of this review. He ever keeps in close touch
with the trend of modern thought concerning all those questions which have to do
with the welfare of mankind and are of vital significance to the country. While
possessing a studious nature, he combines with it the intensely practical and is
thoroughly alive to all those questions and interests which are engaging public
thought and calling forth activity. He lives not in the past nor the future but in
the present with its multiform duties and problems, and yet he looks beyond the
exigencies of the moment to the opportunities and possibilities for good in later
years.

P. M. GRIESEMER.

A thoroughly progressive young business man is P. M. Griesemer, the president
of the State Bank of Klemme. His plans are always carefully considered, and
industry, perseverance and sagacity characterize his business moves. He was
born near Garner, Hancock county, April 6, 188.3, a son of Henry and Justina
(Mayer) Griesemer, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. After attending
the public schools and pursuing a course in a business college at Mason City,
Iowa, he went to Klemme in 1902, when a young man of nineteen years, and
secured the position of bookkeeper in the Bank of Klemme, which was organized
and opened its doors for business on the 3d of November of that year, with a

34 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

capital stock of fifteen thousand dollars. In February, 190-1, it was reorganized
as the State Bank of Klemme and its resources are now four hundred thousand
dollars. Mr. Griesemer has continued with the bank through the intervening period
of fifteen years, filling various positions and advancing step by step until in January,
1917, he was elected to the presidency. He has carefully studied every phase of
banking and the policy that he has originated most carefully safeguards the interests
of depositors and stockholders.

In his political views Mr. Griesemer maintains an independent course, casting
has ballot according to the dictates of his judgment. lie is a member of the
Masonic lodge of Garner and also of Bethel Chapter, No. 116, E. A. M., loyally
adhering to the teachings of the craft which is based upon mutual helpfulness
and mutual kindness. He is well known in the county in which he has spent
his entire life, and the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of
his acquaintance.

JOSEPH E. HOWARD.

Although now living retired in Forest City, Joseph E. Howard has figured
prominently in connection with its professional and public interests. The energy
and enterprise which he has displayed in the conduct of business affairs are the
qualities which have brought him well deserved success, enabling him now to rest
from further labor in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Iowa claims
him as a native son. He was born in Fayette county, August 31, 1855, a son of
Samuel and Jane (Alcorn) Howard, natives of Mercer county and of Fayette
county, Pennsylvania, respectively. In 1854 they became residents of Iowa and
in 1869 took up their abode in Forest City, where their remaining days were
passed. Samuel Howard purchased a farm near the town and devoted five years
to general agricultural pursuits upon that place. He then removed to the city
and here lived until called to his final rest in May, 1907. For fifteen years he
had survived his wife, who passed away in May, 1892, in the faith of the Congre-
gational church, of which she was a devoted member. Mr. Howard gave his
political allegiance to the democratic party and was classed with the valued and
representative citizens of his district.

Joseph E. Howard after acquiring a public school education attended the
State University at Iowa City, where he pursued a law course. He was admitted
to the bar in 1878 and continued in the active practice of law for two years. On
the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the real estate business,
in which he has since been actively engaged, and throughout the intervening
period he has negotiated many important realty transfers which have figured as
features in the steady growth and development of this section. He was also editor
of the Summit for two years and was one of the owners of that paper in connection
with G. S. Gilbertson for a decade.

It is not alone in business circles that Mr. Howard has figured, for he has again
and again been tested in relation to public service and never has he been found
wanting. At all times he has stood for progress and improvement in community
affairs and his efforts to further the best interests of city and county have been

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 35

far-reaching and beneficial. In 1895 he was appointed clerk of the district court.
He served for eight years as a member of the city council and for two terms as
mayor of Forest City, while for eight and one-half years he filled the position of
postmaster, retiring from that oflice on the 1st of July, 1907. At a boosters'
meeting held recently one of the speakers in reviewing the progress of the city
said that if Mr. H'oward had been postmaster for four years longer he would have
had Des Moines receiving mail by rural delivery from Forest City, which jesting
remark indicates the great energy and initiative wliich Mr. Howard brings to
everything that he undertakes to do. He was one of the organizers and proprietors
of the first bank established in Buffalo Center, it being founded in 1893 under the
name of the Bank of Buffalo Center. It is now known, however, as the First
National Bank.

On the 2d of November, 1879, Mr. Howard was married to Miss Charlotte
Elnora Skinner, a daughter of D. E. and Anna L. (Swan) Skinner, who came
from Connecticut to the middle west, settling in Iowa at an early day after living
for some time in Illinois. They established their home in Allamakee county,
where Mr. Skinner followed the occupation of farming. Mr. and Mrs. Howard
have become parents of seven children, as follows : Ina and Mabel, botli at
home; Jay E., who is engaged in the lumber business at Estherville, Iowa; Ethel,
a teacher at Rock Eapids, Iowa; Dan S., who is in the mail service and resides at
Forest City; Alice, who is engaged in teaching at Buffalo Center, Iowa; and
Margie, also a teacher at Buffalo Center, this state.

The family are members of the Congregational church and do all in their
power to promote its growth and extend its influence. In politics Mr. Howard
has ever been a republican, giving loyal aid to the party because of his firm belief
in its principles. In his fraternal relations he is a Mason, belonging to Truth
Lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master, and to Bethel
Chapter, No. 116, E. A. M., at Garner. His life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of
the craft and he has given many tangible evidences of his belief in the brotherhood
of man. While his interests are many, the activities of his life have been well
balanced. His is a symmetrical character, one that has never been developed
along certain lines to the dwarfing of his possibilities in other connections, and
while he has carefully managed his business interests for the purpose of attaining
legitimate success, he has at the same time utilized his powers and energies for
the benefit of the community and has contributed much to public progress.

JOHN H. TERHUFEN.

John H. Terhufen, who is engaged in general farming on section 19, German
township, Hancock county, owns and cultivates one hundred and sixty acres of
land, which he has brought to a high state of development. He follows progressive
methods in all his farm work, his land being devoted to the cultivation of the
cereals best adapted to soil and climate. Wisconsin numbers him among her
native sons, his birth having occurred in Dodge county on the 9th of June, 1869,
his parents being Henry and Minnie (Sette) Terhufen, both of whom were natives
of Germany. The father is deceased and the mother is living in Klemme, Iowa.

36 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

John H. Terliufen acquired a common school education while spending his
youthful days under the parental roof and was early trained to the work of the
farm, his vacation periods being largely spent in the fields. After his textbooks
were put aside he continued to work on the home farm until he reached the age
of twenty-two years, when iiis father gave him five hundred dollars with which to
purchase land, and he became the owner of a tract on section 35, German town-
ship, Hancock county, Iowa. His next purchase brought him land on section S2,
German township and later he acquired one hundred and sixty acres on section 19.
German township. This he bought about 1900 and he has since occupied the
farm, which was formerly operated as a dairy farm, but which he now devotes to
the cultivation of crops, raising corn, wheat and other cereals for which the soil
is particularly adapted. His place is divided into fields of convenient size by
well kept fences and his methods of tilling the soil are progressive, while he facili-
tates the work of the fields by the use of modern machinery.

On the 8th of August, 1894, Mr. Terhufen was united in marriage to Miss
Emma Stille, a daughter of Henry and Louisa (Steinke) Stille, the former a
native of Germany and the latter of Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Terhufen have
become the parents of two sons, Howard A. and Glenn H., both at home.

The religious faith of the parents is that of the German Methodist Episcopal
church and they are highly esteemed because of their sterling worth and many
admirable traits of character. Mr. Terhufen is a school director and for four
years has filled the office of township assessor. He is interested in all that pertains
to the material, intellectual, political, social and moral progress of his community
and is highly respected as a man of genuine personal worth as well as of good
business ability.

EUGENE SECOE.

Called to many positions of public honor and trust, Eugene Secor, of Forest
City, has ever manifested his loyalty to the best interests of his community and big
state and in everything that lie has undertaken he has worked toward high ideals.
Gifted by nature with strong mental powers, his career has been one of continued
development, reaching out along those lines which make life fuller, richer and better.
He was born in May, 1841, on a farm in Peekskill Hollow, New York, a son of
Alson and Sarah C. (Kuapj)) Secor, who were farming people and spent their
entire lives in the Empire state. The Secors were descended from French Hugue-
nots who came to America in 1689.

Eugene Secor attended school in his native county and in 1862 removed west-
ward to Iowa, settling in Forest City, his elder brother, David Secor, being at that
time treasurer and recorder of Winnebago county and also postmaster of Forest
City. After working for a time he resumed his studies, entering Cornell College at
Mount Vernon, Iowa. He had been there not quite a year when his elder brother
enlisted for service in the Civil War, so that Eugene Secor was called back to take
charge of his brother's office and the postoffice, as deputy, discharging the duties of
those positions until the close of the war. After removing to the west he had
learned the mason's trade but for many years was active in public office. At the
first election for mayor in Forest City he was chosen to that office and his adminis-

EUGENE SECOK

THE KI^'A'- YUHK

AS'''OS-. L.-:i\'';:'>: Aj-ai
TIJUL'EN ?f :.rjM DA-rrr>Ny

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 39

tration was so satisfactory to his constituents that he was three time reelected,
serving for four consecutive terms. He carefully administered the affairs of the
new municipality and his administration was frauglit with excellent results. After-
wards he was a member of the town council for many years. In 1869 he waa
elected clerk of the courts, having previously served as deputy, and filled that
position acceptably for six years, being elected for the third term of two years
without opposition. He was not a candidate for the fourth term. In 1876 he
was called to the office of county auditor and served for four years, after which
he refused to be again a candidate. Ho was also county coroner for two years
and still higher honors awaited him in his election as a member of the twenty-ninth
general assembly of Iowa, in which he served on several important committees and
was chairman of the Horticultural committee. He was not a candidate for reelec-
tion. For many years Mr. Secor by appointment of the governor served as a
delegate from Iowa to the Farmers National Congress. For six years he was a
trustee of the Iowa Agricultural College and filled that position when it was an
elective one by the state legislature. He was also a member of the board of trustees
and of the executive committee of Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa, for
twenty years, and holds an honorary degree of M. A. from that institution. For
fifteen consecutive years he served as a member of the board of education at Forest
City and with the exception of one year was throughout that entire period president
of the board. His public service has been of the greatest benefit. Thoroughly
understanding the various duties that have devolved upon him, he has ever been
prompt and faithful in their execution and at all times has been guided by the
utmost spirit of devotion to the general good. He was for twelve years president of
the Winnebago County Farmers Institute and then declined reelection. He organ-
ized the Winnebago County Agricultural Society and was its first president, and it
was in his administration that the property was bought and the first building
erected. In 1907 he was appointed by President Roosevelt to the position of post-
master of Forest City and occupied that office for five and one-half years. He was
a charter member of the Iowa Society, Sons of the American Revolution, and was
at one time president thereof.

All during the time that Mr. Secor served in these various positions of public
honor and trust he also conducted a real estate and loan business in Forest City,
and for the past forty years he has been widely known as a bee culturist, winning a
world-wide reputation in this connection. He now has, however, only about twenty
colonies of fine, pure Italian bees. Such is his standing along this line that in
1893 he was appointed the expert apiarian judge for the World's Columbian Exposi-
tion at Chicago, a fact indicative of his wide study and knowledge of the subject.
He is a member of the North American Bee-Keepers Society, of which hfe was at
one time president, while for seven years he was its general manager and treasurer.
He ' is a regular contributor to various agricultural and technical journals on
subjects relating to bee culture and other phases of country life, and his opinions
have become accepted as authority. He was editor of the bee keeper's department
of the Northwestern Agriculturist of Minneapolis for many years and at one time
held a similar position on the staff of a farm paper published at Cedar Rapids.
He possesses considerable literary taste and talent, and his writings on various
subjects appear frequently in the city papers as well as in the local press. From

40 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

his pen have also come various poems of worth, and many of his songs have been
set to music. Another pliase of liis activity has been in the field of horticulture,
and that he has attained prominence and success in that direction is indicated in
the fact that he has been honored with the vice presidency and presidency of the
Iowa Horticultural Society, of which he is now a director. He has been on the
program at the conventions of the society for twenty years or more and articles
from his pen appear in every volume of the published proceedings of the society.
At the present time he is devoting his attention most largely to horticulture, making
a specialty of ornamental trees and plants, particularly peonies. He owns a fine
tract of land adjoining Forest City and calls his place The Shelter. His home is
a beautiful residence, in front of which is a miniature park, and it indicates his
artistic perception and taste in the field of landscape gardening. He is now a
director of the Farm Property Mutual Insurance Association of Iowa, having its
headquarters at Des Moines. He is engaged to some extent in breeding registered
shorthorn cattle and for many years he was a director of a private bank, which was
organized by himself and others in 1882 under the name of Secor, Law & Plummer,
and which was later nationalized as the First National Bank.

On September 17, 1806, Mr. Secor was united in marriage to Miss Millie M.
Spencer, who was born in Milan, Ohio, January 29, 1848, and died April 29, 1912.
They became the parents of ten children but only four swrvived the mother:
Willard, who succeeded his father in the Secor Company of Forest City, and
whose death occurred in May, 1915; Alson, who is the editor of the paper called
Successful Farming, published in Des Moines; Nina, at home; and Manly, who is
engaged as a horticulturist at Tama. Iowa.

In his political views Mr. Secor has always been a republican and his efforts
have been an effective force in promoting party successes. He was a delegate to
the republican national convention in 1892. He belongs to the Methodist church,
in which he has served for a long time as an officer. In May, 1892, he was a dele-
gate from Northwest Iowa conference to the quadrennial general conference of the
Methodist church at Omaha, Nebraska. In fact, his ability has called him to
leadership in many lines in which his activities have been put forth. Thorough-
ness is characteristic of all that he does and the spirit of advancement and progress
has guided him in every stage of his career, bringing him at last to a place where
he stands as a recognized authority upon many questions that have to do with the
material resources and development of the state. He has now passed the age of
three score years and ten and is enjoying a well earned rest from business cares
and responsibilities. Indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature,
however, and he keeps busy with his horticultural investigations and literary work.

HON. FEANK W. EUSSELL.

Hon. Frank W. Russell is a leading and influential citizen of Winnebago county.
He represented his district in the thirty-fourth general assembly and has long
been an active factor in guiding the political interests of this section. He is now
actively engaged in farming, although he makes his home in Forest City, and in
business as well as in politics his position is one of prominence. He was born in

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 41

Cook county, Illinois, January 4, 1859, a son of William and Ann (Barnes)
Eussell. The father was a native of Wakefield, New Hampshire, and represented
one of the old colonial families that was represented in the Revolutionary war.
The mother was the first white child born in Elk Grove, Cook county, Illinois, to
which district her parents removed from Montpelier, Vermont, making the journey
in a wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen. This was about 1832, at which time the
present site of Chicago was nothing hut a swamp. It seemed very undesirable as
a location, so the family went out twenty miles to secure what appeared to be
more valuable land. Mr. and Mrs. Russell continued residents of Cook county
throughout their remaining days. In the early years he was a railroad man and
became a conductor on the Chicago & Northwestern, serving in that capacity on
the first train to run over the Wisconsin division of the road. In later years his
attention was given to farming.

Frank W. Russell was educated in the common schools of Cook county and in
the high school of Arlington Heights, Illinois. He was reared to farm life and
had the usual experiences of the farm bred boy who early becomes familiar with
the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. After attaining his
majority he continued on the old homestead and cooperated with his father in
its further development and improvement imtil he reached his twenty-ninth year.
It was on the 82d of February, 1888, that he was united in marriage to Miss Annie
Fernald of Arlington Heights, Illinois, a daughter of John and Olive (Lord)
Fernald, both natives of Maine. After the father's death in 1867 the mother
married again and removed to Illinois. Still later she came to Forest City and
m 1900 she passed away. The spring following his marriage Mr. Eussell came to
Iowa, taking up his abode on a farm in Newton township four and a half miles
west of Leland. There he purchased two hundred and forty acres, on which he
resided for twenty-two years. In the meantime, however, he had purchased an
adjoining eighty acre tract, making his home farm one of three hundred and
twenty acres. Upon this place he engaged in the cultivation of the cereals best
adapted to soil and climate and also made a specialty of the buying and feeding
of stock. He fed all of the grain which he raised on his farm and became one
of the best known live stock dealers in this section of the state. His business
affairs were always carefully and wisely managed and conducted and in all of his
undertakings he displayed sound judgment and keen sagacity. In 1910 he left the
farm and removed to Forest City but continued to cultivate his land and is still
numbered among the active agriculturists of this part of the state. He is also a
stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery at Thompson and for the
past eighteen years he has served as tlie president of the Farmers Mutual Fire &
Lightning Association of Winnebago county. His judgment is sound and his
discrimination keen and what he undertakes he carries forward to successful
completion.

Mr. and Mrs. Russell worship at the Congregational church. They occupy a
very enviable position in social circles and enjoy the good will and confidence of
all who know them. In politics Mr. Russell is a republican. He was a member of
the school board of Newton township for many years and when he removed to
Forest City he was appointed a member of the city school board and in March,
1917, was elected to that office. At the November election of 1910 he was chosen

42 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

to represent his district in the state legislature, serving through the thirty-fourth
general assembly with distinction and honor, his record being one which was
entirely satisfactory to his constituents and reflected credit upon himself, showing
him to be a man of progressive spirit and actuated by high civic ideals.

E. J. INDVIK.

E. J. Indvik, who is one of the prominent farmers of Linden township, Winne-
bago county, gives particular attention to the raising of high grade stock and has
been a factor in the advancement of the interests of the county along that line.
He was born in Norway, January 10, 1861, of the marriage of Johannes 0. and
Ingeborg (Hanson) Indvik. It was in 1872 that the family came to the United
States and located in Winneshiek county, Iowa, and three years later removal was
made to Winnebago county. The father purchased a farm in Mount Valley town-
ship and engaged in its operation until his death, which occurred the following fall.
The mother continued upon that farm for about two years and in the spring of
1877 came to Linden township, where she lived until she passed away in 1911 at
the advanced age of eighty-nine years.

E. J. Indvik, who was eleven years of age at the time of the emigration of the
family to the new world, completed his education in the common schools of Iowa,
but following the death of his father when he was fourteen years of age, assumed
the burden of operating the home farm, as he was the oldest of the unmarried
sons. For several years after the removal of the family to Linden township he,
with the assistance of his younger brothers, operated rented land, but in 1881 he
bought forty acres on section 23, Linden township, and deeded the tract to his
mother. Later eighty acres was acquired and was deeded to Mr. Indvik of this
review and his brother, H. J. Indvik. They farmed in partnership for a number
of years, but early in 1892 dissolved their business connections. On subject
then bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 14, Linden township, and
not long afterward was married. From time to time he has purchased additional
land and now holds title to four hundred and eighty acres. The improvements
upon the place are up-to-date in every respect and in his methods Mr. Indvik has
shown himself practical and progressive. He specializes in breeding and raising
high grade shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs and finds a ready market for
his stock. He also raises some grain to sell and has so wisely managed his affairs
that he has gained financial independence. He is likewise interested in the
Farmers Cooperative Creamery of Thompson and in the Farmers Elevator of
Thompson and considers the stock which he owns in those concerns to be an
excellent investment.

In June, 1892, Mr. Indvik was united in marriage to Miss Martha Bjelland, of
Forest township, who, however, was born in Norway. She remained in her native
country until young womanhood and then came to the United States. She has
become the mother of four children, as follows : Isabelle S., who is a graduate of
Waldorf College of Forest City and is a teacher in the district schools; Sidney J.
and Ellen M., both of whom are attending Waldorf College; and Johan H., who is
a public school pupil.

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 43

Mr. Indvik is a strong republican in politics and is now serving as a member
of the board of township trustees. He is also on the school board and for a
number of years was president of that body. He and his family are communi-
cants of the Lutheran Synod and the work of that church is furthered by their
hearty support. In all that he has done has manifested a tendency to advance
the general welfare and has been a consistent and effective worker for progress
along material, moral and civic lines. He numbers as his friends practically all
his acquaintances and the high esteem in which he is universally held is the natural
result of his ability and integrity.

HANS E. EI EL, M. D.

Dr. Hans E. Eiel, an efficient and popular physician and surgeon residing at
Buffalo Center, is also now filling the office of postmaster there. He was born in
Center township, Winnebago county, February 4, 1876, of the marriage of John
and B. Olina (Tvedsund) Eiel. On emigrating to America his parents first
located in Mitchell county, Iowa, but two years later, or in 1870, removed to
Winnebago county. The father purchased land in Center township and there
he engaged in farming for many years but is now living retired with his daughter,
Millie, the wife of Dr. J. E. Colby, of Lake Mills, a sketch of whom appears
elsewhere in this work. The mother's death occurred January 1, 1915.

Hans E. Eiel spent his boyhood and youth upon the home farm and after com-
pleting the work in the common schools attended a business college at Garner,
Iowa. Later he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. P. A. Helgeson,
of Lake Mills, and in 1895 matriculated in the College of Physicians and Surgeons
at Keokuk, Iowa. He studied there for two years and for a similar length of
time was a student in the Keokuk Medical College, from which he was graduated
March 20, 1899, with the M. D. degree. After passing the state board examination
he began practice in 1898 in Norman, Iowa, but remained there only a short time
and in July, 1899, opened an office in Buffalo Center, where he has since remained.
It was not long before his ability won recognition and his practice has grown
steadily until it is now extensive and representative. He has served as health
officer of Buffalo Center for a number of years and his work in that connection
has been very effective in bringing about improved sanitary conditions. He owns
three good farms, an eighty acre tract near Lake Mills, a farm of two hundred
and thirty-two acres west of Buffalo Center and a quarter section of land seven
and a half miles northwest of Buffalo Center. All of these places are well improved
and he derives therefrom a good financial return.

Dr. Eiel was married in May, 1899, to Miss Sarah Skutle. Her parents, 0. O.
and Martha (Lee) Skutle, were born in Norway but came to America in the
'50s and located in Wisconsin. After farming for several years the father removed
with his family to Mitchell county, Iowa, where he followed agricultural pursuits
until he retired in 1897 and took up his residence in Lake Mills, where he still
lives. To the Doctor and his wife have been born three children: John Olaf,
whose birth occurred in February, 1900; Merrill Orion, born in January, 1903;
and Sylvia Helen, born iti January, 1913.

ii— 3

44 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Dr. Eit'l is a ilpmnerat in jiolitics and in 191') was apiiointed postmaster of
Buffalo Center, an office which he has filled with entire satifaction to the com-
munity. He helongs to the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern
Woodmen of America and along professional lines is connected witli the Winnehago
Coiinty and Iowa State R'Tedical Societies and the American Medical Association.
Tlis religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Lutheran church.
He is held in high esteem as a physician and as a man, and his personal friends
are many.

ERASMUS DARWIN HINMAN.

For many years Erasmus Darwin Hinman engaged in farming and stock rais-
ing in Winnebago county and so ably managed his business affairs that he gained
financial independence. During the later years of his life he spent considerable
time in California, but passoil away in Lake Mills. lie was born in Holland,
Vermont, April 15, 1834, of the marriage of Ezra and Betsy (Sweatland) Hin-
man, also luitives of the Green Mountain state. In 1862 the family removed to
Worth county, Iowa, and subsequently to Winnebago county. The father was a
farmer by occupation, but spent the last years of his life in retirement at the
home of a daughter in Northwood, Iowa, dying there in 1868. The mother sur-
vived him for four years.

Erasmus Darwin Hinman was reared in Vermont and received his education
in the schools of Holland and Derby, that state. He remained with his parents
until 1856, when at the age of twenty-two years, he removed to Worth county,
Iowa, where he took up a homestead, which in the course of time became one of the
best improved farms of the locality. When he had resided in that county for
only a short time he was honored by election as county treasurer, which position
he filled for two years. At the end of that time he took up his residence in Lake
Mills, Winnebago county, and not long afterward was elected county clerk and
recorder, so serving for six years. He then left the county seat and returned to
Lake Mills, and a short time later began farming in Center township, where in
April, 1862, he had purchased a half section of land. As the years passed he
steadily prospered and became the owner of most of the land in the north and
west parts of Lake Mills. He made stock raising his principal business and on
his place were to be found high grade horses, cattle and sheep. After manj
years of active labor Mr. Hinman retired in 1892 and later traveled to a consid-
erable extent. He owned two orange groves in California and for thirteen years
made his home in Pomona, that state, but a short time before his death returned
to Lake Mills, where he passed away in August, 1907. when in his seventy-fourth
year.

On the 13th of June, 1861, occurred the marriage of Mr. Hinman and Miss
Ellen Russell, a daughter of Robert and Jane (Rusk) Russell. Her father was
born in Scotland and her mother in Ireland, but they emigrated to America in
early manhood and womanhood. The father's demise occurred in Chicago, Illi-
nois, in 1834, and the mother's in 1888. Mrs. Hinman was born in Chicago,
September 7, 1834, and received a good education. While her husband was serv-
ing as clerk and recorder of Winnebago county, she taught school and proved

■v AND

■JNOATIONa

EFIASMUS D . HINMAN

MRS -ERASMUS D.HINMAN

Til

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 49

very successful in that work. She had charge of the first scliool in Norway
township. Having no children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Hinman adopted a
daughter, Ruth, who died on the 5th of December, 1893.

Mr. Hinman supported the republican party at the polls and took quite a
prominent and influential part in local politics, serving as a member of the town
council of Lake Mills for some time and also as justice of the peace. He was
also very active in church work, both he and his wife being earnest and consistent
members of the Methodist denomination, and he served as superintendent of
the Sunday school and as choir leader. His religious faith was the guiding force
of his life and his strict integrity won him the unqualified respect of all who
came in contact with him. His business ability was also generally conceded
and his public spirit was manifested in the support of all movements for the
advancement of the general good. Tlie home life of Mr. and Mrs. Hinman was
very happy and congenial and they did all in their power to alleviate the suffer-
ings of those around them, being extremely charitable and benevolent. Mr. Hin-
man gave the land for the Lake Mills grist mill and was always ready to assist
those needing financial hel^, the poor always finding in him a friend. He assisted
many men on the road to success and in his death the community realized that it
had lost a valuable citizen. Mrs. IHnman has recently returned from California
and purchased a home in Forest City, where hospitality now abounds and her
many warm friends are always sure of a hearty welcome. ,

GILBEKT THOMPSON.

Agricultural interests of Winnebago county find a worthy representative in
Gilbert Thompson, who owns and cultivates two iuindred and forty acres of rich
and productive land on section 10, Center township. He was born in Dane county,
Wisconsin, April 1, 1865, and is a son of Thomas and Helga (Johnson) Thompson,
both of whom were natives of Norway. They came to America in 1853 and settled
in Dane county, where the father purchased land which he improved, residing
thereon for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he came to Winnebago
county, Iowa, in 1865 and purchased school land in Center township for a dollar
and a quarter per acre. This he improved and cultivated throughout his remaining
days, his labors being ended in May, 1897, when he had reached the age of seventy-
two years. His widow still survives and has now attained the notable age of
ninety-four years.

Gilbert Thompson was but six weeks old when brought by his parents to Iowa,
so that practically his entire life has been spent in Winnebago county. He was
reared and educated in Center township, devoting the winter months to the attain-
ment of knowledge as a public school pupil, while in the summer seasons he worked
in the fields. He continued to assist his father until he reached the age of twenty-
five years, when he purchased land from his father and began farming on his own
account. From time to time he added to the property until he now lias an
excellent farm of two liundred and forty acres. He has divided this into fields of
convenient size surrounded by well kept fences, has cleared and improved his land
and now has one of the finest farms of Winnebago county, its neat and thrifty

50 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

ai)pearance indicating lii.s careful supervision and his practical and progressive
methods. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Thompson is a stockholder in
the Farmers Elevator Company of Lake Mills, in the Lake Mills Lumber Com-
pany and in the Lake Mills Creamery Company. In addition to tilling his fields
he makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred Hereford cattle and his live stock
interests constitute an important and profitable feature of his business.

In February, 1896, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Karina Shoutvet, a
daughter of Austin and Anna (Vald) Shoutvet, who were pioneer settlers of Wis-
consin. I'he father died in lltO"3, while the death nf the mother occurred in
February, 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have become the parents of nine chil-
dren: Hilnia, Ada, Austin, Gerald, Melvin, Morris and Gladys, all of whom
are living; Morris, who died at the age of four years; and Theodore, who died at
the age of two.

The parents are members of the United Lutheran church and guide their lives
according to its teachings. In polities Mr. Thompson is a republican but lias never
been a politician, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his
business affairs, which are wisely and carefully directed and arc bringing to him
substantial and well merited success.

WILLIAM n. RAMSAY. '

William II. Ramsay, of Garner, was born in Illinois, April 5, 1867, a son of
J. W. and Mary E. (Henry) Ramsay, l)oth of whom are natives of Ohio. In the
year 1860, however, they removed westward to Illinois, where the father took up
the occupation of farming, and during his residence there he was called upon to
fill various local offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and
fidelity. He also turned his attention to merchandising while in that state. In
1894 he came to Iowa, settling at Garner, and he is now filling the position of
state oil inspector.

William H. Ramsay acquired a public .school education and entered upon the
study of law at Paxton, Illinois, under the direction of J. H. Moffett. In 188!»
he was admitted to the bar and for a time practiced in his native state, after which
he removed to Iowa, settling at Indianola. In 1891 he became a resident of
Nebraska, where he resided until 1896, when he came to Garner, Iowa, where he
lias since made his home and followed his profession. In 1899 he enterud into
partner.=hip with F. E. Blackstone and the relation has since been maintained
under the firm style of Ramsay & Blackstone. This is acounted one of the strong
firms practicing at the Hancock county bar. Mr. Ramsay has giv'fen proof of the
fact that he possesses an analytical mind and broad legal learning by the readiness
with which he grasps the points in an argument. In presenting his own cause his
reasoning is clear, his deductions sound and logical and, moreover, he never
enters the court without having carefully prepared his cases.

On the 4th of November, 1891, Mr. Ramsay was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Swan, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Thomas and Jane (Haddon)
Swan. Their daughter, Jane, is a graduate of Monmouth College and is now
attending the State Teachers College at Cedar Falls, Iowa. Mr. and ilrs. Ramsay

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 51

hold memliersliip in the I'resbyterian church and tlieir lives are guided by its
teachings. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for four
years he has filled the office of mayor, giving to the city a businesslike and progres-
sive administration characterized by needed reforms and improvements. For two
terms he has served as county attorney and in that position has also made a most
creditable record.

JOHN W. COSTELLO.

John W. Costello, living on section 17, Avery township, Hancock county, has
devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits and is now busily engaged
in the further development of liis farm, which has been brought to a high state
of cultivation. He was born November 5, 1876, near Kockford, Illinois, but the
greater part of his life has been spent in Hancock county, Iowa, where he arrived
in 1882, when a little lad of but si.x summers, in company with his parents, Daniel
and Margaret Lucy Costello, who were natives of Ireland. In early life they
crossed the Atlantic and became residents of Illinois, establishing their home near
Eockford. As stated, however a removal was made to Iowa in 1883 and the
father, in 1883, purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 17,
Avery township, for which he paid ten dollars and a half per acre. He then bent
his energies toward the development and cultivation of that tract of land and con-
verted it into rich and productive fields. He has now departed this life, but his
widow is still living at about the age of eighty years.

John W. Costello began attending the public schools of Iowa on coming to this
state and pursued his studies as opportunity offered until he reached the age of
seventeen. In the meantime, however, he had received instruction and training in
farm work, for he early began to assist his father in the fields and soon became
familiar with the best methods of planting and harvesting the crops. He has never
.sought to change his occupation but has continued one of the active farmers of
his district and the home place is now highly cultivated, so that he annually gathers
good crops.

Mr. Costello is a Catholic in religious faith and he holds membership with
the Yeomen. In politics he is a democrat, which party he has supported since
age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as township trustee
for two years and has filled the office of assessor for ten years, being prompt,
capable and faithful in the discharge of his public duties, so that his fellow towns-
men have marked confidence in him.

ANDEEW M. CLAUSON.

Andrew M. Clauson, a grain buyer of Forest City, operating an elevator along
the tracks of the Rock Island Railway, is accounted one of the foremost business
men of his district, being alert, enterprising and energetic. Forest City is proud
to number him among her native sons. He was born November 17, 1883, of the

52 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

marriage of Nels C. and Hannah Clauson, wlio came to the United States in
jGiing manhood and womanhood. In this country they were married and for the
past thirty-six years they have been valued residents of Forest City.

Andrew M. Clauson was reared under the parental roof and acquired his
education in the schools of Forest City and in the Highland Park College, being
graduated from the conmiercial department of that institution with the class of
1899. Following his graduation he was employed for five years by Charles Rippey,
who operated a number of elevators at various points. Mr. Clauson acted in the
capacity of bookkeeper and buyer on the road and gained comprehensive knowledge
of the business while serving Mr. Rippey. Subse(piently he was employed for two
years on the Board of Trade and at the end of that time became associated with
E. P. Jeska in organizing the firm of Jeska.& Clauson. They purchased the Forest
City elevator, which Mr. Clauson now owns independently, although the firm of
Jeska & Clauson operated for eight years. In July, 1916, however, the latter
became sole owner of the elevator and is now conducting a profitable business as a
representative of the grain trade in Winnebago county.

In 1907 Mr. Clauson was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Hanson, daughter
of Ole Hanson of Forest City. They now have two children, Arline and Donald.
Politically Mr. Clauson is a republican and has served as town treasurer for two
years but has given little thought to seeking or holding pnlijic office, ])referring to
concentrate his energies upon other interests. He and his wife are members of
the Baptist church and are most highly esteemed in the community where they
live, occupying an enviable position in social circles, while Mr. Clauson is well
known as a representative citizen and progressive business man.

TELLEF S. TWEED.

Tellef S. Tweed is well known in financial circles of Lake Mills as cashier of
the Farmers State Bank and was formerly for a number of years a factor in the
commercial development of the town as the owner of an implement store. He was
born in Norway in February, 1868, and is a son of Swen and Bergit (Juva)
Tweed. The father passed away in Norway in 1891 at the age of seventy-eight
years after a life devoted to agricultural pursuits. The mother is still living in
that country.

Tellef S. Tweed received his education mainly in Norway but also attended
school for a short time in Forest City and Decorah, Iowa. In 1881, when about
nineteen years of age, he came to the United States and located in Forest City.
For four years he worked as a far hand and for six years was employed in an
implement store at Forest City. In 1890, however, he removed to Lake Mills,
Iowa, and for six years thereafter he traveled for the McCormick Harvester Com-
pany. At length he engaged in the implement business in Lake Mills on his own
account, conducting a store for eight years. In 1905, however, he disposed of that
business and purchased an interest in the Farmers State Bank, of which he became
cashier. During the intervening twelve years he has proved his right to rank
among the progressive and successful bankers of the state and the business of the
bank has shown a steady growth as the result of his well considered policy. His

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 53

first coucerii has beuu the safety of the funds deposited with tlie hank, hut lie lias
also endeavored to make the institution serve the community in as many dilTerenl
ways as possible. In addition to his bank holdings he owns one liundred and
twenty acres of improved land adjoining Lake Mills.

Mr. Tweed was married in May, 1890, to Miss Hilda Twito and they have
four children, namely: Mabel B., who was born iu October, 18'Jl; Hazel T., Iiorii
in August, 1893; Alma L., in September, 1896; and Selmer T., in August, 1901.

Mr. Tweed is a republican and has served for six years as a member of the
school board, of which he was president the latter part of his term. He is a com-
municant of the Lutheran church and its teachings have guided his life in his
business dealings as well as in private relations. His record is one of which he
has just cause to feel proud, as his success has come solely as the result ol' his own
foresight, energy and ability.

JOSEPH HEJLIK.

Joseph Hejlik is the owner of two hundred and seventy acres of valuable land
on sections 22 and 27, Garfield townshij), and at different times has held various
other properties, but makes his home in Duncan. He has, however, contributed
in large measure toward the agricultural progress and development of Hancock
county. He was born Decem!)er 19, 1810, in Tabor, Bohemia, a son of Frank and
Kate Hejlik, who were also natives of that country, the former born in 1809 and
the latter in 1811. In their family were three sons, of whom John died at the age
of thirty years, while Frank is married and resides in Garner, the other son being
Joseph of this review. There were also the following daughters of the family :
Josie, the wife of Michael Malek, living in Garfield township, Hancock county ;
Kate, the wife of Frank Vandracek, of Spillville, Iowa; Mary, the widow of John
Spalla, living at Ridgeway, Iowa, at the age of eighty-two years; and Barbara, who
died in Bohemia.

Joseph Hejlik pursued his education in Voparan, Bohemia, but left school at
the age of thirteen years, after which he worked as a farm laborer for a few
pennies a day. He afterward quit that occupation in order to assist his father
in buying and selling oxen on the market square and was engaged in that line of
work until 1867. In that year he was married and the wedding journey of the young
couple consisted of the voyage to the new world, where they arrived on the 4th of
July, 1867. They made their way at once westward to Conover, Winneshiek
county, Iowa, where Mr. Hejlik worked as a stone mason and also part of the time
at odd jobs. At the latter he received but a dollar per day and as a stone mason
he was able to command two dollars per day. As soon as possible he invested in
farm property. He had been a resident of Winneshiek county for six years wlien
he purchased forty acres of land, for which he paid twenty-five dollars per acre.
After occupying that farm for two years he sold the property and removed to
Hancock county in 187."i. He then purcliased laud on section 23, Garfield township,
for which he paid four dollars per acre. About one-half of this was under water.
The place comprised one hundred and sixty acres and is still in liis ])ossession.
He at once began to drain, develop and improve it and from time to time he has

54 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

added to his icalty holdings until his purchases in Hancock county have aggre-
gated eight hundred and thirty-five acres. Of this amount he gave to his son Joe
eighty acres, to his son John eighty acres and to his son Tony an equal tract. He
also sold one hundred and sixty acres to his daughter Lizzie, who is now the wife
of Frank 8chonn of Hancock county, and another quarter section to his daughter
Agnes, tiie wife of Joseph Kudej. He still owns two hundred and seventy acres
ou sections 22 and 27, Garfield township, and his farm property returns him a
gratifying annual income.

Jlr. Hejlik was married May 1, 1867, to Miss Anna Tusha, a daughter of
James and Mary ^J'uslia, natives of Bohemia, where they spent their entire lives.
Mr. and Mrs. Hejlik celebrated their golden wedding on the 1st of May, 1917.
In politics Mr. Hejlik is a democrat, having supported the parly since becoming a
naturalized American citizen. Many years ago he served as school treasurer for
six years and for ten years he was township trustee. He was also school director
for six terms. He has membership in the Catholic church. While carrying on
general agricultural pursuits he has extended his efforts into other fields by becom-
ing a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery at Britt, Iowa, and in
the Farmers Elevator at Garner. He has led a very busy life, being dependent
upon his own resources from the age of thirteen years. Whatever success he has
achieved has come to him as the direct reward of his persi,stent and earnest labor.
He has ever been diligent and persistent and difficulties and obstacles have seemed
only to stimulate him to further effort. He is indeed a self-made man and deserves
much credit for what he has accomplished.

HON. JOHN E. WICHMAN.

Hon. John E. Wichman, an attorney of Garner, was admitted to the bar in
1884 and has since been actively engaged in practice in Hancock county. He was
born in Galena, Illinois, April 16, 1859, a son of Fred and Eliza (Kemler)
Wichman, both of whom were natives of Germany. Coming to the United States
in 1844, the father settled at Galena, Illinois, and became a miner in that state.
Previously he had been a sailor. He is now residing in Cedar Falls, Iowa, at the
advanced age of ninety-four years, but his wife has passed away.

John E. Wichman acquired a public school education supplemented by study
in the Northwestern German English Normal School of Galena. In 1879 he
came to Hancock county and worked on a farm through the summer months
but returned to Illinois to engage in teaching in the winter season. In 1881 he
located permanently in Iowa and, desiring to become a member of the bar, began
reading law under the direction of A. C. Ripley. He was afterward with H. H.
Bush as a law student and in 1884 was admitted to the bar, since which time he
has continuously practiced in Garner. He is most careful and thorough in the
preparation of his cases and accurate in his application of legal principles to the
points in litigation. His reasoning is clear, his deductions sound and logical.
He has also figured prominently in banking circles in this part of the state and
is now the vice president of the First Natonal Bank of Garner, president of the

HON. JOHN E. WICHMAX

'^STO;--;. LENOX AXiu

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 57

First National Bank of Kanawha, Iowa, and a director of the State Savings Rank
of Ventura, all three of which banks he assisted in organizing.

In 1888 Mr. Wichman was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Prescott, of
Cresco, Iowa, a daughter of Charles L. and Harriett Prescott. They have become
parents of two children, Lois D. and Charlotte L. Mrs. Wichman is a member
of the Methodist church. Mr. Wichman belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in
which he has taken the degrees of lodge, cha[)ter and commandery. lie has done
much to further public progress along many linos. For an extended period he
."served on the school board of Garner and also as a member of the library board.
In 1886 he was elected the first county attorney of Hancock county, which posi-
tion lie filled until 1890, and later he was again called to that office and once
more served for four years. Twice he has been mayor of <iarner, has also been
a member of the city council and on the 7th of November, 1916, was elected to
the state legislature, in which he is now serving. He has ever exercised his official
prerogatives in support of progressive public measures and has manifested a loyal
and patriotic citizenship that has ever subordinated personal interests and parti-
sanship to the public good.

OLE A. ANDERSON.

For almost thirty years Ole A. Anderson was one of the prominent farmers of
Winnebago county, owning and operating a fine farm on section 26, Norway town-
ship. His early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in
Norway in 1835, a son of Andrew and Anna Anderson, but when he was eighteen
years of age the family came to the new world and located in Chicago, Illinois,
where the mother and one sister died shortly afterward during an epidemic of
cholera in that city and were buried in an old cemetery which now forms a part of
Lincoln park. One brother died in the Civil War. In 1865 the father came to
Winnebago county, Iowa, and here he made his home with his son 0. A. Anderson
until his death, which occurred in 1875. His remains were interred in the United
Lutheran cemetery near Emmons.

In his native land 0. A. Anderson was reared and educated, being eighteen
years of age at the time of the emigration of the family to America.* On coming
to Winnebago county, Iowa, in 1865, he purchased the west half of the .southeast
quarter and the east half of the southwest quarter of section 26, Norway township,
and to the improvement and cultivation of that place devoted his energies until
called to his final rest on the 17tli of September, 1892. He was buried in the Synod
church cemetery in Norway township.

Mr. Anderson was married in Chicago to Miss Tone Halvorson, of that city,
and to them were born eleven children, namely : Anna, now living in Chicago ;
Henry, on the home farm; Tena, the wife of John Petterson, of Chicago; Nellie,
the wife of C. Hendricks, of Chicago; William, who died at the age of nine years;
Agnes, the wife of Louis Lee, of Chicago ; Andrew 0., who now owns the home
farm in Norway township; Josie, the wife of Albert Bendickson, of Norway
township; and Martha, Mina and Emma, all at home with their mother on the
farm. The family is one of prominence in the community and is identfied with

58 WINNEBA(i() AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

tliL' Lutheran eliiireli, to which Mr. Ander.son also belonged. lie voted the repub-
lican ticket and well nieiiti'd the contidence and high regard in which he was held
bv all who knew him.

J. SHEKMAN GETTIS.

Ul)on a farm in Newton township, Winnebago county, resides J. Sherman
Gettis, who (jwns and cultivates two hundred and forty acres of highly productive
land on sections I) and 10, and he also controls other ])i'o])orty. His home place is
one of the best impro\ed in the county and in its attractive appearance indicates
the care and su])ervision bestowed upon it by the owner. Mr. Gettis was born in
Tama county, Iowa, on the VJGth of March, 18(i8, a son of M. C. and Sarah (Ran-
dall) Gettis, who were natives of Ohio. The father came to Iowa in 1848 when a
youth of sixteen years and settled in t'edar county where he operated a sawmill,
sawing some of the first railroad ties that were laid in the state. Later he removed
to Tama county whore he operated a sawmill until 1878. lie then purchased
land in Tama and Hardin counties and continued the cultivation of his fields
until 18!)((, when he removed to Winnebago county where he cidtivated a farm
for seventeen years, or until 1907. He then retired and no\y resides upon a five
acre tract of land east of Forest City, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned
and richly deserves. He has reached the advanced age of eighty-five years, but
his wife passed away in 1878.

J. Sherman Gettis was reared and educated in Hardin county and remained
at home until he reached the age of twenty-throe years. He then rented land near
Forest City, upon wdiich he lived for thirteen years, and on the expiration of that
period ho bought two hundred and forty acres on .sections 9 and 10, Newton town-
ship, Winnebago county. This he set about improving and in addition to its
cultivation he has control of the old Scanlon estate embracing two hundred and
sixty-si.\ acres on section 26, Linden township. His home farm is one of the best
improved places in the county and in addition to its cultivation he also rents
land and is farming altogether four hundred acres. His life is indeed a busy
and uselul one, for he neglects no part of his work. He is active early late
and in cultivating his fields he employs the most progressive methods. He feeds
from one to five carloads of cattle and from one to five carloads of hogs annually,
having thus engaged in stock raising for the past twenty years. He also buys
and ships a large amount of stock and he is one of the stockholders in the Farmers'
Elevator Company of Thompson. In business affairs his judgment is sound and
his discrimination keen, and he carries forward to successful completion whatever
he undertakes.

In May, 18111, .Mi-. Gettis was married to Miss Maggie Scanlon, a daughter of
Patrick and Johanna (Mulvahill) Scanlon, who were natives of Ireland and canu'
to America at an early day. The father engaged in railroad building and was
one of the pioneers of this section of the state. He bought land in Linden town-
ship and thereafter devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits.
He passed away in March, 1909, while his wife survived only until February, 1910.
Mr. and Mrs. Gettis have become the parents of six children: Sarah, who is the

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 59

wife of U. T. Norvet, of Forest City; Ethel, the wife of Harry Anderson, a farmer
living near Leland, Iowa; Callie B., who is teaching school in Newton townshij);
Patrick, at home; and Cora and Dora, twins.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Gettis has given his allegiance to the i-epub-
lican party and he is now serving for the second term as a trustee of Newton town-
ship. He has also been for eight years a member of the school board and believes
in giving the young every opportunity for advancement along educational lines,
that they may be well qualified for the practical and responsible duties of life.
Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His
i-eligious faith is that of the Methodist church, according to whose teachings his
life has been directed, and Mrs. (icttis is a Catholic. He enjoys high regard, not
only as a succes.sful business man but as a patriotic citizen and as i.me whose life
has at all times measured up to high standards.

CHARLES D. SMITH.

Charles D. Smith, of Lake Mills, Iowa, has reached the advanced age of eighty-
five years and is living retired, enjoying the fruits of his former well directed labor.
He came to Winnebago county in early manhood and, being well pleased with the
opportunities offered here, cast in his lot with that of this then new and undeveloped
section and as the years have passed he has watched with pleasure the progress
that has been made as the raw prairie and scattered settlers" homes have given
place to highly improved farms and up-to-date, hustling towns and cities. He was
born in Washington county, A'ermout, November 3(5, 1832, a son of Alvin and
Amanda (Barnett) Smith, also natives of the Green Mountain state. The parents
removed to Winnebago county five years after their sou, Charles D., had taken
up his residence here and the father engaged in farming in the county until his
death. He was long survived by his wife, who passed away in 1908. Both are
buried in Sunnyside cemetery at Lake Mills. To them were born seven children,
of whom three survive, namely: Charles D. : William D., who is living near Lake
Mills: and Norman, of Sjjokane, Washington.

Charles D. Smith received a common school education in Vermont and when
sixteen years of age began working for others, so continuing for a number of
years. In 1856 he came to Winnebago county and homesteaded one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Center township, to which he .subsequently added by pur-
chase, owning at one time five hundred acres. The greater part of his home farm
has since been sold as lots but he still retains forty acres, upon which he raises the
usual crops. He also owns other land, his total holdings at present being three
hundred acres. While actively engaged in agricultural pursuits he ranked as one
of the most businesslike and progressive farmers of the county and he brought
his land to a high state of cultivation. He was also engaged in the milling busi-
ness for a considerable period, having built a flour mill in Lake Mills in 18GG in
partnership with S. D. Wadsworth. He is a director in the Farmers State Bank.

On the 26th of February, 1863, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Janet Smith,
who was born in Canada in 183-5 and who died on the 2oth of March, 1915. She
is buried in the Sunnvside cemetery. To their union were born six children.

60 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

namely : Walter C., who is living near Marshalltown, Iowa : Anna J., now the wife
of Iloratiiis Hastings, of Boston, Massachusetts; Emeline, deceased; Charles W.,
who is married and lives at Lake Mills; Bessie J., the deceased wife of A. J.
Diirgan, of St. Cloud, Minnesota; and Hattie, who died when young.

^Ir. Smith is a democrat in politics and has filled a number of positions of
honor. He was township trustee for a number of years, was county supervisor for
eight years, was a member of the town council for ten years and was the first
mayor of Lake Mills, serving for a term of two years. His official record is one
that will bear the closest scrutiny, for he at all times discharges his duties with an
eye single to the public welfare and with tlie same careful attention to all details
that he gave to the management of his farm. His friends are found in all parts
of the country and he receives the honor to which his long and well spent life
entitles him.

X. E. ISAACS.

N. E. Isaacs, who has made a highly creditable record as president of the First
National Bank of Thompson, Iowa, was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, July 23.
18'i2, a son of John and Carrie (Olson) Isaacs, native.s of Norway. The father
came to America when fifteen years old on a sailing vessel that required fifteen
weeks to make the trip. He engaged iii farming in Wisconsin for several years
and then entered the drug business, but at the time of the Civil War he enlisted
in a Wisconsin regiment and for three years and two months was at the front.
In 1881 he removed to Forest City, Winnebago county, Iowa, and there conducted
a general store for a long period. For two terms he served as county auditor
and gave to the discharge of his jmblic duties tiie same careful attention that he
always devoted to his business interests. He is now living retired at Forest City
at the age of seventy-seven years and his wife also survives. She was brought by
her parents to the United States when a ciiild of two years.

N. E. Isaacs was reared and educated in Winnebago county and after grad-
uating from the Forest City schools went to Di.xon, Illinois, where he took a com-
mercial course. On his return to Forest City he worketl for six months in the
county auditor's office and then taught school for two terms in Norway township,
after which he was for si.x months clerk in a department store in Madison, Minne-
sota. In 1894 he came to Thompson, Iowa, and accepted the position of book-
keeper in a private bank here conducted by Thompson Brothers. He remained
there for three years, during which time he was promoted to assistant cashier. On
the 2d of January, 1897, however, he joined with F. W. Thompson, Hon. 0. S.
Gilbertson, Hon. C. H. Kelly and others in the organization of the First National
Bank of Thompson and became the assistant cashier of the institution. In a
short time he was made cashier, later became vice president and for a number of
years has been president of the bank, which is capitalized for fifty thousand dollars,
has a surplus of twenty-five thousand dollars and deposits of two hundred and
fifty thousand dollars. The bank is housed in its own building, a fine modern
structure on Main street. At the time of its organization the First National
l)ougbt out the F'armers Savings Bank, which had a capital stock of ten thousand

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 63

dollars. Having been Lonnected with the First National in an official capacity
during its entire existence, Mr. Isaacs has played an important part in the formu-
lation of its policy and in its development and there is no phase of its business
with which he is not familiar. He keeps in close touch with the tinancial and
commercial conditions in the bank's territory and seeks to make it of the utmost
possible service to its patrons, while at the same time safeguarding tlie funds
entrusted to it. He owns valuable farm lands in Winnebago county and is also a
stockholder and treasurer of the Farmers Elevator Company and tlie l^'iiniiers
Creamery Company and a stockholder in the Opera House Association.

Mr. Isaacs was married in September, 1897, to Miss Josie Jacobson, a (hiugliter
of Hon. Jacob and Josie Jacobson, both of whom were boiii in Iowa. They are
now, however, residents of Minnesota, where the father was a pioneer settler and
where he has long been recognized as a leader in puljlic affairs. For sixteen years
he served as a member of the state legislature and at one time was the nominee of
the republican party for governor, hut was defeated by Hon. John S. Johnson,
the democratic candidate. To Mr. and Mrs. Isaacs have been born seven children,
namely: Carol, eighteen years of age: Ruth, fourteen years old; Roy, ten;
Carmen, seven; Margaret, four; Milton, who was killed in an automobile accident
when five years old ; and Fern, who met an accidental death when a year old.

Mr. Isaacs is a stanch advocate of republican principles and loyally supports
the candidates of that party at the polls. For twelve years he has served upon
the town council and in that connection has worked constantly for the public
interest. He is a ineTnber of the Congregational church and can always be
depended upon to support measures seeking to advance the moral welfare of his
community. As a banker and as a public-spirited citizen he has done much to
further the advancement of Thompson and is deservedly held in the highest esteem
by all wlio know him.

XF.LS OLSOX BERGAN.

Nels Olson Bergan, deceased, was one of the honored pioneers and represen-
tative farmers of Hancock county, his home being at Ellington townshiji, where
his family still reside. He was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, on the 1st of April,
1853, and his parents were of Norwegian birth. In early life they came to this
country and were among the pioneers of Wisconsin. Our subject was only a year
old, however, when the family removed to Clayton county, Iowa, where he lived
up to his twenty-first year, in the meantime attending the district schools a,s he
found opportunity.

On the 7th of June, 1871, Mr. Bergan married Miss Jane Halvorson, a daugh-
ter of Lars Halvorson, wdio was one of the pioneer settlers of Clayton county and a
sister of Ole Halvorson, a prominent farmer and old time resident of Ellington
township, Hancock county. To Mr. and Mrs. Bergan were born ten children, of
whom eight survive, namely: Ole N. ; Lena, the wife of Thove Thoveson, of
Ellington township, Hancock county; Lewis, a farmer of the same township;
Anna, the wife of William Fogue, a farmer of Ellington township ; Julia, the wife
of Albert A. Olson, a farmer of the same township; Henry, at home; Benjamin, a

64 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

farmer of C'erro (iordo county, Iowa ; and Emma, at lionip. The son;;, 01c X. and
Henry are now operating the home farm.

Immediately folhiwing his marriage Mr. Bergan brought his bride to Hancock
county and that summer worked for wages, but in 1875 purchased forty acres of
the home farm in Ellington township, where he continued to reside up to the time
of his death. Some years after his first modest purchase lie bought a tract of one
hundred and sixty acres adjoining, so that the farm then consisted of two hundred
acres, to which the family have added ten acres since his death. lie also owned
another farm of one hundred and forty acres on sections 23 and 24, Ellington
township, and was nund)ered among the most successful and substantial farmers
of his community. He was also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevatoi' Company
of Forest City and the Farmers Elevator Company and Farmers Cooperative
C'l-eamery Company of Ventura.

After a nseful and well spent life Mr. Bergan passed away on the 17th of
February, 1!>17, honored and i-cspccted by all who knew him. He was a member
of tlie United Luthearn church, to which his wife and family also belong, and h.^
well merited the confidence and trust reposed in him by his fellow citizens. For
Forty-three years lie was a resident of Hancock county and he therefore witnessed
almost its entire development and in its upbuilding be bore an inqiortant part.

EOBERT W. CLAKK.

Robert W. Clark, a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Thompson, is a
native of Kentucky, born July 25, 1S51, and is a son of Robert and Marion
(Laurie) Clark, who came to this country from Scotland — their native land — in
1840 and located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where tliey spent two or three years. 'J'he
father was a machinist liy trade but also followed farming and on leaving Cincin-
nati removed to Kentucky, where be engaged in agricultural ])ursuits for some
time. Later he became a resident of ('und)erland county. Illinois, where he pur-
chased land and followed farming until life's labors were ended in November,
1882. The mother of our subject had passed away in September, 1855.

Robert W. Clark was reared and educated in Cumberland county, Illinois,
and he remained with his father until he attained his majority, in the meantime
becoming thoroughly familiar with all kinds of farm work. He then engaged in
farming on his own account. Coming to Iowa in 1881 he located in Jasjier
county, where he engaged in the operation of rented land for a few years, and
then purchased a farm, whereon he lived for three years. At the end of that time
he removed to Hancock county, Iowa, where he farmed on rented land for nine
years, and then became the owner of ninety-four acres of laml four miles north of
Thompson ip Winnebago county, which he improved and cultivated for four years.
On selling that farm he again rented land for two years and afterward bought his
present place of fourteen acres inside the corporation limits of Thompson. Owing
to an accident which required the amputation of his right leg, he has been com-
pelled to abandon extensive farming operations. He is a stockholder of the Town
Mutual Telephone Company.

In September. 1874. Mr. Clark married Miss Emily Potts, by whom he has bad

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 65

five cliildren. iiaiiifly: Uiitli, now the wife of ('. E. Harden, of Bufl'alo Center,
Towa; Frances, at home; Bessie, a trained nurse now connected with the Central
Hospital at Chicago, Illinois; Lewis A., a farmer of Cass county, Minnesota: and
Maggie, who married H. F. Holle and died in September, 1912.

The family attend the Congregational church, of which Mrs. Clai-k arul
daughters are members, and liave a wide circle of friends and acqiiaintanccs in.
Thompson. Mr. Clark also affiliates with the Independent Order ol' Odd Fellows
and casts bis ballot with the republican party.

R. E. HANSOX, M. D. V.

Dr. E. E. Hanson, engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery in Forest
City, was born in Winnebago county, February 25, 1881, a son of N. P. and Pauline
C. Hanson, both of whom aie natives of Denmark. They came to the United
States in the '70s and both are still living. The father is a blacksmith by trade
and in following that pursuit provided for the support of his family, numbering
a wife and six children, all of whom still survive, the family circle being yet un-
broken by the hand of death.

Dr. Hanson was reared and educated in Winnebago county and supplemented
his public school education by three years' study in the Ames Agricultural College
at Ames, Iowa. He also spent a year as a student in a veterinary college at Chicago
and was graduated in 1910. He then opened an office in Forest City, where he has
since been located, and through the intervening period his practice has steadily
growTi in extent and in importance. In 1910 he was appointed to the position
of assi.stant state veterinarian, a position which he has since continuously filled.
Dr. Hanson was married in 1914 to Miss Minnie M. Larson, a native of
Winnebago county, and they have become the parents of two daughters, Margaret
and Geneva. Dr. and Mrs. Hanson attend the Lutheran church and he gives his
political support to the republican party. He is also a member of Forest City
Lodge, No. 440, I. 0. 0. F., in which he has filled all the chairs, being recognized
as a worthy representative of that order. His attention, however, is chiefly gi\en
to his professional duties and he has shown marked capability in his choisen line.

ROLAND E. ROLANDS.

Roland E. Rolands, who is now carrying on agricultural pursuits with marked
success, has spent his entire life on the old home farm on section 23, Norway
township, Winnebago county, where he was born on the 10th of September, 1871,
a son of Andrew and Ragnilda (Orvaldahl) Rolandson, natives of Norway. The
father was eighteen years of age when he came alone to the United States and
after spending a few years in Chicago, Illinois, came to Iowa. He first located in
Winnesliiek county, where he was sub.sequently married. There he purchased a
farm and engaged in its operation until 1869, when he removed to Winnebago
county, here becoming owner of the west half of the southeast quarter of .section 2.'J

66 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

and the west lialf nl' tlic northeast quarter of section 26, Norway township. Upon
this ]ilaee he continued to make liis home throughout the remainder of his life.
lie died on the 17th of January, 1885, and was laid to rest in the Lime Creek
Lutheran church cemetery. Although he came to this country in limited circum-
stances he prospered in his farming operations and hecame quite well-to-do through
his own persistent efforts. Politically he was a repuhlican and religiously was an
earnest and consistent nieinher of the Syn(xl Lutheran churcli. His widow is still
living and makes her home with liei' son, Eoland, at the age of eighty-three year.s.
In the family were ten children, of wliom seven survive, hut liohind ami his
hrother John are the only ones now living in Winnebago county.

Roland E. Rolands, the youngest of the family, received a limited education in
the early schools of his locality, which he attended as he found opportunity until
si.\teen years of age. His training at farm labor, however, w^as not so meager, and
he assisted in the operation of the home place until twenty-si.x, at which time he
received title to the west half of the southeast quarter of section 23 and the north
half of the west half of the northeast quarter of section 2G. Here he continues to
make his home and has met with good success as an agriculturist.

In 1902 Mr. Rolands was united in marriage to Miss Anna Auson, a daughter
of Iver and Ture Aus(jn, who came to this country from Norway in early life and
were married in the United States. They were among the early settlers of Norway
township, Winnebago county, Iowa, and Mrs. Auson is stijl living on the home
farm. Her husband is deceased and is buried in the United Lutheran cemetery
near Emmons. Mr. and Mrs. Rolands have six living children. Edna, Iver, Rag-
nold, Thomas, Reuben and Clayton, while Russell died at the age of two years and
was buried in the Lime Creek Church cemetery. The family hold membership in the
Synod Lutheran church and in politics Mr. Rolands is identified with the repub-
lican party. Those who have known him from boyhood are nundiered among his
warmest friends and he has the confidence and high regard of all with whom he
has been brought in contact either in business or social life.

CHARLES 11. LACKORE.

Charles II. Lackorc, a banker and merchant of Ilaytield, well known as a
prominent and valued representative of the business interests of Hancock county,
was born at Forest City, Iowa, August 12, 1862, and is one of the family of
eight children, of whom five are yet living, born of the marriage of. George W.
and Mary J. (Ball) Lackore. The father was a native of New York and the
mother of Indiana. They became residents of Forest City, Iowa, in 1852, removing
there from Chicago, and afterward took up their abode upon a farm in Winnebago
county. Subsequently they removed to Hancock county, where the father continueil
to engage in general agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1910.
His widow still survives at the age of seventy-four years.

Charles H. Lackore pursued his education in the schools of Forest City, pass-
ing through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school, after which
he attended college. Later he went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he took up
telegraphy and railroad work and was engaged along that line for eighteen years.

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 67

Subsequently he conducted a grain and coal business at Ilayfield, Iowa, where ho
built the first elevator of the town. In VJ02 he resigned from his railroad position
and coucentrated his efforts and attention upon the hardware trade and the banking
business, in which he has since been engaged. Of the Bank of Hayfield he is the
cashier and the active manager and head of the undertaking. His business alTairs
are wisely and carefully conducted. He is systematic in all that he docs and dis-
plays sound judgment in solving intricate business problems. In addition to his
financial and commercial interests at Ilayfield he is identified with the agricultural
life of this section of the state, being the owner of two farms of one hundred ami
sixty acres each, which are splendidly improved and which are now being operated
by his sons.

On the 31st of December, ISDO, Mr. Lackore was married to Miss Matilda
Johnson, a native of Sweden, who came to America when but five years of age.
They have a family of twelve children: Clarence M. ; Earl E., a bookkeeper, now
a resident of Indiana; Pearl G.; Harris; Norman: Clark; Gladys; Sylvia; Clay-
ton; Mabel; and two that died in infancy. The parents attend the Methodist
Episcopal church. Mr. Lackore gives his political endorsement to the republican
party and has filled several local offices. He has been assessor and became the first
postmaster of Ilayfield, which position he filled for five years. He has likewise
been one of the school directors and is now- treasurer of the school board. He
takes a very prominent and active part in public affairs of his community and is
justly accounted one of the valued and influential citizens of his township and
county. Moreover, in a business way he has achieved much, for he started out in
life empty handed and by persistent effort and energy has reached the position
which he now fills as one of the resourceful men of Hancock county.

JEEEMIAH J. LEEHY.

Jeremiah J. Leehy, interested in general farming on section 6, Concord town-
ship, Hancock county, has a productive tract of rich land which is now quite
valuable, although he paid for it only twenty-two dollars per acre. The increase in
land values is an indication not only of the settlement of the county but also of
the practical and progressive methods which have been followed by its farmers
in the development and cultivation of their fields. Mr. Leehy has led a life of
industry and whatever success he has achieved and enjoyed is the result of his
intelligently directed effort. He was born in Ireland, May 1, 1858, a son of J. J.
and Johanna (Foley) Leehy, who in .1860 came to the new world with their family
and settled in Waterloo, Jefferson county, Wisconsin.

There the son acquired a public school education and in his early youth he
worked with his father on the home farm and at odd jobs. He was twelve years
of age when he went east to Boston, wdiere he remained for several years. He after-
ward purchased a ticket to San Francisco, for which he paid one hundred and
ten dollars, and, making his way to the Pacific coast, he was there employed in a
wholesale liquor house for four years. Returning eastward, he again took up his
abode at Waterloo, Wisconsin, where he remained for two years and then came to
Garner, Hancock county. For si.\ years he engaged in farming upon rented land

68 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

niul (lurinj; that ]HTiii(l lu' carefully saved his earnings until he had a suffii-icnt
Kuni to enahle iiini \o pun liase property. Accordingly he invested in one hundred
and sixty acres of land on section 6, Concord township, for which lie paid twcntv-
two dollars jier acre. li<' has also since become the owner of four hundred and
eighty acres in Jackson county. South Dakota, of which he homesteaded three hun-
dred and twenty acres and bought one huiulrcd and sixty acres, so that altogether
lie owns six hundred and forty acres of very desirable land. For some years he
operated a threshing machine and made money in that connection, lie has gained
a place among the substantial farmers of the county.

Mr. Leehy was united in marriage to Miss Mary .\. Lynch, a daughter of
Richard and Bridget (Holland) Lynch. wIki weii' natives of Irchiiid. They
crossed the Atlantic to Canada in 1847 and were married in ilontreal in 1S50.
They came to the LTnitcd States in 185o, establishing their home in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, where they resided until their removal to (iarner forty-five ycar.s ago,
at which time there were only two houses in the town. Mr. and ilrs. Leehy have
but one child, James T., who lives at home. Their religious faith is that of the
Catholic church and in politics llr. Leehy is a democrat. He has lived a life of
industry, working hard in order to gain a start and then carefullv directing his
labors until his ])ersistency of pur])ose has gained him a creditable position among
the rc]iresentative farnici's of Hancock couiitv.

ANSON A VERY.

Prominent among the honored early settlers of Hancock county was Anson
Avery, he and his wife being the tirst white family to locate in this county. He was
born in Connecticut on the '2i\ of Ot-tober, 182".?, and in early life went to Cass
county, Michigan, where he was united in marriage to Miss Lovina Pliilo, a native
of Ohio, whose birth occurred in Upper Sandusky, January 22, 1831. In 18.34 they
left their old home in the Buckeye state and started for Iowa, traveling westward
with ox teams and transporting their household goods in covered wagons. On
reaching Hancock county they settled in what is now Avery township. At that
time only a very few settlements had been made and the country was all wild and
unimproved. During those early days the family endured many hardships and
privations but as time passed Mr. Avery steadily prospered in his farming opera-
tions and became one of the prosperous citizens of the community. He was always
a hard working, home loving man and commanded the respect and confidence of all
with whom he came in contact either in business or social life. He died very
suddenly on Sunday, November 22, 1903, while out in the pasture. His estimable
wife, who shared with him the hardships of pioneer days, is still living and now
makes her home in Goodell.

In the family of this worthy couple were six children as follows: Alice, the
oldest, is the wife of Marshall Fuller and resides in Elberta, Arkansas. George,
who was the first white male child horn in Hancock county, now makes his home in
Belmond, Iowa. Mary E., married A. W. Schmalle and lives in Garner. Their
daughter, Mrs. Gladys A. Bennett, is now connected with the postoffice at Garner,
and is a Daughter of the American Revolution, being eligible to that societv through

"-)

MR. AND MRS. ANSOX AVERY

'''■'- i^^-,; VC;;K:

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 71

ber great-great-grandfather, Nicholas Haskins, who valiantly fought for the inde-
pendence of the colonies. He was the grandfather of Mrs. Anson Avery. Louis
G. Avery, the next of the family, is a farmer of Hancock county. Layton reared a
family but is now deceased. Charles died in childhood.

THOMAS EGAN.

Thomas Egan is proprietor of the Egan Hotel at Thompson but is, perhaps
best known as an auctioneer, as he is in demand for the crying of sales through-
out a large part of the states of Iowa and Minnesota. He was born in Jo Daviess
county, Illinois, January 27, 1851, of the marriage of Thomas and Catherine
(Godfrey) Egan, the former a native of Kings county, Ireland, and the latter
of County Tipperarry, Ireland. In 1828 the father cros.sed the Atlantic to America
and for a short time lived in Halifax. He next removed to St. Louis, Missouri,
whence in 18-16 he went to Chicago, where he was engaged in railroad contracting.
Still later he lived for a time in Galena, Illinois, and while there went to Chicago
and return by stage, as there was then no railroad connection between the two
places. On leaving Galena he removed to Jo Daviess county. He was engaged
in grading on the Mineral Point Eailroad in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, until
tlie completion of that road and then purchased fifty-three acres of land in that
county, on which he resided until his death in March, 1910, when he had reached
the advanced age of ninety-three years. He had long survived his wife as her death
occurred on the 8th of January, 1886.

Thomas Egan was largely reared and educated in Lafayette county, Wisconsin,
and remained with his parents until he was twenty-five years old. He then pur-
chased a farm in that county but after operating his place for two years turned
his attention to railroad contracting, which he followed off and on until 1801,
although during three years of that period he devoted practically his entire time
to agricultural pursuits. In October, 1891, he went to Mason City, Iowa, where
he engaged in teaming for a short time. He also did some county grading at
Clear Lake that fall and later in the year came to Thompson, Winnebago county,
at which time there was only one store in the town. He purchased three quarter
sections of land in this locality, but during the panic of 1893 lost his farm
holdings. He then took up his residence upon land in the vicinity of Lake Mills
and for two years engaged in farming and stock raising there. At the end of
that time he became a resident of Thomp.son and for four years served as
postmaster under appointment of President Cleveland. Since his removal to
Thompson he has also done some railroad grading, including the work which he
did in 1900 for the Rock Island on their line from Armstrong to Estherville. In
1909 he went into the hotel business and the Egan Hotel at Thompson has a
reputation of being one of the best hotels to be found in the small towns of Iowa.
For the past twenty-six years, however, a great deal of his time and attention has
been devoted to auctioneering and he has cried sales all over Iowa and Minnesota,
the demand for his .service indicating his unusual efficiency in that business. He
owns land in Sheridan county, North Dakota, and is in excellent financial cir-
cumstances.

72 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Mr. Egan was married on tlie 24th of November, 1874, to Miss Catherine
Eeardon, and they liave become the parents of ten children as follows: Mary, the
wife of Luke Krynborg of Kineaid, Nebraska; Thomas and George, both of whom
are residents of Des Moines, Iowa; James, who was killed in a railroad wreck;
Ellen, who is a trained nurse and a resident of Thompson; Agnes, the wife of
John Lloyd of Des Moines; Eobert, who is living in Omaha; Joseph S., of Des
Moines; and Clara and Vera, botli of whom died in 190L

Mr. P]gan has su])ported the democratic party since age conferred upon him
the right of franchise and four times he has been his party's nominee for the
office of county sheriff. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic and in his
conduct he has measured up to high ethical standards. He has a wide acquaintance
and his dominant qualities are such that his personal friends are many.

THOMAS H. TWITO.

Important business interests are carefully directed by Thomas II. Twito, an
energetic, enterprising man, who has been connected with mercantile and agri-
cultural interests in Winnebago county for a number of years. He is today
occupying a farm on section 10, Center township, which he has brought to a high
state of cultivation. His residence in the county covers forty-three years and
therefore he has been a witness of much of its growth and development. He was
born in Muskego, Wisconsin, May 15, 184.5, a son of Hans and Ausloug H.
(Jacobson) Twito, who were natives of Norway, whence they came to the new
world, the mother crossing the Atlantic in 1842, while Mr. Twito made the voyage
in 1843. Traveling across the country to Wisconsin, he there purchased land
which he cultivated and imjiroved until 1855, when he sold that property and
removed to Houston county, Minnesota. In that district he purchased one hundred
and si.xty acres of land, which he also brought to a high state of cultivation, giving
his remaining days to its further improvement. Upon that place he passed away
in February, 1866, at the age of fifty-five years, while his widow, who long survived
liim, reached the age of eighty-eight years, her death occurring July 16, 1913.

Thomas 11. Twito was reared and educated in Wisconsin and in Minnesota,
spending his youthful days on his father's farms, where he early became familiar
with the best methods of tilling the .soil and caring for the crops. On attaining
his majority, which he reached about the time of his father's death, he began
farming on his own account on rented lan^ and resided thereon for three years.
He afterward went to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he purchased land which
he farmed for three years, and at the same time he engaged in threshing and in
breaking land for others. Afterward he went to Emmet county, Iowa, where he
followed farming, j)urchasing eighty acres, but the grasshoppers destroyed his
crops and he sold his property there. In the fall of 1873 he arrived in Winnebago
county and for eleven years thereafter was a resident of Lake Mills, during which
period he engaged in the sale of machinery and farm implements. He then took
up his abode upon a farm which he had purchased some years before. He has
cultivated this tract altogether for thirty-three years. It comprises one hundred
and thirty-nine acres of rich and productive land on section 10, Center township.

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 73

and is today a finely improved place. He had to clear about twenty-five acres of
this land before he could cultivate it. Today the entire tract is converted into
productive fields which respond readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon
them. His methods are at once practical and progressive and his farm presents a
very neat and attractive appearance. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers'
Elevator Company, in the Lake Mills Creamery Company and in the Lake Mills
Lumber Company. His investments have been wisely and judiciously placed and
bring to him good returns.

In March, 1870, Mr. Twito was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Olson, of
Dane county, Wisconsin, and they became the parents of two children: Hilda, now
the wife of T. S. Tweed, cashier of the Farmers' State Bank of Lake Mills; and
one who died in infancy. The wife and mother passed away in 187-1 and on the
14th of May, 1878, Mr. Twito wedded Maggie Hanson, of Eacine county, Wiscon-
sin. Six children were born of this marriage: Mattie, the wife of Jens Charlson,
a resident farmer of Newton township; Amanda, Josie, Hans and Oscar, all at
home; and Josie, who died in infancy. Mrs. Twito passed away October 7, 1916,
and her death was the occasion of the deepest regret not only to her immediate
family but also to the uuiny friends whom she had won during the period of her
residence in Winnebago county. She belonged to the United Lutheran church, of
which Mr. Twito is also a member. His political endorsement is given to the
republican party and for twenty-two years he has served as. a trustee of Center
township. He has also ben a member of the school board and the cause of educa-
tion finds in him a stalwart champion. In fact his aid and influence are always
given on the ,side of progress and improvement and those who know him entertain
for him warm regard, recognizing that his life has at all times been an upright
and honorable one.

HANS BEEGAN.

After many years devoted to agricultural pursuits Hans Bergan is now living
retired in Forest City, Iowa, enjoying a well earned rest and the fruits of his
former toil. He was born in Norway, on the 10th of February, 1841, and is a
son of Hans and Beret (Lattestad) Bergan, who spent their entire lives in that
country. He was educated in the common schools of his native land and remained
at home with his parents until thirty-two years of age.

Having determined to try his fortune in the new world, where he believed that
better opportunities were afl:'orded an ambitious young man, Mr. Bergan came to
the United States in 1873, though he had to borrow the money to pay his passage.
He first located in Dane county, Wisconsin, and resided there until 1882, when he
came to Winnebago county, Iowa, and for six or seven years engaged in farming
on rented land. Having lived economically he was then able to purchase one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Newton township. This was a wild tract for
which he paid six dollars and twenty-five cents per acre. Mr. Bergan built thereon
a residence and farm buildings and as time passed placed his land under excellent
cultivation, so that it became a very valuable tract. After operating that farm for
about twenty-six years, he sold it in 1914 for one hundred dollars per acre and

74 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

then removed to Forest City, where he is now living retired, having a ri)[iir(ji|;il)|p
town residence surrounded by about five acres of ground.

On September 12, 1885, Mr. Bergan was united in marriage to Miss Iiigrliurg
Homelin, of Winnebago county. She is a native of Norway and on coming to tlic
United States in 187;i settled in Dane county, Wisconsin, where she spent four
years. At the end of that time she became a resident of Winnebago county, Iowa.
She is a daugiiter of Ole and Carrie (Fikan) Homelin, the former of whom died
in Norway in 185;i. The mother came to the United States in 1871 and died in
1898 in Newton township, when eighty-five years old. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bergan
are earnest and consistent mendicrs nf the Lutheran synod and aic held in the
highest esteem by all who know them. Although Mr. Bergan came to the new
world m debt lie steadily worked his way upward to prosjierity until he is now
accounted one of the well-to-do men of his community, for he possesses good busi-
ness ability and has never been afraid of hard work.

GUNDER DYBENUAHL.

Among those who were at one time active in promoting^ the progress of Winne-
bago county but who have been called to their final rest, is numbered Gimder
Dybendahl, who was born in August, 1851). He belonged to that class of wortliv
citizens that Norway has furnished to Iowa. Coming to America in his boyhood
days he here lived a life of usefulness and activity which, however, was terminated
in death March 7, 189(), when he was forty years of age.

Mr. Dybendahl was united in marriage in 1888 to Miss Lena Bjelland, who
still survives. They became the parents of five children, all of whom are yet
living: T. Andrew, who operates the home farm for his mother; Selma, who is
the wife of S. L. Dalil, of Kstherville, Iowa: Laura, at home; Sidney, who is con-
nected in business with his brother Andrew, their attention being given to the
development and further improvement of two hundred and forty acres of land ;
and Julia, who is at home. Mrs. Dybendahl still owns the old homestead farm of
eighty acres which is situated on section 2. Linden township. To the property has
been added various good buildings and a number of substantial and high class
improvements. Mrs. Dybendahl is a member of the Lutlieran church, to which Mr.
Dybendahl also belonged. High and honorable principles guided him in all the
relations of life and those who knew him entertained for him warm regard, for he
always displayed those qualities which in every land and clime command the
good will and confidence of one's fellows.

WALTER S. BLACK WELL.

Walter S. Blackwell, county steward of the Hancock County Home at (iarner,
was born in La Salle county, Illinois, November 35, 1853, and is a son of Robert
and Mary (Probasco) Blackwell, who were natives of Ohio. They were born near
Columbus, Ohio, and in earlv life the father removed westward to Illinois. Walter

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 75

S. Blaekwell acquired a conunon school education in Streator and in Ottawa Illi-
nois. Jle was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with
the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He became a resident
of Hancock county in 1000 and during the intervening period he has several times
been callwl upon to serve in public offices. He tilled the po.sition of county supei--
visor for four years and was trustee for twelve years. He has also been county
stewarti for ten years, succeeding Charles Hunt in his present position. He has
had charge of the Hancock County Home for ten years, or since the present build-
ing was erected, and he has done excellent work in this connection, applying
businesslike methods, indefatigable energy and sound judgment to the numagemeiil
of the interests entrusted to his care.

On the ISth of Octobei', 1876, Mr. Blaekwell was united in marriage to Miss
Mary A. Lewis, a daughter of Nathan Lewis, of Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania.
and they have three children. Arthur Lewis, the eldest, married Edith Slick an.
they reside at Savage, Minnesota. Lillian is now the wife of Edward Phillips, of
Forest City, Iowa. Walter Kent married Iris Brown and is now engaged in th.
banking business at Goldfield, Iowa. There was also another son, Frank Pierce,
who is deceased.

Mr. Blaekwell belongs to the Odd Fellows Lodge at Garner and is loyal to its
teachings and purposes. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party
and he has been an active worker in its ranks, doing all in his power to further its
interests and secure its legitimate success. He has made a splendid record as an
official by his loyalty and efficiency and he has the respect, confidence and high
regard of many witli whom he has been brought in contact.

J. ELMER TWITO.

J. Elmer Twito, of Lake Jlills, has built up a large clientage as a real estate
dealer and has handled many valuable properties, especially local lands. He was
born in Forest City, May 30, 1878, a son of Jacob and Carrie (Halverson) Twi
natives respectively of Wisconsin and Norway. The mother removed with her
parents to Forest City at a very early period in the development of Winnebago
county and the father also came here in pioneer times. He was well known an.'
highly respected and for fourteen years held the office of county sheriflF. On remov-
ing to Lake Mills he became an employe of the Lake Mills Lumber Company, with
which concern he was connected until his death in July, 1004. He is buried in
the North Side cemetery. The mother still survives.

J. Elmer Twito attended the public schools of his native town until he was
eleven years old, when the family removed to Lake Mills, where he has since con-
tinuously resided. He was in school here until he was fifteen years old, when be
began working as a clerk, and was so employed in various stores until 1901. In
that year he engaged in the real estate business in partnership with his father and
after the latter's demise was alone for a year. Subsequently he was associated in
business with Daniel L\moe, but in the early part of 1917 that partnership was
dissolved and he is now in business alone. He makes a specialty of handling lands
and is recognized as an authority upon land values in this .section of the state.

76 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

His Inisincss returns him a good profit and he is in very comfortalile financial
circiinistances.

In 1906 Mr. Twito was married to Miss Regina Spouenu a daugliter of Tosteii
and Isabel (Kobbervig) Sponem, natives of Norway, who on emigrating to tlie
United States located in Dane county, Wisconsin. There the father passed away
and is buried and the niotlier is now located in !Moiint \'ernon, Wisconsin. To
Mr. and Mrs. Twito have been born eiglit eiiildren: James T., Irving C, Karl ]?.,
Beruicc R., Gladys Viola, George Harold, Royden W., and Levona F.

Mr. Twito exercises his right of franchise in support of the candidates and
nieasuiT's of the republican jiarty where national issues are at stake, but otherwise
votes for tlie man. lie belongs to the United Lutheran cluiri'h and gives his sup-
port to its work for the moral upbuilding of the community. He has made all
that be has himself and possesses the self-reliance and initiative characteristic of
the self-made man.

LUDVIG J.-^COBSON.

Ludvig Jacobson is actively engaged in farming on section 1, Linden township,
Winnebago county, and he di.splays the characteristics ot industry, energy and
thrift which have ever dominated the Norwegian people. He was born in Norway,
April 10, 1863, and is a son of Jacob Erickson and Christina Talkenson, who were
also natives of that land. They crossed the Atlantic to America in 1886 and made
their way westward to Iowa, establisliing their home in Story county, where they
spent their remaining days. They had a family of ten children of whom two are
DOW living.

Ludvig Jacobson was reared and educated in Norway, remaining in that coun-
try until he reached the age of nineteen years. He then determined to try his
fortune in the new world, thinking that he might enjoy better opportunities on this
side of the Atlantic than he could obtain in Norway. He made Story county, Iowa,
his destination and there he remained for twenty-four years. He also spent four
years at Crookston, Minnesota, but in 1909 he came to Winnebago county and pur-
chased his home farm which is situated on section 1, Linden township. He care-
fully tilled the soil and as he prospered he added to his holdings by investing in
one hundred and six acres on section 6, Forest township. He, therefore, owns today
a valuable property of two hundred and si.xty-eight acres, which is splendidly im-
proved with good buildings. In addition to his substantial residence there are
large barns and sheds that give ample shelter to grain and stock. He makes a
specialty of raising cattle, hogs and horses, and this branch of liis business con-
stitutes an important source of his revenue. He uses the latest improved machinery
to facilitate the work of the fields and annually he gathers good crops.

In Story county, Iowa, Mr. Jacobson was united in marriage to Miss Kate
Nelson, a native of -Denmark, and to them have been born ten children: Emil,
Carl. Engvil, Clara, the wife of Levi Ilellen, of Minnesota: Anna at liome; John,
Lewis, Ludvig, Rasen, and Hannah. The parents are members of the Lutheran
church, to which they give generous support while faithfully following its precepts,
in polities Mr. Jacobson is a democrat but never seeks nor desires office, preferring

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 77

to give bis undivided thouglit and attention to his business alTairs. Tie eertainly
deserves niucb credit for wbat lie lias ai-coni])lisbed, as bis fortune lias all been won
since he came to America. Gradually he has worked bis way upward, leading a
most active life, and day after day he has cultivated bis fields, cared for bis crops
and performed other farm work. His life record should serve to inspire and
encourage others, showing what can he accomplished thi'ough persistent purpose.

ERNEST L. STILSON.

Ernest L. Stilson, of Ihnifock county, cleik of the distriit court, was horn in
McHenry count}', Illinois, January 15, 1845, a son of Leonard and Arahelle ( Pow-
ers) Stilson, the former a native of New York and the latter of Michigan. 'I'hey
were married, however, in Illinois. The mother died in Michigan and in 18GG the
father removed to Iowa, .settling at Clear Lake, where he turned liis attention to
mercantile pursuits, although by trade be was a carpenter and builder and bad
previously been active along that line. He returned to Michigan after living for
a time at Clear Lake, hut in 18(17 again came to Iowa, settling at Lake Mills,
where he once more embarked in merchandising, remaining there until 1869. He
afterward made bis home in Forest City with his son Ernest, there residing until
his demise.

In the public schools of Michigan, Ernest L. Stilson largely acquired his educa-
tion. Prior to the Civil war, however, be returned to Illinois and there in August,
1862, in response to the country's call for aid, he enlisted as a member of Company
H, Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being mustered out in 1865 after
almost three years of active service in defense of the Union. He was often in the
thickest of the fight. He participated in the engagements at Guntown and Vicks-
burg, Mississippi, in tlie Red River campaign, in the battle of Nashville and the
siege of Fort Blakely. In fact he was on active duty throughout the entire period
of bis connection with the army and made a most creditable military record.

After the war Mr. Stilson returned to Illinois and thence went to Michigan,
where his father was then living. In the fall of 1866 he removed to Clear Lake,
Iowa, but later returned to Michigan and was there married. In October, 1867,
be established his home at Lake Mills, where he engaged in general merchandising
in partnership with his father for a time. Later, however, be sold out and opened
a hardware store in Forest City in 1869, there continuing actively and successfully
in business until 1885. In that year he removed to Corwith, Iowa, where he
opened the first bank of the town under the name of E. L. Stilson & Company.
Subsequently the private bank was reorganized as a state bank, at which time Mr.
Stilson became the president. In 1907 the bank cashier absconded, causing the
institution to close its doors. His fellow citizens, appreciative of his worth- and
ahilHv, elected him to the office of clerk of the district court in 1914 and in 1916
attested their a]:>proval of liis capable service in office liy reelecting him to that
position, which he is now filling.

On the 16th of October, 1867, Mr. Stilson was married to Miss Sarah E. Cooper,
of Michigan, who passed away at Forest City, Iowa, in 1886. In 1888 he was
joined in wedlock to Miss Celia Munson, of Forest City, and they still make their

78 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

liiiiue at Corwith. By liis first marriage lie had one son. Key V., living in Corwith,
aiirl liy the second marriage there is a daughter, Bernice W., at home.

The family attend the Baptist church, although Mr. Stilsou is a member of the
Methodist church. His political allegiance is given to the re])ublican party and for
two terms he filled the office of county recorder in the 'T'Os, making a creditaldc
record in this position as in the other offices to which he has heen called. He is an
earnest party worker because of his firm belief in republican princi])les. He belongs
to the Jnde].)endent Order of Odd Fellows and has fillcil all (if the chairs in the
local lodge. In Masonry he has taken the degrees of lodge, chapter, council and
cominandery. He is likewise a valued member of the Grand Army of the Tfepuhlic
and he has ever manifested the same loyalty in matters of citizenship that he dis-
))layed when upon southern battlefields he followed the stars and stripes.

HON. CHRISTIAN N. FLUGUM.

One of the most prominent and influential farmers of Center township, Winne-
bago county, is Christian N. Flugum, whose home is on section 31. He was
born on the other side of the Atlantic, his birth occurring in Norway, January
17, 18.5!). and he is a son of Nels and Martha (Eggum) Flugum, who brought
their family to America in the spring of 1867 and located in Dane county, Wis-
consin, where the father taught school for six years. In the spring of 1873,
accompanied by his wife and children, he came to Winnebago county, Iowa, and
purchased land in Mount Valley township, which he at once began to clear and
improve. In connection with farming he continued to engage in teaching and
followed that profession for fifty-seven years. In 1914 he retired and is now
living on the old home place in ease and quiet. He has attained the age of
eighty-six years and receives the veneration and respect which a long, upright
and honorable life should always command. He has been called upon to moura
the loss of his wife, who passed away in April, 1905.

Christian N. Flugum began his education in the schools of Wisconsin, being
fourteen years of age on the removal of the family to Iowa. Later he attended
school in Forest City and completed his education at Luther College in Decorah,
Iowa. Being well fitted for a teacher's profession, he taught nine months of
school each year for twelve years and during this time worked at the carpenter's
trade during the summer season. In the fall of 1892, Mr. Flugum purchased
eighty acres of land in Center township, Winnebago county, on which he located
the following January and has since engaged in its operation. As a farmer he
has met with marked success and has been able to add to his property from time
to time until he now owns a half section of land in one body, improved with two
pets of good buildings. He has also dealt in real estate, buying and selling farm
lands, and has owned property in several different parts of the county.

On the 13th of December, 1892, Mr. Flugum was united in marriage to Miss
Bertha Hermanson, a daughter of Filing and Brita Hermanson, natives of Nor-
way and early settlers in Winnebago county. Both are living. Mr. and Mrs.
Flugum have become the parents of nine children, namely : Edward, who is

HUX. CllKlHTlAX N. TLUGUM

-««■'■■'■-•. ',-.NOX AND

TIL.OKN yO'JN DATIONK

P. I

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 81

now farming in Texas; and Norman, Charles, Joseph, Mabel, Bertha, Esther,
Clarence and William, all at home.

Eeligiously the family is connected with the United Lutheran church, and
politically Mr. Flugum has affiliated with the republican party since attaining
his majority. Ilis fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have elected
him to official .positions of honor and trust and he served as a member of the
thirty-second general assembly from this district and also of the thirty-second
extra session in 1907-08. For three terms he was township clerk of Mount
Valley township and for a number of years served on the school board. He is
now secretary and manager of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Association of
Winnebago county, which he helped to organize in 1886, with home office in Lake
Mills, and with the exception of three years, while he was farming in the western
part of Winnebago county, he has filled the former position since the company
was incorporated. Mr. Flugum is also a stockholder of the Farmers Elevator
Company of Lake Mills ; the Lake Mills Lumber Company ; the Farmers Elevator
Company of Leland ; and the Leland Creamery Company. He is one of the
directors of the Iowa Mutual Tornado Insurance Association of Des Moines
and is one of its adjusters. This company has two hundred and twenty million
dollars insurance in force at the present time. It will thus be seen that Mr.
Flugum is recognized as a man of good business and executive ability and the
success that has come to him is certainly well merited, as it is the result of his
own industry, enterprise and good management.

GILBERT SEVERSON.

Among the venerable and highly respected citizens of Hancock county is num-
bered Gilbert Severson, who for many years was actively identified with farming
interests but is now living retired, his home being on section 11, Ellington town-
ship. He was born in Norway, January 17, 1839, a son of Severt and Gudberg
(Gilbertson) Severson, who were also natives of that country, where they spent their
entire lives. They had a family of six children, of whom five are yet living.

Gilbert Severson was reared and educated in Norway and in 1868, when about
twenty-nine years of age, came to the new world. He severed home ties because he
believed that better opportunities might be secured on this side of the Atlantic and
he has never regretted his determination to come to the United States. Making
his way westward to Iowa, he settled first in Winneshiek county, where he lived
for a year, and in 1869 he removed to Hancock county, purchasing the farm which
he now occupies. It was then a tract of timber land on which no furrow had been
turned nor improvement been made. He at once began the task of preparing it for
cultivation, clearing away the trees and the stumps and eventually placing his
fields under the plow. The work of further development and cultivation has iieen
carried forward year by year and he now has an excellent farm. His first home
was a primitive little log cabin which he occupied for sixteen years, and then
replaced by a more commodious and modern dwelling. He now owns altogether
two hundred acres of land which returns to him a gratifving annual income. At

82 AVINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

the present time he is leaving this ])laee to the care of others and is enjoyino- the
fruits of his former toil in a well earned rest.

In Mitrhell county, Iowa, in 1809, Mr. Severson was united in marriage to
Miss Anna Lien, a native of Norway, and they heeame parents of seven children:
Julia, the wife of Hans Larson, of Forest City; Betsy, deceased; Severt ; Mary,
the wife of Barney Varberg, of North Dakota; Minnie, the wife of Samuel Wepald,
living on the old homestead; Anna, a resident of Mason t'ity, Iowa; and Tillie,
the wife of Gilbert Benson. The wife and mother passed away in lOOi and was
laid to rest in Ellington cemetery.

In his political views Mr. Severson is a republican and for fifteen years he
filled the office of township trustee. He has always been loyal m matters of citizen-
ship and has stood for progress and improvement along many lines. For an ex-
tended period lie has been a faithful memlier of the Lutheran church and served
as its treasurer for thirty years. Coming to the now world empty handed, he recog-
nized its advantages and improved his opportunities. He did not e.xpect to win
success without labor but concentrated his undivided attention upon his work and
is today reaping the rewards of his persistent toil.

THOE J. MOE.

Thor J. Moe, a native of Norway, has gained the success which he sought upon
his emigration to America and is now a prosperous business man of Lake Mills,
being a member of the firm of Ulve & Moe, dealers in furniture and funeral direc-
tors. He was l>orn December 11, 1863, and his parents were Jacob A. and Annie
(Moe) Moe, lifelong residents of Norway, where the father engaged in farming.

Thor J. Moe was educated in the schools of his native country and in Sioux
Falls, South Dakota. He was eighteen years of age when in 1881 he came to
America and during the first ten years he spent in this country he resided in Sioux
Falls, South Dakota, where he was employed as clerk and bookkeeper in a hardware
store. In 1891 he removed to Lake Mills, Winnebago county, Iowa, and two years
later formed a partnership with 0. 0. Ulve under the name of Ulve & Moe for
the conduct of a furniture business. Their store was destroyed by fire in 1900,
but they continued in business and erected a two story brick building on the
principal business street of the town and now occupy the entire building, carrying
a very large stock of high grade furniture. Their extensive trade is drawn not
only from Lake Mills but also from the surrounding country and their rapid
growth can be attributed to the policy of fair dealing to which they have always
strictly adhered, to the excellence in design, material and workmanship of the
furniture I'arried and to the large stock open to the selection of customers. They
also have an undertaking department and do a large business in that line.

In August, 1894, Mr. Moe was united in marriage to Miss Malina Olson and
they have three children, namely: J. Earl, who was born in April, 1895; Arnold
N., born in September, IS'.Ki; and Morris, born in November, 1901.

Mr. Moe casts his ballot in support of the republican party, has served as a
member of the town council for seven years and for eighteen years has been secre-
tary of the school Imaril. during which tinic his iuHucnce has been strongly felt in

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 83

the promotion of the interests ol" the jnihlic sehools. He has heen secretary of the
local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for sixteen years and has
many friends in that order at other points. In religious faith lie is a United
Lutheran. In all relations of life his course has been such as to win him the
commendation and sincere respect of all right tiiinking peoph' and, moreover, he
holds the warm friendship of many.

ALBERT FIELD.

Albert Field, who is now serving as justice of the peace at Forest City, has
many times been called to office by his fellow citizens, who have thus given expres-
sion to the confidence wliich they have in his ability and his conscientious regard
for the public welfare. He has been a resident of Winnebago county for many
years and enjoys an unusually wide and exceptionally favorable acquaintance within
its borders. He was born in Norway, February 9, 1855, a son of Soren H. and
Olea (Joliansen) Field, who iu 1864 came with their family to the United States.
For about eight years they lived in Eacine county, Wisconsin, but in 1872 came
to Winnebago county, Iowa, where the father purchased a Cjuarter section of land
one and a half miles west of Forest City for eleven hundred dollars with twelve
per cent interest on deferred payments. After twenty years the land was clear
of indebtedness and during that time many improvements were made upon the
place. The father grew the first corn raised in the county west of Forest City
and was at once progressive and practical in his farm work, becoming in time one
of the substantial citizens of his township. lie and his wife both died upon the
home farm and their many friends deeply regretted their passing. The subject
of this review and his brother Julius were the only children who accompanied
their parents to Winnebago county and two brothers are still living in Wisconsin.

Albert Field received a common school education and remained at home until
1883, assisting his father to pay off the debt incurred by the purchase of the home
farm. On the 4th of April of that year, however, he purchased eighty acres on
section 16, Forest township, and removed to that place. He resided there for
thirty-three years, or until 1916, although he had retired from active agricultural
work a long period before he left the farm, renting the land to one tenant for ten
years. He met with gratifying success in his work as a grain and stock raiser and
accumulated a competence that ensures him all the comforts of life. In addition
to his farm, which he still owns, although now a resident of Forest City, he is a
stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery and the Farmers' Co-operative
Elevator Company, both of Leland, and for one year was secretary of the Winne-
bago county Mutual Insurance Company.

Mr. Field is a stanch republican in politics and has taken a prominent part in
party work. For years he has been recognized as a leader in local public affairs,
served as township assessor for twenty-two consecutive years, was county supervisor
for nine years and president of the school board of Forest township for seven terms.
While living in Racine, Wisconsin, he was clerk in the postoffice under Postmaster
Utley and long before he was of age he served in the militia for about three years.
In November, 1916, he was elected justice of the peace of Forest City and follow-

84 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

ing the flection reniuved to Foreft City to assume the duties of the ottice. It has
always been characteristic of him that the public welfare has been placed above
private interests and his official record is one of which he may well be proud.

. LUTHER I. AASGAARD.

Luther I. Aasgaard, editor of tlie Winnebago Republican of Forest City, has
throughout his entire life engaged in newspaper publication, working at the busi-
ness in every capacity from that of otfice boy to editor in chief. He is a native of
Freeborn county, Minnesota, his birth having occurred in 1878. His parents, A. L.
and Maren Aasgaard, were early residents there and the father engaged in business
in that state, but in 1888 removed with his family to Lake Mills, Iowa, where he
established a liardware store. His wife is now deceased.

Luther I. Aa.sgaard was a little lad of but ten summers when the family came
to this state. He acquired a public school education and when but eleven years of
age began working at the printer's trade in the office of the North Star. He was
afterward employed in various places and in March, IS!).*), removed to Forest City,
where for a time he was connected with the Summit. Later he established a job
printing office and subsequently began the publication of t+ie Winnebago Repub-
lican, which was established in 1901, the first issue being brought from the press
on Christmas day of that year. This is a weekly six-column quarto, all home print.
The office was located on Main street, opposite the courthouse, and in 1914: Mr.
Aasgaard erected his present building — a one story and basement structure twenty-
two by one hundred feet. The front of the building is of patent brick and the
equipment is most pleasing and attractive. The finishings of the main office are in
solid South African mahogany. He utilizes a linotype machine and has the latest
accessories of the printing art. He furnishes employment to four [)eople and the
circulation of the paper has been increased from sixteen hundred to twenty-one
hundred. It is published in the interests of the republican party and his editorials
are a clear exposition of the questions and issues of the day.

Mr. Aasgaard served for nine months as postmaster of Forest City under Presi-
dent Taft hut has always concentrated his efforts and attention upon his business,
and laudable ambition has carried him from a humble position in journalistic in-
terests to a place in the front ranks of the newspaper publishers of his section of
the state.

T. K. CLEVEX.

T. K. eleven, devoting his time and energies to general farming on section 9,
Logan township, Winnebago county, is a self-made man whose prosperity is attrib-
utable entirely to his own labors. He was born in Valders, Norway, March 16,
18fi7, and is a son of Knut and Ragnild T. (Haugen) Cleven, who were farming
people, their son, T. K. ('leven, being their only child. The fatlier died when he
was but a year old, after which he was brought by his mother to the United States

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 85

when a little lad of three summers. They made the voyage in company with her
parents, Tostin T. and Gure (Melby) Haugen, who went to the home of their son
Gulbrand, then living upon a farm in Logan townsliip, Winnebago county, Iowa,
now owned by Mr. Cleven. Gulbrand Ilaugen had purchased his farm, compris-
ing tifty-four acres on the northwest quarter of section 10, had cleared it and
placed it under the plow and to it added many improvements. He continued there
to engage in farming until his death, when he was laid to rest in Center township,
where also repose the remains of his parents.

Mrs. eleven and her son remained with her parents and her brother until T. K.
eleven had reached an age where he was able to work and provide for the suppdil
of himself and mother. He started out as a farm hand and while thus employed
carefully saved his earnings until in 1891 he felt justified in making the purchase
of a tract of land. He then secured eighty acres of the southeast quarter of section
9, Logan township, which he cleared and cultivated, and has since made his home
upon that property. He is today regarded as one of the enterprising and progres-
sive agriculturists of his locality and in addition to his home place he owns an
interest in a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Marshall county, Minnesota,
and also the old Haugen homestead. He was also at one time a director of the
Vinje Creamery. His land has been brought under a high state of cultivation and
he has added many modern and substantial improvements to his farm.

On June 18, 1898, Mr. Cleven was united in marriage to Miss Margareta Maria
Johnson, a daughter of D. N. and Sarah Johnson, who were early settlers of Nor-
way township. They have become the parents of six children: Daniel G., Rhine-
hardt T., Selmer L., Gilbert A., Louis S., and Selma R., all at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Cleven hold membership in the United Lutheran church and are
highly esteemed people of the community in which they live. Hi politics he is a
republican and for eight years he filled the office of Justice of the peace, rendering
decisions which were strictly fair and impartial. He is now serving as secretary
of the school board and at all times he is deeply interested in the welfare and
progress of the community in which he resides, co-operating in many plans and
measures for the public good. Li a business way, too, he deserves much credit for
■what he has accomplished, for his diligence and enterprise have been the basis
of his success.

AUGUST LAU.

August Laii, banker and merchant of Klemme, has in the conduct of his busi-
ness interests displayed keen insight into existing conditions that has been one of
the dominant forces in his growing success. He has always used his time and
talents wisely and well, and steadily he has progressed. He was born April 'ii).
1853, in Germany, a son of Christian and Dora Lau, who came to America in
1857 and settled in Clayton county, Iowa, where the father, engaged in farming.
At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for troops to defend
the Union and joined a regiment of Iowa volunteer infantry, rendering active
service upon the battlefields of the south. In after years he resided in Hancock
county, where he spent his remaining days. His wife is still living in Klemme.

86 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

August Lau \v;is but four years of age when brought by his parents to the uvw
worhl, so that jiraetieally his entire life lias been spent in Iowa. He ae(piired his
education iu Clayton county by attending the district schools during the winter
terms, while in the summer months he assisted his father in the work of the home
farm. ]Ie was thus engaged until 1X75, when at the age of twenty-two years he
came t(j Hancock county. He had purchased one hundred and sixty acres of hi'
in German township two years before, and taking up hi.s abode upon that tract he
improved his fields, carrying on general fai'iuiiig an<l, to some extent, engaging
in cattle raising. Year after year he carefully tilled the soil and continued actively
ami successfully in fai-ui work until 1896, when he leased his land and removed
to Klenime. He then began dealing in coal, grain and livestock and con-
ducted a successful business along those lines, his annual sales reaching a consider-
able figure. He became a stockholder in the First National Bank of Klemnie and
since 11)0? has served as its vice jiresideiit, largely directing its jiolicy and shaping
its activities.

Mr. Lau was united in marriage to ^Hss Anna Boehm. a daughter of Henry
lioehm, a pioneer settler and farmer of Clayton county, Iowa. The children of tlii<
marriage are seven in number: H. ('., who follows farming at Tracy, Minnesota;
Frances, the wife of Fred Eittcr, of Klenime; August, a fanner of German town-
ship; Malinda, the wife of Wesley Sc'huldt, who is engaged in farming in (iennan
township; Benjamin, of Minneajiolis ; and Minnie and Walt^, both at home. The
jiarents are members of the (Jerman Methodist Episcopal church and their aid and
influence are always given on the side of progress and improvement. Mr. Lau
votes with the democratic party and has several times been called to office, serving
as assessor, as supervisor, which office he now holds, as mayor, as justice of the
peace and as school director. In the discharge of his duties he has ever been
found prompt and faithful and his election has been the expression of confidence
and high regard on the part of his fellowmen.

ABRAHAM T. HAUGO.

Abraham T. Haugo is successfully engaged in lousiness in Lake Mills as a real
estate dealer, specializing in local and North Dakota lands, and is also the agent
for the Studebaker cars. He was horn in Norway on the 10th of Marcli, 1874,
of the marriage of Torjus 0. and Anna (Midbo) Haugo, farming ])eople of that
country. In 1888 they removed with their family to the United States and located
at what is now Joice, Worth county, Iowa. Not long afterward, however, the
father jiurchased a farm in Mount Valley township, Winnebago county, which he
operated imtil his death in 1801. The mother survives.

Abraham T. Haugo, who is the third in order of birth in a family of four
children, attended school in Norway until he was fourteen years old and for a short
time in Winnebago county. He worked for his father upon the homestead until
he attained his majority and following his marriage he rented a farm in Grant
township for four years. He next moved to Forest City, where he was connected
with the real estate business for three years as an employe of the firm of Dannihar
& Maben. From 19o:! to 1910 he operated a farm of one hundred and sixty acres

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 87

in Bristol to-miship, Worth county, wliich he o^raed, and upon leaving that place he
took up is residence in Lake Mills. He is there engaged in the real estate busi-
ness with J. B. Conley, under the name of The Haugo-Conley Land Agency, and
has given especial attention to local and North Dakota lands. He has gained a
gratifying measure of success and his annual business has now reached large propor-
tions. He is also agent for the Studebaker automobile and has proved an energetic
and efficient representative of the company.

In 1896 Mr. Haugo was married to Miss Elizabeth Florentz, a daughter of
Mathias Andreas and Henrietta Florentz, of Telemarken, Norway. To thenj were
born eleven children, and Mr. and Mrs. Haugo have seven children, all at home,
Anna, Erling, Lila, Henrietta, Teresa, Magna and Astrid.

Mr. Haugo votes the republican ticket, but has never sought office, as his private
interests have made heavy demands upon his time. He belongs to the Lutheran
church and its work has profited much from his hearty support. He began his
independent business career without capital but as the result of his persistent and
well directed efforts he is now one of the substantial men of his community.

JAMES J. OTIS.

James J. Otis, was for forty-nine years actively engaged in farming and stock
raising in Forest township, Winnebago county, and, while now living retired, he
still resides upon the old homestead where he devoted almost a half century to the
work of tilling the soil. He has passed the eighty-third milestone on life's journey,
his birth having occurred in the state of New York on the 17th of October, 1834,
his parents being William H. and Lovina (Edmonds) Otis, who were also born
in the Empire state. They removed to Illinois in 1836 and took up their abode
at Chicago when it was but a trading post, the city not being incorporated until the
following year. The most farsighted could not have dreamed that a great city of
two million and a half population would there be found in less than three-quarters
of a century. Both Mr. and Mrs. Otis continued to spend their remaining days
in Cook county and there they reared their family of eight children, three of whom
are now living.

James J. Otis spent the period of his boyhood and youth in Illinois and on attain-
ing his majority went to Michigan, where he worked in a lumber mill until he was
thirty years of age. He then removed to Floyd coujity, Iowa, where he resided for
two and one-half years and during that period he engaged in farming. He became
a resident of Winnebago county in 1868 and his first purchase of land covered one
hundred and sixty acres on section 29, Forest township. His first house was a
little slab shanty in which he lived for a year, but soon more modern improvements
were added to the place. With characteristic energy he tegan to break the sod and
till the fields and he now has a splendidly improved farm, having carefully and
systematically cultivated his land until it is most productive. He afterward pur-
chased more land and owned six hundred and forty acres, but later sold one hundred
and sixty acres to his son, so that his present holdings comprise four hundred and
eighty acres. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and

n— 5

88 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

climate he always gave mucli attention to raising and feeding stock and that branch
of his business proved very profitable.

Mr. Otis has been married three times. He first wedded Calista Van Order
and they became the parents of four children, but all have passed away. Following
the death of his first wife he wedded her sister, Emeline Van Order, and to them
were born the following children: Laura, deceased; George, a resident farmer of
Winnebago county; William; Anna, the wife of William Simmons; Ella, the wife
of William Welman; Jesse and Frank, who are engaged in farming; Maggie,
deceased; Lydia, the wife of Irvin Ambrose; Fred, who is engaged in the jewelry
business; and Jerome, who follows farming. The present wife of Mr. Otis was
formerly Mrs. Anna Soals and she has two sons, Albert E. and John A., who are
farmers of this county.

Politically Mr. Otis follows an independent course, voting for the man rather
than for party. He has served as school director for twenty years and was
trustee for seven years. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
His has been an active and useful life. He has worked hard and made good use
of his time and his opportunities. Thus as the years went by he accumulated a
comfortable competence that now enables him to live retired, enjoying a well
earned rest, his capital being sufficient to supply him with all of the necessities
and comforts of life and some of its luxuries. He well deserves mention in con-
nection with the history of Winnebago county, where he has so long resided.
Through almost a half century he has been a witness of the growth and progress
of this section of the state and has lived to see it converted from a pioneer region
into a populous and prosperous district. He has always delighted in its progress
and has cooperated in many movements leading to its upbuilding.

J. 0. OSMUNDSON.

J. 0. Osmundson, vice president of the State Bank of Thompson, has had an
influential voice in the management of that institution, which enjoys the full
confidence of the community and whose affairs are in an excellent condition. He
was born near Stevens Point, Wisconsin, January 1, 1866, a son of Erick and
Johanna (Johnson) Osmundson, who removed from Norway to the United States
and settled in Wisconsin at an early day in the history of that state. After farm-
ing near Stevens Point for a time the father removed with his family to the vicinity
of Mount Horeb, the same state, whence in 1873 he came to Winnebago county,
Iowa. He purchased a farm in Linden township and engaged in agricultural
pursuits there until his death in 1879. He was buried in a cemetery in that
township and his wife was laid by his side at her death in 1884. To them were
born eight children, of whom six survive: J. 0.; Ole, of Lake Mills; Henry, a
resident of Walters, Minnesota; Susan, who is now Mrs. George Clark, of Pasa-
dena, California; Inger, now Mrs. Charles Poole, of Pasadena; and Mabel, now the
wife of Hal Brautner, of San Diego, California.

J. 0. Osmundson attended the district schools and was for one winter a student
in the Forest City high school. When but sixteen years old he purchased eighty
acres of land in Linden township, making a cash payment thereon and paying the

EESIDENCE OF .). O. OSMUNDSOX

r^IB ''^~'V VORK I

>S''0.-t, LENOX AND
TiLDExV FOrjNDATiONS

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 91

remainder of the purchase price in installments. For a number of years he
rented his land to others and for a time worked as a farm hand. Later he devoted
the winters to teaching school, while in the summers he ran a threshing machine
and broke land for others. When twenty-three years old he went to Forest City
and for two years was a clerk in the law office of C. L. Nelson. At the end of that
time he was appointed deputy sheriff, in which capacity he served for several
years, and at the same time dealt in real estate to some extent but in 1896
removed to Thompson and became assistant cashier of the State Bank, with which
institution he has since been connected. He has risen to the position of vice
president and is active in the direction of its policy and the management of its
affairs. It was organized as a private institution by Thompson Brothers, of Forest
City, immediately after the founding of the town of Thompson and in 1896
received a charter as a state bank. Twenty years later, in 1916, the charter was
renewed for a term of twenty years with the following officers: B. J. Thompson,
president; J. 0. Osmundson, vice president; G. Gordon, cashier; and H. W. Nel-
son, assistant cashier. It was capitalized at thirty thousand dollars and there is
a surplus of eight thousand dollars, which indicates that its management is con-
servative and keeps constantly in mind the safeguarding of the interests of
depositors and stockholders. The bank was opened in a wooden building but not
long afterward the fine brick structure which it now occupies was erected.

Mr. Osmundson was married November 17, 1891, to Miss Carrie Olson, whose
parents, Martin and Gurie Olson, were natives of Norway but became early settlers
of Hancock county, Iowa. Both are deceased and are buried in Ellington town-
ship cemetery, that county. To Mr. and Mrs. Osmundson have been born nine
children: Lulu, the wife of S. C. Larson, of Forest City; Ernest, at home; Cora;
Floyd; Pauline; John; Sylvian, Mildred, and Helen.

Mr. Osmundson is a republican and is also a strong supporter of the prohibi-
tion movement. For one term he was mayor of Thompson and during that time
much was done to advance the interests of the municipality. His religious faith
is that of the United Lutheran church, and in all relations of life he has conformed
his conduct to high ethical standards, thus winning the sincere respect of all
with whom he has come in contact, while his personal qualities are such as to
gain him the warm friendship of many.

GTJST BOEHNKE

Gust Boehnke, a prosperous farmer of Concord township, Hancock county,
Iowa, was born on the 22d of September, 1865, in Germany, and is a son of Carl
and Amelia (Bahr) Boehnke, also natives of that country. In 188-4 the parents
left the fatherland and came to America, taking up their abode in Hancock county,
Iowa. The father purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 12,
Concord township, for which he paid twenty dollars per acre and throughout his
active business life followed farming with good results. He has now reached the
ripe old age of eighty-two years and his wife is seventy-two years of age. They are
among the highly respected citizens of their locality.

Gust Boehnke is indebted to the public schools of his native land for the educa-

92 • WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

tional advantages he enjoyed during his boyhood, and when not in school he
assisted his father in the work of the home farm until seventeen years of age. It
was in 1883 that he crossed the Atlantic to tlie new world and for five years after
his arrival worked as a farm hand in Hancock county, Iowa. During the following
year he engaged in farming on his own account upon rented land and then pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acres on section 10, Concord township, at fifteen
dollars per acre. As much of the land was under water it had to be thoroughly
drained and it was a difficult task to convert it into tillable fields, but he persevered
in Ins labors and now has a fine farm under excellent cultivation. He has added
to the original tract, buying one hundred and sixty acres on section 11, Concord
townshijj, in 1911; two hundred acres on section 3 in 1913; and also eighty acres on
section 18 in 1904. At one time he also owned about two hundred acres in Ransom
county, North Dakota, but sold this in 1912. He is a progressive, up-to-date
farmer and has met with most excellent success in his undertakings. He is a
stockholder in the Concord Creamery. Company and also in the Farmers Coopera-
tive Elevator Company at Ventura, Iowa.

On the 5th of March, 1888, Mr. Boehnke married Miss Alvina Woiwood, a
daughter of August and Wilhelmina (Rost) Woiwood, who spent their entire lives
in Germany. To this union were born three sons and one daughter who are still
living, namely : William R., who married Martha Jass, ,a daughter of Albert and
Wilhelmina Jass of Hancock county; Gus H., who married* Magdelene Hitzemann,
a daughter of William Hitzemann of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Edward M. R.
and Selma 6., both at home with their parents. The son, Gus H., was educated
for the ministry of the German Lutheran church, attending school in St. Paul for
six years and in St. Louis for three years. He is now located in Saskatchewan,
Canada, and preaches in six different places, traveling three hundred miles by
team, as his ditferent congregations are far apart.

The family are identified with the German Lutheran church and are held in
high esteem by all who know them. In politics Mr. Boehnke is a republican and
for ten years has efficiently served as school director in his district. He has
recently been elected townsliip trustee and is now filling that office in a most satis-
factory manner.

HARRY F. THOMPSON, M. D.

Dr. Harry F. Thompson, engaged in the practice of medicine in Forest City,
was born in McGregor, Iowa, September 30, 1869, a son of Jasper and Clara K.
Thompson. In 1871 the family removed to Forest City and here he acquired a
public school education. Determining to make the practice of medicine his life
work, he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago and was graduated therefrom
with the class of 1894. He afterward practiced in various places until 1907. He
was at Buffalo Center from 1900 until 1907, and in the latter year came to
Forest City, where he has since devoted his attention and energies to pro-
fessional duties. He has taken special post graduate work in children's diseases
and obstetrics.

On the 3d of April, 1895, Dr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 93

Katherine Gabriella Eichardson, a. daughter of G. H. Eichardson, of Belmond,
Iowa. Her death occurred in 1906 and in 1910 he wedded Louise Taylor, who
was born in Alden, Iowa, a daughter of Peter Taylor. . There were three children
born of his first marriage, Clara Jeannette, Richardson Jasper and Katherine
Cecelia, while by the second marriage there is a daughter, Helen Mar.

Dr. Thompson is a member of Nain Lodge, No. 213, A. F. & A. M., of Buffalo
Center, of which he is a past master. In politics he is a republican. He served as
coroner of Lyon county in 1896, was coroner of Winnebago county in 1912 and
was again called to that ofBce in 1917. There is an interesting military chapter
in his life record. He served in the Spanish-American war with the First South
Dakota Infantry, enlisting at Sioux Falls in 1898 as a private. He was on active
duty and was mustered out in October, 1899, as first lieutenant and assistant
surgeon. Professionally he is well known. He belongs to the Austin Flint Cedar
Valley Medical Society, has several times been president and secretary of the
Winnebago County Medical Society and belongs also to the Iowa State Medical
Society aiid the American Medical Association, thus keeping in close touch with
the trend of scientific thought and investigation along medical lines.

F. A. SAMUELSON".

F. A. Samuelson, residing on section 30, Mount Valley township, is today one
of the leading cement contractors of Winnebago county. His early home was on
the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in Sweden, October 1, 1859, a son of
Samuel Johansen and Marie Eebecca Swenson, who spent their entire lives in
that country. There Mr. Samuelson was reared and educated, attending the com-
mon schools of his native land for some years.

Believing that he could better his financial condition in the new world, he
came to the United States in the spring of 1883 and continued his journey west-
ward to Iowa. After spending a couple of days in Fort Dodge he proceeded to
Winnebago county, where he has since made his home. He had previously learned
the stone mason's trade in Sweden and on his arrival here went to work at that
occupation. At the end of two years he purchased twenty acres of land in Mount
Valley township, which is today a part of his present farm, and erected thereon a
residence which has since been his home. In the intervening years he has bought
and sold considerable land but still owns the old home f9,rm, which now comprises
eighty acres under excellent cultivation. The place, however, has been operated
almost wholly by hired help while Mr. Samuelson has continued to work at his
trade of stone mason. For the past seven years he has been one of fhe prominent
cement contractors of Winnebago county, having done much of the foundation and
sidewalk work of Forest City.

Mr. Samuelson was married in Norway in 1881 to Miss Christina Larsdater,
by whom he has had twelve children, those still living being S. Martin, proprietor
of a poolroom in Forest City ; Ludwig G., at home ; Gilbert, a farmer of Winnebago
county; Frances A., at home; Christian, who assists his father in the cement
business; and Algot N., attending school.

The family hold membership in the Lutheran church and are highly respected

94 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

by all who know them. In politics Mr. Samuelson is a republican and he takes a
commendable interest in public affairs. His business life has been above reproach
and he well merits the success that has come to him, as it is due entirely to his
own untiring efforts and good management.

MRS. JENNIE HAMMILL.

Woman has proven her capability in every position to which she has been called
where intellectual alertness is demanded, and the citizens of Hancock county mani-
fested their faith in one woman's capability at least when they elected Mrs. Jennie
Hammill to the office of county recorder. She is a native of Illinois and a
daughter of Andrew and Birthine (Jorgeson) Aageson, the former a native of
Sweden and the latter of Denmark. They came to America in early life and were
married in Illinois, whence they removed to Iowa in 1889, settling at Britt. The
father was a tile and drainage contractor, recognized as one of the active and
enterprising businesss men of that locality.

Mrs. Jennie Hammill pursued her education in the public schools of Britt,
passing through consecutive grades to her graduation from the high school. She
afterward took up the profession of teaching, which she successfully followed for
ten years. Residents of the county recognized her business ability as well as her
intellectual force and in 1914 she was elected to the office of county recorder,
entering upon the duties of that position in the following January for a two years'
term. In the fall of 1916 she was reelected, thus receiving public endorsement of
her excellent service.

ALBERT ROENFANZ.

Prominent among the successful farmers and stock raisers of Hancock county
is numbered Albert Roenfanz, whose home is situated on section 25, Ellington
township. He was born in Germany, December 7, 1869, and there spent the first
fifteen years of his life, but in 1884 was brought to the United States by his parents,
Carl and Henrietta (Steinke) Roenfanz. The family first located in Cerro Gordo
county, Iowa, but a year later removed to Hancock county, the father purchasing
two hundred and twenty acres of land now comprised in the present home farm
of our subject. He is still living and now resides with his son.

Albert Roenfanz began his education in the public schools of Germany and
later attended the district schools of Iowa after the emigration of the family to
America. He also acquired an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits and
in 1891 made his first purchase of land, becoming the owner of two hundred and
eleven acres in Cerro Gordo county, just across the Hancock county line. After
living upon that place for two years he sold it and bought the home farm in
Ellington township, Hancock county, where he has since resided. Prosperity has
attended his well directed efforts and he has added to his property from time to

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 95

time until he now owns six hundred and ten acres of very valuable and productive
land.

In 1892 Mr. Eoenfanz married Miss Clara Bohn, a daughter of William Bohn,
one of the pioneer settlers of Cerro Gordo county, and to this union have been born
five children, those living being Walter, Mabel and Alice, all at home.

For seven years past Mr. Eoenfanz has been one of the large and successful
cattle feeders of Hancock county and during the winter of 1916-17 fed four carloads
which brought him twelve dollars and a half per hundred. He also sold a carload
of hogs which brought him fourteen and a half and fifteen dollars per hundred. He
is a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company and the Farmers
Elevator Company of Ventura and a stockholder and director in the First National
Bank at Clear Lake, Iowa, and is recognized as one of the most successful business
men of his community. His farm is one of the best improved places in Ellington
tovmship and stands as a monument to his thrift and enterprise. In politics he is
a republican, and he and his family are members of the German Lutheran church.

K. J. ALDAL.

K. J. Aldal, devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits
on section 23, Norway township, has spent much of his life in Winnebago county
and is a native son of Iowa. He was born in Winneshiek coimty, February 10,
1855, a son of John K. and Susan (Vata) Aldal, who were natives of Norway.
They came to the United States in youth and the father made his way to Kosh-
konong, Wisconsin, where he afterward purcha.sed a farm upon which he resided for
several years. It was during his residence in that state that he was married.
Eemoving westward to Winneshiek county he purchased a fann upon which he
lived for about twelve years, and then went to Mitchell county, Iowa, where in
1864 he purchased land. Upon that place he continued to engage in general
agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred March 20, 1882. His widow
survived for more than a quarter of a century, passing away on the 7th of May,
1908, the remains of both being interred at St. Ansgar, in Mitchell county.

K. J. Aldal pursued his education in the pioneer schools of Iowa until he
reached the age of seventeen years after which he worked for his father until he
reached the age oi twenty-five, and during the last two years of that period he
farmed the southwest quarter of section 2-1 and the east half of the southeast
quarter of section 23 in Norway township, Winnebago county, the father having
purchased this land in 1874. K. J. Aldal put all the improvements upon the place
and after cultivating the land for his father for some time purchased the property
and has since resided thereon. He has converted it into a rich and valuable farm
which responds readily to his care and cultivation, producing excellent crops, so
that his business is now one of importance in the community.

On the 13th of June, 1880, Mr. Aldal was united in marriage to Miss Caroline
Nelson, a daughter of Torson and Susan Nelson, of Freeborn county, Minnesota,
both now deceased, their remains being interred in the United Lutheran cemetery
near Emmons, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Aldal have become the parents of nine
children: John, who is living in Saskatchewan, Canada; Theodore, at home;

96 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Stephen, who resides in Norman county, North Dakota; and Sylvia, Joseph,
Minnie, Clarence, Mabel, and Sarah, all of whom are yet under the parental roof.

The parents are members of the United Lutheran church and are people of
sterling worth who enjoy the confidence and warm regard of all with whom they
are brought in contact. Mr. Aldal votes with the republican party but is not an
office seeker, preferring to do his public duty as a private citizen. He is loyal to
the best interests of the community and co-operates with all those forces which
mean most in advancing the welfare of the community. In his business affairs
he has displayed sound judgment as well as enterprise and industry and, starting
out in life empty handed, he is today one of the substantial citizens of Norway
township, owning one of the best farms in Winnebago county.

LARS 0. UAIILEN.

At the time of his demise Lars 0. Dahlen had retired from his labors as an
agriculturist and was living in Lake Mills, where he was held in the highest
esteem, and his death was recognized as a loss to his community as well as to
his family and intimate friends. He was one of the first settlers of Winnebago
county, coming here from Wisconsin by prairie schooner in 1870, at which time
conditions were far different from those obtaining at present. He was born in
Norway, November 39, 1838, and was a son of Ole and Ragna Dahlen, farming
people of that country, where they passed their entire lives.

Lars 0. Dahlen was a pupil in the common schools of Norway until he was
confirmed in the Lutheran Church and remained in that country until 1864, when
he came alone to the United States, crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat which was
thirteen weeks in making the voyage. He worked on farms in Columbia county,
Wisconsin, for six years, or until 18'iO, when by prairie schooner he came to
Winnebago county, Iowa. He purchased a quarter section of land in Center
township and for thirty-seven years gave his undivided attention to the operation
of that place, which he made one of the valuable farm properties of his township.
He raised both grain and stock, and as he was industrious and progressive he
received a good annual income. He organized the Farmers Mutual Insurance Com-
pany, of which he was director and manager for a nunilicr of years, and was one
of the organizers of tlie Lake Mills Lumber Company, the Lake Mills Creamery
and the Center Tele]ihone Company. In 1907, feeling that he had earned a
period of leisure, he retired and jiurchased a fine home in Lake Mills, where he
resided until his death, which occurred on the 20th of May 1915. He is buried in
North cemetery at Lake Mills.

The marriage of Mr. Dahlen and Miss Magdalene Ljone was solemnized in Wis-
consin November 27, 1SG9. She is a daughter of Ole and Jorund Ljone, who were
born and married in Norway, but in 18-17 settled in Lafayette county, Wisconsin.
They died in that state, the father at the age of ninety-three years and the mother
when in her seventy-first year, and they are buried in Lodi, Wisconsin. To Mr.
and Mrs. Dahlen were born six children: Oscar L., who died at the age of nine
years; Josephine M., the wife of George E. Johnson, of Mayville, North Dakota;
Rachel J., who died at the age of thirteen ; Oscar L., who is married and resides

MK. AND MBS. LARS O. DAHLEN

TH- r;-v/ rcsic

-*STO.^, VKNOX AND

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 99

near Scarville, in Winnebago county; Martha 0., at liome; and Adolph H.,
who died at the age of eighteen.

Mr. Dahlen was a republican in liis political belief and held n, number of
township offices, such as school director and trustee, the duties of which he dis-
charged promptly, conscientiously and capably. He manifested the keenest interest
in educational matters and the first school in Center township was held upstairs
in the log cabin which was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dahlen. Nothing that
pertained to the development of the community was unimportant to him. He gave
his hearty support to the work of the United Lutheran church, of which he was a
communicant, and in fact all forces working for moral advancement profited by his
aid. He was a man of sterling character and won and retained the friendship of
practically all who came into close contact with him. His widow still lives in
Lake Mills and in addition to the five acres on which the residence is situated she
owns two hundred and forty acres of fine land in Center township. She has a
wide acquaintance throughout the county and is highly esteemed.

LARS N. THOE.

Lars N. Thoe, a widely known and highly esteemed retired farmer and merchant
of Lake Mills, was born in Tysnes Bergen, Norway, April 14, 1848, the youngest
of the five children whose parents were Nels and Martha Thoe. The father engaged
in farming and both he and the mother passed away in their native country, where
they are buried.

Lars N. Thoe attended the common schools until he was confirmed and in
1866, when eighteen years old came to the United States in company with his sister
Ellen. He located in Madison, Wisconsin, where his brother, Zacharias Thoe, had
settled a few years previously. After working upon farms in that locality for four
years Lars N. Thoe came to Winnebago county, Iowa, in 1870, and purchased a
farm in Center township, to the operation of which he devoted a quarter of a
century. He then removed to Lake Mills and established a general store in
partnership with his son, Nels L. Thoe. Five years later he sold his interest in
that business and retired from active life although he owns stock in the Union
department store, of which he was one of the organizers and of which his son, Nels
L., is now president. He was one of the organizers and a director of the Lake
Mills Lumber Company and a director and vice president of the Lake Mills
Canning Company. He holds title to four hundred acres of well improved land in
Center township, which he rents.

Mr. Thoe was married May 9, 1870, to Miss Inger Moen, a daughter of Eric
and Ragnel Moen. They removed with their family from Norway to the United
States during the girlhood of Mrs. Thoe and the voyage was made on the same
ship that brought Mr. Thoe to the new world. The Moen family first settled in
Winneshiek county, Iowa, but subsequently removed to Winnebago county, where
both Mr. and Mrs. Moen passed away. They are buried in the Lime Creek Church
cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Thoe have been born ten children : Nels L., an account
of whose life appears below; Eric L., who is married and is living in Richland
county. North Dakota; Martin J., a resident of Belmond, Iowa; Regina M., the

99261«,

100 WINNEBAG(^ AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

wife of Eugene Gilbert, of Albert Lea, Minnesota; Ellen at home; Edd S., and
Louis E., both of whom are married and reside in Lake Mills; Emma L., now the
wife of Earl Forrester, of Ventura, Iowa ; Martha M., the wife of H. E. Norskow,
of Belniond, Iowa; and Eveline, now Mrs. Elmer Hylbak, of Lake Mills.

Mr. Thoe is a prohibitionist and is firm in his belief that the liquor traffic runs
counter to the best interests of society in many different ways and is therefore
doomed. He was school director for six years, was treasurer of Center township
for seven years and for nine years was township trustee, his long official service
being evidence of the high esteem in which he is held. Ilis religious faith is
evidenced by his membership in the Norwegian Methodist Episcopal church, in
whose work he has taken an active part. The expectation of finding unusually
favorable opportunities for advancement which led him to come to the United
States has been realized and he has gained a competence which now enables him to
live in ease and comfort. Upright and honorable in all relations of life, he holds
in full measure the respect of all who come in contact with him and his personal
friends are many.

NELS L. THOE.

Nels L. Thoe occupies an important place in commercial" circles of Lake Mills
as president of the Union department store, whose large and varied stock makes
literally true the company's slogan. "Everything to Eat and Wear." lie is a native
son of Iowa as his birth occurred in Center township, Winnebago county, on the
19th of January, 1871, and the pioneer conditions which then prevailed in that
section are indicated in the fact that his birthplace was a log house with a sod roof.
A sketch of his parents, Lars and Inger (Moen) Thoe, appears above.

Until he reached the age of sixteen years Nels L. Thoe attended the public
schools and from that time until he attained his majority he assisted his father
with the work of the home farm, save for two winters spent in study at the
Breckenridge Business College of Decorah. When twenty-one years old he became
clerk in a general store conducted by Olson & Wadsworth at Lake Mills and
remained with them for five years, at the end of which time he and his father
established a store in one of the rooms now occupied by the Union department
store. The father and son engaged in business together for five years, after which
they sold out, Lars Thoe retiring from active business at that time. The Union
department store was organized and Nels L. Thoe was connected therewith for five
years as an employe. At length he purchased stock in the business and has from
time to time increased his holdings. He is president of the company, Ed Thoe is
secrctaiy and Narl Hylbak, treasurer, while the board of directors is composed of
the officers and L. N. Thoe, and Irvin L. Thoe. The company was incorporated
in 1902 and occupies both the first and second floors of the Union block, which
was built in 1897 by L. N. Thoe, the firm of Jessen & Due and P. M. Joice. The
slogan of the company is, "Everything to Eat and Wear," and the store is divided
into five departments, in which are carried complete and up-to-date lines of dry
goods, ready-to-wear clothing, groceries, tinware and crockery. The buying is
done with the actual needs and preferences of their customers in mind; the stock

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 101

is displayed to the best advantage and a sale is never considered complete until
the customer is satisfied. As would be expected, their trade has grown steadily and
rapidly and their annual volume of business has reached a large figure.

In 1894 Mr. Thoe was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Brakke, a daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Ingebrit Brakke, who were born in Norway but were married in the
United States. They were early settlers of Norway township, Winnebago county,
Iowa, and are buried in the Lime Creek Church cemetery, or, as it is sometimes
known, Ostby's Church cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Thoe's children are four in
number: Irvin L., who is associated with his father in business; and Irene,
Laurette and Margaret, all at home.

Mr. Thoe supports the prohibition party at the polls, is a member of the
Norwegian Methodist Episcopal church and can at all times be counted upon to
aid in every way possible movements calculated to promote the moral advancement
of his community. The sterling principles to which he rigidly adheres, his initia-
tive and his fine business ability have all aided him in gaining a high place in
public esteem.

PETER A. IIELGESEN, M. D.

Dr. Peter A. Helgesen is discharging his duties as mayor of Lake Mills with
marked capability and is also taking care of his large and representative practice as
physician and surgeon. He was born in Iowa county, Wisconsin, August 29, 1868,
of the marriage of John and Ingebor (Dakken) Helgesen, natives of Norway, who
located in Iowa county, Wisconsin, on their emigration to the United States.
There at the time of the Civil war the father enlisted in the Fifteenth Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry and was at the front for four years, thus proving the quality of
his allegiance to his adopted country. At the close of the war he returned to
Wisconsin and farmed there until his death in December, 1895, when he was sixty-
six years old. The mother died in January, 1905, at the age of fifty-three years.

Peter A. Helgesen grew to manhood upon the home farm and received his
early education in the district schools. Later he took a course in the Northwestern
Business College and Academy at Madison, Wisconsin, and in 1887 he entered
Rush Medical College of Chicago, Illinois. Subsequently he became a student in
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, from which he was grad-
uated in March, 1891. He soon afterward opened an office in Lake Mills, where
he has since remained, and his skill as a physician and surgeon is recognized by
both the general public and his professional colleagues. He is also a registered
pharmacist and from 1900 to 1905 was interested in a drug store in Lake Mills.
He still owns stock in the Farmers Elevator Company, in the Lake Mills Lumber
Company and in the Mutual, Telephone Company.

Dr. Helgesen was married in 1889 to Miss Anna Dakken, who passed away in
1911 after an illness of fifteen years' duration. To them were born two children,
as follows: Walter, a jeweler residing in Lake Mills; and Russell, who is a junior
in the Lake Mills high school and has enlisted in Company D, Iowa National
Guard. In August, 1912, Dr. Helgesen was married to Miss Maude E. Thomas,,
a graduate of the Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls and a holder of the

102 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

M. D. I. degree. For several years she was principal of the Lake Mills schools, was
later teacher of Latin and English in tlie Waterloo (Iowa) high school and principal
of the Waukon (Iowa) puhlic schools. She has one son, Harold I., three years old.
Dr. Ilelgesen is one of the leaders in local republican circles, was from 1913
'to 1914 chairman of the county republican central committee and has many times
been called to pulilic office. For two years lie was county coroner and during the
greater part of the time since 1898 has been mayor, which office he is now filling.
He understands well the interests of the city and has been very efficient in devising
and carrying out jilans for the advancement of its interests, while at all times his
devotion to the public good has been above question. In his religious belief he is a
Lutheran and fraternally he belongs to the Masons, the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of
America. In addition to his large private practice he is surgeon for the Chicago
& Northwestern Kailroad and his professional connections include membership in
the Winnebago County and the Iowa State Medical Societies and in the American
Medical Association.

EDWARD G. McGREEVEY.

Edvi'ard G. McGreevey, cashier of the Farmers Savings Bank at Leland,
has through his own efforts and capability risen to his present position of impor-
tance and responsibility in the business circles of Winnebago county. He was born
in Wisconsin, February 22, 1867, and is a son of Edward and Mary (Hanlon)
McGreevey, wlio were natives of Ireland and came to America in early life. They
first settled in New York, but afterward removed to Wisconsin, in 1877 came to
Iowa, establishing their home upon a farm in Winnebago County. Here the father
passed away in 1906 and is still survived by the mother.

Edward G. McGreevey was one of a family of nine children, all of whom are
yet living. He spent his boyhood days under the parental roof and obtained a
public school education, which he supplemented by a high school course at Forest
City, Iowa. He started out in the business world as a clerk in a store in
Forest City, where he remained for a year and then went to South Dakota, where
he was employed on a railroad for three years. He afterward removed to Montana,
where he continued in railroad work for a year, after which he returned to Iowa
and spent a similar period in merchandising. He next turned his attention to
buying and shipping stock, which business claimed his time and energies for a few
years, and later he devoted six years to buying grain, spending two years of that
time at Leland and four years in Ogdcn. On the 1st of March, 1901, he took
charge of the Farmers Savings Bank at Leland as cashier and has since been in
control of this institution, which was organized in 1900 and which has been under
his direction for sixteen years, its growth and success being attributable in large
measure to his efforts, enterprise and business ability. For the last sixteen years
he has also engaged in auctioneering and during that time he has cried many sales.
He is treasurer of the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company and of the Leland
Farmers Elevator Company and is secretary of the Leland Mutual Telephone Com-
pany and of the Mount Valley Manufacturing Company. He is also the owner

EDWARD G. McGREEVEY

'■■"!'■ '.-oV; 70f^

T1L;.JK.N i-OUNDAT,
I «

IONS
L

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 105

of land in Nebraska and his realty holdings and his other interests are the visible
evidence of an active, useful and well spent life.

On October 23, 1907, at Fort Dodge, Iowa, Mr. McGreevey was married to
Miss Mina Anderson, a native of that city and a daughter of Christian and Mary
(Brovold) Anderson, who came from Norway in early life and settled in Iowa. Mr.
and Mrs. McGreevey have become parents of two children: Edward II., eight
years old; and Donald M. C, six years old, both of wdiom are attending school.
Mr. McGreevey is a member of the Catholic church and belongs to the Brotherhood
of American Yeomen. He gives his political support to the democratic party.
His prominence and popularity in Leland are indicated in the fact that he has
served for fourteen years as mayor, no other having ever occupied the position for
so long a period. It is indicative not only of the confidence reposed in him but
also a proof of the marked ability and fidelity which he has displayed in
discharging his duties. He has also been secretary of the school board for several
years and lie is interested in every ])lan and measure for promoting the general
welfare of county and state.

JOHN ISAACSON.

Jolm Isaacson, justice of the peace of Forest City, a veteran of the Civil war
and a retired business man and farmer, has in many ways left the impress of his
individuality upon the history of Winnebago county, where he has ever stood for
those things which are most worth while in the life of the community. He was
born in Norway on the 12th of March, 1840, a son of Knud and Mary (Berg)
Isaacson, who came to the United States in 18.55, settling in Dane county, Wis-
consin, where they resided until called to their final rest.

John Isaacson was a lad of fifteen when he left his native country and came
with his parents to the new world. His education was largely acquired in the
parochial schools of Norway, and after coming to the United States he also attended
district schools in Wisconsin. His parents were in humble financial circumstances,
owing money for their passage to America, and John Isaacson early became a wage
earner. Almost immediately after his arrival in Wisconsin he secured work as a
farm hand, which brought him seven dollars per month, a sum which he contributed
to the support of the family. He had reached the age of twenty-two years when
on the 15th of August, 1862, he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting
in the army as a member of Company H, Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry, with which he served until the close of hostilities. He enlisted as a
private and was subsequently promoted to the rank of orderly sergeant, while later
he was commissioned second lieutenant. He took part in the siege of Vicksburg
from the 18th of May to the 4th of July, 1863, and assisted in the capture of
Little Rock, where his command remained until March 6, 1864, and then Joined
the Seventh Corps under General Steele. He then took part in the celebrated Red
River expedition and afterward was engaged in the battle of Okalona, Arkansas, on
the 3d of April, 1864. He was also in the fight at Elkins Ford, Arkansas, which
began the following day and continued until the 6th of April. At Moscow,

106 WINNEBAOU AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Arkansas, on the 13th of April, and at Camden on the 24th his regiment again
engaged the enemy and was also under fire at Jenkins Ferry, Arkansas, on the 30th
of April. The troops then returned to Little Eock, Arkansas, and were stationed
there until some time in May, when they were transferred to Pine Bluff, Arkansas,
but the same month returned to Little Eock, there continuing until February,
1865, when they proceeded down the Mississippi river to New Orleans, making their
way afterward to Fort Morgan, Alabama. Mr. Isaacson with his command partici-
pated in the capture of Spanish Fort in April, ISISS, and in the capture of Fort
Blakely in the same month. In 1864 he was detailed home on recruiting service,
being thus engaged for two months, during which period he was made first
sergeant, and on the 25th of September of that year he was commissioned second
lieutenant. He was mustered out of the service on the 25th of September, 1865, at
Brownsville, Texas, after which he was sent north and was honoral)ly discharged.

Prior to his enlistment Mr. Isaacson had secured eighty acres of land in Dane
county, Wisconsin, and soon after his return he was married and settled upon Ids
farm, there residing until June, 1881, when he came to Winnebago county, Iowa,
establishing his home in Forest City, where he opened a store, being prominently
identified with merchandising for nine years. On the cx])iration of that period he
sold out and bought a farm of two hundred and sixty acres in Center township, to
the cultivation of which he devoted his attention for two years. In 1892 he was
called to public office, being elected county auditor, after which he returned to
Forest City, entering upon the duties of his position on the 1st of January, 1893.
By reelection he served for four years in that position, making a creditable record
by the faithful manner in which he discharged his duties. Later he once more
resumed farming and for eight years was identified with agricultural pursuits in
Ellington township, Hancock county, but afterward sold out and returned to his
Forest City home, which he has since occupied. He was again called to public
office in 1912, when elected justice of the peace. He has been twice reelected and
is now serving for the third term. In 1916 more than fifty cases were tried before
him, about one-half of which were criminal cases, and in his official capacity he
has also married sixteen couples. In 1906 he was appointed court bailiff and has
continuously occupied that position to the present time. During the eight years
that he resided on the farm in Ellington township, Hancock county, he was con-
nected with the school board, five years as a director and three years as secretary to
the board.

On Christmas Day of 1865 Mr. Isaacson was united in marriage to Miss Carrie
Olson, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, by wdiom he had fourteen children, eleven of
whom still survive, as follows: Clara M., who is the wife of P. G. Kloster, of
Forest City; Adelia M., who gave her hand in marriage to G. I. Koto, of Forest
City; Carl A., who is engaged in the land business at Forest City; Newton E., the
president of the First National Bank of Thompson, Winnebago county; George
E., a Montana ranchman; Mabel A., the wife of C. E. Eobinson, of Forest City;
Amanda S., who is the wife of William F. Groves, of Viroqua, Wisconsin ; Elpha
F., the wife of Walter A. Forde, of Marysville, California; Sumner E., who is
assistant cashier of the First National Bank at Thompson, Iowa; Eeuben I.,
assistant cashier of the German State Bank at Hartley, Iowa ; and Vernon V., who
acts as assistant cashier of the Stanton State Bank at Stanton, North Dakota. On
Christmas Day of 1915 Mr. and Mrs. Isaacson celebrated their golden wedding,

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 107

on which joyous occasion their children and grandchildren to the number of more
than fifty gathered.

Mr. Isaacson has always been a stanch republican since age conferred upon him
the right of franchise and fraternally he is connected with Ilayden I'ost, No. 151,
G. A. R., thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He and
his wife are members of the Lutheran church and they are among the most highly
esteemed and respected couples of Winneliago county, where they have now long
resided, witnessing its development from a frontier district into one of the
populous and progressive counties of the state. At all times Judge Isaacson has
been as true and loyal in discharging the duties of citizenship as when he followed
the old flag on the battlefields of the south, marching with quick step as the stars
and stripes led on. His step today may be slower but the same spirit of loyalty
remains, and though an adopted son of the nation, America has no more faithful
and vigorous supporter of her interests than Judge Isaacson.

ANDEEW E. BEANSTAD.

Since 1875 Andrew E. Branstad has been a resident of Winnebago county and
has therefore witnessed almost its entire development and progress. He has seen
towns and villages spring up and the wild land transformed into productive and
valuable farms. As an agriculturist he has been actively identified with this devel-
opment and he has also taken an important part in public affairs.

A native of Norway, Mr. Branstad was born August 10, 1859, and is a sou of
Endre and Dordy (Groitnes) Branstad, who came to the United States in 1873 and
first located in Winneshiek county, Iowa, but after residing there for two years
removed to Winnebago county. The father purchased eighty acres of land on
section 1, Forest township, on which he resided up to the time of his death in 1911.
The mother is still living and now makes her home in Leland.

Being thirteen years of age on the emigration of the family to the new world,
Andrew E. Branstad had attended school in his native land, and for one term
continued his studies in the schools of Winneshiek county. He assisted his
father in the operation of the home farm until he attained his twenty-second year
and then started out to make his own way in the world, working on a section of the
railroad for three years. At the end of that time Mr. Branstad purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land one and a half miles southeast of Leland and turned
his attention to farming, with which occupation he had become thoroughly familiar
during his boyhood and youth. He converted the raw prairie into highly cultivated
fields and made his farm one of the best in the locality. His first house was built
of logs which had formed a building erected by John Springen immediately after
the Civil war and in this dwelling Mr. Branstad lived for six years, at the end of
which time it was replaced by a good frame residence. He continued to live upon
his farm until the Ist of March, 1917, when he purchased his present home adjoin-
ing Leland, and now rents the home farm, consisting of two hundred and eighty
acres, to his sons, Helnier and Carl.

Mr. Branstad was married June 15, 1885, to Miss Ingeborg Nerley, of Winne-
shiek county, Iowa, but a native of Norway, and to them have been born nine

108 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIB^S

children, of whom seven survive, namely : Eilward G., and Gust E., both farmers
of Polk county, Wisconsin; Dinah Ann, the wife of Levi Larson of the same county;
Ilehner D., who is on the home farm ; Hazel, with her parents ; Carl 0., also on his
father's farm; and Wilma 0., now attending Waldorf College at Forest City, Iowa.
Mr. Branstad now votes independently and for many years has been an active
worker for prohibition. He is a member of the town council of Leland and was
a member of the first town council after the incorporation. As a public-spirited
citizen he has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his town and county
'and has given his support to all worthy enterprises for the public good. He was
one of the principal factors in the organization of the co-operative creamery built
at Leland, which was the first co-operative creamery in Winnebago county, and he
served as the first president, after which he filled the office of secretary for

some time.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Branstad are earnest and consistent members of the Norwe-
gian Lutheran church and he was one of five men to organize the first church of
that denomination in Leland. He has' always taken an active part in church and
.Sunday school work, serving as superintendent of the Sunday school continuously
since its organization. His life has been upright and honorable in every respect and
he well merits the high esteem in which he is uniformly held.

JENS BEN JENSON;.

Jens Ben Jenson, living on section 9, Newton township, is a representative of the
Norwegian element in the citizenship of Winnebago county— an element that has
done much toward developing this district. He was born in Mitchell county, Iowa,
March 2, 1863, and is a son of Jens and Mary 0. Jenson. He was reared and
educated in Mitchell and in Winnebago counties, being but nine years of age when
in 1871 his parents removed to Winnebago county. His youthful days were spent
under the parental roof until he had reached the age of nineteen, when he began
earning his own living as a farm hand and was thus employed until 1892. He was
thirty years of age when he purchased his present place of eighty acres on section
9, Newton township, on which he has now resided for a quarter of a century. He
immediately took up the task of improving and developing the property and has
since continued its cultivation with the exception of a period of two years when he
rented his farm. His work is carefully and systematically carried on and every-
thing that he does is characterized by good judgment and unfaltering industry. He
is a "stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Lake Mills and also in the
Lake Mills Creamery Company.

On December 8, 1881, Mr. Jenson was married to Miss Mattie Martin, who
passed away in August, 1886, and on the 24th of March, 1891, Mr. Jenson was
again married, his second union being with Miss Julia Rusley, who departed his
life in November, 1899. For liis third wife he chose Ellen C. Anderson, whom he
wedded March 24, 1902. To them were born two children: Joseph A., who was
born June .5, 1903; and Elmer B.. born in July 1911.

Mr. Jenson holds membership in the Lutheran church and he votes with the
republican party, keeping well informed at all times on the questions and issues

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 109

of the day. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, esteem him as a
man of genuine personal worth and good business ability. He has lived in the
county for forty-six years and has therefore witnessed the greater part of its growth,
progress and development, lie can relate many interesting incidents of the early
days when this was a pioneer district, and his memory forms a connecting link
between the primitive past and the progressive present.

WILLIAM C. WELLS.

William C. Wells, one of the prominent early settlers of Garner, now living
retired at that place, comes from the old Pine Tree state, for he was born in Maine
in 1837. When a young man he went to Micliigan and later to Wisconsin, where
he met the lady who afterward became his wife. In IST'O he came to Garner, Iowa,
arriving here before the railroad was completed to this place, and here he embarked
in the lumber business, which he carried on until his retirement from business.

In 1870 Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Fitch, a native of
Connecticut and a daughter of Gordon and Sarah (Gould) Fitch. On leaving the
east her family also removed to Michigan and later to Wisconsin, where she
engaged in teaching school for a time. Mrs. Wells passed away on the 11th of
January, 1916, leaving many friends as well as her immediate family to mourn her
loss. To Mr. and Mrs. Wells were born two children. The son, George, is now
dean of the law school of the State University of Grand Forks, Xorth Dakota. He
married Miss Grace Gillette, of Toledo, Ohio, and they have a son, William G.
Alice, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wells, married George Hahn, of Garner,
who died in 1908, and she now makes her home with her father. She is a well
educated lady and is serving as librarian of the public library of Garner. The
family has long been one of prominence of this city and now in his declining years
Mr. Wells is surrounded by a host of warm friends who hold him in the highest
esteem.

PEED E. CHASE

Among the progressive young farmers of Avery township is Fred E. Chase, who
is living on section 22 and has been a lifelong resident of Iowa. His parents,
William and Mary (Nelius) Chase, were natives of New York and of Iowa
respectively and both have now departed this life. Fred E. Chase was reared
under the parental roof with the usual advantages and opportunities that come to
the farm bred boy. He attended the district schools until he reached the age of
sixteen and then concentrated his entire attention upon farm work, in which he had
already received considerable training, having assisted his father in the work of the
fields through the summer months. He continued to farm for his father and for
others in the neighborhood until he reached the age of twenty-four years, when,
having carefully saved his earnings, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of
land in Ell township, Hancock county. For this tract he paid twenty-eight dollars

110 AVINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

per acre in the month of March and in the fall of that year he sold it for thirty-
three dollars per acre, thus realizing quite a iiandsome little sum on his investment.
In 1900 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 22, Avery
township, for thirty-six dollars per acre and this property he still owns. He
carries on general farming and his fields present a neat and attractive appearance,
indicating his careful methods and wise supervision of the work. He makes a
specialty of raising chickens of the Ehode Island Eed variety, having now two
hundred and thirty-five hens and many young chickens.

On the 11th of October, 1897, Mr. Chase was married to Miss Elva Lange, a
daughter of William and Mary (Arnold) Lange, the former a native of Indiana,
while the latter was born in Germany. Mrs. Chase was one of a family of three
jchildren and by her marriage has become the mother of seven children, Clifford
W., Gerald F., Marvel M., Dale D., Nettie A., lola E. and Jessie A., all yet at
home.

The parents hold membership in the United Brethren church and Mr. Chase
has membership in the Yeomen lodge. His political endorsement has been given
to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and
while he has never sought nor desired political office he has served for seven years
as a school director. Diligence and enterprise have been the determining factors
in shaping his life and they have won for him a substantial measure of success,
placing him among the representative farmers of his community.

HANS LARSON.

Hans Larson, one of the foremost residents of Forest City, where he is engaged
in the land business, was born in Norway on the 27th of February, 1860, a son
of Lars and Leva (Larson) Larson, both of whom spent their entire lives in the
land of the midnight sun. It was in 1880 that Hans Lar.son, then a young man
of twenty years, crossed the Atlantic, landing at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on
the 4th of July. He made his way direct across the country to Winnebago county,
Iowa, where he was employed during the summer months as a farm hand at eight
dollars per month, while during the winter seasons he worked for his board. His
pas.sage money liad been sent to him from Winnebago county by his cousins, Hans
and L. T. Thompson, and this money he repaid soon afterward by his work as a
farm hand. He was employed in that way for three years, at the end of which
time he purchased a team of horses, rented land and started out independently as
a farmer. From that point forward he has rapidly won success. He bent every
energy to the development and improvement of his place and made his efforts
count for the utmost in the attainment of prosperity. In 1885 he purchased eighty
acres of land in Forest township, on which he took up his abode and there resided
for twelve years. In the meantime he continued to purchase land whenever oppor-
tunity offered. He carefully saved his earnings and the money was invested in
other property until he was the owner of some eight different farms in Hancock
and Winnebago counties. In recent years he has sold some of this land, but he
is still one of the large land holders of this section of the state and in addition
he owns extensive interests in city property at Forest City and also has large

HAXS LARSOX

RESIDENCE OF HANS LARSON, FOREST CITY

TIT''.rK'Y YOTtK

PUSLK

..ICRARY

AETOa, LEWOX AMD_

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 115

land holdings in Texas, including a tract of four hundred acres near Houston
which he has recently leased for oil development. He was emigration agent for
several railroads of the Northwest and was the means of bringing many hundreds
of settlers to North Dakota, Idaho and Washington. In 1897 he took up his
abode in Forest City, where he has since resided, and he today owns and occu-
pies its most beautiful home. In fact, he is justly accounted one of the most
progressive and substantial residents of his part of the state. While he has been
a progressive and enterprising farmer, the greater part of his wealth has been
acquired through his successful speculations in land. He has displayed almost
intuitive wisdom in recognizing the value of property and its possible rise, and
land which he has purchased at a low figure has been sold at a good profit, bringing
to him a gratifying return.

On May 15, 1885, Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Johnson,
of Forest township, Winnebago county, by whom he had eight children, six of
whom still survive, as follows : John M. and Lena E., both of whom are graduates
of the Waldorf Lutheran College; Minnie M., also a graduate of that institution;
Harry; Ida, a high school student; and Alma. Clara passed away soon after
completing her course in the Waldorf Lutheran College. Lena E. is now the
wife of A. D. Hewitt and resides in Lemon, South Dakota, and Minnie M. married
Dr. R. E. Hansen, of Forest City, but the other surviving children are still under
the parental roof.

The parents are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and in politics
Mr. Larson is a republican. He may truly be called a self-made man and he
deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for his energy and industry
have carried him into important relations. His life is an indication of what may
be achieved when laudable ambition points out the way and persistency of purpose
characterizes one's course.

RASMUS 0. HAUGLAND.

Rasmus 0. Haugland, a retired farmer living in Lake Mills, has reached the
advanced age of eighty-two years and receives the respect and honor to which. his
long, active and well spent life entitles him. He was born in Norway, October 18,
1834, of the marriage of Ole G. and Ingeborg (Gunderson) Haugland who in 1846
removed with their family to Dane county, Wisconsin, where both passed away and
are buried. The father engaged in farming and also taught school in Norway.
To them were born twelve children, of whom three grew to maturity and of whom
our subject is the only one now living.

Rasmus 0. Haugland began his education in the common schools of his native
country and continued it in the schools of Dane county, Wisconsin, until he was
sixteen years old. From that time until 1867 he worked as a lumberman, cutting
timber along the Wisconsin river and taking the lumber down the Mississippi to
St. Louis. In 1867 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Center
township, Winnebago county, Iowa, and from that time until 1914 was continuously
engaged in its improvement and cultivation. During that time his land, which
had been in a raw state when it came into his possession, was brought to a high

116 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

degree of cultivation, many improvements were made thereon and his resources
steadily increased, enabling him to retire from active life in 1914. lie then took
up his residence in Lake Mills, where he owns an attractive home. He helped
organize the Lake Mills Creamery Company, the Lake Mills Lumber Company,
the Leland Creamery Company, the Farmers Elevator Company at Leland and the
Mount Valley Threshing Company at Leland. lie still owns a fine farm of one
hundred and sixty acres, which he rents, and twenty acres of timber land.

In lStJ7 Mr. Ilaugland married Miss Sarah Sunderland, a daughter of Ole
H. and Anna Sunderland, natives of Norway, who on emigrating to the United
States first located in Dane county, Wisconsin, but in 18G6 removed to Winnebago
county, Iowa, whence they went to Wright county, North Dakota, where they died
and are buried. To Mr. and Mrs. Ilaugland were horn eleven children, of whom
four died in youth, while seven survive, namely: Emma, now Mrs. L. E. Peterson,
of Forest City, Iowa ; Anna, the wife of T. A. Thompson, of Center township ;
Oscar, who married and resides at Nashua, Montana; Edward, a sketch of whom
appears elsewhere in this volume; Helmer, who is married and resides in Lake
Mills; Emil, a traveling salesman of St. Paul, Minn.; and William, a resident of
Forest City.

Mr. Haugland is a stanch republican and has done much effective work for his
party. His first presidential vote was cast for John C. Fremont and he has lived
under eighteen presidents in the United States and under 'two kings in Norway.
He has always taken a commendable interest in public affairs and for one term was
county supervisor, for four years justice of the peace and for a number of years
school director. In religious faith he is a United Lutheran. He began his inde-
pendent career with no capital save his energy, strength and sound judgment, and
these qiialifications have proved amply sufficient, as he is now one of the substantial
men of the county. He has a wide acquaintance and holds a warm place in the
regard of many.

EDWARD R. HAUGLAND.

Edward R. Haugland is one of the most successful business men of Lake Mills
and the meat market wdiich he conducts is a model establishment of the kind, no
expense having been spared to secure the most complete, up-to-date and sanitary
equipment. He was born in Center township, this county, August 21, 1882, and
is a son of Rasmus and Sarah (Sunderland) Ilaugland, a sketch of whose lives
appears aliove. Until sixteen years old he attended the common schools and subse-
quently for seven years gave his time and attention to helping with the work of the
home farm. When twenty-three years old he rented that place and operated it
on his own account for three years, afier which he went to Ward county. North
Dakota, where he purchased a quarter section of land. Three years later he sold
that place and returned to Winnebago county. For a year he was employed as a
butcher by M. G. Johnson, of Lake Mills, and tlien engaged in the butchering busi-
ness for himself in Rowan, Wright county, Iowa. Upon selling that business he,
in partnership with M. G. Johnson, bought a meat market at Lake Mills from
Bang & Mortenson. Two years later his brother, Helmer C. Haugland, bought

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 117

out Mr. Johnson's interest and the two brothers have since conducted the market,
which is one of the leading business enterprises of Lake Mills. The sales room is
finished in white and there is also a specially constructed cooling and freezing room
supplied with the modern type of ammonia refrigerating system. They do their
own killing and their methods of preparing the meat for the market are the best
known. At every step the utmost care is taken to ensure absolute cleanliness.

Mr. Haugland makes his home with his parents. In religious faith he is a
United Lutheran and his political views are in accord with the principles of the
republican party, whose candidates he supports at the polls. In the management
of his business he displays unusual progressiveness coupled with sound judgment
and his continued success is assured.

HARRY R. IRISH, M. D.

Dr. Harry R. Irish, of Forest City, was born in Dane county, Wisconsin,
October 4, 1860, a son of David and Harriett (Brownell) Irish, who were natives
of Vermont. About 1854 they removed to the middle west, settling in Wisconsin,
and in 1867 they established their home in Jasper county, Iowa, where the father
purchased land and engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1885.
His wife passed away in 1890.

After acquiring a public school education Dr. Irish attended the Hazel Dell
Academy at Newton, Iowa, and he began preparation for a professional career by
reading medicine in the office and under the direction of Dr. J. R. Smith, of
Kellogg, Iowa. Later he entered the medical department of the State University
of Michigan, from which he was graduated with the class of 188.S. Immediately
afterward he came to Forest City, where he opened an office, and here he has since
remained, covering a period of more than a third of a century. His ability in
his profession has brought him prominently to the front in this connection and he
has long been accorded a very liberal patronage. He has been a constant student
of his profession and his broad reading has kept him in touch with the trend of
modern scientific investigation and discovery.

In 1887 Dr. Irish was married to Miss Alice Peirce, of Sanborn, New York,
a teacher of Forest City and a daughter of Edward and Susan (Rose) Peirce.
The former was a soldier of the Civil war and laid down his life on the altar of
his country in defense of the Union. To Dr. and Mrs. Irish have been born a
daughter and son: Leita, the wife of Henry Clausen, of Clear Lake, Iowa; and
Thomas, who is now a student in the medical department of the State Univer-
sity. Fraternally Dr. Irish is connected with Truth Lodge, No. 213, F. & A. M.,
of which he is a past master, and he also belongs to the Woodmen Camp No. 717.
In politics he may be called an independent democrat, for while he supports many
of the principles of the party, he does not consider himself bound by party ties.
He has filled the office of mayor of Forest City, to which he has given a beneficial
and public-spirited administration, and that he is a stalwart champion of the
cause of public education is indicated in his twenty-two years' service as a member
of the school board. He has also been pension examiner. In addition to his large
private practice he is acting as surgeon for the Rock Island Railway and he belongs

118 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

to the Winnebago County, the Iowa State and the American Medical Associations
and also to the American Association of Railway Surgeons. His ability is pro-
nounced and throughout his entire professional career he has neglected no duty or
responsibility that has devolved upon him.

OLE WHITE.

Ole White, who is now practically living retired on section 27, Ellington
township, Hancock county, Iowa, claims Denmark as his native land, his birth
occurring May 25, 1855. His parents, Easmer and Prena White, were also born
in that country, where they continued to reside throughout life. There Ole White
was reared and educated, attending the common schools as he had opportunity.
Believing that he could better his financial condition in the new world where
competition is not so great, he came to America in 1873, at the age of eighteen
years and first located in Michigan, where he spent two years. He then removed
to Illinois, where he made his home for a number of years.

In the latter state Mr. White was married in 1880 to Miss Alice Gentry, by
whom he has had five children, namely: Effie, now the wife of W. A. Carr; Lena,
the wife of M. Easmus ; Wilson, who is operating the home farm ; Prena, the wife
of Clarence Drake; and Eaymond, at home.

, It was in 1899 that Mr. White brought his family to Iowa and, deciding that
Hancock county would be a good location, purchased the northwest quarter of
section 26, Ellington township. To the improvement and cultivation of that
place he devoted his energies for several years with most gratifying results and
continued to make his home thereon until recently, when he retired from active
farming and turned the place over to his son, who is now operating it. Mr.
White then removed to a forty acre tract on section 27, Ellington township, where
he now resides, enjoying the fruits of his years of industry, surrounded by all the
comforts which make life worth the living. He is a worthy member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, and in
politics he is a progressive. He is one of the representative men of his community
and wherever known is held in high esteem.

A. F. SEGEESTROM.

Classed with the progressive and representative citizens of Mount Valley town-
ship, Winnebago county, is A. F. Segerstrom, who is now engaged in farming on
section 27, where he has a tract of land whereon he took up his abode in 1910.
He had previously been connected with commercial pursuits and has ever occupied
a prominent position in business circles of this section of the state. He was born
in Worthington, Minnesota, July 24, 1875, and is a son of Nels and Bengta
(Swenson) Segerstrom, both of whom were natives of Sweden, where they were
reared and married. About 1867 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States,
establishing their home in Osage, Iowa, where they continued to reside until 1874,

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 119

when they became residents of Worthington, Minnesota. Mr. Segerstrom after-
ward spent twenty years in California and in later years he returned to Iowa,
now making his home in Winnebago county.

At the usual age A. P. Segerstrom became a pupil in the district school near
his father's home and afterward had the benefit of instruction in the Forest City
high school. He came to Winnebago county with his mother in 1887, at which
time they settled in Forest City. Soon after reaching his thirteenth year A. F.
Segerstrom became an apprentice to the tinner's and plumber's trade in Forest
City and for several years was thus employed, in fact was continuously engaged
at his trade and in the hardware business for twenty-two years. In 1897 he
established a hardware store, which he successfully conducted until 1910. He
then retired from mercantile business on account of his health and took up farm-
ing, removing to his present place in Mount Valley township.

In 1909 Mr. Segerstrom was united in marriage to Miss llilma Johnson of
Mount Valley township, Winnebago county, her father being 0. K. Johnson, who
came to this part of Iowa from Illinois in 1882, but is now deceased. Mr. and
Mrs. Segerstrom have two children, Milton A. and Mildred E. Mr. Segerstrom
exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the repub-
lican party. He and his wife are members of the Swedish Baptist church, take
an active interest in developing the work of the church, thus promoting the moral
progress of the community, and for twenty years he taught a Sunday school class.
He is interested in all those forces which work for public progress. He is a stock-
holder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company and in the Farmers Elevator
of Forest City and he has studied closely and intelligently questions which affect
the business welfare and material development of the district. His has been an
active and useful life characterized by honorable purpose and attended by success.

NELS EEICKSON.

Iowa has drawn largely upon Norway for its citizenship and from the land of
the midnight sun have come many who have done much to further the development
and progress of the commonwealth. Actively identified with agricultural interests
of Winnebago county is Nels Erickson, who resides on section 24, Norway town-
ship. He was bom in Norway, June 3, 1849, a son of Erick Iverson and Martha
Johansdatter. He attended the common schools of his native country until he
reached the age of fifteen years and afterward worked for others in Norway until
he had reached the age of twenty-three.

On attaining his majority Mr. Erickson was married to Ingaberg Olson, a
daughter of Ole Anderson and Helena Christiansdatter. The former died when
Mrs. Erickson was but fourteen years of age and the latter came to the United
States when eighty-one years of age and lived with Mr. and Mrs. Erickson until
a short time prior to her death, when she went to live with a daughter at Dows,
Iowa, where she passed away at the age of eighty-seven. It was in 1872 that Mr.
and Mrs. Erickson crossed the Atlantic to the new world and established their
home in Franklin county, Iowa, where he was employed as a farm hand for a few
years. Later he purchased land in that locality and resided thereon until 1891,

120 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

wlien he sold that place and came to Wuincbago county. He purchased the soiitli-
east quarter of section 24, Norway township, and forty acres of the northeast
quarter of section 25, thus hecoming owner of two hundred acres, which he has
since cultivated and improved. He also extended the boundaries of his farm liy
purchasing an additional tract of two hundred acres just over the line in Worth
county, but has since given this to his children. He owns a store building and
stock of goods at Emmons, Minnesota, just over the boundary line. He is inter-
ested financially in the creamery company and the lumber company at Lake Mills
and also in the Farmers elevator there and his business affairs are extensive and
important, while his success demonstrates his ability and enterprise.

Mr. and Mrs. Erickson have become the parents of six children, who are yet
living: Emma, the wife of L. B. Stene, who was born in Norway and is now
residing on a farm adjoining her father's; Henry, who is farming in Worth
county ; Matilda, the wife of Bert Ander,son, of Worth county ; Tlieodore, who is
assisting in the operation of the home farm ; Olga, the wife of Gus Hanson, of
Emmons, Minnesota; and Enge, now the wife of C. (-. iSiblrud, of Emmons.
The parents hold membership with the Synod Lutheran church and Mr. Erickson
gives his political support to the republican party. He has never been an oflHce
seeker, preferring to concentrate his time and attention upon his business affairs,
but was school director in Franklin county for four years. As the years have gone
on he has won substantial prosperity which has come entirely as the legitimate and
well deserved reward of his industry, perseverance and honorable dealing.

C. C. MYEE.

A valued and enterprising citizen of Linden township, Winnebago county, was
called from life when on the 5th of January, 1914, C. C. Myre passed away. He
was truly a self-made man and his activity brought to him success which enabled
him to leave his family in comfortable financial circumstances. He was born in
Norway, April 7, 1849, and when four years of age was brought to the new world
by his parents. For a year the family lived in W^isconsin and in 1854 came to
Winneshiek county, Iowa, where both the father and mother passed away.

C. C. Myre was reared and educated in that county, meeting with the usual
experiences of farm bred boys. There he was married in 1876 to Miss Breat Indvik,
who was born in Norway and came to the United States with her parents in 1872.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Myre came to Winnebago county and took
up their abode upon a farm. As the years passed by he carefully managed his
business and prosperity enabled him from time to time to add to his holdings until
his possessions in farm land aggregated seven hundred and twenty acres. He
never allowed difficulties or obstacles to discourage him and his resolute courage and
energy carried him forward to the goal of success.

Mr. and Mrs. Myre became the parents of seven children, of whom all are yet
living nainely: C. C. ; John C. ; Bertha, the wife of A. Dahl; Julia, the wife of
Andrew Jacobson; Gena, the wife of Eoy Thomas, of Mason City; Helmer
C; and Clarence, who is living on the old homestead. On the 5th of January,
1914, Mr. Myre departed this life, being then about sixty-five years of age, and he

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TJIL;--N l-O'JNUATlOf.- I

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WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 123

was laid to rest in the West Prairie cemetery. He held membership in the
Lutheran church and lived the life of an earnest Christian gentleman, being
straightforward in all of his business dealings and honorable in all life's relations.
Those who knew him entertained tor him the warmest regard, and not only his
immediate family but many friends mourned his passing. Mrs. Myre is also a
member of the Lutheran church and she is widely and favorably known in her part
of the county. She still owns the old homestead property of two hundred acres,
situated on section 83 Linden township. It is well improved and returns to her a
gratifying annual income as the result of the care and labor bestowed upon the
place.

LUDVIG B. LUDVIG.

Ludvig E. Ludvig, president and general manager of the Lake Mills Imple-
ment and Hardware Company, is a business man of more than the usual initiative
and ability as is evidenced by the importance of the company of which he is the
head. He was born in Norway township, Winnebago county, February 11, 1879,
and his parents, John A. and Brunhilde (Sanden) Ludvig, were natives respect-
ively of Sondfjord, Norway, and of Wisconsin. In early life the fatiier crossed
the Atlantic to the United States and located in Winnebago county, Iowa, where
he followed the carpenter's trade for a number of years. He then purchased land
in Norway township, to the operation of which he devoted the remainder of his
life. He died in January, 11)10, and the mother's death occurred in February,
1881.

Ludvig E. Ludvig was reared in Winnebago county and received his early
education in its public schools. Later he attended the Luther Academy at Albert
Lea, Minnesota, from which he was graduated in 1899, and the succeeding year
was spent upon the home farm. At the end of that time he became bookkeeper for
Eckert & Williams of Lake Mills, so continuing until 190.5, when he bought out
the T. S. Tweed implement business, which he operated under the name of L. E.
Ludvig & Company for five years. In 1910 he consolidated his interests with the
business of Eckert & Williams, the new companj' being known as the Lake Mills
Implement and Hardware Company, with Mi'. Ludvig as secretary. He has ever
since had the direction of the affairs of the company and in 1915 bought out the
interest of Mr. Eckert, at that time becoming president of the company. He still
holds that office and he is likewise treasurer and manager. The company deals in
plumbing and heating supplies, buggies, wagons, harness, windmills, farm ma-
chinery of all kinds, automobiles and hardware and its stock is much larger than
that usually found in a city the size of Lake Mills. Its annual volume of trade
has reached a highly satisfying figure and its patronage is still showing a steady
growth.

Mr. Ludvig was married June 37, 1901, to Miss Bertina Honsey, a daughter
of T. G. and Turi (Waugness) Honsey, of Norway township, Winnebago county.
Mr. and Mrs. Ludvig have two children, namely: Bennett J., twelve years of
age; and Homer T., aged seven. He casts his ballot in support of the candidates
and measures of the republican party but has never had time to take an active

124 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

pdrt in political affairs. He liolds membership in the Lutheran church and gives
his heartiest support to the promotion of its work. His successful management
of his important business interests has brought him financial prosperity and has
also made him a factor in the general commercial development of the city.

OLE K. JUTLAND.

Ole K. Juvland, who carries on general agricultural pursuits on section 23,
Center township, and is also actively identified with commercial interests in near-by
towns, displays in his business career a spirit of marked enterprise and progressive-
ness combined with indefatigable energy. He was born in Norway, February 1,
1851, a son of Knute and Asave (Evenson) Olson, who were natives of the same
country and there spent their entire lives.

Ole K. Juvland pursued his education in the schools of Norway and a year
after attaining his majority bade adieu to friends and native country in order to
try his fortune in America. Crossing the Atlantic in 1873, he made his way to
Worth county, Iowa, where he worked as a farm hand for ten years. On the expira-
tion of that period he came to Winnebago county and invested his savings in eighty
acres of land on section 23, Center township. It was then all covered with timber,
but he cleared away the trees and brush and has since improved the tract, converting
it into a fine farm. Later he bought another eighty acres and is now owner of
one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land which he has brought to a
high state of cultivation, golden harvests annually rewarding him for the care he
bestows upon his fields. He has ever been actuated by a progressive spirit in his
business and has become financially interested in several commercial concerns,
being a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company and in the Lake Mills
Creamery Company of Lake Mills, also in the Lake Mills Lumber Company and in
the Farmers Elevator Company of Joice, Iowa.

In November, 1887, Mr. Juvland was married to Miss Gunhild Aslakson and
they have become parents of four children : Alfred, Carl, Sophia and Signe, all yet
at home. The religious faith of the parents is that of the United Lutheran church
and to its teachings they loyally adhere. Mr. Juvland has given his support to
the republican party since becoming a naturalized American citizen and he is
loyal to the interests of his adopted country. Having elected to make this land his
home, he has ever felt it to be his duty to protect its interests and he has always
6tood for those forces which are most worth while in matters of progressive
citizenship.

B. G. GUNHUS.

B. G. Gunhus, who is devoting his time and energies to farming and stock
raising in Forest township, Winnebago county, was born in Dane county, Wis-
consin, on the 22d of June, 1876, a son of Gould G. and Julia (Kolve) Gunhus,
both of whom were natives of Norway. There they resided until about 1848, when

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 125

they came to America and settled in Eacine, Wisconsin. The father there se-
cured a tract of land and his remaining days were devoted to general agricultural
pursuits in that state. To Mr. and Mrs. Gunhus were born a daughter and a son
the former being Clara T., now the wife of K. B. Skuldt, of Wisconsin.

The son, B. G. Gunhus, was reared and educated in Wisconsin, where he
supplemented his public school education by study in college. Through the period
of his boyhood and youth he remained at home and afterward took charge of the
old homestead. In 1907 he came to Winnebago county, where he purchased the
farm upon which he now resides on section 34, Forest township, securing one
hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land, which he has since carefully
developed and cultivated until it is now a splendidly improved property. He
likewise owns about eighty acres in Newton township and is justly accounted one
of the representative agriculturists of his part of the state. He is also one of the
directors of the Farmers Elevator Company and its treasurer and is a stock-
holder in the First National Bank.

In 1898 Mr. Gunhus was married to Miss Anna Holland, a native of Wis-
consin and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Holland, who were natives of
Norway but in childhood came to America. Both are now deceased. Mr. and
Mrs. Gunhus have two children : Irene Gwendolyn, who is attending high school ;
and Gool Amound. The parents are members of the United Lutheran church
and Mrs. Gunhus is an active temperance worker, holding membership in the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union. In his political views Mr. Gunhus is a
republican but is not an office seeker. He is loyal in the discharge of all of his
duties of citizenship, however, and co-operates in those plans and movements
which seek to promote the best interests of his county. He is leading a life of
activity in the furtherance of his farming interests, knowing that honorable suc-
cess is based upon individual effort and ability.

E. F. KLUCKHOHN.

E. F. Kluckhohn, who since 1904 has been owner and publisher of the Garner
Signal, was born in Watertown, Wisconsin, March 24, 1864, a son of Charles and
Sophie (Friday) Kluckhohn, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they
came to the United States in 1848. The father was a minister of the German
Methodist church and in 1877 removed with his family to Garner. He had pur-
chased a farm near the town and resided thereon for three years. He then estab-
lished his home in Garner, where he engaged in dealing in hay and made a substan-
tial place in business circles of the city. He continued to make his home in
Garner until called to his final rest in 1900.

E. F. Kluckhohn acquired a public school education and afterward pursued
a post graduate course in the Northwestern University and is also a graduate
of the Central Wesleyan College at Warrenton, Missouri, from which he received
the B. A. degree and which later conferred upon him the M. A. degree. He, too,
devoted a number of years to the work of the ministry, preaching in the Congre-
gational church for four years. On the expiration of that period he entered the
journalistic field, purchasing the Graettinger Times at Graettinger, Iowa. He

126 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

owned and edited that paper for five years and afterward spent three or four years
in connection with a paper in Garner. Later he became the owner of the Luverne
News, which lie published for a year, and then purchased the Whittemore
Champion. In 1904 he became owner of the Garner Signal, which he has since
published, making it one of the progressive newspapers of this part of the state.
The Signal is the oldest paper in Hancock county and maintains a position of
leadership not only in agi' but in all that, speaks for modern progress in journalism.
He has recently installed a new linotype machine and lie has splendid ecjuipnient
for doing all kinds of newspaper and job printing.

In 189J; Mr. Kluckhdhn was united in marriage to Miss Emma Haas, of Grand-
view, Iowa, and they became the parents of three children, Grace, Paul and one
who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Kluckhohn hold membership in the Congre-
gational church and are arti\e supporters of many forces looking to the moral
development of the connnunity. Fraternally Mr. Kluckhohn is connected with
various organizations. He liclongs to the lodge, chapter and council in Masonry
and also to the Eastern Star. He likewise has mendjcrshi].) with the Modern
Woodmen of America, the Mystic Workers, the Yeomen and the Royal Neighbors.
His political endorsement is given to the republican party, which he supports
through the columns of his paper and through individual efEort, but he is not
an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his attention iipon his individual inter-
ests. The Garner Signal, of which he is now owner and editor, was first estab-
lished as the Hancock County Signal in 1871 by George E. Lanning as a weekly.
It was afterward owned by W. C. Hayward and later by the firm of Ilayward &
Malien. The paper afterward became the property and was published by the
firm of Bush & Knadler, from 1883 until 1904, when Mr. Kluckhohn became
proprietor. It is an eight-page paper, much of it being home print, and it is
devoted to the interests of the republican party and to the local welfare, being
ever found as the champion of progressive i)arty movements.

LOUIS A. JENSEN.

Norway has made valuable contribution to the citizenship of Iowa, for many
of the valued and substantial residents of the state have had their nativity or trace
their ancestry back to the land of the midnight sun. Among this number is Louis
A. Jensen, of Forest City, whose parents, Jens and Mary Jensen, were both natives
of Norway. The former came to the United States in 1846 and the latter in 1845
and they were married in Illinois. Later they came to Iowa, casting in their
lot among the pioneer settlers of Mitchell county, where Mr. Jensen took up the
occupation of farming. In 1871 he removed with his family to Winnebago
county, where both he and his wife spent their remaining days.

Louis A. Jensen was born in Mitchell county, Iowa, May 21, 1869, obtained
a public school education and later made up his deficiency by a post-graduate
course in the high school in Forest City. In 1896 he was elected to the office
of clerk of the court and served in that position for eight years. While
thus engaged he took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar in
1904. Since 1910 he has filled the office of county attorney for Winnebago

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WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 129

county and has made a most excellent record in that position, carefully safe-
guarding the legal interests of this district. He is well versed in the princi-
ples of law and displays the utmost accuracy in the application of legal prin-
ciples to the points in litigation. Mr. Jensen also has farming interests,
being the owner of a tract of land south of Lake Mills which liis father entered
from the government upon removing to Winnebago county. Their nearest market
at that time was at McGregor and they experienced all the hardships and privations
of pioneer life, while as the years went on they contributed to the work of general
development, and Mr. Jensen has lived to see remarkable changes in the county
and the conditions here existing.

On the 17th of July, 1891, Mr. Jensen was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Sheldon, of Webster county, Iowa, a daughter of Ole Sheldon. Their children
are: Marcellus, Christine, Lydia, Rachel and Constance. The son, a graduate of
the law department of Drake University with the class of 1914, is now practicing
with his father, at Forest City, Iowa, under the firm name of Jensen & Jensen.
He wedded Mabel West, of State Center. The eldest daughter is a graduate of
St. Olaf's College.

Mr. Jensen has always been deeply interested in the cause of education and
has provided his children with excellent opportunities in that direction. He is
now secretary of the Waldorf College Association, which position he has filled
since the college was established, and of the school he was one of the organizers.
He has also been a member of the school board of Forest City and does all in his
power to advance educational standards. His political allegiance has ever been
given to the republican party and his son is also an active worker in its ranks,
being now chairman of the county central committee. The religious faith of the
family is that of the United Lutheran church, to which Mr. Jensen loyally adheres,
guiding his life by its principles. His activities are many and are manifest
along those lines which touch the general interests of society and work for public
Drogress and improvement.

CLARK B. CORE.

A well spent life always brings its reward — if not in material success, in the
good will, the confidence and high regard of those among whom the individual's
lot is cast. To Clark B. Core, however, has come both the respect of his many
friends and the substantial rewards of his intelligently directed labor, and now
after long connection with farming and stock raising interests he is living retire 1
in Forest City, where his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability,
have called him to the office of city councilman. lie was born in Fayette county,
Pennsylvania, April 23, 1865, a son of Elias and Mary J (Kauffman) Core, both
of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, where they resided until 1869. In that
year they removed to La Salle county, Illinois, where they purchased a farm
between Ottawa and Streator, upon which they continued to reside until called
to their final rest.

Clark B. Core was reared under the parental roof and in his boyhood days
attended the public schools near his father's home. When twenty-one years of age

130 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

he started out to earn his own living but did not leave the old homestead, his
father employing him as a farm hand for three years. During that period, in the
fall of 1887, he and his brother Skiles invested in Iowa land, purchasing three
hundred acres in Hancock county, a half mile south of Forest City, and in the
spring of 1888 the two brothers made their way to their newly acquired possession.
Clark B. Core remained for a month and then returned to the old home in
Illinois and operated the farm through the summer of 1888. In the spring of
1889, however, he took up his abode in Hancock county, Iowa, but as he was not
married at that time, he spent the three succeeding winter seasons at the old
homestead in Illinois.

It was on the 18th of February, 1893, that Mr. Core wedded Miss Dorothy
Eobison, then a resident of La Salle county, Illinois, but a native of England.
They began their domestic life upon the Iowa farm and have since been residents
of this state. His brother Skiles has never married and has always made his
home with Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Core. They called their place the Fairview Stock
Farm and while residing thereon made a specialty of handling live stock. They
bred thoroughbred Perclieron horses and in that business were very successful,
raising some of the finest stock to l.)e found in the state. To their three hundred
acres of land was added an adjoining tract of one hundred and ninety acres,
making theirs a farm of four hundred and ninety acres, and later they pur-
chased still another tract of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1913 Mr. Core and
his brother retired from active farming and removed to Forest City, where they
have since lived. They had long been recognized as prominent representatives of
agricultural and stock raising interests, and the careful management which they
displayed in the conduct of their business affairs brought to them deserved and
well merited success.

In his political views C. B. Core has always been a stalwart republican and
for eight years he served as a school director. In the spring of 1916 he was
elected a member of the city council of Forest City and is proving an able repre-
sentative of the aldermanic board, exercising his official prerogatives in support
of various plans and measures for the general good.

To Mr. and Mrs. Core have been born two children : Glen M., who is farming
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Hancock county ; and Mary J., who is a
sophomore in the high school. The twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of Mr. and
Mrs. Core was made the occasion of a delightful reception and banquet. One
evening a messenger arrived at their home bearing a note which read :

" Tomorrow at eleven,
A teamster, true and tried.
Will drive up with his bob-sled,
To take you for a ride.
No questions ask — the driver's steady.
So wrap up warm and be all ready."

This of course indicated to them that something was going to happen but
they knew not what. At the appointed hour they were taken to the home of Mr.
and Mrs. 0. K. Maben, where complete arrangements for the celebration had been
made, even to preparing the veil and the bouquet for the bride. The occasion
was made a most enjoyable one by its informality and good cheer. Pictures were

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 131

placed about the room representing the bridal couple in all phases of life and the
guests were asked to write poems concerning them. The following gives an account
of their life work and is a fitting memento of a celebration that will never be
forgotten by any in attendance :

"As unto the bow the cord is.
So unto the man is woman,
Tho she bends him, she obeys him,
Tho she draws him, yet she follows,
Useless each without the otlier."

Lines from "Hiawatha's Wooing,"
Form the basis of this legend,
Form the meter of this story;
Founded 'tis on facts, not fiction.

Far back in the latter eighties
From the country to the eastward,
Far beyond the Mississippi
Came a youth, who, with his brother.
Bought a farm of many acres —
Later named it Fairview Stock Farm,
In the fertile Lime Creek Valley
With its stream of sparkling water.
Bordered by a mighty forest.
Rolling prairies west and southward
Near the town of Forest City.

Not much wealth this youth brought with him
Measured in the terms of money,
But a wealth of brawn and muscle.
Common sense, grit and ambition.

On this farm to meet the payments
Toiled he with strong hands and steady,
Boarded with the wife and husband.
Who had come to share his dwelling.

Sometimes when the snows of winter
Lay upon the peaceful valley,
\ On the fertile Lime Creek Valley;

When the crops had all been gathered,
Housed from cold the swine and cattle.
Horses resting from their labors.
East he journeyed to his people,
Father, mother, sister, brothers,
Stayed with them throughoiit the winter.
Making glad his aged parents.

In the country of his boyhood
At the home of John, his brother.
Dwelt a jolly English maiden
Young and fair, with figure graceful.

As he fondly gazed upon her
To himself he thought and pondered
She is not an idle maiden,
She is not a useless woman.
Hands are skillful, fingers nimble.
Heart and hands they work together.
She, to me, is queen of women.

And before the winter ended.
Ere he for his home departed.

132 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

She had listened to his pleading
Promised ever to be faithful.
Until he could come to claim her,
Come back during the next winter,
Take her to his home and fireside
Near the town of Forest City.

Then, there came the time of planting,

Long, but happy days of springtime.
Even the wild bird's song seemed sweeter.
As he listened to its singing,
Listened to its warbling love songs.
In his soul a transformation
Proved that life was well worth living
Proved the truth of the old adage

"Absence makes the lieart grow fonder."
Thru the long, hot days of summer
Still he toiled, tho often weary,
For he found by keeping busy
Shorter seemed the time of waiting.

Autumn passed; the yellow cornfields
Yielded him a golden harvest.
Which in time was stored for feeding,
Everything for winter ready,
For he was a thrifty farmer. ^

Quickly now, he started eastward,
Crossed again the Mississippi
Eeached the old home of his hoyliood,
Found the maiden for him waiting,
Found that she had grown more lovely
With the days of anxious .waiting.

So on February eighteenth.
Five and twenty years today 'tis,
They were joined in holy wedlock.
Pledged their lives for worse or better.
Took the vows to love and honor.
Always to obey each other.

In a fortnight they departed.
Braved the later days of winter,
To their home arrived in safety,
To their home near Forest City.

Humble tho it was, she changed it
To a place of joy and comfort;
- Welcome gave to guest or stranger.
Hospitality unbounded.
Well-cooked food and plenty of it.
Always filled the spacious table.

Tho she missed friends of her girlhood.
Oft was lonely, she complained not.
Always cheerful, always busy.
She ere long made lasting friendships.
Much she found to keep her busy.
Washing, mending, scrubbing, baking,
Many hungry mouths to cook for,
Often with no girl to help her;
Burdens bearing without number.
Burdens that at times seemed heavy,

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 133

And along with all the others.

Took to board the district sciioolina'am.

Then for rest and recreation

Calmly did the family sewing.

Many a sick-room has been brightened
By her gifts of tlowers or dainties.
Flowers, she saves not for the casket.
But gives them also to the living.

In all public enterprises
They always took an active interest,
Always have been generous givers,
But for themselves few luxuries getting
Until they could well alford it.

As the years kept coming, going.
Soon the farm had all been oaid for;
Q.ther acres have been added,
Other buildings been erected.
Prosperity has blessed their efforts.

For twenty years they toiled together.
Twenty years on Fairview Stock Farm,
Then they rented it and left it.
Bought a home in Forest City,
Where they live in peace and quiet,
Enjoying fruits of honest lalwr.

Two happy-hearted children
Came to bless this worthy couple.
Early learned from both their parents
Honest work is not degrading.
Work well done is not disgraceful.

Glen is now a prosperous farmer.
On the prairie to the southward.
Where another home he founded
With a neat and tidy helpmate.

Mary, now a higli school maiden.
Is the skillful chauffeur
Guides the Paige witli steady muscles.
Drives it smoothly without friction.
Saves her mother countless footsteps,
The result of careful training.
Cheers her many wintry evenings
As they work with hook or shuttle,
While the father, now a member,
Honored member of the Council,
Needs must leave his pleasant fireside,
Go whenever duty calls him
To attend the Council meetings.
Where he speaks with words of wisdom.
Aims to keep the wheels of progress
Turning in the right direction.

lyoug-time friends today have gathered
With sincere congratulations,
S'prised them with a silver wedding.
At the homestead of a neighbor.
At a large and roomy farm home.
Farther on, in Lime Creek valley;
Wishing them a pleasant voyage
As they journey down life's pathway,

ii— 7

134 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Down the hill of life together,
Hoping ere the journey's ended,
Ere their life work is completed,
By loyal friends again surrounded
Will celebrate their golden wedding.

MKS. KNUT E. GEUNHUVD.

Mrs. Knut E. Grunhuvd is living on section 23, Norway township, Winnebago
county, and is one of the well known pioneer women of this section of the state.
She has witnessed almost the entire growth and progress of the locality and can
relate many interesting incidents of the early days when the homes were widely
scattered and the work of improvement seemed scarcely begun. She was born in
Norway, July 15, 1853, and is a daughter of Narve Ingebritson and Carrie
(Halgrimson) Grunhuvd. Her father was a farmer in Norway and in 1855 he
brought his family to the United States, making his way first to Eock county,
Wisconsin, where he remained for a year. In 1856 he came to Winnebago County,
settling in Norway township, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres
of land on section 23. It was entirely wild and undeveloped, not a furrow having
been turned nor an improvement made upon the place. It was covered with
timber which he had to clear away before he could prepare his land for the plow.
He added much to its productiveness by practical drainage systems, whereby the
sloughs were drained and the land rendered productive. Upon the place he put
up log buildings and in the early days the family shared in all of the hardships,
trials and privations of pioneer life; but as time went on the labors of the father
wrought a marked transformation in his land and its increasing productiveness
brought to him substantial harvests. He passed away, however, April 9, 1863, and
his was the first interment made in the cemetery at Emmons, Minnesota. His
wife survived him for a little more than a year, dying on the 22d of August, 1864,
when she was laid by his side. He had ranked with the leading farmers of the
county and with the prominent citizens of the community. In politics he was a
republican and in religious faith a Lutheran, becoming one of the organizers of
the United Lutheran church. He thus left the impress of his individuality upon
the moral as well as the material development of his district.

Mrs. Grunhuvd pursued her education in one of the pioneer schools of Winne-
bago county. In fact, she was one of the first pupils in the first school of Norway
township, with Ellen Hinman as the teacher. She spent her girlhood days upon
her father's farm and was trained to the work of the household, so that she was
well qualified to manage a home of her own at the time of her marriage. After
the death of her parents she went to live with relatives in Clayton county, Iowa,
and there she was married on the 11th of November, 1875, to Knut E. Knutson,
whose parents had homesteaded in Clayton county, where they farmed until called
to their final rest. It was after his marriage that Mr. Knutson changed his name
to Grunhuvd. The young couple began their domestic life in Clayton county,
where they lived for two years, and in 1877 they removed to the old Grunhuvd
homestead, which he cultivated for the estate for five years. In 1882 he purchased
the land and continued its further development and improvement until his death.

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WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 137

which occurred more than thirty-one years later. He put fine improvements upon
the farm, making it one of the valuable properties of Norway township. In
addition to substantial buildings he secured the latest improved farm machinery
in order to facilitate the work of the fields, and his labors brought golden harvests.

In his political views Mr. Grunhuvd was a republican and from time to time
was called to serve in township offices. He was a devout member of the United
Lutheran church and in that faith passed away on the 9th of August, 1913,
at the age of seventy years.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Grunhuvd were eight children but three have
passed away, namely: Clara, who died in infancy; Henry, who passed away at
the age of eight years and nine months; and Gerhard, who also died in infancy.
Like the father, they are buried in the family lot in Lime Creek cemetery. The
five children who survive are: Edward, who is employed in Mason City, but
maintains his residence on the home farm; Carl and Norris, who operate the home
farm ; Clara, who is the wife of Edward Dakken, of Eau Claire county, Wisconsin ;
and Alma, at home. Several of the children are still living with the mother on
the old homestead, which has now been occupied by the family for four decades.
Mrs. Grunhuvd is widely known in this part of Winnebago county, her place being
one of the landmarks of the district, and she has lived to witness many interesting
changes which have occurred, bringing the county up to its present standard of
development and prosperity.

J. CLAEENCE ODDEN.

r- -

The Quality Store at Lake Mills is well known throughout Winnebago county
as an up-to-date and thoroughly reliable establishment and its owner, J. Clarence
Odden, has won a place for himself among the leading merchants of the city.
He was born on the 14th of November, 1886, in Lake Mills, of the marriage of
Charles and Martha (Olson) Odden, who located in Winnebago county on their
removal to the United States from Norway. The father engaged in farming and
was also a stone mason contractor and through his well directed activity gained
a competence. He died in 1892 and is buried in the Winnebago Church cemetery
in Center township. The mother survives and lives upon a farm three miles south
of Lake Mills.

J. Clarence Odden, who is the oldest in a family of three children, attended
the district schools until he was fifteen years of age and later was for two years
a student in the University of Southern Minnesota, of Austin, Minnesota. For
one year he worked as a bookkeeper in Omaha and for five years was connected
with a clothing firm in Mason City, Iowa. In 1914 he bought out the general store
conducted by M. 0. Bakken in Lake Mills and he has since given his undivided
time and attention to that business. He carries a complete line of furnishings and
shoes and his grocery department is well stocked with staple and fancy goods. He
has adopted as the name of his establishment The Quality Store and has made
it his constant endeavor to give the greatest -salue possible for the price asked for
his merchandise. He manages his affairs in a thoroughly businesslike and sys-
tematic manner and has a high standing in the commercial circles of the city.

138 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

In May, 1909, Mr. Odden was united in marriage to Miss Anna Erickson, a
daughter of E. N. and Christina (Arneson) Ericlcson, wlio reside in Joice, Worth
county, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Odden have heen horn two children, Clarene
Adelle and Kerinit Wayne.

Mr. Odden supports th.e republican party at the jiolls and is now serving
in the office of councilman, in which connection he supports earnestly all pro-
posed measures that promise to advance the interests of the community. His
public s])irit is further evidenced in his membership in the Commercial Club, of
which he is vice president. Fraternally he belongs to Lodge Xo. 868, Loyal Order
of Moose, and Aurora Lodge, No. 413, I. 0. 0. F., and liis religious faith is that
of the United Lutheran churcii. Through enterprise and good management "he
has already gained a gratifying measure of prosperity and liis continued success
seems assured.

LARS B. STBNE.

Lars B. Stene is numbered among the self-made men of Norway townshii),
Winnebago county. He had no assistance at the outset of his career but has
worked persistently and energetically, and step by step has advanced toward
tiie goal of prosperity. He was i)orn in Norway, December \S, 1867, and is a .son
of Bottolf and Ingeborg IStene, who were farming people of tliat land, where they
spent their entire lives. They had seven children, of whom Lars 1^. was the
youngest, and iive of the number are still living.

Lars B. Stene remained a resident of Norway through the period of his
boyhood and youth and came alone to the United States when twenty-seven
years of age. He had lieen a horse buyer in his native country and on reaching
the new world he sought emjiloyment as a farm hand. His brother, E. B. Stene,
had come to America some years before and was living in Norway township,
^\'innebago county. It was this that <-aused Lars B. Stene to become a resident
of Iowa. For a few years he made his home with his brother and then pur-
chased a farm in Clay county, Minnesota, which he cultivated for two years. He
afterward returned to Norway township and purchased the east lialf of the
southeast quarter of section i:'>, and the south half of the northeast (|uarter of
section 24, thus Ijecoming the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of highly
productive land, which he has since cultivated. His farm work is carefully con-
ducted and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates his careful
supervision and his practical and progressive methods. He is also a stockholder
in the creamery at Emmons.

In 1899 Mr. Stene was united in nuirriage to Miss Emma Oliana Erickson, a
daughter of Nels and Ingeborg (Olson) Erickson, of Norway township. They
have become the parents of nine children, Nels Bernard, Ingeborg Idora, Millie
Helena, Anna Matilda, Evelyn Luella, Mabel Jeanette, Ellen Olava, MeJvin
Erling and Lawrence Ernest, all of whom are yet at home. Mr. Stene and his
wife are members of the Synod Lutheran church. His opinions concerning
political questions and policy are indicated in tlie stalwart support which he
gives to the republican party. He has served as road boss and has also filled the

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 139

office of scliool director. He has never had occasion to regret his determination
to come to the new world, for liere he has found the opportunities which he sought
and in their employment has steadily advanced, working his way upward through
persistent effort and determination.

J. W. KNADLER.

J. W. Knadler, now serving as deputy clerk of the district court, has lieeii a
resident of Garner since 1884. He is a native of Hancock county, born Septem-
ber 20, 1859, and is a representative of an old and honored pioneer family of
this section of the state, being a sou of Jo.seph and Margaret (Bolsinger) Knad-
ler, natives of Germany. On crossing the Atlantic to the United States in 185.5
they located in New York, where they spent three years, and then came to Han-
cock county, Iowa, where the father passed away six months later. In 1864 the
mother married Jacob Ward, a farmer of this county, and they continued to
reside here until their deaths.

In the county of his nativity J. \V. Knadler grew to manhood, in the mean-
time attending the public schools in the acquirement of an education. In 1874
he began learning the printer's trade in the office of the Cerro Gordo Republican
at Mason City and remained with that paper for two years. During the follow-
ing eight years he was' with the Mason City Express and in 1884 came to Garner
and entered the employ of the Hancock Signal, which paper was established in
1870 by George R. Lanning. In 1886 Mr. Knadler purchased an interest in that
journal, becoming a partner of H. H. Bush, and he continued to conduct the
paper for eighteen years, selling out in 1904. He continued to work at the
printer's trade until 1910, when elected clerk of the district court and entered
upon the duties of that office. So acceptably did he fill the position that he was
re-elected in 1912 and since his retirement from that office has served as deputy.

Mr. Knadler married Miss Lillian Minton, of Racine county, Wisconsin,
who died in 1905. He is a member of the Methodist church and is also identi-
fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he is a repub-
lican and for several terms he served as city clerk of Garner. He is today one
of the representative citizens of his native county and a man highly honored and
esteemed wherever known.

HERMAN W. BRIDGES.

Herman W. Bridges owns and occupies a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres on section 22, German township, having become a resident of Hancock
county in 1913. He has, however, been a life-long resident of Iowa, his birth
having occurred in Mahaska county, December 17, 1874. His parents, John W.
and Emma J. (Linsley) Bridges, were also natives of this state, having been
born in Mahaska county. The father is still living at the age of seventy-two
years, but the mother has been called to the home beyond.

140 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for
Herman W. Bridges in the period of his boyhood and youth, which was devoted
to the acquirement of an education in the district schools of Mahaska county and
to work upon the home farm. He continued to assist his father in the plowing,
planting and harvesting until he reached the age of twenty-five years, when he
started out independently, renting a farm near Dows, in Wright county, Iowa,
where he lived for eleven years. During that period he carefully saved his earn-
ings so that he might eventually become the owner of land and in 1913 he pur-
chased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 22, German township,
Hancock county. He has since devoted this place to general farming and the
result of his labors is seen in the attractive appearance of the farm, which is
most carefully cultivated. He has placed upon it improvements to the value of
thirteen hundred and eighty-five dollars since locating thereon four years ago.
He makes a specialty of the raising of horses and keeps high grade stock.

On the 11th of September, 1901, Mr. Bridges was married to Miss Elizabeth
Fanselow, a daughter of Fred and Alvina (Betow) Fanselow, who reside at
Dows. They are natives of Germany but in early life came to the new world and
for many years have been residents of Wright county. Mr. and Mrs. Bridges
have become parents of seven children, namely: Maude Z., Orville F., Faye,
Glenn, Irene, Gladys and Cecil K., all of whom are yet at home and the family
circle remains unbroken by the hand of death.

Mr. Bridges is a republican in his political views and keeps well informed
on the questions and issues of the day. His religious faith is that of the German
Methodist Episcopal church, to which he and his wife give loyal adherence and
generous support. He is justly accounted one of the enterprising farmers of the
community. He studies the question of crop production according to modern
scientific methods and his work is carefully and systematically managed, bringing
good results.

OTTO A. HANSEN, M. D.

Liberal educational training well qualified Dr. Otto A. Hansen for the onerous
and resjionsible duties which devolve upon him as a general medical practitioner
of Forest City, where he has resided since 1896. He was born in Blue Earth,
Minnesota, March 24, 186S, a son of Andrew and Martha (Kjos) Hansen, who
were natives of Norway and came to the United States about 1854, settling first
in Chicago, where they resided for but a sliort time, for the cholera was epidemic
there and the grandmother fell a victim to the disease. The family afterward
removed to Houston county, Minnesota, and the father, who was a carpenter by
trade, later took up the occupation of farming in Faribault county, Minnesota,
in the Blue Earth settlement, there residing up to the time of his demise.

Dr. Hansen acquired a public school education in Minnesota and afterward
attended the State Normal School at Mankato. Determining upon the practice
of medicine as a life work, he matriculated in the Iowa State University as a
medical student and was graduated therefrom in 1896, at which time his pro-
fessional degree was conferred upon him. For three years before his graduation

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 141

he practiced in Sioux City under the preceptorship of Dr. J. Hermann and on the
13th of March, 1896, he located in Forest City, where he has since remained. In
the interval of twenty-one years he has built up an extensive practice and has con-
stantly promoted his knowledge and efficiency through wide reading, study and
investigation, as well as through practical experience.

In 1894 Dr. Hansen was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Donaldson, who
passed away in 1903, and in 1909 he was again married, his second union being
with Miss Bertha Moe, of Thompson, Iowa. By his first marriage he had a
daughter, Adela, and the children of the second marriage are Olive, Conkling
and Franklin.

Dr. Hansen holds membership in the United Lutheran church and in politics
he maintains an independent course. He served for seven years, from 1903 until
1910, as coroner of Winnebago county, was health officer for many years, and
has also been a member of the city council, discharging his duties with promptness
and tidelity. For several years he was president of the Waldorf College Associa-
tion. Along the line of his profession he has connection with the Hahnemann
State Medical Society and the American Institute of Homeopathy. He is very
conscientious as well as capable in the performance of his professional duties and
holds high rank as a man and citizen in Winnebago county.

W. KING WELLMAN.

W. King Wellman, of Lake Mills, engaged in agricultural pursuits for many
years and gained a competence that now enables him to enjoy his ease. He has
not been satisfied, however, to be without responsibility and has accordingly
■ taken an active part in public affairs and is now the efficient assistant chief of the
city fire department. He was born in Decatur county, Iowa, December 31, 1856,
and is a son of B. F. and Eliza Jane (Tennis) Wellman, the former a native of
Erie county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1860 they
removed with their family to Forest City, Iowa, where they remained until the
spring of 1861, when they removed to what is now Lake Mills, where the father
bought forty acres of land, including the present site of the high school. He
farmed that tract for four years and when he sold it received ten dollars an acre
in gold, the highest price paid for land up to that time. In 1865 they returned
to Forest City and after remaining tliere a year went back to Decatur county,
where they resided for three years. At the end of that time they went again to
Forest City and in 1875 the father bought land in Madison township, Hancock
county, but later in the same year removed to Lake Edwards, where he passed
away in 1876. He is buried in North cemetery at Forest City. The mother sur-
vives and is living in Forest City at the advanced age of eighty-five years. She
is still in good health and is highly esteemed.

W. King Wellman, the oldest of a family of eight children, accompanied his
parents on their various removals and received a common school education. He
early began learning how to do the various kinds of work included in farming
and assisted his father until the latter's demise. For seven years thereafter he
remained with his mother and operated the homestead, but in 1883, in which year

142 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

he was marrit'tl, lie jtunluised one lumdred and sixty acres of land in Norway
township, Winnebago county, and tor six years farmed that place. The following
decade was spent in Lake Mills, l)nt at the end of that time he bought another
farm in Norway township which he cultivated for seven years. Since 1909, how-
ever, he has lived retired in Lake Mills and rented his farm. .\s a farmer he
was at once practical and progressive and seldom failed to harvest good crops.

On September 29, 1883, Mr. Welhnan was united in marriage to Miss Lydia
A. Balch, a daughter of Joseph A. and Deborah (Jenkins) Balch, natives of
Vermont. Her father fought in the Civil war with the Union troops and after
the close of hostilities took up a homestead in Freeborn county, Minnesota, where
he engaged in farming for many years. For some time before his death, how-
ever, he lived retired in Lake Mills, passing away on the nth of October, 1907.
He is buried in North cemetery at Lake Mills. The mother survives and resides
in this city.

Mr. Wellnian votes the democratic ticket and for two years hehl the office of
town marshal. He served as chief of the I^ake Mills fire department for five
years, from 1898 until 1903 and when he removed from his farm to the city in
1909 he was again elected chief, which office he held for five years more. He then
resigned and became assistant chief, which office he now holds. He has done
much to bring the department up to a high standard of efficiency. He is quite
prominent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, as he belongs to the subordi-
nate lodge, the encampment and the Rebekahs, has passed all the chairs in the
lodge, is a reprseentative to the grand lodge, is district deputy and has the dis-
tinction of being the oldest member of the order in Lake Mills. He is also
identified with the Masonic blue lodge and the Eastern Star. The principle of
brotherhood which is at the basis of these organizations has found expression
in his daily life and his sterling worth has gained him a host of friends.

WILLIAM FRANK WOODCOCK.

William Frank Woodcock, who is the proprietor of a well patronized general
store in Buffalo Center, was born in Kossuth county, four miles west of Algona,
August 15, 1872, and is a son of William and Barbara (McKay) Woodcock,
natives respectively of New Brunswick and Maine. They were among the first
settlers of Kossuth county and the father took up under the homestead law the
east half of the northwest quarter of section 12, range 95, township 30. He
farmed until 1894, when he retired to Buffalo Center, where he passed away. He
was buried in the fir.st cemetery laid out in the town. Of the family five children
survive and our subject is the fourth in order of birth.

William F. Woodcock completed his education at the age of sixteen and from
that time until he was twenty years old assisted his father in the operation of
the home farm, Init in 1893 came to Buffalo Center with his brother, John W.
Woodcock, in partnership with whom he engaged in the hay business for six years.
Later he turned his attention to the real estate field and was active as a dealer
in realty until 1908, when he bought out Charles Leibsohn, a general merchant
of Buffalo Center. He has proved very srccessful in the management of his

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 143

store and his stock of dry goods, shoes, clothing and groceries is complete and
well adapted to the needs of his patrons. His well earned reputation for reason-
able prices has been an important factor in building up the large trade which
he enjoys and his store is recognized as the largest and most important one in
the town.

Mr. Woodcock was married in 1895 to Miss Catherine Rreen, a daughter of
Cornelius and Catherine Breen, who honiesteaded land near Titonka, Iowa, in
the early days of that section and later removed to Wesley, Iowa, where they
lived retired. Both are deceased and are buried at Algona. Mr. and Mrs. Wood-
cock have two children, Leo and Arnold, both at home.

Mr. Woodcock supports the republican party at the polls but has never been
an aspirant for oflRce. He has filled all the chairs in the local lodge of the
Knights of Pythias, in which he is now trustee, and has also been a member of
the Grand Lodge of Iowa, and in the Modern Woodmen of America he has held
all the chairs and is now serving as banker. He began his independent career
without capital, but as the years have passed his resources have steadily increased
until he is now in excellent circumstances and he takes justifiable pride in the fact
that all he has is the direct result of his own industry and the wise direction of
his business interests.

0. I. OLSON.

The Scandinavian countries have contributed a valuable element to the citizen-
ship of Winnebago county. Among the men of foreign birth living in Forest City
is 0. I. Olson, a native of Sweden, who for many years was prominently con-
nected with general agricultural pursuits Init is now living retired. He was born
July 12, 1842, a son of Ole and Beulah Olson, who were also natives of Sweden,
where they spent their entire lives, both having now passed away. In their
family were eight sons, of whom four survive.

0. I. Olson was reared and educated in Sweden and came to the United
States in 1880, at which time he made his way at once to Winnebago county,
Iowa. For a time he worked at the carpenter's trade, which he had learned in
his native land, but afterward purchased a farm of one hundred and eighty-nine
acres in Newton township. Upon that place he lived for twenty-nine years and
his labors and efforts converted it into a valuable and splendidly improved proji-
erty equipped with all accessories of a model farm. Well kept fences divided
the place into fields of convenient size and his land was carefully cultivated, pro-
ducing excellent crops. He made a specialty of raising and feeding stock in
addition to farming, but in 1913 he sold his place and removed to Forest City,
where he has since lived retired, enjoying a rest that he has truly earned and
richly deserves.

In 1869 Mr. Olson was married in Sweden to Miss Ingar Peterson, a native of
that country, and they became parents of eight children, as follows: Olaf, Wil-
liam and Allen, all of whom reside in North Dakota; Oscar, of Winnebago
county, Iowa: Neil and Albert, who also live in North Dakota; Tilla, who makes
her home in Montana ; and John, who is deceased. The wife and mother passed

14-1: WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

away in 1914 and was laid to rest in the Forest City cemetery, leaving a husband
and seven children to mourn her loss.

In politics Mr. Olson is a democrat, and while not an office seeker, he has
served as school director. He stands for all those interests which work for the
good of the community and, moreover, he is a self-made man whose life record
should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, for all that
he possesses has been acquired since he came to the United States through the
utilization of those opportunities which are here offered to every individual.

FRANK L. WACHOLZ.

Frank L. Wacholz, postmaster of Forest City, is one of the widely known
residents of Winnebago county, where he has figured in connection with various
public offices and has at the same time been actively associated with its banking
interests, while as a raiser of fine pacing and trotting stock his name is known
througliout the country. Mr. Wacholz was born at New Hampton, Iowa, May 4,
1873, a son of Edward F. and Mary (Werner) Wacholz, the former born near
Bublitz, West Prussia, Germany, on the 19th of August, 1841, while the latter
was born in New York city, August 10, 1844. Reared in his native land, the
father served as a soldier in the war with Austria in 1866. In 1868 he came to the
new world, landing at Baltimore, and after ten weeks spent on the Atlantic coast
he made his way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from which point he proceeded west-
ward, working on the Milwaukee Railroad. He was thus engaged as far west as
Emmetsburg, Iowa. He was a blacksmith by trade and made as much advance-
ment in that line as was possible. His wife was reared in Troy, New York,
and later became a resident of Racine and of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1856 she
came to Iowa, locating at New Hampton, Iowa, and both are yet living. There
were two daughters in the family, of whom one survives, while the other passed
away in 1915.

The only son, Frank L. Wacholz, pursued his education in the public schools
of his native city until graduated at the age of sixteen years on the 14th of June,
1889. He then took up the study of pharmacy and for three years clerked in a
drug store, but at the end of that time entered the First National Bank of New
Hampton as bookkeeper. After a brief period he became bookkeeper in the First
National Bank of Forest City, beginning in September, 1898, and subsequently
he spent a year in the First National Bank of Britt, Iowa, as assistant cashier
under the presidency of George W. Beadle. Returning to Forest City, he became
deputy treasurer of Winnebago county under S. H. Larson, and later he again
entered the ^jrst National Bank as assistant cashier, there remaining until March,
1911, when he sold his interest to John Olson, formerly with the Winnebago
County Bank, and removed to Los Angeles. After seeing the glories of that
wonderland he returned to Forest City in 1915 and on the 30th of January, 1917,
was appointed postmaster, which position he is still filling. Mr. Wacholz has also
held other local offices, including that of city treasurer, city clerk, secretary of
the County Fair Association and county chairman of the democratic party.

Another line of activity which has claimed much thought, attention and

FRANK L. WACHOLZ

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P!)r]L[C LIUUARY

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TLLDEN fOUNDAllOKS

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WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 147

effort from Mr. Wacholz lias been the breeding, raising and training of some
of the fastest trotters and pacers of the world. He was the owner of Miss Dens-
more, the world's champion half mile track trotter, with a record of 2 :07i4 j Don
Densmore, the fastest pacer ever foaled in Iowa, with a record of 2 :02V4 > ^nd
Densmore, famous for his great nine-heat race at Pittsburg, with a record of
2:10. All of the above were colts of Nina Densmore, with a record of 2:17, her
colts having won more than sixty thousand dollars in prizes. Mr. Wacholz has
always advocated the best blood lines in horses and cattle and brought to this
county some of the famous Biltmore Jersey cattle.

On the 6th of June, 1893, Mr. Wacholz was married to Miss Effa Juliet
Plummer, the eldest daughter of B. A. and M. Jane Plummer. They have become
parents of four children : Margaret, Maxine, Donald and Woodrow. .Margaret
was born on the present site of Waldorf College, February 6, 1898, and passed
out of this life in Los Angeles, California, December 3, 1911. Maxine was born
in Forest City, October 11, 1903, and passed out of this life December 18, 1904.
Donald was born November 9, 1905, in Forest City; and Woodrow was born in
Los Angeles, California, February 10, 1913. Such in brief is the history of
Frank L. Wacholz, a well known and valued citizen of Winnebago county, whose
activities along many lines have contributed to the development, progress and
upbuilding of this section of the state and whose worth is widely acknowledged
by all who know him.

CHARLES J. DEUGG.

Charles J. Drugg is a resident farmer of Mount Valley township, Winnebago
county, his home being on section 28. He was born on the old Drugg homestead
on section 33 of the same township, his natal day being July 4, 1876. His
parents, Andrew and Mary Louise (Peterson) Drugg, were both natives of
Sweden and were there reared and married. Immediately afterward they came
to the United States, landing in New York city in the early part of December,
1869. They did not tarry on the eastern coast, however, but made their way at
once into the interior of the country and spent the first winter in McGregor,
Iowa. In the spring of 1870 they came to Winnebago county and Mr. Drugg
purchased forty acres of the present home farm. It was then in the midst of a
wild and undeveloped region, for the work of progress and improvement seemed
scarcely begun in this section of the state. He built a log cabin sixteen by
sixteen feet and took up his abode on his new farm, beginning the arduous task
of reclaiming it for purposes of civilization. It was not long before his labors
wrought a marked transformation in the wild prairie tract, and afterward he bought
an adjoining forty acres, making his present farm one of eighty acres, on which
he has resided continuously for the past forty-seven years. The work of con-
verting the raw prairie into productive fields was slow and laborious. Oxen were
used in plowing and it was necessary to go to Albert Lea or to Mason City for
supplies, to which points Mr. Drugg drove his ox team. There was compara-
tively little at that day to indicate the changes which were rapidly to occur and
make this one of the populous and prosperous sections of the state. Mr. Drugg

148 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

certainly bore liis full share in bringing about modern day conditions and he is
now living at the age of seventy-eight years to enjoy the fruits of his former
toil. He was born February 1, 1839, while his wife was born March 20, 1845.
and has therefore reached the age of seventy-two years. Both have long been
consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and have ever enjoyed
the confidence and good will of those with whom they have been brought in
contact.

Charles J. Drugg w^as reared at home and at the usual age became a pupil in
the district school near his father's place. He afterward had the benefit of
instruction in the Forest City high school and when eighteen years of age he
left the parental roof and for five years worked as a farm hand for Peter Seibert,
of Hancock county. Subsequently he took charge of and operated the old home
place and in I'.tOl he purchased his present farm, which lies just across the road
from the old homestead. Since then he has operated both tracts of land and is
leading a bu.sy, active and useful life in which success has attended his intelli-
gently directed efforts. Since his marriage he has resided upon his home farm
and the neat and thi'ifty appearance of the place indicates his careful supervision
and thoroughly modern methods. There are good buildings upon his land and
he has .secured all the latest improved machinery and other facilities to promote
the work of the iields. He is likewise a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative
Creamery Comyiany of Forest City, a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Com-
pany of Forest City and in the i\Iount X'lillcy Manul'acturing Company of
Lei and.

On (he 'iUtU of December. 1914, ilr. l^rugg was joincil in wedlock to Miss
Mary Mc(;uire, a daughter of John JIcGuire, one of llic well known farmers of
Winnebago county, now deceased, 'i'hey have become the ])arent.s of a daughter,
Mary Louise.

In politics ]\rr. Drugg maintains an independent course, voting for men and
measures rather than for party, but he is never remiss in the duties of citizenship
and co-operates in many well formulated plans for the jnildic good. He is one
of the representative farmers of Mount Valley township and his life record indi-
cates what may lie accomplished througli determination and energy. He may
well be termed a successful man and, moreover, the methods which he has pursued
in the attainment (jf his prosperity arc such as have gained for him the con-
iidence and high i-ei:ard of all with whom he has been associated.

W. T. KENDALL.

W. T. Kendall, deceased, established a store and served as postmaster on the
site of Thompson before the town was platted and continued in his dual capacity
as storekeeper and postmaster in the new town nntil his demi-se in 1898. He was
born in ]\Iichigan in 1837 and on his father's side was descended from an old
American family, while on his mother's side his ancestry was French. The
father was a ministci- in ]\Iichigan until his demise, and the mother also passed
away in that .state.

W. T. Kendall received his education in the common .schools and in early

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 149

manhood spent a few years as a railway station agent. Later he owned tlie
steamboat High Water, winch plied on Spirit Lake, Iowa, and which iiu com-
manded as captain for a consideralile period. In the later '70s he removed to
Forest City and conducted a hardware store there for a short time. Tii 1S!)() hp
established a general store in King township, Winnebago county, aud he also
acted as postmaster, so continuing after the town was laid out by Mr. Thompson,
of Forest City. At length he sold all his stock save the furniture, but continued
in business as a furniture dealer until he passed away in 1898. He also served
as postmaster untii his demise, and his record was one of etiicient and ])ul)lic-
spirited service.

In 1891 occurred the marriage of Mr. Kendall and Miss Anna T. Byer, a
daughter of Joseph and Magdalene Byer, natives of Vienna, Austria, where they
passed their entire lives. When seventeen years of age Mrs. Kendall came alone
to the United States and for twelve years lived in New York. She was employed
as a German governess in the families of several millionaires of that city and
while acting as governess made five trips to Europe. On leaving the east she
joined a brother and sister in Garner, Iowa, and lived with them until her mar-
riage in 1891. She has two children. William Thompson, who was the first child
born in the town of Thompson, for which he was named, is married and resides
in Altoona, Iowa. May married C. W. Goslin, and they reside in Clarion, Iowa.

Mr. Kendall gave his political allegiance to the republican party, hut aside
from filling the office of postmaster never took an active part in public affairs.
He was a representative of the Masonic fraternity, wliose teachings concerning
the brotherhood of man were exemplified in Ills daily life. Kosehill cemetery, in
which he is buried, was cho.sen and named by him at the founding of the town
and the money for purchasing the land was raised by Mrs. Kendall, who still
serves as president of the Cemetery Association. She is a resident of Thompson,
where she is held in high esteem. The demise of Mr. Kendall was deeply re-
gretted throughout the county, for he had a wide acquaintance and a large num-
ber of loyal friends.

DUANE E. SWEET.

Duane R. Sweet, a well known resident of Forest City, was formerly identified
with farming interests in Winnebago county and his well directed efforts along
that line brought him success. lie was born in Adams county, Wisconsin, April
10, 1872, a son of A. J. and Mary (Pettis) Sweet. He was reared and educated
in Hancock county, Iowa, and remained at home until he attained his majority,
after which he purchased a farm in that county comprising two hundred and
forty acres on section 2, Bingham township. His labors converted that place
into a highly improved and productive tract. He made a specialty of the raising
and breeding of stock and thereby he contributed much to his income and to his
success. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator and in the Farmers Co-
operative Cream&ry Company. He continued to remain upon his farm until
March 1, 1917, when he retired and removed to Forest City, where he now owns
and occupies a fine residence.

150 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

In January, 1889, Mr. Sweet was united in marriage to Miss Etta Carriel, a
native of Hardin county, Iowa, and a daughter of Calvin and Lura (Furman)
Carriel. The father was born in New York and the mother in Pennsylvania, and
both are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Sweet have been born seven children,
namely: Carriel, Marjorie, Marion D., Bernice, Allen and two who died in
infancy. The parents attend the Baptist church and Mr. Sweet votes with the
democratic party but has never sought nor desired office, preferring to concen-
trate his energies upon his business affairs, which, carefully directed, have brought
to him substantial and well deserved success.

FAKMERS NATIONAL BANK.

The Farmers National Bank was established in 1801 with G. E. Abbey as
cashier. It was organized as the Farmers Savings Bank and was conducted
under state law until 1906, when it was reorganized as a national bank, with
C. K. Moe as president, G. E. Troeger as vice president, Isaac Sweigard as
cashier and M. E. Pollock as assistant cashier. When Mr. Moe sold out in 1910,
C. H. Nelson was elected to the presidency, with A. Kelly, as vice president,
although Mr. Troeger remained a stockholder. In 1910 C. E. Sweigard became
assistant cashier of the bank and in January, 1913, when Mr. Nelson sold out,
Isaac Sweigard became the president, with C. E. Sweigard as cashier and F. E.
Blackstone as vice president. These gentlemen still continue as the officers of
the bank, which was capitalized for sixteen thousand dollars in 1891. The capital
stock, however, has been increased to twenty-five thousand dollars and there is
now a surplus of twenty-five thousand dollars. In 1916 the bank tore down its
old building and erected a beautiful new structure at a cost of twenty thousand
dollars. It is thoroughly modern in its architecture, equipment and furnishings.
The bank occupies the entire new part, having an attractive directors' room up-
stairs, with also an assembly room for farmers' and trustees' meetings and a
ladies' parlor. In fact, everything possible is done to promote the comfort and
convenience of depositors and stockholders. There are safety deposit boxes and
every possible burglar proof protection. The policy of the bank is a progressive
one and yet the interests of depositors are safeguarded in every way, no unwar-
ranted risks being taken.

LEONAED E. SAMPSON.

Leonard E. Sampson, a resident farmer of Hancock county, his home being
on section 33, Ell township, was born on the 24tli of June, 1885, in Delaware
county, Iowa, a son of William and Amelia (Schwichtenburg) Sampson, the
former a native of Clayton county, Iowa, and the latter of Ohio. Spending his
youthful days under the parental roof, Leonard E. Sampson acquired a common
school education, devoting the winter months to attending school, while in the
summer seasons he worked on the farm. When nineteen years of age he put

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 151

aside his text-books altogether and devoted his entire time to farm work on the
old homestead until he reached the age of twenty-four years, when he rented land
on section 33, Ell township, Hancock county. Here he has since made his home
and in the conduct of the farm he has made a specialty of raising thoroughbred
Poland China hogs. He also conducts a dairy business and sells cream.

On the 18th of March, 1914, Mr. Sampson was married to Miss Jennie Wich-
mann, a daughter of August and Frieda (Paul) Wichmann, who are natives of
Germany and came to the United States in early life. The father was for many
years actively engaged in farming but is now living retired at the age of seventy-
one years, while his wife has reached the age of sixty-three years. They had a
family of seven children. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sampson,
Paul E. and Irma.

The parents are members of the German Methodist Episcopal church and are
people of genuine worth, loyal to those principles which constitute honorable
manhood and womanhood. Mr. Sampson exercises his right of franchise in sup-
port of the men and measures of the republican party but has never been an
oflBce seeker, preferring to concentrate his time and attention upon his business
affairs, which, carefully directed, are bringing to him substantial success.

GILBERT G. HERM, M. D.

Dr. Gilbert G. Herm, a well known and successful physician and surgeon
practicing at Lake Mills, was born in Norway, November 18, 1870. His parents,
Christopher Gullickson and Ingebor (Davidson) Synve, removed with their fam-
ily from Norway to the United States in 1873, settling in Fertile, Iowa. The
father farmed in that locality for three years and then purchased land in Logan
township, Winnebago county, upon which the family took up their residence. He
made many improvements upon the place and engaged in its operation until his
death in 1894. The mother survived for about twenty years, dying in June,
1914.

Gilbert G. Herm was but two and a half years old when brought to the
United States and received his early education in the schools of Winnebago
county. Later he attended the Breckenridge school at Decorah, Iowa, and sub-
sequently taught in Winnebago county for eight years, during which time he
farmed in the summer months. In 1900 he entered the Hahnemann Medical
College of Chicago, as he had determined to prepare himself for the practice of
medicine, and in 1904 he received the degree of M. D. He practiced for three
years at Scarville, but at the end of that time removed to Lake Mills and pur-
chased the practice of Dr. Ohristenson. It was not long before his efSciency
in the treatment of disease was recognized and his professional standing is high.
His practice has reached large proportions and he maintains his office in the
beautiful residence which he erected on Main street.

In January, 1905, Dr. Herm was united in marriage to Miss Anna Langland
and they became the parents of two children, namely: Ingebor C, whose birth
occurred on the 10th of June, 1906; and Eeuben C, born October 16, 1911. The
mother passed away June 20, 1914, after an illness of two weeks.

152 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Dr. Herm is a strong advocate of republican principles and has iield a num-
ber of offices, having served for four years as clerk of Logan township, as justice
of the peace for a considerable period and as health otiicer of Lake Mills. He
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Mystic Workers and
his religious faith is indicated liy his membership in the United Lutheran church,
lie lias made the interests of Lake Mills his interests antl willingly co-operates
witii all those seeking to promote the welfare of the community.

THOMAS WALPOLE.

Thomas VValpole, editor of the Thompson Courier, has been identified with
newspaper work for many years and for almost six decades has Ijeen a resident of
Iowa. He was born, however, at Groton, in Tompkins county. New York, on
the 21st of September, 1855, a son of James and Julia (Murphy) Walpole.
While comparatively little is known concerning the ancestral history of the family
it has been learned that the name originated in Spain, from which country mem-
bers of the family removed to France and in later generations from France to
England and from England to Ireland. The paternal grandfather of our subject
was Thomas Wal]>ole, ami the birth of his son James occurred at Urumshanbo,
County Leitrim, Ireland, on the 2d of February, 1832. In early manhood the
latter emigrated to the United States and after living for several years in New
York came with his family to Iowa. He farmed in both Delaware and Buena
Vista counties and passed away in 1874. His wife was born in Cork, Ireland, on
the 5th of August, 1832, and was a representative of one of the old and highly
respected families of the Emerald isle. To their union were born nine children,
as follows: Thomas; John; James; Mathew; Mrs. John Howell; E. E. ; Eliza-
beth ; Mrs. C. S. Ilelyea and Mrs. W. H. Irving.

The boyhood and youth of Thomas Walpole were spent in Delaware and Buena
Vista counties, Iowa, and after completing the work offered in the public schools
there he attended for one term the Southwestern Normal School at Shenandoah,
Iowa, and also took a business course at Valparaiso University, at Valparaiso,
Indiana. Following the death of his father he operated the home farm for eight
years and during that time devoted the winter months to teaching school. In 1882
he became superintendent of the schools of Alta, Iowa, and tilled that position until
1884, when in partnership with A. C. Smith he purchased the weekly paper pub-
lished at Alta under the name of the Advertiser. Subsequently his brother, E. E.
Walpole, bought out the interest of Mr. Smith but later in turn sold out to C. H.
Wegersley. Mr. Walpole of this review, however, was continuously connected with
that publication until 1895, when he sold it and bought the Storm Lake Tribune,
which he consolidated with the Pilot under the name of the Pilot-Tribune. He
was associated in this venture also with A. C. Smith, and they nuide the paper a
recognized force in the molding of public opinion in that section of the state. In
1904, however, Mr. Walpole became the sole owner of the Pilot-Tribune, and con-
tinued to publish it with gratifying success until 1910, when he sold it. He then
located at Manson and ]nirchased the Manson Journal which he owned and published
until November, 191(;, when he disposed of that paper and came to Thompson,

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 153

Winnebago county. lie purchased the Thompson Courier and the large circuhition
of the paper is proof that it is a liberal, up-to-date and well edited sheet. He has a
first class printing establishment and in addition to publishing the Courier does a
large job business.

Mr. Walpole was married on the 11th of May, 1887, to Miss Minnie Darnell.
Her father, William Darnell, fought in the Civil war as a member of the Seventh
Iowa Volunteer Infantry and took part in many important engagements. He wa.s
with Sherman on his famous march to the sea and participated in the (J rand
Eeview at Washington. To him and his wife were born five children, as follows :
Mrs. Walpole; Mrs. C. B. Mitchell; Mrs. W. N. MacChesney ; Mrs. Joseph Donaghu :
and Mrs. E. S. Ballon. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Walpole are four in
number : Elsie, who is a graduate of the Northwestern University at Evanston ;
Fay, who is a graduate of the State Teachers' College at Cedar Falls, Iowa; and
James W. and Eileen.

Mr. Walpole is a republican in politics and from 1888 to 1896 was county
superintendent of schools of Buena Vista county, Iowa, while in 1898 he was made
postmaster at Storm Lake, which office he held for many years, or until July 1,
1915. His official record was one of the conscientious and efficient discharge of his
duties and received the commendation of all good citizens. He is a member of
the Masonic order, of the Court of Honor, of the Modern Woodmen of America
and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in religious faith is a Presby-
terian. Although he has been a resident of Thompson for only a short time he lias
already established his position among the most highly esteemed residents of the
town and his personal friends are many.

PETER BOMAN.

Peter Boman, a representative farmer of Winnebago county, living on section
25, Forest township, was born in Sweden, February 18, 1866. His parents spent
their entire lives in that country and there reared their family of four children, of
whom two are now living.

Peter Boman spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native land and is
indebted to its public school system for the educational privileges which he enjoyed.
He came to America in 1886 and settled in Forest City, Iowa, where he was
employed at general work for two years; but ambitious to engage in business on
his own account, he then began farming on section 25, Forest township, Winnebago
county, and later purchased eighty acres on section 24 of the same township. From
the beginning of his active connection with agricultural interests in this county he
has prospered and is today the owner of one of the most valuable and best improved
farms in his township. As prosperity has attended his efforts he has added to his
holdings from time to time and is now the owner of eighty acres in Mount Valley
township, Winnebago county, and one hundred and twenty acres in Ellington town-
ship, Hancock county, which he has also improved. He is likewise one of the stock-
holders in the Farmers Elevator at Forest City. In connection with the cultivation
of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is extensively and successfully

154 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

engaged in feeding stock and the careful management of his business interests is
bringing to him most gratifying success.

In September, 1888, Mr. Boman was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Olson,
a native of Sweden, who came to America when but eleven years of age. Six
children have been born of this union : Albert R., who is married and now resides
on. one of his fathers farms; Chenncy C, who is also married and follows farming;
Luella M., who after graduating from the Forest Club high school spent one year
in study at Cedar Falls and is now teaching; John 0. and Esther S., both at home;
and Clarence E., who died at the age of eight years. Mr. Boman and his family
are all members of the Swedish Baptist church and guide their lives according to
its teachings. He may truly be called a self-made man, for through his own efforts
and the assistance of his wife, who has indeed been a helpmate to him, he has won
a handsome fortune and is today one of the most prominent and prosperous farmers
of Forest township. His life record shows what may be accomplished through
persistent and earnest effort. In liis vocabulary there has been no such word as
fail, and obstacles and difficulties in his path have seemed to serve but as an
impetus for renewed effort.

F. J. BROOKER.

F. J. Brooker owns and operates a splendid four hundred acre tract of land on
sections 17 and 18, Linden township, Winnebago county, and also has other busi-
ness interests, thus ranking among the most successful men of his locality. He
was born in Livingston county, Illinois, September 30, 1867, a son of Thomas
and Lucinda (Wilber) Brooker, natives respectively of Kent, England, and of
Vermont. In 1839, when about twenty years of age, the father came to the United
States, and as the vessel on which the voyage was made was shipwrecked he becamu
separated from relatives who were crossing on the same ship and did not see them
again until about eighteen months later. He located at Cleveland, Ohio, where he
remained until a short time after his marriage, when he removed with liis bride to
La Salle county, Illinois. Subsequently they removed to a farm in Livingston
county, that state, and there they experienced the inconveniences and hardships
incident to frontier life. The unsettled condition of that part of the country can
be gathered from the fact that the nearest market town was Ottawa, thirty miles
distant, and it was then a matter of no little difficulty to secure supplies which
could not be produced upon the farm. In 1886 they removed to Ida county,
Iowa, and in March of the following year came to Winnebago county. The father
purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 18, Linden township, and his
remaining years were devoted to the operation of that place. He died September 8,
1893, but the mother survived for more than twenty-four years, as her death
occurred on the 7th of January, 1917. .

F. J. Brooker received his education in the public schools of Illinois. He
began assisting his father with the farm work in early boyhood and as the years
passed he became more and more proficient as an agriculturist. After attaining his
majority he took charge of the operation of the home farm in Linden township,
Winnebago county, and cared for his parents during their last years. In 1889,

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WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 157

when but, twenty-one years old, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on
section 17, Linden township, lying across the road from the home farm, and this
place he cultivated, together with the homestead. Following the death of his
father he purchased the home farm also, and later added to his holdings an
eighty acre tract adjoining the home place on the south, so that he has altogether
a farm of four hundred acres. The improvements upon the place are of the most
modern type, the fertility of the soil has been conserved by scientific methods of
cultivation and everything is kept in the best of repair. He derives a good income
from the sale of his grain and stock and ranks among the foremost farmers of
Linden township. He also owns eighty acres of land in Oklahoma, three and one-
half miles from Avery and in the oil belt, being within twelve miles of spouting
wells. He likewise owns stock in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company
of Thompson and is a director of the Farmers Elevator Company at Thompson,
of which he was for six years president.

Mr. Brooker was married on March 20, 1890, to Miss Ella J. Johnson, a daugh-
ter of Benjamin Johnson, of Forest City, who was an early settler of Winnebago
county, coming here in 1869 from Sweden. Mrs. Brooker was one of the pioneer
school teachers of Winnebago county. To Mr. and Mrs. Brooker have been born
five children, as follows: Elsie E., the wife of L. C. Anderson, of Grant township,
this county ; Lottie E., a teacher of Humboldt county, Iowa ; Ruth V., who is
attending the state normal school at Cedar Falls; and Charlie F. and Alice M.,
at home.

Mr. Brooker is a stalwart advocate of republican principles and has been quite
active in local affairs. For many years he has been a member of the board of
trustees and he is also serving on the school board. His interest in matters affect-
ing the general welfare is further indicated by the fact that for four years he was
president of the Winnebago County Fair and Park Association. Both he and his
wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and in its teachings are found the
principles which govern their conduct. In all that he has done he has manifested
sound judgment, executive ability and uncompromising integrity, and he is de-
servedly held in the highest esteem.

PROFESSOR H. 0. BATEMAN.

Professor H. 0. Bateman, identified with educational and agricultural inter-
ests at Forest City, was born in Kaneville, Kane county, Illinois, March 22, 1868,
a son of Marcus and Hannah (Ravlin) Bateman, who were natives of Rutland,
Vermont, and of Kane county, Illinois, respectively. They were married in the
latter place, to which the father had removed in young manhood, and in 1868
they came to Iowa, establishing their home in Black Hawk county, where th*
death of Mr. Bateman occurred in 1901. His widow still survives and is now
residing in Waterloo, Iowa.

Professor Bateman had liberal educational opportunities. He attended
Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, from which he received his Bachelor of Arts
degree in 1888. Prior to this time he had taken up teaching as a profession and
after his college days were over he resumed educational work and has contributed

158 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

much to the developnieut of the schools of the middle west. He has been prin-
cipal of the schools of Ijishon, North Dakota, also at Xora Springs, Iowa, and
superintendent of the schools at Dysart, Iowa. In 1901 he came to Forest City
as superintendent of seliools and served in that capacity for six years. He was
reared on a farm and during his long identification with educational work he
continued to hold farming interests and keep in touch with agricultural develop-
ment. In 1907 he retired from the schoolroom and has since given his attention
wholly to the cultivation of his land. In his holdings he is associated with his
brother, G A. Bateman, of Minneapolis, and they are owners of seven hundred
and twenty acres in Winnebago county, also five hundi'cd and sixty acres in
Black Hawk county, near Waterloo, and one tliousand acres near St. Paul,
Minnesota. They personally supervise the cultivation of the greater part of
their vast holdings and keep in touch with the most progressive agricultural
methods. In fact their work largely sets a standard for agricultural development
in the localities where they own land.

On the 31st of August, 1892, Professor Bateman was united in marriage to
Miss Carrie Kay, of Nora Springs, Iowa, a daughter of Edward and Sarah
(Belamy) Kay, natives of England, who came to America when young and
settled near Madison, Wisconsin, later removing to Iowa. Both have passed
away. Prof, and Mrs. Bateman have a daughter, Dorothy K., who was grad-
uated from the Forest City high school with the class o^ 1917 and will enter
Cornell College in the fall. Mr. Bateman is a member of the Knights of
Pythias and of the Sigma Nu, a Greek letter college fraternity, while he and
his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcojial church and guide tlieir
lives according to its teachings. She is also a member of the Tourists Club of
Forest City. His political allegiance has long been given to the republican
]5arty. For an extended period he has been recognized as one of the most sub-
stantial and valued citizens of the state, his life work contributing in large
measure to its progress. Those who know liim, and he has a wide acquaintance,
recognize his marked ability and feel that he has ever held to the highest
standards for the individual and also in community life.

HANS JACOBS.

Hans Jacobs, whose time and energy are devoted to the operation of his
excellent farm on section 3, Linden township, Winnebago county, was born in
Norway, November 25, 1864. Ilis parents, Jacob and Anna (Thorson) Jorgen-
son, came with their family to the United States in 1868 and after a year spent
in Howard county, Iowa, located in Forest township, Winnebago county. The
father purchased eighty acres of land and for about thirty-three years made his
home upon that farm, his death occurring in 1901, when lie was seventy-three
yeai>s old. The mother survived for four years and died at the advanced age of
eighty-one years.

Hans Jacobs was less than four years of age when brought to America and
received his education in the district schools of Forest township, in the Forest
City high school, in the Iowa State Normal College at Cedar Falls and in the

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 159

State College of Agriculture and ilechanic Arts at Ames. When only eighteen
years old he began teaehing and during the next decade alternately taught and
attended school and also during the summers did some farm work. At length he
took charge of a farm belonging to his brother, Thomas Jacobs, and operated that
place for two years, lie then returned to the home place and gave his undivided
time and attention to the cultivation of that farm. Following his father's death
he removed to his present home farm on section 3, Linden township, which he
had purchased the previous year. He gives a great deal of tliought to the man-
agement of his work and is very efficient in his methods. He is progressive but
at the same time has had sufficient experience in actual farm work to enable him
to guard against taking up too quickly with untried and perhaps impractical
innovations. He owns stock in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery and the
Farmers Elevator Company of Thompson. It was on Mr. Jacobs' farm that a
large meteorite fell about four o'clock in the afternoon one day many years ago
with an explosion heard fifteen miles away.

Mr. Jacobs was married in 1897 to Miss Lizzie Isaacson, of Forest township,
a daughter of Nels Isaacson, who removed to Winnebago county from Cliicago
about 1870. To Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs have been born six children, of whom four
survive, namely: Mabel A., who is a graduate of the Thompson high school
and is teaching; and James N., Leonard H. and Emma G., all at home.

Mr. Jacobs supports the republican party at the polls, for four years was a
member of the township board of trustees and for a number of years has been
treasurer of the school board. A public office has been to him a public trust and
his duties have been discharged with an eye single to the good of the community.
He is recognized as a successful farmer, a public-spirited citizen and a man of the
highest character. The rules which have governed his life are found in the
teachings of the United Lutheran church, to which he and his family belong.

RAYMOND F. SCHNEIDER.

Raymond F. Schneider, who in 1916 became owner and editor of the Democrat,
published at Garner, his native city, brought to his new business connection the
benefit of long experience in the newspaper field, having at different times been
employed on various papers. He was born September 17, 1892, a son of John and
Dora (Walk) Schneider, who in 1870 removed to Hancock county, where the father
engaged in the draying and bus business.

Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, the son entered the public
schools at the usual age and passed through consecutive grades to the high school.
When his textbooks were put aside he began learning the printer's trade, at which
he has worked from the age of sixteen years. For five years he was employed on
the Garner Signal and in 1913 began conducting a newspaper at Emery, South
Dakota, where he continued for a year. He then returned to the Garner Signal,
with which he was later identified for a year and a half, when he entered the
office of the Democrat and in 1916 purchased the paper, of which he is now owner
and editor. The Hancock County Democrat was established in 1883 as a weekly
paper. After a decade it became the property of W. M. Bracket, who was proprietor

160 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

and editor until January, 1916, when he sold out to Mr. Schneider, who has since
installed a new lineograph and job press. The paper is a home print journal from
eight to twelve pages and has a circulation of eleven hundred and fifty copies, largely
in Hancock county. In its publication he keeps in touch with modern ideas of
journalism and is doing excellent work along lines leading to substantial results.

On the 18th of March, 1916, Mr. Schneider was married to Miss Leila Bates,
of Garner, a daughter of S. C. Bates. They are members of the Methodist church
and are highly esteemed in the community where they live. In politics Mr._ Schneider
maintains an independent course and through the columns of his paper champions
those measures and movements which he recognizes as of benefit to the community.
Fraternally he is connected with the Mystic Workers and with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. His entire life has been passed in this section of the state,
where he is now widely known. His course in business has not been marked by
any spectacular phases but has been characterized by tliat steady and persistent
progress which ultimately wins success.

OLE L. HALVOESEN.

Ole L. Halvorsen, living on section 13, Ellington township, dates his residence
in Hancock county from 1875, covering a period of forty-two years, in which he
has witnessed nearly all of the changes which have brought the county to its
present state of development and improvement. He was born in Norway, Septem-
ber 19, 1S48, his parents being Lars and Ellen (Hanson) Halvorsen, who were also
natives of the land of the midnight sun. Coming to America in 1852, they settled
in Clayton county, Iowa, where their remaining days were passed, and there they
reared their family of twelve children, eight of whom are yet living.

Ole L. Halvorsen was a little lad of only about four years when brought to the
United States and his youthful experiences made him familiar with the pioneer
development of Clayton county, where he assisted in the farm work through the
summer months, while in the winter seasons he had the opportunity of attending
school. He mastered not only the elementary branches of learning but also the
studies taught in high school, and when his textbooks were put aside he concen-
trated his entire attention upon farm work on the old homestead, there remaining
until he reached the age of twenty-seven. It was in 1875 that he removed to
Hancock county and purchased the farm on section 13, Ellington township, upon
which he has now remained for more than four decades. It is a tract of two
hundred acres of rich and productive land which he has improved with excellent
buildings and modern equipments such as facilitate farm work. He carries on the
labor of the fields according to progressive methods of agriculture and annually
harvests good crops as a reward for his care and labor. He is also a stockholder of
the Farmers Elevator of Ventura.

In 1877 Mr. Halvorsen was married to Miss Clara Mickelson, a native of
Norway, and they have become the parents of nine children : Mary, deceased ;
Lena, the wife of Carl Solsa, of Hancock county ; Julia, the wife of P. 6. Johnson ;
Vina and Lewis, at home; Mary, the wife of Don Foley, now of Colorado; Emma,
the wife of John Osner ; Clarence, a farmer ; and Ella, at home.

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 161

Mr. Halvorsen exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the republican party, and while he has never sought nor desired politi-
cal office, he has served for some years as a member of the school board, the cause
of education finding in him a warm friend. He and his wife are members of the
Lutheran church and they believe in all those forces which work for righteousness,
truth and justice. They are recognized as leading residents of Ellington township
and enjoy the confidence and warm regard of those with whom they have been
brought in contact.

ANDEEW B. NESSET.

Andrew B. Nesset, who is engaged in 'general farming on section 13, Forest
township, Winnebago county, has so carefully directed his business ailairs that he
is today one of the substantial citizens of his community. He was born in Waseca
county, Minnesota, August 23, 1867, his parents being Jens and Johanna (Quam)
Nesset, who were natives of Norway and came to America as boy and girl in 1835
on the same ship. Their marriage occurred in this country. For five years they
lived in Wisconsin and on the expiration of that period removed to Winneshiek
county, Iowa, where Mr. Nesset carried on farming for five years. He then took
his family to Minnesota and settled on a farm, on which he remained for a number
of years, but at length returned to this state and became a farmer of Winnebago
county, taking up his abode on the land on which Andrew B. Nesset now resides.
Upon this place his remaining days were passed, but the death of his wife occcurred
in Minnesota. In their family were five children, of whom four are yet living.

Andrew B. Nesset acquired his education in the public schools of his native
state and and after attaining his majority he purchased land and engaged in
farming there. Eventually, however, he came to Winnebago county, Iowa, and
bought the old Anderson homestead on section 31, Forest township, west of Forest
City. This place was purchased in 1880 by Mr. Nesset's father-in-law, Steele
Anderson, at which time Mrs. Nesset was but five years of age. After living on
that farm for seven years Mr. Nesset sold it and bought a place on section 16 which
he owned for eight years and on which he continued to reside for three years after
disposing of it. He next took up his abode on the Nesset homestead on section 13,
Forest township, where he now owns three hundred and thirty-nine acres, all of
which is improved. He has brought his fields to a high state of cultivation and
annually gathers golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows
upon his land. He also makes a specialty of feeding stock of all kinds and he like-
wise is one of the stockholders of the Farmers Elevator at Forest City, the Farmers
Elevator at Leland and the Forest City Cooperative Creamery Company.

On October 13, 1892, Mr. Nesset was married to Miss Elizabeth Anderson, a
native of Forest City and a daughter of Steele and Christina Anderson, who were
born in Norway. Leaving the land of the midnight sun, they came to America in
1871 and took up their abode in Winnebago county, while at the present time they
are residents of Mason City, Iowa. In their family were nine children, all of
whom are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Nesset have become parents of three children :
Jared A., who married Hazel Harris and has one child, Violet, and who follows

162 AVINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

farming in Winnfbagu (iiunty, on Sunset View Farm; Stanley II., also a farmer:
and Leo C. The first two are college graduates, having completed their studies at
Waldorf College at Forest City. 'J'he family are most pleasantly located in an
attractive home on the Oak Lawn Fai-m; another place which Mr. Nesset owns is
known as the Sunset View Farm ; and his farm of ninety-nine acres in Mount
Valley township is named Hickory Grove Farm. Fraternally Mr. Nesset is con-
nected with the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 440 at Forest City and he and his wife arc
identified with the Rebekah degree. They are also members of the Methodist
?]piscopal church, to the teachings of which they loyally adhere. In his political
views Mr. Nesset is a rcpuljlican and for six years he tilled the office of townshi]i
trustee, while for a number of years he was a member of the school board. He is a
public-spirited and patriotic citizen and one to whom the community can ever look
for substantial aid in su]>port of measures for the general good. The secret of his
success is to be found in diligence and detcrminaticjn, combiiied with thorough
reliability in all business transactions.

SOREN H. LARSON.

Soren II. Larson, the efficient president of the Farmers State I'.ank of Lake
Mills, Iowa, was born in Boone county, Illinois, March 14, 1857, a son of Halvor
and Kari (Berg) Larson, the former a native of Siljord prestegjeld, Ovre Tele-
marken, Norway, and the latter of Sovde prestegjeld, Nedre Telemarken, that
country. About 1850 the family emigrated to Boone county, Illinois, where the
father worked as a laborer for some time. Later he invested his savings in land in
that county and improved and operated his farm until 1864, when he removed
to Winnebago county, Iowa. There he purchased land which he farmed until he
retired from active life. His last years were spent at the home of his son, Soren H.
His death occurred in May, 19011, when he was nearly eighty-five years old. The
mother died in the same month, when nearly eighty-three years of age.

Soren H. Larson was reared and educated in Winnebago county, as he was but
six years old when brought here by his parents. In 1881, in early manhood, he
went to North Dakota with one of his brothers and his brother-in-law and there
they farmed, ran a threshing outfit, dealt in horses and also conducted a country
store and i)ostoffice for three years. In 1887, however, Mr. Larson returned to
Iowa and i)urchased the home place, which he operated until he was elected
treasurer uf Winnebago county in 1892, at which time he removed to Forest City,
the county seat. Six years later, at the expiration of his term of service as county
treasurer, he removed to Lake Mills and, in company with others, organized the
First National Bank at that place and served as assistant cashier of that institu-
tion until 1902, when he became cashier. In the same year the First National
Bank absorbed the P. M. Joice private bank. While connected with the First
National Bank of Lake Mills he, with others, organized the First Natiomil Bank
of Hannaford, North Dakota, in which he retained his interest for two years.

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 165

In 1005 he severed his connection with the First National Bank at Lake Mills hihI
purchased an interest in the Farmers State Bank of Lake Mills, whose business
policy he has since directed as president. It was organized in 1898, has a capital
of twenty-five thousand dollars surplus and undivided profits amounting to twenty-
five thousand dollars, and about four hundred and thirty tliousand dolllars in
deposits. The other officers are: Ole Ilovie, vice president; T. S. Tweed,
cashier; and G. T. Tweed and Frank Streeter, assistant cashiers. The excellent
condition of the finances of the institution is due to the sagacity and enter-
prise of the officers and to their fine spirit of co-operation, each seeking
to co-ordinate his work with that of the others so as to further the best interests
of the bank. Mr. Larson brings to his important work as president a detailed
knowledge of banking practice, a thorough understanding of the basic principles
of finance and resourcefulness in dealing with unusual situations.

In February, 189-1, Mr. Larson was married to Miss Anna D. Bolstad, and they
have three children : Kenneth H., born January 7, 1895, and Earl B., born
September 19, 1896, both of wdiom attended St. Olaf College for two years and
are graduates of the Minneapolis Business College; and Adeline S., born January
21, 1903, who is attending school.

In his political belief Mr. Larson is a stanch republican and he has served
his community as a member of the town council and is now serving as treasurer
of the school board. In those capacities he has made a highly creditable record,
giving the same close attention to his official duties that he has always given to
the management of his business affairs. Ilis integrity has always been beyond
question and his personal friends are many.

R. W. CUFFEL.

E. W. Cuffel, who is living retired in Lake Mills after a number of years of well
directed and successful labor as an agriculturist, was born in Kosciusko county,
Indiana, August 1. 1852. His parents, Albert and Rebecca (Newton) Cuft'el, were
born respectively in Ohio and in New York and in 1856 removed from Indiana to
Chickasaw county, Iowa, where the father farmed for many years. At length he
retired and from that time until his death resided with his daughter, Mrs. J. A.
Rush, at Sunnyside, Washington. There both he and his wife died and were
buried. To them were born eight children, of whom seven survive and of whom
our subject is the fourth in order of liirth.

R. W. Cuffel received a common school education but when si.xteen years old
put aside his textbooks and for five years thereafter devoted his entire time and
attention to assisting his father on the home farm. By the time he attained his
majority he was thoroughly familiar with all phases of farm work and for four
years he was employed as a hired hand in the vicinity of Lake Mills. When
twenty-five years old he went to Bremer county, Iowa, and purchased land, which
he cultivated for a few years, later farming in Butler county for eight years. At
the end of that time he bought land in Logan township, Winnebago county, but

166 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

after operating that place for five years rented it and took up his residence in Lake
Mills, where he is still living. He is in excellent financial circumstances and his
success is doubly creditable in that it is due solely to his own hard work and good
management.

Mr. Cutlel was married October 10, 1881, to Miss Mary McCaffree, a daughter
of Charles and C'ynthia (Messenger) McCaffree, the former born in Kentucky and
the latter in Indiana. They removed to Bremer county, Iowa, in territorial days
and the father turned the first furrow within the limits of the county. Both
passed away there and are buried near Waverly. They were well known among
the early settlers and were held in the highest esteem. Mr. and Mrs. Cuffel have a
a daughter, Gertrude Blanche, who married H. B. Hill, of Lake Mills, by whom
she has a daiighter, Elaine, born September 16, 1914.

Mr. Cuffel exercises his right of franchise in support of the candidates and
measures of the republican party but lias never been an aspirant for office. He and
his wife are members of the Methodist church and do all in their power to further
its work and extend its influence. His life has been characterized by quiet efficiency,
by the strictest adherence to high moral standards and by strong and lasting
friendships.

VICTOK L. BELLMAN.

Victor L. Bellman, a well known general merchant of Thompson, Iowa, has
spent his entire life in this state, his birth occurring in Dows, Wright county, on
the 11th of September, 1874. His parents, Sven and Sophia (Donaldson) Bellman,
were natives of Sweden but in early life came to the United States and first located
in Michigan, where they spent four years. At the end of that time they removed
to Wright county, Iowa, where the father purchased land and engaged in farming
for twelve years, and then turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, condiicting
a store at Dows for a number of years. Later he engaged in the real estate busi-
ness at that place. After a useful and well spent life he passed away in May, 1913,
having survived his wife only a few months, as she died in January of the same
year. Both were earnest and consistent members of the Swedish Lutheran church.

Beared in his native county, Victor L. Bellman is indebted to the public
schools of Dows for the early educational privileges he enjoyed, and he remained
with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-seven years. He then went to
Garner, Iowa, where he conducted a store for two months, and on leaving there
engaged in general merchandising at Germania for three years. For about fifteen
years, however, he has owned and operated a store in Thompson and has built up an
excellent trade in the town and surrounding country. He carries a large and well
selected stock of goods and his liberal prices and fair dealing have gained for him a
good patronage. Mr. Bellman is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Com-
pany and the Farmers Creamery Company of Thompson and has an interest in
Wisconsin farm land.

On the 1st of January, 1901, Mr. Bellman was united in marriage to Miss
Leona Sanders, and they have become the parents of two children. Opal, now
fourteen years of age; and Merle, aged seven years. Mrs. Bellman holds member-

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 167

ship in tlie Methodist church, and Mr. BeUman takes an active interest in the
moral and material development of his community. Mr. Bellman is also aEfiliated
with the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias and is a stanch supporter of the
republican party. For three years he eflBciently served as a member of the town
council and is a stalwart champion of all measures for the public good.

HANS P. JUHL.

Hans P. Juhl, the capable and well liked postmaster at Thompson, was born in
Nysted, Denmark, March 25, 1881, a son of Christian and Margaret Juhl, who are
still living in Nysted. The father is by occupation a farmer. Hans P. Juhl, who
is the third in order of birth in a family of six children, attended the common
schools in his native country until he was sixteen years old, after which he was
variously employed until he was eighteen years of age, when with an uncle he
emigrated to the United States, locating at Britt, Iowa, where another uncle, Nels
Lorensen, was fanning. He remained there for a year and subsequently worked
for farmers in the locality of Thompson for two years. For a short time he fol-
lowed the butcher's trade and later clerked in a clothing store in Forest City. In
1911 he came to Thompson and bought a restaurant, which he conducted until
1914, when he established a moving picture theater, which he disposed of in 1916.
On the 1st of April, 1917, he assumed the duties of postmaster and has already
given evidence that he is well fitted for the place.

Mr. Juhl was married in 1911 to Miss Helen Halvorson, a daughter of John
and Anna Halvorson, natives respectively of Norway and Wisconsin. For a number
of years the father conducted a general store in Thompson but is now deceased.
The mother is still living here. Mr. and Mrs. Juhl have three children, John
Harold, Eobert Sidney and Paul Vincent.

Mr. Juhl is a stanch supporter of the democratic party and is well informed as
to the questions and issues of the day. He is now serving as town assessor as well
as postmaster, and all of his official duties are discharged promptly and efficiently.
He owns a fine home in Thompson and is recognized as a successful and enterprising
young man.

FOEEST CITY NATIONAL BANK.

The Forest City National Bank, an important element of business development
in Winnebago county, was organized in July, 1895, with C. J. Thompson as
president, G. S. Gilbertson cashier and Judge C. H. Kelly as vice president. In
addition there were on the board of directors 0. A. Olson, S. C. Gardner and T. G.
Tweed, while Charles A. Isaacs became assistant cashier. The bank was capitalized
for fifty thousand dollars and erected a building at the northwest corner of Clark
and K streets. On the 12th of January, 190 i, Mr. Thompson sold his interest in
the bank and G. S. Gilbertson succeeded to the presidency, while B. H. Thomas was
elected cashier. The other directors were C. H. Kelly, 0. A. Olson, G. B. Anderson,

168 WliNNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

W. 0. Hanson, 11. K. Irish and C. A. Isaacs. In January, 1905, C. A. Isaacs
became cashier and served in tliat capacity until September, 1912, when he with-
drew from the bank, selling his interest. He was succeeded by R. W. Stephenson
in the ofTice of cashier. On the 7th of April, 1913, G. S. Gilbertson sold his bank
stock and W. S. Wadsworth was elected president, while H. R. C'leophas became
vice president. A further change in the presidency occurred January 12, 1915,
when Hon. G. N. Haugen, congressman, was called to that office. Judge C. H.
Kelly is the vice president, while Mr. Cleophas is cashier. 0. E. Gunderson is the
assistant cashier of the bank, while in addition to the president and the cashier
the directors are F. D. Pect, G. I. Koto, John A. Peters and (}. B. Anderson. These
are all men of substantial worth and business ability. The persistent purpose,
sound judgment and unfaltering enterpri.sc of Mr. Gleophas are constituting
important sources of the growth of the 1iank and he displays nuirked aliility in
administrative direction and executive control. Mr. (iunderson as assistant cashier
is making good in his position and the clerical force of the bank is competent and
courteous. In a word, the personnel of the bank has had much to do with its
success. The officers and directors of the bank arc all men of high standing and
have had much exjierience in lianking business. Hon. G. N. Haugen is president of
the First National Bank of Northwood and is intci-ested in several other banks of
Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota, while Judge Kelly is'vice president of the
First National Bank of Thompson, Iowa, and of other banks in the state. F. D.
Peet is president of the State National Bank of Iowa Falls and he, too, is interested
Ih other banking institutions.

The Forest City National Bank has accumulated a surplus and undivided profits
since April, 1913, of twenty-eight thousand dollars. At that time its deposits were
only three hundred and five thousand dollars, while in April, 1917, the deposits
had reached five hundred and two thousand dollars. The bank thus shows a steady
growth in its business, which is conducted along most safe and conservative lines,
but its policy does not hinder continuous progression.

JOSEPH NEDVED.

Joseph Nedved is a resident farmer of Garfield township, Hancock county,
living on section 32, wliere he owns and cultivates one hundred and sixty acres
of rich and productive land. He was born in Bohemia, March 7, 1864, and is a
son of John and Mary (Borz) Nedved. The father died in Hancock county in
1904 and the mother is still living in this county. In their family were five sons_,
the brothers of Joseph being: John, Rtenk, Frank and Charles, who are all mar-
ried and reside in Garfield township, Hancock county.

Joseph Nedved acquired a common school education in Bohemia, where he
remained until he reached the age of seventeen years. He then determined to try
his fortune in the new world, believing that he might have better opportunities on
this side the Atlantic. Acccordingly on the 4th of June, 1881, he arrived in the
United States and from the eastern coast made his way at once into the interior
of the country. When he first came to Iowa he earned sixty cents per day at husk-
ing corn, four men being engaged to husk with one wagon. I^and at that day sold

MK. AM) MKS. JOSEPH NEDVED

PnSLIC LIBlR/,aY i

-*Si"0«. LENOX AND

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 171

at from four to eight dollars per acre. One could pick any huid desired at the
top price of eight dollars. Mr. Xedved, however, had to earn the money before
he could make a purchase, but ultimately became the owner of one hundred and
sixty acres on section 38, Garfield township, Hancock county, for which he paid
ten dollars and a quarter per acre. In his farming operations he has prospered
and today he owns another tract of one hundred and sixty acres situated in German
towTiship. His fields are carefully cultivated and his industry and enterprise are
bringing to him a substantial measure of success.

On the 28th of July, 1890, Mr. Xedved was married to Miss Anna IToydar, a
daughter of Frank and Mary Vonesh Hoydar, the former of whom died 'Decem-
ber 6, 1914, while the latter is still living in Hancock county. Mrs. Nedved was
born in Winneshiek county, Iowa, July 26, 1873, and by her marriage has become
the mother of five sons : Edward B., who is married and lives in Iowa Falls, where
he is operator on the Kock Island Railroad ; James J., who is agent for the Chicago
& Northwestern Eailroad at Parkersburg, Iowa; Joseph V. and George P., who
are operating the home farm ; and Raleigh S., who is attending the Britt high
school.

Mr. and Mrs. Nedved are members of the Catholic cliurch and for nineteen
years he has been connected with the Modern Woodmen, of which he is a trustee.
In politics he is a republican and is now serving for the second term of two years
as township trustee. He was also school director for six years. He has never had
occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he has
found the opportunities which he sought and by a life of industry and persever-
ance has made for himself a position among the substantial farmers of the
locality.

OLAF A. MOGEN.

One of the best improved and most attractive farm properties of Winnebago
county is that owned by Olaf A. Mogen, whose place comprises three hundred acres
on section 23, Center township. He has resided thereon for almost a third of a
century and its neat and attractive appearance is the visible evidence of his life of
well directed energy and thrift. He was born in Norway May 17, 1854, and is a
son of Aslok and Sigrid (Sovtestad) Olson, who were likewise natives of the land
of the midnight sun and there remained until called to the home beyond. The
father served in the regular army in Norway for about forty years and became a
sergeant.

The youthful days of Olaf A. Mogen were spent in Norway and his education
was acquired in its public schools. After attaining his majority, in 1880, he made
the long voyage across the briny deep and settled first in Dane county, Wisconsin,
where he spent one winter. He then again started westward with Worth county,
Iowa, as his destination and there he secured employment at farm labor, devoting
the summer months to the work of the fields, while in the winter seasons he taught
school in Worth and Winnebago counties. In this way be finally earned the capital
which enabled him to purchase land and he invested in three hundred acres on
section 23, Center township, Winnebago county. This he set about clearing and

172 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

improving. He has cleared two Imndred and seventy acres of his farm and today
has one of tlie best improved places in the county, equipped with all the conveniences
and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. It bears proof of the
thirty-two years of labor which he has devoted thereto and each year he garners good
crops as a reward for his eft'ort. He is also a stockholder in the Lake Mills Cream-
ery Company and in the Farmers Elevator Company of Lake Mills.

In February, lS8-i, Mr. Mogen was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Knutson
and they have become the parents of three sons, Andrew 0., Conrad C. and Gustav
Theodore, all of whom are farming in Center township.

Mr. Mogen's life lias ever been actuated by high and honorable principles. He
holds membership in the United Lutheran church and his position upon the temper-
ance question is indicated by the stalwart support which he gives to the prohibition
party. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, esteem him as a
man of sterling worth and the course which he has followed might well serve as an
example to others, while his life history also proves conclusively that success and an
honored name may be won simultaneously.

SIMON A. SMITH.

Simon A. Smith, a retired farmer living in Lake Mills, has passed the seventy-
ninth milestone on life's journey but is still in good health and takes a keen interest
in all happenings of the day. He was born in Middlesex, Vermont, July 27, 1837,
the third child in a family of six children whose j^arents were Simon and Amelia
(Moore) Smith, natives of Massachusetts. He was the only one to come to Iowa and
all of the others have passed away save his sister Sarah, now the widow of George
Butler and a resident of Montpelier, Vermont.

The boyhood of Simon A. Smith was passed upon the home farm in Vermont
and his education was acquired in the common schools. When sixteen years old he
began working for others, following the carpenter's and painters trades, and was so
occupied until 1865, when he came to Winnebago county, Iowa, and horaesteaded
land in Center township. He there raised grain and stock for many years and
his well directed labors brought him a gratifying financial return. At length he
rented the land and retired to Lake Mills and has since enjoyed a well earned rest.
On May 20, 1868, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Amelia Ruby, a daughter of
Charles and Josephine (Wawada) Ruby, natives of Bohemia. On emigrating to
America they located in Hartford, Connecticut, but after two years went to Chicago,
where they remained a year. They then resided in Worth county, Iowa, for five
years, after which they came to Winnebago county, then a pioneer district. Both
have passed away and the father is buried upon the homestead, while the mother's
remains are interred in the South cemetery at Lake Mills. Six children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, namely: Millie Josephine, the wife of Clarence
Tracy, of Vinton, Iowa; Benjamin Franklin, of Lake Mills; Carlos Wolcott, who
died at the age of twelve years and is buried in the North cemetery; Harriet
Hermina, the wife of A. J. Bragg, of Clear Lake; Ella Mable, at home; and
Frederick Carlos, a wireless operator in the employ of the United States navy.

Mr. Smith votes for the candidates and measures of the republican party and

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 173

has always been a stanch supporter of its principles, which he believes to be best
calculated to further the interests of the country. He belongs to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and both within and without that organization has many
warm friends, for his life has measured up to high standards and he has always
held friendship inviolable. For more than five decades he has resided in Winne-
bago county and has seen practically its entire transformation from a region of
unbroken prairie to a highly developed agricultural district.

HENKY DUESENBERG.

Henry Dueseuberg, now successfully engaged in general farming on section 28,
Concord township, Hancock county, has been a resident of Iowa since 1884 but his
early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in Germany,
September 16, 1863, his parents being Conrad and Conradine (PotthofE) Duesen-
berg. The father died in Germany, and in 1885 the mother came to the United
States, where she is still living at the age of seventy-eight years. She purchased
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Floyd county, Iowa, for which she paid
twenty-three dollars per acre, and in that county she still makes her home. She
was again married, her second husband being Christian Hertz, of Charles City,
Iowa.

Henry Duesenberg was reared and educated in his native land, where he
remained until 1884, when he resolved to try his fortune in the new world. For
three years after coming to this country he worked as a farm hand and then rented
a farm in Floyd county, Iowa, which he operated for two years. At the end of
that time he turned his attention to shoemaking and harnessmaking in Ivlemme,
Hancock county, where he worked at these trades for five years. The following
two years were again devoted to agricultural pursuits, but on the 7tli of August,
1897, a hail storm destroyed his crops, leaving him only fifteen bushels of potatoes,
worth twenty cents per bushel, for his year's work. On settling up his affairs he
found that he was six hundred dollars in debt. Mr. Duesenberg then returned to
Floyd county and lived with his mother for a time while working in a harness
shop. In April, 1898, he began working for the Patton nursery at Charles City
as traveling salesman, and remained with that house for three years. He was
engaged in the nursery business at Eockford, Iowa, imtil his removal to Garner
in 1905. He put in a nursery stock but on the 3d of July, 1908, the hail com-
pletely ruined thirty thousand apple trees and all of his strawberries, covering an
acre and a half. Since then he has engaged in general farming, having purchased
in 1905 a tract of one hundred and fifty acres on section 28, Concord township,
Hancock county, for which he paid sixty-five dollars per acre.

On the 21st of December, 1887, Mr. Duesenberg was united in marriage to Miss
Margaret Byer, a native of Germany, of which country her parents were lifelong
residents. To this union were bom two children: Hulda, now the wife of
Edward Katterhenry; and Wesley, a resident of Jersey City, New Jersey. Mr.
Duesenberg was again married October 13, 1898, his second union being with Miss
Eva Hicks, a daughter of John and Margaret (Reutzel) Hicks, natives of Germany,
who came to this country and settled near Mendota, Illinois, in the fall of 1868.

174 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

In that locality Jlrs. Dueseiiberg was bom October 18, 18(59, and there lier parents
still reside.

Jlr. and Mrs. Dnosenbei'g are earnest and consistent members of the German
Methodist Ejiiscojial cliuri'h and are people of the highest respectabilitJ^ In poli-
tics Mr. Dueseuberg is a republican. lie is a man of good business ability and is
regarded as one of the representative citizens of the community in which he lives.

EKIC'K A. AND GILBEKT A. HOUG.

Erick A. and Gilbert A. lluug, composing the lirm of Iloug Jirothcrs, are
successfully engaged in the automobile business at Thompson, Iowa, where they
own a fine modei'n garage on Main street. They handle the Chevrolet cars and
do a general repairing business, both members of the firm being expert mechanic's
and men of good business ability.

Xativcs of Green county, Wisconsin, Erick A. Houg was born May 19, 1872,
and Ins brother Gilbert A., was born on the 14th of January, 1878. Their parents
were Isaac and Barbara (Olesdater) Houg, who came to this country from Norway
in 1869 and took up their abode in Green county, Wisconsin, where the fatlier
worked as a farm hand until 1877. He then purchased forty acres of land, which
he improved and cultivated until 1890, when he sold the place to his son, although
he built another house on the laud and continued to reside there a few years longer.
In 1904, however, he went to Virginia and made his home in that state up to
the time of his death, which occurred in 1913 when he was about eighty-two years
of age, for he was born in Norway on the 26th of February, 1831. In that country
he was married June 29, 1860, to Miss Barbara Olesdater Hermundpladsen, who was
born there March 3, 1835, and died November 25, 1881. By that union there
were seven children, namely : Ole, born April 28, 1861 ; Dorothy, who was born
June 27. 1864, and died February 18, 1871; Ole, born January 11, 1867; Andrew,
born March 15, 1870: Erick A., born May 19, 1872; Martin, who was born Febru-
ary 14, 1875, and died in the spring of 1910; and Gilbert A., liorn January 14, 1878.

Erick A. Houg was reared and educated in Wisconsin and at the early age of
twelve years began work as a farm hand. In the spring of 1892 he went to Cal-
lender, Webster county, Iowa, where he worked until the following fall, and then
began learning the blacksmith's trade at Dows, where he spent two years. At the
end of that time he returned to Wisconsin but after working at his trade there
for one summer again came to Dows, Iowa. Shortly afterward, however, he came
to Thompson, Winnebago t'ounty, where he followed blacksmithing two years, after
which we again find him in Dows, where he worked at his ti-ade until the spring
of 1900. Mr. Houg then formed a ])artnership with Henry Erick.son and engaged
in general lilacksmitbing at Thompson under the firm name of Erickson & Houg
for one year, at the end of which time our subject sold out and returned to Wiscon-
sin. On the 1st of August, 1901, he went to Bricelyn, Minnesota, where he worked
at blacksmithing for C. K. Sabo until January, 1902, at which time he returned to
Thompson, Iowa, and forming a partnership with his brother Gilbert A. leased
and operated a blacksmith shop for one year. They then purchased the same and
continued to carry on blacksmithing until the spring of 1913, when they rented the

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 175

shop and turned their attention to the automohilc business. They erected a good
up-to-date garage on Main street, where they do general repairing as well as take
care of cars, and they act as agents for the Chevrolet automobile.

Gilbert A. Houg also attended the public schools of his native state and in
early life began earning his own livelihood as a farm hand. Like his brother he
learned the blacksmith's trade under the direction of L. J. Rude at Dows, Iowa,
and he continued to work at that occupation until he embarked in the automobile
business as a member of the firm of Houg Brothers. They are both stockholders
of the Farmers Elevator Company and the Farmers and Town Mutual Switchboard
Company and are numbered among the leading business men of tlie community.

On the 5th of March, 190.3, Erick A. Houg was united in marriage to Miss
Ehoda S. Johnson, a daughter of Stephen and Martha Johnson, pioneers of Fari-
bault county, Minnesota, now living in Bricelyn. Mr. Houg and his wife have
adopted two of her sister's children, namely: Mabel Overlee, born March 15, 1905;
and Sanford Overlee, born February 20, 1011. Gilljert A. Houg was married
November 26, 1903, to Miss Cynthia Olson, a daughter of Michael and Thona
Olson, who were early settlers of Dows, Wright county, Iowa. Mrs. Houg died
September 25, 1910, after a short illness, leaving a little sou, Merrill A., who was
born April 27, 1907.

Both brothers are Lutherans in religious faith and cast their ballots with the
republican party. They take a commendable interest in public affairs and Erick
is now serving as a member of the town council. He is also treasurer of the
switchboard company of which he and his brother are stockholders. They stand
high in the esteem of their fellow citizens and well merit the success they have
achieved in life, as it is due entirely to their own enterprise, good management and
untiring industry.

ABNER JAMES PETEES.

Abner James Peters, actively engaged in farming on section 24, Forest town-
ship, Winnebago county, is a native of the county in which he still makes his
home. He was born May 19, 1884, of the marriage of Ole and Cornelia (Edwards)
Peters, both of whom are natives of Norway, whence they came to America in early
life. They first settled in Wisconsin and after living there for a number of years
removed to Winnebago county, Iowa, taking up their abode upon a farm. In addi-
tion to the work of tilling the soil the father also operated a grist mill which he
owned and was thus actively identified witli the industrial as well as the agricul-
tural interests of the county. Both he and his wife still make their home in
Winnebago county, and of their five children four are yet living.

Abner J. Peters spent his youthful days under the parental roof and at the
usual age began his education in the district school, while later he had the benefit
of instruction in the high school at Lake Mills. He rented land for about five
years, but during that period carefully saved his earnings until his industry and
economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase the farm
upon which he now lives on section 24, Forest township. He has since given his
attention and energy to the further development of the property and has brought

176 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

his fields to a high state of cultivation, producing large crops annually. He also
makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock. He is now the owner of two
hundred acres of valuable land on sections 12 and 84, Forest township, and, more-
over, he is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator. His place is known as the Oak-
dale Stock Farm and it constitutes one of the attractive features in the land^■cape
by reason of its excellent improvements and well kept appearance.

On April 31, 1908, Mr. Peters was joined in wedlock to Miss Hannah Mosstad,
a daughter of Andrew Mosstad and a native of Winnebago county, and they
have become parents of four children : Olive E., Burt E., Wilford C. and Helen A.
The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Peters exercises his
right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party but
has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his time and energies to his
farming and stock raising interests. His life of intelligently directed activity
has made him at the end of a quarter of a century one of the substantial farmers of
Winnebago county.

JOSEPH B. CONLEY.

Joseph B. Conley, of Lake Mills, has been identified with a number of busi-
ness interests and in all he has undertaken has met with a large measure of
success. He is now active in the real estate field as a member of the Haugo-
Conley Land Agency and he held the office of postmaster for several years,
resigning that position in February, 1917. His birth occurred in Eock county,
Wisconsin, on the 1st of Jiily, 1852, and he is a son of Stephen and Sarah
(Finney) Conley, natives respectively of Ireland and Vermont. When the father
was eleven months old he was brought by his parents to America and in early
manhood he began farming on his own account in Rock county, Wisconsin.
About 1880, however, he retired from active life and removed to Chicago, where he
lived until his death in March, 1914. He had survived his wife for a decade, as
her demise occurred in March, 1904.

Joseph B. Conley was reared in Rock county, Wisconsin, and remained with
his parents until he became of age. He then rented land which he operated for
about five years, but in 1877 he removed to Sumner, Bremer county, Iowa.
There he gave his attention to the well drilling business for two years and for
one year after his removal to Lake Mills, Winnebago county, continued to engage
in that occupation. He next became connected with a flour mill which he
operated until March, 1917. In 1895 he extended his business interests, estab-
lishing an electric light plant which he operated continuously until September,
1916, when he sold it. He owns farm land in North Dakota and is engaged in
the real estate business as a member of the Haugo-Conley Land Agency. This
firm has a large clientage of representative men and in the course of a year
handles a great deal of valuable property. This year (1917) he is farming a half
section of land in the Red river valley in North Dakota. On the 80th of July,
1913, Mr. Conley was appointed postmaster of Lake Mills, filling that office until
he resigned on the 13th of February, 1917. His official record was in harmony

JOSEPH B. CONLEY

PUBLIC U;U<,.KY

ASTOrt, LEN iX ANO
: I r .;)KN FO'JN OATIONM
L

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 179

with his successful and honorable career as a business man and he was a popular
postmaster.

On the 28th of December, 1881, Mr. Conley was married to Miss Sarah
Kenny and they have two children, namely : Vera, who is a Sister of Charity
at Dubuque, Iowa, and has taken the name of Sister Bernard Ella; and Wilfred
E., an electrical engineer residing at Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. Conley is a strong democrat in politics and in addition to being post-
master has held the offices of mayor, councilman and school director. He is a
communicant of the Catholic church, belongs to the Knights of Columbus and
is also a member of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and the Mystic
Toilers. He has a wide acquaintance in Lake Mills and indeed throughout the
county and the high respect in which he is held is richly deserved.

I. J. KESSEY.

I. J. Kessey, county treasurer of Winnebago county and a well known resident
of Forest City, was born in Norway, December 29, 1849, a son of Jacob Simon-
stead and Bertha Gjestvang. After spending the first seventeen years of his
life in his native country, I. J. Kessey came to the new world, arriving in America
on the 3d of July, 1866. He at once made his way westward to Iowa settling in
Winneshiek county, where he worked as a farm hand for about eight years. In
May, 1874, he came to Winnebago county and purchased a farm of one hundred
and sixty acres in Linden township, which was a tract of wild land. There were
no houses in sight and in fact his was one of the- pioneer homes of the district.
Wild game was plenty, including geese, ducks, cranes and prairie chickens. It was
somewhat difficult to secure supplies because of the remoteness of the farm from
market. Mr. Kessey developed his place into productive fields but eventually sold
that property and purchased a farm near Forest City. In 1888 he was called to
public office, being elected county auditor, which position he filled for five years.
He afterward entered the grain and coal business at Buffalo Center and also at
Thompson, Iowa, continuing active along those lines for four years, after which
he returned to the farm and concentrated his attention upon feeding stock. In
June, 1914, he was nominated for the office of county treasurer and in November
was elected to the position, assuming the duties of the office in January, 1915. He
has made an excellent record, discharging his duties promptly and faithfully, and
in 1916 his party endorsed his course by renominating him, and he was elected
without opposition.

On the 23d of November, 1873, Mr. Kessey was married to Miss Sarah Hover,
of Winneshiek county, Iowa, and their children are : Henry, now residing in Green
Bay, Wisconsin ; Albert, a contractor and builder of Forest City ; Ella ; Ida, the wife
of Oscar Belshein, who follows farming near Forest City; Etta, who is with the
Mutual Lyceum Bureau; Sylven, who is engaged in the restaurant business in
Superior, Wisconsin ; Norman, who died at the age of thirty-three years ; Lillie,
living in Minneapolis; Mabel, the wife of Ben Conner, of Thompson, Iowa; Bettie,
the wife of Jay Brones, a farmer; and Alice Hover, who is an adopted daughter.
The family are members of the Methodist church and Mr. Kessey has ever guided

180 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

his life by its teacliiiigs. His political allegiance is given to the republican party
and he is ever loyal to a cause which he espouses, llis sterling traits of character
are many and all who know him entertain for him high regard.

LEWIS NELSON.

Lewis Nelson, who concentrates his time and attention upon farm work on
section 35, Linden township, Winnebago county, has one hundred and sixty acres
of arable land which responds readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon
it. His life record began in Sweden, July 7, 1860, his parents being Nels and
Ellen (Nelson) Anderson, who were natives of Sweden, where they continued to
reside until 1874 when they left that land with tlie purpose of making America
their future home. Having crossed the briny deep they traveled westward to
Winnebago county, Iowa, and here both the father and mother spent their remain-
ing days.

Lewis Nelson was one of a family of eight children, five of whom are now
living. He acquired his education in the schools of Sweden which he attended to
the age of fourteen years, when he accompanied his pareMsi to the United States,
and from that time forward he has been dependent upon his own resources for a
livelihood. He was first employed at farm labor for two years and afterward worked
on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad for four years. While thus
employed he carefully saved his earnings, practicing strict economy and working
diligently until he had accumulated a sum sufficient to enable him to purchase
property. It was in 1885 that lie became the owner of a farm of one hundred and
si.xty acres on section .25, Linden township, Winnebago county, on which he now
resides. He has since operated this place which he has converted into one of the
modern farm properties of the community, displaying all the equipments that
exemplify twentieth century progress along agricultural lines. He has excellent
buildings, well kept fences and the latest improvements in farm machinery.

Mr. Nelson votes with the republican party but has never been an office seeker.
He was reared in the Lutheran faith. His attention is largely concentrated upon
his business afl'airs and he has made all that he possesses since starting out in the
business world for himself empty handed, when a lad of fourteen years.

A. N. LUNDSTEUM.

The Scandinavian countries have contributed a large quota to the progressive
citizenship of Winnebago county. The number includes A. N. Lundstrum, who
was born in Sweden, April 6, 1852. He is a so;i of Nels and Mattie Miller, who
were also natives of that country, where they spent their entire lives. They had a
family of nine children, of whom six are yet living.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for A. N.
Lundstrum during his boyhood and youth. He learned the blacksmith's trade in
Sweden and that gave him the privilege of taking any name desired. Accordingly

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 181

he took the name of Lundstrum, which his brother also chose. Thinking to find
better opportunities in the new work], he crossed the Atlantic in 1873 and made
his way into the interior of the country, settling first at Mason City, Iowa, where
he remained for a short time. He afterward removed to Mitchell county, Iowa,
where he was employed as a farm hand for three years. He then worked at his
trade in a foundry in Osage, that county, for one year. ' He next came to Winnebago
county and invested his hard earned savings in forty acres of land, constituting
the nucleus of his present farm on section 24, Forest township. He afterward
added eighty acres and now has a good farm property of one hundred and twenty
acres on sections 13 and 24, Forest township, known as the Walnut and Maple
Hill Farm. He has improved it with fine buildings, adding all the accessories and
conveniences of the model farm of the twentieth century. He built an addition
to his house with lumber made from trees which he planted and which he also
sawed. In addition to his farm property he has other business interests, being a
stockholder in the Farmers Elevator of Forest City and tlie Forest City Coopera-
tive Creamery Company.

In 1877 Mr. Lundstrum was married to Miss Anna Olson, a native of Wiscon-
sin, and they have become parents of eight children: William, a farmer of Newton
township; Lewis, who is living in Madison, Wisconsin; Martha, at home; Ida, the
wife of John J. Halverson ; Elmer, who is farming ; Lillian, at home ; Lloyd, deceased
and Lloyd, the second of the name, now at home. Mr. Lundstrum holds mem-
bership in the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and he and his wife are faithful
members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His political allegiance is given
the republican party and he has served as one of the trustees of his township and
as school director. He is never neglectful of his duties of citizenship, but on the
contrary is ready and willing to aid in matters relating to the welfare and upbuild-
ing of his district. His life has been one of unremitting industry and his per-
severance and energy have constituted the foundation upon whicli he has builded
his success.

JOSEPH B. KEELER.

Joseph B. Keeler was at different times active in various fields of endeavor, but
for a few years before his death lived retired save for the supervision which he
gave to his investments. He was well known not only in Lake Mills but through-
out the entire county and his demise was the occasion of much sincere regret. He
was the first white child born in Bristol, Worth county, Iowa, his natal day being
October 15, 1859. His parents were James and Cornelia (Streeter) Keeler, the
former a native of Norwalk, Connecticut. They removed to Worth county, Iowa,
in 1859, being numbered among its earliest settlers, and there the father practiced
medicine until 1896, when he took up his residence in Lake Mills. He lived retired
here until his death, which occurred in June, 1899. He was survived by his widow
until January, 1913.

Joseph B. Keeler passed his boyhood and youth in Worth and Osage coun-
ties, Iowa, and is indebted for his education to the district schools. He devoted
several years to farming in Worth county, but at length removed to Lake Mills

182 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

and turned his attention to banking, being a stockholder and the vice president of
the Farmers State Bank. Later he engaged in the insurance business, in whicli
he was also successful, writing a large number of policies. During the last
years of his life he confined his business activity to taking care of Ms invest-
ments. His death occuiTcd on the 3d of Januaiy, 1914, after an illness of
about a year's duration. He was a stock raiser and buyer for several years,
farmed extensively and was interested in many of the local industries that proved
factors in the development of the community.

In February, 189.5, Mr. Keeler was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Ander-
son, who was born in Lake Mills and educated in the public schools. She is a
daughter of L. Sigman and Olive (Hinman) Anderson, an accoimt of whose
lives appears in the sketch of L. S. Anderson, which is given elsewhere in this
work. To Mr. and Mrs. Keeler were born ten children, of whom five died in
infa.ncy, the others being: Milford D., who is attending the Iowa State College
at Ames; and Florence Majel, Harold. B., Helen G. and Olive C, all at home.

Mr. Keeler was a stanch republican and served as a member of the town
council, while for many years he was treasurer of the school board. In religious
faith he was a Metiiodist and his fraternal connection was with the Yeomen.
He believed that Lake Mills offered excellent advantages, was financially inter-
ested in a number of its business enterprises and was always willing to do all in
his power to extend its trade connections and promote its 'civic interests, and in
fact advance the general welfare in any way possible. His generous, whole-
hearted nature won him the wann friendship of those with whom he came in close
contact and his memory is still cherished.

DAVID BONAR.

David Bonar, a retired farmer residing in Forest City, has made his home in
Winnebago and Hancock counties since 1863 or for a period of fiity-five years.
His birth occurred in Noble county, Indiana, November 12, 1854, his parents
being Jesse and Martha Ann (Gray) Bonar, the foniier a native of Ohio, while
the latter was probably born in Indiana, where their marriage was celebrated in
1848. The mother died two weeks after the birth of our subject and in 18.55
the father came to Iowa and filed on both a homestead and a timber claim in
Winnebago county. His brothers, Matthew and James Bonar, accompanied him
and they, too, homesteaded, the former securing land in Winnebago and the latter
in Hancock county, both remaining on their respective claims. The same year
Jesse Bonar returned to Indiana, where he later wedded Gemima Ragen. It
was not until 1863 that he took up his abode in Iowa and in the meantime his
homestead claim had I)een jumped, but he succeeded in liolding the timber
claim. The summer of that year was spent in Hancock county and the following
fall he removed to Forest City, buying a farm that is now within the city limits,
being tlie present site of the Catholic church. He resided upon that place until
1878, when he became a resident of Harrison county, Iowa, where he continued
to make his home until his death, which occurred when he was in his eighty-fourth
year.

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 183

David Boiiar was reared under the parental roof and was a little lad of but
eight years when he came to this state. His educational opportunities were those
afforded by the common schools, but as his father was in humble financial circum-
stances he was obliged to forego the privilege of attending school to a considerable
extent after he reached the age of ten years, for he then became a wage earner,
working as a chore boy and farm hand. He thereby assisted his father in main-
taining the home and he continued to contribute to the support of the family until
he reached his twenty-fifth year. In 1880 he began fanning on his own account,
cultivating a tract of land in Hancock county, and the second year he began fann-
ing in Winnebago county. For seven years he cultivated rented land, but carefully
saved his earnings, and during the third year of his renting lie purchased a tract
of one hundred and twenty acres in Hancock county, on which he took up his abode
in the winter of 1886-7. With the exception of a period of four years spent in
Forest City, he then resided continuously upon that farm until the spring of 1916,
when he retired from active business life and again removed to Forest City, where
he now makes his home in the enjoyment of the fniits of his former toil. In the
past year he has erected a handsome residence and is now most comfortably
situated.

In early manhood Mr. Bonar was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Filter, a
native of Gennany, who accompanied her parents on their emigration to the United
States in 1872, when a maiden of fourteen years. The family home was estab-
lished in Forest City, where Mr. and Mrs. Filter spent the remainder of their lives.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bonar have been born four children, three of whom survive,
namely: Ernest E., who follows farming in Hancock county, Iowa; Kuth, the
wife of Elmer Yohn, of Klemme, Hancock county, Iowa; and Mary Edith, who
gave her hand in marriage to Henry Meyer, of Gamer, Iowa.

Mr. Bonar exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures
of the republican party and has served in various t-o\raship offices, the duties of
which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. He is one of the highly
esteemed and substantial residents of Forest City, his well spent life having won
for him the good ^vill and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact.
He has contributed much to the agricultural development of this section of the
state and his life record shows what can be accomplished when determination and
energy lead the way.

THOMAS A. THOMPSOK

Thomas A. Thompson, residing on section 29, Center township, is •one of the
substantial farmers of Winnebago county, now o^raing and operating a valuable
tract of two hundred and twenty acres. He was born in Norway on the 3d of
May, 1857, a son of Thor and Elizabeth (Anderson) Albertson, who were also
natives of Norway. In 1862 the family came to America and located in Dane
county, Wisconsin, where the father engaged in fanning for about three years,
and then came to Winnebago county, Iowa. He purchased land in Center town-
ship, a part of which is now owned by his son Thomas, and at once began to
clear and improve his place, converting it into a very desirable farm, on which

184 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

he spent the remainder uf his life. He died on the 1st of July, 1896, and his
wife passed away in May, 1907.

Mr. Thompson, of this review, was only five years of age on the emigration
of the family to America and his boyhood and youth were mainly passed in
Winnebago county, where he attended the district schools in the acquirement of
an education. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of
age anil later purchased one hundred and forty acres of the home farm on sec-
tion 9, Center township, whereon he lias since resided, following farming and
stock raising with good results. He is now the owner of two hundred and
twenty acres of very productive land, improved with good and substantial build-
ings, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place plainly indicate his enter-
prise and good business ability. He raises pure bred Hereford cattle and is a
stockholder in the Famiers' Elevator Company, the Lake Mills Creamery Com-
pany and the Lake Mills Lumber Company, all of Lake Mills, and the Farmers
Elevator Company of Leland and the Leland Creamery Company.

In July, 1895, Mr. Thompson married Miss Annie Haugland, a daughter of
R. 0. and Signa (Sunderland) Haugland, a sketch of whom appears on another
page of this volume. To this union were bom eleven children, of whom Cornelia
died in infancy and Conrad died at the age of two years. Those living are
Eussell, Selma, Kilman, Olga, Agnes, Arthur, Walter, Alpha and Leonard. The
family are identified with the United Lutheran church and' are people of promi-
nence in the community where they reside. In politics Jlr. Thompson is a demo-
crat.

N. K. ANDERSON.

N. K. Anderson, who follows farming on section 37, King township, Winne-
bago county, was born in Sogn, Norway, November 17, 1868, and is a son of
Andrew and Celia (Elvejen) Anderson, also natives of that country. The father,
who was a farmer by occupation, died in Norway in 1875, and the mother brought
her family to America in 1882, taking up her abode in Forest City, Iowa. In
1886 she married Knute Anderson, a veteran of the Civil war, who was born in
Winneshiek county, Iowa, but after the war removed to Winnebago county and
purchased land in Mount Valley township, which he operated for a time. He
died in 1909, having survived his wife for about three years. She passed away
in 1907.

Mr. Anderson of this review began his education in the publi(5 schools of
Norway and was about fourteen years of age when he accompanied his mother
on her removal to the United States. Since then he has made his home in Winne-
bago county, Iowa, and his knowledge of the English language was obtained in
the common schools of this locality, which he attended at intervals until twenty-
one years of age. He remained with his mother up to this time and worked for
neighboring farmers during the summer months until he was twenty-seven. He
was then able to purchase land on section 32, King township, which he at once
began to improve and cultivate. After living thereon for nineteen years, he
rented that farm and bought one hundred and twenty acres on section 27, King

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 187

township, where he now resides. Here he has a well improved place and has met
with success in its operation.

In December, 1894, Mr. Anderson married Miss Martha Groath, a daughter of
Sandel and Mary (Groves) Groath, who were born in Winneshiek county, Iowa,
and came to Winnebago county in 1879. Her father purchased land in Jlount
Valley township and engaged in farming thereon for many years, but he and
his wife are now living retired near Leland. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have seven
children, namely : Agnes, Ethel, Evelyn, Norman, Walter, Gladys and Harold,
all at home.

The family hold membership in the Lutheran church and by his ballot Mr.
Anderson supports the men and measures of the republican party. For five years
he served as county supervisor with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction
of his constituents. He has also filled the offices of township clerk and trustee
and is now president of the Farmers Elevator Company of Thompson, and a
stockholder and vice president of the Cooperative Creamery Company. In con-
nection with general farming he raises high grade stock, making a specialty of
Guernsey cattle, and is a man of good business and executive ability who com-
mands the respect and confidence of all w'ith whom he is brought in contact.

OLAF J. SIME.

Winnebago county numbers Olaf J. Sime among her native sons. He now
lives on section 10, Logan township, but was born in Norway township on the
25th of August, 1883, at the family home of his parents, John and Anna Doro-
thea (Linset) Sime, who were natives of Illinois and of Norway respectively.
The latter had come to Iowa with relatives who lived in Worth county and there
she formed the acquaintance of John Sime, wdio sought her hand in marriage.
His youth had been spent in Illinois, where his parents were farming people,
remaining residents of that state until they were called to their final rest. After
attaining his majority John Sime came to Iowa, settling in Worth county, but
immediately after his marriage he removed to Norway township, Winnebago
county, and purchased eighty acres on section 36 and forty acres on section 25,
thus becoming the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good land which
responded readily to the care and labor which he bestowed upon it. He there
carried on farming until his death, which occurred in 1894. Later his widow
rettnoved to Scarville, where she passed away in 1903, and was laid to rest in
the Lime Creek cemetery. In their family were seven children: Anna, now the
wife of Andrew Sime, of Eden township; Eachel, who became the wife of Jacob
Simonson, of Waterloo, Iowa, and has passed away; Lettie, the wife of John
Hartlieb, of Waterloo; Alfred, who is living near De Grey, Hughes county. South
Dakota; 0. J.; and two who died in infancy.

Olaf J. Sime pursued his education in the pioneer schools of Winnebago
county, which he attended until he reached the age of fifteen years. When seven-
teen years of age he took over the operation of the home farm, on which he con-
tinued until he attained his majority. The farm was then sold and he purchased
the southwest quarter of section 10, Logan township. This he cleared and

188 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

drained, thus rendering it arable and productive. He has since carried on the
work of further improvement and still occupies the place, which is today one of
the excellent farms of the township, the fields having been brought to a high
state of cultivation, while good buildings have been erected and all the equipment
and accessories of the model farm have been added.

On March 9, 1904, Mr. Sime was united in marriage to Miss Andrina Hauge,
a daughter of Nels and Mary Hauge, who lived just across the line in Worth
county. The father has now passed away and the mother has since become the
wife of Tom Johnson, a resident of Eden township, Winnebago county. Mr. and
Mrs. Sime have five children who are yet living, Norma, Alma, Milton, Olive and
Sylvan, and they also lost one, who died in infancy.

Mr. Sime and his family hold membership in the United Lutheran church
and in his political views he is a republican. He is now serving as township
trustee and has been president of the school board. He is interested in all tliat
pertains to the welfare and progress of his community and he stands for advance-
ment in farm work and in every line. He started out empty handed. He has
worked persistently and earnestly and each forward step which he has made in
his business career has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities.
Today he is the owner of a fine farm which is the fitting reward of his earnest
and persistent labor.

KNUDT JOHNSON.

Many of the most highly honored citizens of Lake Mills are retired farmers
and among this number is Knudt Johnson. He is a native of Norway but has
resided in this country since boyhood and no native born American has given
more undivided loyalty to the United States than he. At the time of the Civil
war he bore arms in defense of the Union and in times of peace he has always
subordinated private interests to the general welfare. His birth occurred in Nor-
way, September 12, 1811, and his parents were John and Ingeborg (Hanson)
Torgeson, the latter of whom died when her son Knudt, the youngest of eight
children, was but five years old. In 1853 the father with his son Knudt and
another child came to the United States and located near Madison, Dane county,
Wisconsin, where an older brother had taken up a homestead in 1849. The
father died upon that place in 1876 and is there buried.

Knudt Johnson received his education in the public schools of Norway and
after his removal to the United States made his home with and worked for a
cousin for two years. Prom the age of fifteen to the age of twenty years he
worked for various farmers but on the 80th of September, 1861, he enlisted in
the Twelfth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and for four years, or until the 37th
of September, 1865, was in the army, seeing a great deal of hard service during
that time. He entered as a private but was mustered out at Louisville with the
rank of corporal. At dift'crent times he was under the command of Generals
Grant, Sherman and MePherson and took part in the siege of Vicksburg, in the
battles of Jackson, Mississippi, Baker's Creek, Atlanta and Jonesboro, an engage-
ment fought in the course of Sherman's march from Savannah to the sea, and

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 189

finally in the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, the last important battle
before the end of the war.

After receiving his honorable discharge from military service he returned to
Dane county, Wisconsin, where he purchased forty acres of land. In 1869 he
came to Winnebago county, Iowa, and bought two hundred acres on section 17,
Center township, where he made his home until 1913, when he retired to Lake
Mills. During the forty-four years that he resided upon that place he brought
it to an unusually high state of cultivation and not only gained more than a
competence from his labors but also aided in the agricultural development of the
district, for he was always among the first to adopt a new method or a more
eflBcient type of farm implement. In the early days in the history of the state
a large tract of swamp land was given to the state by the federal government, but
since no survey was made there was no way of ascertaining the exact limits of
the tract and as a result of this uncertainty conflicting titles were given to lands
contained within it by the state and federal governments. This led to a great
deal of trouble and at last the matter was straightened out by a survey of the
land in question. Mr. Johnson, as agent for the American Emigrant Company,
supervised the survey of all such swamp land in Winnebago county and in this
work utilized a plat furnished him by the secretary of state.

In 1865 Mr. Johnson married Miss Elsa Paulson, a daughter of Paul and
Helge (Gunderson) Kettelson, of Perry, Wisconsin, who spent their last years in
the home of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. Both have passed away and are buried in
a cemetery near the Johnson homestead. Ten children were bom to Mr. and
Mrs. Johnson, namely: John P., of Pike Eiver, North Dakota; Carl T., who is
married and is farming in Center township; George E., who is mar-
ried and resides near May wood. North Dakota; Rev. Torge A., who is married
and is minister of the Lutheran church at Brandon, South Dakota; Paul 6.,
at home; Helen, the wife of Chris Lyng, of Lake Mills; Mary, who mar-
ried Oscar Dahlan, of Eden township; Anna M. and Clare E., both at home; and
Henrietta, the wife of Eush Adams, of Lake Mills.

Mr. Johnson is a stanch republican and has given a great deal of time to public
affairs, having served on the county board of supervisors for six years, on the
school board for thirty-four years and as township clerk for fifteen years. More-
over, he was United States census enumerator for three years and for fourteen
years was treasurer of the Farmers Association, an organization which did much
to further an interest in cooperative effort among the farmers of the county. He
is a communicant of the Synod Lutheran church and has endeavored to guide
his life by the teachings of Christianity. His personal friends are many and all
who have come in contact with him hold him in the highest respect.

PETEE PAULSON:

The farming interests of Hancock county have a worthy representative in
Peter Paulson, who carries on operations on section 36, Ellington township. He
is a native of the neighboring state of Wisconsin, born in Dane county, November
7, 1867, and is a son of Ole and Mary Paulson, who came to this country from

190 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Norway as a young man and yoaing woman and were married in Dane county,
Wisconsin, where they resided until 1872. That year witnessed their removal
to Iowa and until 1876 tliey made their home in Mitchell county. The father
then brought his family to Hancock county and purchased the farm in Ellington
township where our subject now resides. Here he spent his remaining days,
passing away in June, 1902.

Peter Paulson was about nine years of age when he accompanied his parents
on their removal to Hancock county, where lie grew to manhood and in the dis-
trict scliool near his home he acquired his education. Under the guidance of his
father he gained a good knowledge of agricultural pursuits and at the age of
twenty years began farming on his own account on rented land. Later he pur-
chased the home farm on which he has now resided for forty-one years and there
is probably only one other man in Ellington township who has lived continuously
upon one farm for as many years.

In 1888 Mr. Paulson married Miss Martha Ilalverson, a daughter of Hans
Halverson, of Clayton county, Iowa, and to them liave been born two children,
namely : Beulah and Ella, both at home. The family are identified with the
Norwegian Lutheran church and Mr. Paulson is also affiliated with the repub-
lican party. For some years he served as a member of the school board and the
cause of education has always found in him a faithful friend. He is a stock-
holder of the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company and" the Farmers Elevator
Company, both of Ventura, and is today numbered among the substantial farmers
and succes.sful business men of Ellington tov^Tiship as well as one of its repre-
sentative citizens who conmiands the respect and confidence of all with whom he
comes in contact.

JOSEPH BARTH.

Joseph Earth, one of the valued residents of Forest City, now living retired
after long years of active connection with agricultural interests, was one of the
earliest settlers of Hancock county, arriving in this part of the state in 1855,
when tlie work of progi'ess and development seemed scarcely begun. Ilis memory
therefore forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive
present. A native of Germany, he was born in Wurtemberg on the 2l5d of March,
1833, a son of Andrew and Victoria (Smith) Barth, both of whom died in that
country.

In the common schools of Germany Joseph Barth pursued his education and
in 1852, when a youth of nineteen years, he crossed the Atlantic to the United
States, landing in New York city on the 9th of August. For three and a half
years he was employed in New York state as a farm hand and in the fall of 1855
he sought the opportunities offered in the growing west, making his way to Iowa
as a member of a party of five who came out to buy land. Four of them located
in Hancock county, while the fifth returned to New York. The four companions
purchased a tract of timber land of one hundred and twenty acres, for which
they paid three hundred and twenty-eight dollars, and at that time they had the
choice of the prairie land. For two hundred dollars Mr. Barth purchased a

JOSEPH EARTH

THE NEW YOKK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTO«, LKNOX AND
TXLDEN fOU.N'DATtONS

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 193

quarter section from George Green, who had obtained the land from the govern-
ment. Eapidly accruing interest, however, ran the cost of the land up to four
hundred and twenty-eight dollars before he could make his last payment. He
afterward sold the land for fifty dollars an acre. This farm covered the northeast
quarter of section 21, Ellington township, Hancock county, and he also bought
one hundred and twenty acres adjoining, which is now owned and occupied by his
son Lewis. Still later he acquired another farm of one hundred and sixty acres
near BufEalo Center in Kossuth county, for which he paid forty dollars an acre
and which he sold for one hundred dollars an acre. He still owns about twenty
acres of timber land. In 1895 he retired from active agricultural pursuits and
removed to Forest City, where he has since lived. In 1894 he, with his son John A.,
purchased a furniture store which they conducted under the name Barth & Barth
until 1904, when they sold out.

On June 27, 1860, Mr. Barth was married to Miss Catherine Eing, of Benton,
Lafayette county, Wisconsin, and they became, the parents of three sons and a
daughter: Lewis, who is living in Hancock county; John A., residing in Sac
City, Iowa; Mary A., at home; and Edmund, living in Greene, Iowa. The wife
and mother passed away in 1878 and the following year Mr. Barth wedded Mrs.
Nancy J. (Cain) Brewington. There is one child of this marriage, Daisy M.,
residing at home. Mrs. Barth died February 9, 1914.

In politics Mr. Barth is a democrat and for some years he served as township
trustee, while for a quarter of a century he filled the office of school treasurer of
Ellington township, Hancock county. Those who know him esteem him as a man
of sterling worth. His life record shows what may be accomplished when energy
and determination point out the way, for his success is attributable entirely to his
own efl'orts. In the spring of 1856 he carried the chain for the survey of the
town of Forest City and he has witnessed the development of Winnebago and Han-
cock counties from pioneer times to the present.

JAMES PETER HANSON.

James Peter Hanson, who is the owner of two excellent farms in Hancock
county but is now living retired in Garner, put aside the more active work of the
fields in March, 1916, and is now enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and
richly deserves. He was born in Denmark, March 2, 1849, a son of Hans Jenson
and Anna Hanson. His grandfather served for fifteen years in the Napoleonic
wars.

James Peter Hanson is indebted to the common school system of Denmark for
the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. He left that country in 1870,
when a young man of twenty-one years, and took up his abode in Chicago, where he
resided until 1876. In that year he arrived in Hancock county, Iowa, and
established his home near Britt, where he turned his attention to general agricul-
tural pursuit.s. For forty years thereafter he was closely associated with the farm-
ing interests of the county and through wise management, systematic effort and
indefatigable diligence he won success. He added to his holdings as opportunity
offered and is today the owner of two excellent farms. He gave personal supervision

194 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

to their management and control until March, 1916, when he removed to Garner,
where he now resides.

On the 4th of April, 1872, in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Hanson was united in
marriage to Miss Anna Sorrcnson, daughter of Soren Mortenson. Their children
are five in number, namely: Mary, who is the wife of John ]\Iorrall : E. P., who
tvedded Miss Margaret Schroeder; J. C, who married Miss Martha Nelson; Lena,
the wife of C. D. Lunberg; and Gertie, the wife of John Prull. In religious faith
Mr. Hanson is a Lutheran and in fraternal relations is connected with the Modern
Woodmen of America. He votes with the republican party, having stanchly
endorsed its principles since becoming a naturalized American citizen. He has
ever been loyal to his adopted land, giving to it his first allegiance, and he has long
been ranked with the valued and representative residents of this section of the state.

AMBROSE AMBROSEN.

Ambrose Ambrosen, one of Leland's most prominent citizens and successful
business men, has been a resident of Winnebago county for forty-six years and
has taken an important part in its development and upbuilding. A native of
Iowa, he was born in Winneshiek county, July 5, 1861, and' is a son of Ole and
Julia (Gentwet) Ambrosen, who came to this country from Norv\'ay in 1856 and
located in Dane county, Wisconsin, being among the first Norwegians to settle
in that county. They remained there four years before removing to Winneshiek
county, Iowa, and in 1871 came to Winnebago county. The father purchased
the southwest quarter of section 2, Forest township, at five dollars per acre, it
being now owned by liis son Ambrose, and upon that place he resided for about
thirty years. He then bought the southeast quarter of section 35, Newton town-
ship, and continued to make his home thereon until his death. The mother of
our subject died about 1867, leaving three children, Ambrose, Julia and George,
all of whom are still living. The father subsequently married Julia Olson, who
still survives him, and by that union there are seven living children : Ella, the
wife of Eric'k Garland, of Thompson, Iowa; Ole, a farmer of Thompson; Halvor,
a resident of McKcnzie county. North Dakota ; Julia, the wife of Martin Kolen,
of Silverton, Washington; Albert, of McKenzie county; and Anna and Edward,
at home with their mother.

Ambrose Ambrosen had 'practically no educational advantages d^iring his
boyhood, being able to attend school only a few months, but his training at farm
work was not so meager and he assisted in the operation of the home place up to
the time of his marriage. He then located in the town of Leland and engaged
in fanning on his own account as a renter for five years, at the end of which time
he was able to purchase eighty acres of the old homestead. He built thereon a
residence and barn and later bought an adjoining eighty acres, continuing to
live upon that place for sixteen years. Mr. Ambrosen next purchased one hun-
dred and twenty acres, on a part of which the town of Leland now stands, and
on the 9th of March, 1910, he located iipon that place, which is still his home.
Besides this fami he continues to own the one hundred and sixty acres of the
old homestead, and has thirty or forty town lots in Leland and twenty acres

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 195

just east of town. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamer}-,
the Farmers Elevator at Leland, the Farmers Savings Bank and the Lake Mills
Lumber Company. He has built all the bridges constructed in Winnebago county
during the last fourteen years.

On the 19th of June, 1888, Mr. Ambrosen married Miss Trena Carlson, of
Forest township, Winnebago county. She was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and
is a daughter of Tollaf Carlson, a native of Norway, who came to the United
States about 1857 and removed from Wisconsin to Winnebago couilty, Iowa, in
1869. To Mr. and Mrs. Ambrosen have been born seven children, all of whom
are still living, namely: Nettie, now the wife of 0. H. K. Eidahl, a merchant
of Leland; Oscar, who is engaged in farming on land adjoining Leland; Alfred,
a grain buyer and manager of the Farmers Elevator at Leland; and Edward,
Walter, Irving and Allott May all at home.

The family hold membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church and are
people of prominence in the community where they reside. By his ballot Mr.
Ambrosen supports the men and measures of the republican party and he has
taken quite an active and influential part in public affairs now serving as a member
of the school board also the board of township trustees and as a member of the
town council of Leland. He is a business man of far more than ordinary ability
and the prosperity that has come to him is due to his own industry, enterprise
and good management and to the assistance of his wife to whom he gives much
credit for his success. He stands deservedly high in the esteem of his fellow
citizens and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.

JOHN FOSTER THOMPSON.

John Foster Thompson, president of the Winnebago County State Bank at
Forest City, has long been an honored and prominent resident of the county. In
the paternal line his ancestry is traced back to Isaac and Sarah (Bell) Thomp-
son, natives of Belfast, Ireland, and both related to the famous Sir Thomas Cruse,
an earl, who was compelled to flee from his country on account of his participa-
tion in the revolution of 1798. He came to the United States and passed away
soon afterward. Isaac Thompson was the grandfather of John Foster Thomp-
son, whose parents were Mathew and Martha (Spaulding) Thompson, the latter
a daughter of Abel Spaulding, who served with distinction in the Revolutionary
war and was a noted physician and surgeon. Through that line the ancestry is
traced back to Aquila Chase, who settled in Newbury, Massachusetts, in 1640,
and to this family belonged Bishop Philander Chase. Mrs. Martha Thompson
was also an own cousin of Salmon P. Chase, secretary of the treasury under
President Lincoln. Mathew Thompson was bom at Head Elk, Cecil county,
Maryland, in 1791, and served as first lieutenant in the War of 1813. In 1857
he removed from Ohio to Clayton county, Iowa.

John Foster Thompson, son of Mathew Thompson, was bom at Carey, Ohio,
September 3, 1848, and was nine years of age when the family home was estab-
lished in Iowa, where he attended the district schools. On the 37th of May,
1863, at the age of fourteen years, he enlisted at Elkader, Iowa, under A. F.

196 WINNEBA(}() AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

'l'i])toii, wiio wns recruiting Company I of the Eiglith Iowa Cavalry. However,
ho was not muistered into Company I but was transferred and mustered into the
Fourth Iowa Battery. He made a most creditable military record although but
a boy in years and was wounded in the Eed River campaign. While at the front
he captured the bugle of a Confederate soldier, on which he has had inscribed
the words : "Captured from a detachment of the rebel army, war of 1861-5, in
northwestern Louisiana, U. S. A., iVpril, 18(54, by John F. Thompson, a bugler
in the Fourth Iowa Battery, who was at that time fifteen years and six months
old." When Mr. Thompson returned home at the close of the war he entered
the McGregor high school and for a time divided his time between teaching and
attending school, meeting the expenses of his course by his work as a teacher.
In 1869 he became principal of the high school at Strawberry Point, Iowa, and
he also served as deputy county superintendent there. In 1872 he began the
practice of law at Forest City, where he also entered the real estate and collection
business. In further preparation for the bar he jjursued a special academic
course in the Iowa State University and also the regular law course, mnning
the regular LL. B. degree in 1874. He was then appointed deputy register of
the state land ofRce at Des Moines but in 1876 resigned and returned to Forest
City, where he again entered the line of business in which he had formerly been
engaged, organizing his interests under the name of the Winnebago County Bank
as senior partner in the firm of J. F. Thompson & Company. This was the first
bank of Winnebago county. After returning to Forest City in the summer of
1876 he resumed the practice of law which he had successfully followed for a
nimiber of years. In 1878 James H. Easton, president of the First National
Bank of Decorah, Iowa, bought a half interest in Mr. Thompson's business at
Forest City and the firm name was changed from J. F. Thompson & Company
to that of Easton & Thompson, which firm continued the banking business, Mr.
Thompson continuing the pi'actice of law. In 1896 he organized his bank into a
state institution changing the name to the Winnebago County State Bank, of
which institution he has been the business manager during all these years, and is
now and has been for many years its president. He, with his wife and his son.
Merle M. Thomp.son, own a large majority of the capital stock, the bank being
capitalized at fifty thousand dollars with a surplus of more than twenty-five
thousand dollars.

Mr. Thompson's organization of this institution was but his initial step in
the banking business in Iowa. During his business career he organized and was
president of many like institutions and at one time was at the head of nine
banks and loan companies. He organized the Citizens Bank of Britt; the State
Bank of Thompson, of which institution he was president for seventeen years;
the First National Bank of Buffalo Center; the First National Bank of Argyle,
Minnesota, of which institution he was president for several years; the First
National Bank of Crystal Lake; and the Security Bank of Wesley, Iowa. He
also organized and was manager for many years of the Iowa Northern Land Com-
pany and the Chicago & Iowa Western Land & To^vn Lot Company and the
Winnebago County Abstract Company; and was treasurer of the Minnesota &
Iowa Southern Railway Company, which built the Minneapolis & St. Louis Rail-
road from Albert Lea to Angus; and was also treasurer of the Chicago & Iowa
Western Railroad Company, which built the Forest City extension of the Burling-

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 197

ton, Cedar Rapids & Northern Eailway, now the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
Railroad, from Forest City to Armstrong. When this line of railroad was
extended west he platted and laid out, on land that he owned at the time, the
town of Thompson, giving it its name, and the town of Buffalo Center, both in
Winnebago county. He organized the electric light company in Forest City and
for several years was president of the company. These town plats with his largo
land, holdings at that time have since been sold out by him, but he still owns
eight hundred acres of land in two farms three miles west of Forest City, all
under cultivation, and upon each farm he has a large and splendidly improved
orchard. He likewise o^vns several other fanu properties in Winnebago and
Hancock counties, together with a half section of land in North Dakota and
eighty-five acres of valuable laud in Florida. He is also a member of the firm
of Thompson Brothers, which deals in Iowa farm loans and has loaned over
fifteen million dollars and has never had a foreclosure or default of interest.

On the 22d of November, 1875, at Forest City, Iowa, Mr. Thompson was
united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Clark, eldest daughter of Judge Robert
Clark, mentioned elsewhere in this work, and they became the parents of seven
children, but only two are now living: Merle M.; and Paul Foster, who is a
high school student. Those deceased are: John Clark, Clyde Clifton, Lulu Ann,
Imogene and Ora.

In politics Mr. Thompson is a stalwart standpat republican and has made
many campaign speeches in his county and district. His influence largely
brought to the front Hon. J. P. Dolliver, who became United States senator from
Iowa. He has served in several local offices and undoubtedly much higher polit-
ical honors would have come to him had his ambition centered along that line.
For two teiTQS he has been mayor of Forest City and for several terms he was the
president of the board of education, doing efEective work for the interests of the
schools and for the welfare and civic betterment of Forest City in
general while he was acting as mayor. He has also served as president of the
Board of Trade. He was appointed by Governor Larrabee and reappointed
by Governor Boies a delegate to the Fanners National Congress. Mr. Thompson
is a charter member of Hayden Post, No. 141, G. A. E., and its commander
since its inception and served as inspector general on the staff of his brother,
Colonel J. K. P. Thompson, now deceased, a department commander of Iowa,
He was made a member of the preliminary committee to locate the Vicksburg
military park and has acted as special aid on the staff of both state and national
commanders of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a prominent Mason,
belonging in Forest City to Truth Lodge, No. 213, A. F. & A. M., of which lodge
he has been master. He has taken higher degrees in Masonry, is a Knight
Templar (York Rite) and has attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish
Rite, belonging to the Des Moines Consistory. He belongs to El Kahir Temple,
A. A. 0. N. M. S., of Cedar Rapids. His religious faith is that of the Methodist
church. He belongs to the Iowa State Bar Association, the State Bankers Asso-
ciation and the National Geographic Society and is a member of the Iowa Divi-
sion of the Sons of the American Revolution. He holds a commission from Gov-
ernor C. C. Carpenter as second lieutenant of Company E, Military Battalion,
S. U. I., the only military organization the university had at that time (1874-
1875). He with a few other prominent business men of Forest City contributed

ii— 10

198 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

liberally of their inoiiey and energy in establishing Waldorf College in his town,
which college now has an attendance of from four Inmdred to four hundred and
fifty students. For two years after the establishment of this institution Mr.
Thompson was one of the faculty as professor and lecturer on common law and
civil government. He has a beautiful home and a fine library, is widely read
and has gained that broad knowledge and culture which onlj' travel brings. In
manner he is (juiet and without ostentation, yet there is not about him the least
shadow of mock modesty. In a word, he is a most capable business man, a
pleasant, genial gentleman, a man of upright character and high ideals. He is
a strong man, strong in his ability to plan and perform, strong in his honor and
his good name.

MERLE M. THOMPSON.

Merle M. Thompson, cashier of the Winnebago County State Bank, has been
a lifelong resident of Forest City, where his birth occurred April 1, 1883. In his
life work he has followed in the footsteps of his father and his own creditable
record has added new luster to a name that has ever been an untarnished one
in business circles in Fore.st City. He acquired a public school education and
afterward attended Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa, thus qualifying for
life's practical and responsible duties. In 1904 he became assistant cashier of
the Winnebago County State Bank and in 1911 was chosen cashier, which posi-
tion he has since filled, giving his undivided time and attention to promoting
the interests of the bank and extending its business connections.

On the 11th of August, 1909, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Dora Colby,
a daughter of K. Colby, of Forest City, and they have three children, Lucile,
Clark and Margaret. Mr. Thompson votes with the republican party, which he
has su])ported since age conferred u])on him tlie right of franchise. Fraternally
he is identified with Truth Lodge, No. 213, A. F. & A. M., and is a worthy
exemplar of the craft. He has a wide acquaintance in this city, in which his
entire life has been passed, and his circle of friends is almost coextensive there-
with.

OLE S. JOHNSON.

Ole S. Johnson, one of the prosperous farmers and representative citizens of
Winnebago county, residing on section 21, Logan township, is a native of Norway,
born in Nass Hallingdal, on the 22d of November, 1873, and is a son of Sven and
Carrie (Olson) Johnson. In that country the father worked at the shoemaker's
trade but determined to try his fortune in America and in 1871 crossed the ocean.
He purchased a farm near Kensett in Worth county, Iowa, and there engaged in
agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life, passing away in 1911.
Hij wife is still living and continues to reside on the home farm in that county.

In the family of this worthy couple are nine children, all living, namely:

OLE S. JOHNRON AND FAMILY

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 203

Carrie, the wife of Halvor Grossland, superintendent of the county farm in Worth
county ; Ole S., whose name introduces this sketch ; John S., a resident of Eichland
county. North Dakota; Sam S., also of Eichland county; Martin S., of Saskatche-
wan, Canada; Astre, the wife of Herman C. Stendcl, who is engaged in the
creamery business in Vinje, Winnebago county, Iowa; Amund S., of Eichland
county, North Dakota ; Otto S., of Saskatchewan, Canada ; and Carl S., also of that
province.

Ole S. Johnson was reared and educated in Worth county, Iowa, and after
leaving school gave his father the benefit of his labor until his marriage. He then
came to Winnebago county and purchased the northeast quarter of section 21,
Logan township, which he at once began to clear and improve. Later he bought
the north half of the northwest quarter and the southwest quarter of the northwest
quarter and the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 23, so that
he now has a fine farm of three hundred acres in a high state of cultivation and
improved with good and substantial buildings. Mr. Johnson was administrator
of his father's estate and is manager of the farm.

At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Holstad, a daughter of Martin and Mary Holstad, of Bristol, Worth county,
now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have seven children, namely: Mabel C,
Melvin Selmer, Olinda Minnie, Otto, Benjamin Eudolph, Alfred Leroy and Bernice
Evelana, all at home. The family are affiliated with the United Lutheran church
and politically Mr. Johnson is identified with the republican party. He is now
serving as school treasurer and township trustee. He is president of the Yinje
Creamery Company and is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of
Scarville. He is a man of good business and executive ability and usually
carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. All that he
now possesses has come to him as the result of his own industry, enterprise and
good management.

JOHN J. KLOPPEN.

John J. Kloppen, who has met with gratifying success as an agiiculturist and
owns an excellent farm on section 2, Linden township, Winnebago county, was
born in Norway, November 27, 1863, of the marriage of John J. and Carrie
(Gertsdatter) Kloppen, lifelong residents of that country. He received his edu-
cation there, but in 1884, as a young man of about twenty-one years, crossed the
Atlantic to the United States. Although he had only seventy-two dollars in money
he possessed valuable assets in his energy and his willingness to work and he felt
confident that in this new country he could gain prosperity. He at once made
his way to Winnebago county and after working as a farm hand for five years,
during which time he carefully saved his money, he was able to purchase two
forty-acre tracts of land, one on section 2 and the other across the road on section
3. He has since added to his holdings from time to time until he now owns
two hundred acres in a body. He has made excellent improvements upon the
farm, which is in all respects one of the highly developed places of the township.
He raises both grain and stock and his well directed labors return him a good

204 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

income. lie is fiiumfially interested in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery and
in the Farmers Elevator Company of Thompson.

Mr. Kloppen was married in 1892 to Miss Sissel Anderson, who was born in
Winneshiek county, Iowa, of Xorwegian stock. The parents, who came to this
country shortly after their marriage, lived in Winneshiek county for a time, but
about 1882 came to Winnebago county. Her father, Arne A. Gryte, survives
and is living five miles west of Lake Mills. To Mr. and Mrs. Kloppen have been
born six children, namely : Galena M., Jensina A., Alfred J., Ingeborg M.,
Melvin C. and Gordon I., all at home.

Mr. Kloppen is a stanch republican and loyally supports the candidates and
measures of that party at the polls. lie has served acceptably for some years as
a member of the school board and can always be depended upon to support
measures calculated to promote the general good. His religious faith is indicated
by his membership in the United Lutheran church.

PATEICK GAVIN.

Among those actively engaged iu the real estate business in Forest City is
numbered Patrick Gavin, who throughout his entire business life has manifested
industry, determination and perseverance, wisely and carefully utilizing each
opportunity that has come to him until he is now numbered among the substan-
tial citizens of Winnebago county. Having retired from active farm life, he is
now engaged in the purchase and sale of property and has negotiated many
important realty transfers.

As the name indicates, Mr. Gavin is of Irish birth. He was born in County
Mayo, Ireland, December 24, 1855, a son of Thomas and Mary (Mullen) Gavin.
The father came to America in the '40s, soon after the death of his first wife,
but a few years later returned to Ireland and there wedded Mary Mullen. In
the spring of 1857 he again came to the United States, establishing his home in
Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the livery and feed business, con-
tinuing a resident of that city until his demise.

Patrick Gavin was but one year of age when brought by his parents to the
new world, and the schools of Scranton, Pennsylvania, afforded him his educa-
tional opportunities, yet his chance of attending school was limited owing to the
fact that it was necessary for him to begin to earn his livelihood when but a
young lad. In 1877 he left home and went to Palestine, Texas, where he worked
in a sawmill for a short time. Later he located at Port Scott, Kansas, where he
■was employed in the coal mines, and later he went to St. Louis, where he took a
grading contract on the building of the West End Narrow Gauge Railway. He
■was aftei-ward in the coal mines in Monroe county, Iowa, during the winter of
1879-80 and then went to Wisconsin, where he worked on the construction of the
Wisconsin Central Eailroad. He was subsequently at Albert Lea, Minnesota,
and thence came to Winnebago county, where he secured a contract on the grading
of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad. When that work was completed he
removed to Des Moines and was made foreman in charge of the construction of
some of the first sewers of that city. He continued a resident of Des Moines

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 205

until 1885, when he again came to Winnebago epunty and here purchased a farm
of one hundred and ninety acres a quarter of a mile north of the corporate limits
of Forest City. For thirty years he was continuously engaged in general agri-
cultural pursuits and converted his land into a richly productive farm, adding to
it many modem improvements and equipping it with all of the accessories of a
model fanu property of the twentieth century. In 1915, however, he retired
from farm life and removed to Forest City, where he has since been engaged in
dealing in real estate. The only time he has been away from Winnebago county
since 1885 was when in 1898 he went to Alaska, attracted by gold discoveries in
that country. There he remained for sixteen months but did not meet with
the success that he anticipated and, much disgusted with conditions there, he
returned.

Mr. Gavin was united in marriage while living in Des Moines to Miss Jennie
Thurston, a native of Wisconsin and of Norwegian descent. The five surviving
members of their family of seven children are as follows: Mary B., who is
employed as bookkeeper in a butter and egg house of Minneapolis; Thomas F.,
an agriculturist of Winnebago county, Iowa; Rose, who is the wife of James
McCroden, of Danube, Renville county, Minnesota; William G., who operates the
home farm; and Lillian A., a trained nurse in the State Hospital at Lincoln,
Nebraska.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church. In politics
Mr. Gavin is a republican and has filled various local offices, serving as township
tinistee, as road supervisor for a number of years and as school director. He is
ever interested' in matters of public moment and cooperates in many plans for the
upbuilding and further development of his county. His own career illustrates
what may be accomplished when energy and detemiination point out the way.
He has achieved success through close application and has steadily worked his way
upward until now he has considerable means at his command, all won through
persistent and indefatigable energy.

ARNE SOGARD.

One of the representative farmers of Winnebago county, Iowa, is Arne Sogard,
now residing on section 30, Mount Valley township, where he is successfully
engaged in the cultivation of a tract of forty acres. He was born in Norway,
August 22, 1856, and was a lad of eleven years when he came to the United States
with his parents, Thron A. and Mary (Hoye) Sogard, who were also natives of
the land of the midnight sun. On crossing the Atlantic in 1867 the family
located in Racine county, Wisconsin, and after residing there for three years
came to Winnebago county, Iowa, taking up their abode in Forest City. In 1873
the father purchased eighty acres of land on section 31, Mount Valley township,
where he continued to cany on farming up to the time of his death, which
occurred in 1881. The mother survived him for thirty-four years, passing away
in 1915.

Arne Sogard began his education in the common schools of Norway and after
the emigration of the family to America attended the public schools here, com-

206 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

pleting his studies in the hiyh school of Forest City. He assisted in the operation
of the home farm until his marriage and then took charge of the place, which he
continued to farm for ten years thereafter. In the meantime he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land, also on section 31, Mount Valley township, on
which he located in 18S9, hut in 1893 he sold that farm and bought the forty-acre
tract on which he has since resided.

In March, 1879, Mr. Sogard was united in man-iage to Miss Annie Osmund,
of Winnebago county, who was horn in Michigan of Norwegian parentage. Nine
children were born of this union, of whom five are still living, namely: Sarah
Amanda, the wife of Joseph P. Jensen, of St. Paul, Minnesota; Matilda Theo-
dora, the wife of Lewis A. Clark, of Jenkins, Minnesota ; Minnie Leuora, who is
now keeping liouse for her father; and Leonard Thomas and Elmer Marion, also
at home. Tlie wife and mother ])assed away on the 84th of April, 1907.

The family hold membership in the United Lutheran church and are people
of prominence in the community where they reside. In politics Mr. Sogard is
a stanch republican and for several years past he has filled various township
offices, including those of township tnistee and assessor. For the long period
of eighteen years he has served on the school board and he has always taken a very
active and prominent part in ]niblic affairs in Mount Valley township. He is a
stockholder of the Winneljago County Fair Association and has done much to
promote the interests of his community along various lines.

JOHN" HALVOESON.

John Halvorson, who from 1903 until his death in 191-4 conducted a dry
goods store in Thompson, was born in Norway, August 22, 1849, but was brought
to the United States by his parents when only three years old. The family located
in Portage county, Wisconsin, and there the father died soon afterward. The
mother continued to make her home upon the farm which he had purchased in
that county and there she, too, passed away.

John Halvorson attended the district schools until he was sixteen years old
and for two years thereafter worked upon the home place. He then secured
employment in a mill in that locality and remained in that connection until he
was thirty years of age. He then married and not long afterward came to Winne-
bago county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in King township.
After farming that place for two years he sold it and bought a mill at Nora
Springs, Iowa, which he operated for one year. I^ater he conducted a meat mar-
ket at Forest City for eighteen years, but in 1903 came to Thompson and estab-
lished a dry goods store. From that time until his death in 1914 he ranked
among the leading merchants of his part of the county and his patronage grew
steadily owing to the excellent stock carried and the reasonable prices asked. The
business is now owned by his son, J. Walter Halvorson, who is following the
liberal policy instituted by his father.

Mr. Halvorson was married in Wisconsin in 1879 to Miss Anna Sophia Omit,
a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Omit, who were of Norwegian descent and
were well known residents of Portage county, Wisconsin, where both died during

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 207

the childhood of their daugliter Anna. To Mr. and Mrs. Halvorson were born
five children: Edward, who is a filer by trade and resides with his mother;
Fred, who died when twenty-seven years old and is buried in the Eosehill ceme-
tery; Helen, now Mrs. H. P. Juhl, of Thompson; Emma, at home; and J. Walter,
who is married and is conducting the store established by his father.

Mr. Halvorson was a republican in politics and loyally supported the measures
of that party but never sought office. He was a public-spirited citizen, however,
being willing to give of his time and energy in the furtherance of the welfare of
his community and at all times conformed his conduct to high ethical standards.
He was respected both for his ability and his unquestioned probity, and his
death, which occurred on the 12th of May, 1914, was recognized as a loss to his
town.

HANS SWENSON".

Hans Swenson is proprietor of the Maple Grove Farm situated on section 4,
Forest township, and so named from a beautiful grove of maple trees which he
planted. For about forty-five years he has lived in Winnebago county upon the
farm which he now owns and occupies and for a still longer period has been a
resident of Iowa. He was born, however, in Norway on the 22d of February,
1845, and is a son of Swen and Augusta (Bent) Swenson. The father died in
his native land, after which the mother came to the* new world and spent her last
days in the home of her son Hans, there passing away in 1892. In the family were
seven children, of whom three are yet living.

Through the period of his boyhood and youth Hans Swenson remained a resi-
dent of Norway and there acquired a common school education. Ambitious to
enjoy better opportunities than he could secure in his native country, he came to
America in 1867 and made his way to Iowa, settling first in Winneshiek county.
There he was employed as a fami hand for about six years, after which he came
to Winnebago county and invested his savings in a tract of land on section 4,
Forest township. He has since improved the property, which he has converted
into a valuable farm with well kept fields and fine buildings. In fact, the Maple
Grove Farm is one of the finest in Forest township, lacking none of the equip-
ment or accessories of the model farm property of the twentieth century. Not
only has he carefully tilled the soil but has also successfully engaged in raising
and feeding stock, this branch of his business constituting an important source of
his income.

In 1869 Mr. Swenson was married to Miss Dora Olson, a native of Norway,
and they became the parents of six children: Anna, the wife of E. J. Hill;
Otto, who is engaged in the hardware business at Thompson, Iowa; Simon and
Henry, who are now residents of McKenzie county, North Dakota; Alfred, who
is cultivating the old homestead farm; and Tom E. The wife and mother passed
away on the 16th of June, 1913, and was laid to rest in the United Lutheran
cemetery near the West Prairie church, in which she held membership. She left
not only a husband and six children to mourn her loss but also many warm
friends who deeply regretted her passing. Mr. Swenson is also a member of the

208 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Lutheran clnirch and liis religious faitli has been a guiding force in his life. In
politics he is an earnest republican, having supported the party since becoming a
naturalized American citizen. He has served as township trustee and as school
director but has never Ijeen ambitious to hold office. He may truly be called a
self-made man, for all tliat he possesses and enjoys has been acquired through his
own efforts since he came to the new world. His has been a well spent life and
he well merits the prosperity which he now enjoys.

CHARLES J. SCHNEIDER.

Charles J. Schneider, well known for many years in connection with business
interests of Garner, has been a lifelong resident of Iowa, his birth having occurred
in Monona, January 1, 18(55, his parents being Adam and Mary Schneider. He
dates his residence in Garner from 1886, and for thirty-one years has been iden-
tified with its commercial pursuits, conducting a general store.

On the 15tli of October, 1892, Mr. Schneider was united in marriage to Miss
Lucy M. Bliss, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Bliss, and they have two sous,
Carl and Harold. The religious faith of the family is that of the Congregational
church. Mr. Schneider holds high rank as a citizen and business man. During
the long i^eriod of his connection with Hancock county he has become widely
known, and the course that he has pursued has gained for him the favorable
regard of all. His friends, and they are many, speak of him as one possessed of
sterling qualities and who at all times has been a factor in the substantial develop-
ment and progress of this part of the state, contributing much to the upbuilding
of Garner, -especially along the line of its commercial progi-ess.

MARTIN M. HAGE, M. D.

Dr. Martin M. Hage, who is successfully engaged in the practice of medicine
at Thompson, is a native of Winnebago county, having been born in Logan
township on the 7th of July, 1885. His parents, Knut M. and Martha (Bjorgo)
Hage, were natives of Norway, but shortly after the close of the Civil war
emigrated to the United States. After living for a short time in Winneshiek
county they came to Winnebago county, and the father purchased land in Logan
township. He remained upon that place and devoted his time to its operation
until 1913, when he retired and took up his residence in Scarville. The mother
also survives.

Martin M. Hage was reared in his native township and acquired his early
education in the district schools there. For four years he was a student in the
Waldorf College at Forest City and then entered Hahnemann Medical College at
Chicago, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in May, 1912.
He at once opened an office in Thompson, where he has since followed his pro-
fession, and the large and representative practice which he has built up is evi-
dence of the confidence placed in his ability and conscientious devotion to his

DR. MARTIX M. HAGE

-'Ha ay

I ■^^^■^J-N i'CU.NOATlONS i

i:(

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 211

profession. He owns a fine residence in the western part of town nnd is jjen-
erally recognized as one of the leading citizens of Thompson.

Dr. Kage was married on the ()th of March, 1912, to Miss Leavie Silvers, a
daughter of William A. and Amanda (Gatewood) Silvers, natives of Indiana
and early settlers of Indianapolis. They are now making their home with Dr.
and Mrs. Hage. To this union have been born three children, of whom two died
in infancy, the one surviving being Maxine, who was born on the 27th of
February, 1917.

Dr. Hage exercises his right of franchise in support of the republican party
and is the present health officer of Thompson. He takes the keenest interest in
his work in that connection and is doing all in his power to make the public
health conditions of the town as good as possible. He is a member of the
Lutheran church and his professional connections are with the Winnebago and
Hancock County Medical Society and the Iowa State Medical Society. His
standing among his colleagues is enviable, and the gratifying measure of success
which he has already gained in his profession is high tribute to his ability and
progressive spirit.

F. W. ZEIGEK.

F. W. Zeiger is one of the self-made men of Garner who have builded their
success upon business enterprise, progressiveness and laudable ambition. He is
now proprietor of a w^ell appointed drug store in Garner and is conducting a
steadily growing business. He was born at Eldora, Iowa, January 31, 1879, a
son of N. W. and Kathryn (Ellsworth) Zeiger, the former a native of Indiana,
while the latter was born in Pennsylvania. The father was a son of George
Zeiger, wdio brought his family to Iowa in 184G, and the mother was also brought
to this state in early childhood. It was here that the marriage of N. W. Zeiger
and Kathryn Ellsworth w^as celebrated. The father was a wagon maker by trade
and followed that pursuit for many years but is now living retired in (Jarner,
enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.

P. W. Zeiger attended the public schools and afterward became a student in
Highland Park College, in wdiich he completed a course in pharmacy by grad-
uation with the class of 1901. He had clerked in a drag store in Buffalo Center
from 1899 until 1901 and later he bought out the drag store of Bass & McMann
at Garner, becoming proprietor of this establishment on the 2.5th of Januaiy,
1902, since which time he has conducted the store. He remodeled it in 1916
and it is a well appointed establishment, neat and attractive in appearance and
tasteful in arrangement. He carries a large line of drugs and draggists' sun-
dries and his reasonable prices, his straightforward methods and his enterprise
have constituted the foundation upon which he has builded his steadily growing
success.

In 1904 Mr. Zeiger was married to Miss Joy Lanison, a daugter of George
Lamsou, of Garner, and they have two children, Katherine and Marion. In
politics Mr. Zeiger is a republican and for a year and a half he filled the office
of deputy sheriff, while later he served as sheriff of Hancock county for six months

212 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

during the year 1913, for the sheriff, John Surrballd, had resigned and removed
elsewhere. Mr. Zeiger is well known in Masonic circles, holding niember.ship in
both lodge and chapter, while in his life he confonns to the beneficent teachings
upon which the craft is based.

THOMAS TOBIASON.

Thomas Tobiason, who is successfully carrying on general agricultural pur-
suits on section 22, Forest township, Winnebago county, was born in Cook county,
Illinois, February 8, 18.54, and is one of the eight children whose parents were
Tohias and Nettie Tobiason, who were natives of Norway. Leaving the land
tof the midnight sun. they came to the new world and took up their abode in
iChicago, Illinois, in 1850. There they spent their remaining days and reared
itheir family of eight children, but only two are now living, the sister of Thomas
Tobiason being Matilda Tobiason. who yet makes her home in Chicago.

Thomas Tobiason was reared and educated in his native county and had
,reached the age of thirty-three years when in 1887 he came to Iowa, establishing
Iliis home in Winnebago county, where he purchased the farm upon which he now
resides, situated on section 22, Forest township. He afterward made investment
jn another fann of one hundred acres on section 15 of the same township and
he has since improved his land by careful cultivation and by the erection of
(good buildings. His home place is known as the Forest View Farm and his one
hundred acre tract is known as the Clover Valley Fann. He makes a specialty
of raising stock of all kinds and his live stock interests constitute a very impor-
tant branch of his business. He is likemse a stockholder in the Farmers Ele-
vator and in the Forest City Cooperative Creamery Company.

On September 13, 1885, Mr. Tobiason was united in marriage to Miss Olena
E. Tineson, a native of Norway, and they have become parents of nine children:
Lillie, the wife of Oscar Ranburg, of Winnebago county; Theodore C, living in
Winnebago county; Tobias W., also a farmer of Winnebago county; Arthur M.,
Norman S. and Martin Ij.. all at home; and Norman T., Tobias M. and Walter,
all now deceased.

Mr. Tobiason votes with the re]iublican party and keeps well informed on
the questions and issues of the day. He has served on the school board and the
cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. Both he and his wife are
members of the United Lutheran church, and in Winnebago county they have a
circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance.

OLE B. JENSON.

Since 1903 Ole B. Jenson has lived retired in Lake Mills, but for many
years he was one of the leading farmers of Center township, Winnebago county.
His birth occurred in La Salle county, Illinois, May 15, 1854, and he is a son
of Jens and Mary (Olson) Jenson, who were born respectively in Stavanger and

WINNEBAGU AND HANCOCK COUNTIEfe 213

in Sogn, Norway, but were married in Illinois. On emigrating to the United
States in 1846, the father settled near Green Bay, Wisconsin, and there his first
wife died, leaving two children. He chose as his second wife Mary Olson, who
had come to the United States in 1845, and they had ten children, of whom seven
survive. By occupation he was a fanner and on leaving Illinois located in
Mitchell county, Iowa, where he bought land, which he operated until 1871. In
that year ho homcsteaded forty acres of land in Center township, Winnebago
county, and later added to his holdings by purchase. During the last years of
liis life he made his home with his children, his death occurring February 25,
1906, when lie was ninety-one years old. The mother died at the age of sixty-six
j'ears. They are buried in the North cemetery at Lake Mills.

Ole B. Jenson received a common school education and early in life began
helping with the farm work, thus becoming thoroughly familiar with practical
methods of agriculture. After leaving school he worked for farmers until he
was twenty-one years old and then purchased eighty acres of land in Center
township, Winnebago county. From time to time he bought other land and now
owns three hundred and forty-eight acres in the county, all fertile land in a high
state of cultivation. He engaged in farming until 1903, when he purchased a
fine home in Lake Mills and took up his residence here, renting his land. He is
a man of excellent business ability and managed his affairs so well that he accu-
mulated more than a competence. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers
Elevator at Lake Mills and is interested in the Lake Mills Lumber Company and
the Winnebago County Mutual Insurance Company.

On Januaiy 13, 1893, Mr. Jenson was married to Miss Malina Solomonson,
a daughter of Ole and Carrie Solomonson, natives of Norway, who emigrated to
the United States many years ago and located in Newton townsliip, Winnebago
county, Iowa, where the father farmed. He died April 5, 1909, and is buried
in the North Prairie cemetery, but the mother is still living and makes her home
with her son Oscar in Newton township. To Mr. and Mrs. Jenson have been
born seven children, the three living being: Olga C, Martha M. and Olive Jose-
phine, all at home.

Mr. Jenson believes firmly in the principles of the republican party and
loyally supports its candidates at the polls. For two years he served as township
trustee but has not taken a very active part in politics. The family attend the
United Lutheran church. Mr. Jensen's strict adherence to liigh moral standards
has won him the unqualified respect of all who have come into contact with him
and his personal qualities are such that he has gained the warm friendship of
many.

F. CLYDE LESLIE, D. D. S.

Dr. ,F. Clyde Leslie, of Lake Mills, has gained more than ordinary success
in his chosen profession and his unexpected demise at the early age of forty-one
years was very untimely. He was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, on the
11th of April, 1871, and was a son of James C. and Mandilla (Smith) Leslie,
the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father

2U WIXXEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTTES

located in the Keystone state on his emigi-ation to the United States and engaged
in the general merchandise business at Millers Station, Pennsylvania, but is now
linng retired at the age of seventy years at Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania.
The mother died in 1882.

F. Clyde Leslie grew to manhood in his native state and after graduating from
the Cambridge (Pa.) high school completed a course in the State Xormal School
at Edinboro. He then removed to Iowa City and in 1896 was graduated in
dentistry from the State University of Iowa. He at once located for practice at
Lake Mills and remained here until his death. He kept in touch with the rapid
advancement made in the science of dentistry, had a fully equipped office and
dentist. He had a large and lucrative practice and was in excellent financial
possessed to a high degree that manual skill so necessary to the successful
circumstances.

On the 19th of October, 1898, Dr. Leslie was married to Miss Adeline M.
Sheely, of Sioux City, a daughter of John L. and Mary E. (Bryan) Sheely, who
were bom respectively in ISTew York and in Wisconsin. Her father is a loco-
motive engineer and is now on a fast passenger train running between Sioux City
and Minneapolis. The mother is also still living. Mrs. Leslie graduated from
ilorningside College at Sioux City, Iowa, with the class of 1896 and came to Lake
Mills as a teacher in that year and was so engaged for- two years, or until her
marriage. Slie has three children, all of whom are attending school : Jeane,
who was born September 3, 1899; ilarjorie Kathleen, born June 23, 1905; and
Donald Clyde, born October 8, 1908.

Dr. Leslie gave his stanch support to the republican party and although not
a seeker for political office served as a member of the school board, as he took a
lively interest in everything affecting the welfare of the schools. He belonged
to the Masonic order, the Yeomen and the Modern Woodmen of America and
exemplified in his life the spirit of fraternity upon which those organizations are
based. He recognized the important place that religion plays in life, held mem-
bership in the Methodist cliurch, of which denomination the family are all mem-
bers, was superintendent of the Sunday school and a member of the board of
stewards. He made his life a force for good and it was generally felt that when
he passed away death had called one whom the community could ill afford to lose.
His demise occurred on the .22d of April, 1912, when he was but forty-one years
and eleven days old.

H. R. KLUVER.

II. E. Kluver is actively engaged in general farming on section 16, Crystal
township, and is one of the extensive landowners of Hancock county. He has
ever been a wide-awake and enterprising business man whose affairs have been
carefully conducted and whose investments have been judiciously made, bringing
to him a gratifying measure of success. He was born in Butler county, Iowa,
on the 12th of February, 1866, and is a son of Charles F. and Dora (Bowman)
Kluver, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America in 1859
and first settled in Chicago, where they resided for three years. On the expiration

T::^ UP-,' ■;,,.;;

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 217

of tliat period they came to Iowa, establishing their home upon a farm in Butler
county, where the father passed away, while subsequently the death of the mother
occurred in Cerro Gordo county, Iowa. They had a family of eleven children,
seven of whom are yet living.

H. E. Kluver spent his boyhood days in Butler county and in fact was iden-
tified therewith until he reached the age of twenty-five, when he removed to
Hancock county, where he has made his home continuously since 1891, or for a
period of more than a quarter of a century. He purchased a farm in this
county and in 1902 became the owner of the farm upon which he now resides, on
section 16, Crystal township. He has ever recognized the fact that real estate
is the safest of all investments and as his financial resources have increased he
has added to his holdings from time to time until he is now the owner of twelve
hundred and ninety acres in Iowa, from which he derives a most gratifying annual
income. In South Dakota he owns four hundred and eighty acres, three hundred
and twenty acres in Texas and eighty acres in Minnesota and his entire holdings
are improved with the exception of the Texas land. His extensive farm property
is the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. In addition
to carefully tilling the soil he is engaged extensively in raising and feeding stock,
making a specialty of shorthorn Hereford cattle, red Duroc hogs and Shropshire
sheep. He is likewise one of the stockholders and the president of the Farmers
National Bank of Crystal Lake, which he aided in organizing.

In 1896 Mr. Kluver was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Stewart, a native
of this state, and to them have been. born four children: Myrtle, now deceased;
Hazel, in college; and Glenn and Orville, at home. The parents are active and
faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Kluver is one
of the trustees. His political endorsement is given to the republican party, and
while he has never sought nor desired office he has served on the school board
and is interested in all those forces which work for the uplift and progress of
the community. He is a man of sterling worth and of notable business ability
and sagacity. He is seldom, if ever, at fault in matters of judgment and his
enterprise, laudable ambition and determination have made him one of the pros-
perous citizens of Hancock county.

JAMES A. TKUMBELL.

James A. Trumbell, a general farmer of Avery township, Hancock county,
living on section 29, was born in Pennsylvania on the 28th of January 1867, a
son of Cornelius and Adeline (Smith) Trambell, natives of Pennsylvania, who
became early residents of Belmond, Iowa. Both are still living, the father having
reached the age of seventy-four years, while the .mother is now eighty-one years
of age.

James A. Trumbell acquired his early education in the district schools of
Pennsylvania, which he attended until he reached the age of seventeen years,
and then accompanied his parents on their removal westward to this state. He
assisted his father in the development and further improvement of the home
farm for five years and when twenty-two years of age started out on his own

218 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

account. He has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources, so tliat
whatever success he has achieved is the direct result and reward of his labor. For
four years he cultivated a rented farm and then purchased two hundred and forty
acres of land in Palo Alto county, Iowa. Some time afterward he sold that prop-
erty and came to Hancock county, where he rented land for two years. He next
purchased two hundred and thirty acres on section 29, Avery township, constitut-
ing his present farm, wliicli is toilay one of the excellent farm properties of the
district. His first trading point was at Belmond, which at that time was a
little village containing four or five stores. There was also one store at Amster-
dam conducted by G. N. Elder, the eldest brother of Mrs. Trumbell. There was
much wheat and flax produced in those days, but all around were evidences of the
fact that the work of development and improvement was still in its initial stage.
The original courthouse of Hancock county now stands on the Hetland farm and
at the time of the arrival of the Trumbell family M. P. Eosecrans was county
judge, with Reuben Church as county treasurer, George Louppe as county clerk,
C. M. Church as county sheriff and John Porter as district judge. Mr. Trum-
bell has devoted his entire life to general farming and his place of two hundred
and thirty acres is now a valuable tract, which has been most carefully and sys-
tematically developed and improved until it forms one of the most pleasing
features of the landscape. Its fields annually yield rich harvests and good grades
of stock are seen upon the farm, while the latest improved machinery facilitates
the work of the fields.

On the 11th of August, 1891, Mr. Trumbell was married to Miss Carrie K.
Elder, a daughter of George and Margaret (McNutt) Elder, who were natives
of Pennsylvania but came to Hancock county in 186-5. Both have long since
passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Trumbell are now the parents of three children,
James S., Harry E. and Florence Mabel. The elder son was married March 8,
1916, to Miss Frances Christie, a daughter of Archie and Delia Christie, natives
of Wisconsin.

Mrs. Trumbell belongs to the United Brethren church and he has membership
relations with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his political endorsement
is given to the democratic party. While interested in its success because of his
firm belief in its principles, he has never sought nor desired political office,
always preferring to concentrate his energies and attention upon his business
affairs, which have been wisely directed and have made him one of the substan-
tial farmers of Avery township.

OTTO H. SWENSON.

Otto H. Swenson, successfully engaged in the hardware business in Thompson,
is one of Winnebago county's native sons, his birth occurring in Forest township,
July 10, 187-1. His parents, Hans and Theodora (Olson) .Swenson, were born,
reared and nuirried in Decorah, Winneshiek county, Iowa, where the father engaged
in farming for five years. In 1872 he lirought his family to Winnebago county
and purchased land in Forest township, which he at once began to improve and

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 219

cultivate. lie has since resided upon that place and has now reached the age of
seventy-three years. His wife passed away on the 16th of June, 1!)13.

Reared on the home farm in Forest township, Otto H. Swenson pursued his
studies in the district schools of the neighborhood and when not in school assisted
■his father in the work of the farm until twenty-two years of age. He then bought
a tract of land in Newton township, Winnebago county, whereon he engaged in
agricultural pursuits for eight years. At the end of that time he rented his farm
and removed to Thompson, where he became interested in the windmill and pump
business. Seven years later he sold out to his brother and for the past seven
years has engaged in the hardware business on quite an extensive scale. He
carries a large stock and occupies a double store room. In business affairs he is
notably prompt and reliable and has therefore built up an excellent patronage.

Mr. Swenson was married on the 19th of August, 18!)G, to Miss Ida I^und, by
whom he has four children, namely: Helmer, born July 15, 1897; Melvin,
November 28, 1898; Edith, December S2, 1903; and Orville, June 25, 1906. The
family hold membership in the Lutheran church, and Mr. Swenson affiliates^ with
the republican party. His fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability,
elected him a member of the town council of Thompson, in which he served for
twelve j'ears with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents,
and for ten years he also served as trustee of King township.

G. A. DAHL.

G. A. Dahl owns and operates a farm on sections 12 and 13, Norway town-
ship, Winnebago county, upon which he has lived for about seventeen years. He
was born November 7, 1875, in Silver township, Worth county, Iowa, his parents
being G. G. and Bertha (Loberg) Dahl, the former a native of Norway. The
latter was born in Worth county, where her father settled at a very early period
in the development of that district and where the family continued to reside for
many years, both Mr. and Mrs. Loberg there passing away. Mr. Dahl was but
fourteen years of age when he came to the United States with his parents, Gilbert
and Anna Opdahl, the family home being established near Northwood in Worth
county, while later they secured a homestead in Silver Lake township in the same
county. Their son, G. G. Dahl, changed the family name to its present form.
He worked for his father until he attained his majority and then purchased land
in Worth county, where he continued to engage in farming until a few years ago,
when he retired from active business life and established his home in Emmons,
Minnesota, where he now resides. His wife, however, has passed away, and her
remains were interred in Lime Creek cemetery.

G. A. Dahl was a pupil in the public schools of Worth county until he reached
the age of sixteen years. Yet his opportunities during that period were somewhat
limited as his labors were needed upon the home farm. When his text-books
were put aside he concentrated his entire attention upon farm work and remained
with his father until he reached the age of twenty-five years. Desirous of engaging
in business on his own account, he then purchased the south half of the southeast
quarter of section 18 and the north half of the northeast quarter of section 13,

220 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Norway township, Wiuuebago county. Taking np his abode npon tliis place in
1900, he has since continued its cultivation and has added many modern improve-
ments to the farm. He al^^o owns one hundred and twenty acres on section 19,
Silver Lake township, Worth county, and from his properties derives a substantial
annual income.

Mr. Dahl was married Jlay 20, 1900, to Jliss Julia Eingestad, a daughter of
Nets and Anna Eingestad, the former of whom is a native of Winneshiek county,
Iowa, while the latter was born in Sweden but was brought to the United States
when eight years old. They are still living upon their farm, which adjoins that
owned by Mr. Dahl. To Mr. and Mrs. Dahl have been born four children. Alma,
Norris, Lawrence, and Cora, all at home. Mr. Dahl holds membership with the
Sons of Norway, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the
United Lutheran church. He has served on the school lioard and as road boss, but
has never been active as a political worker. He is a republican and keeps well
informed on questiouB and issues of the- day. He now owns a well improved farm
carefully cultivated, so that good crops are annually gathered. All tliat lie pos-
sesses has come to him as the reward of earnest, persistent labor, for he Iiad no
assistance when he started out in life.

JOHN 0. BEEGFALD.

On the roster of officials in Winnebago county appears the name of John 0.
Bergfald, of Forest City, who is now serving as county recorder and is making
an excellent record by the prompt, efficient and systematic manner in which he
discharges his duties. He was born in Norway, June 28, 1862, a son of Ole and
Karen (Kiplesund) Bergfald. Through the period of his boyhood and youth
John 0. Bergfald remained in his native country and in 1884, at the age of
twenty-two years, came to the United States, locating first in Linden township,
Winnebago county, Iowa, where he attended school and afterward taught in the
country schools for several years. In 1889 he went to Colorado and spent two
and one-half years in Denver, after which he resided in the south for two years.
In 1896 he returned to Linden township, where he again taught school for a few
years, and in 1901 he was appointed deputy recorder of Winnebago county, which
position he filled until the fall of 1904. He afterward had charge of the county
poor farm for a year and a half, being the first superintendent thereof. He later
removed to Thompson, where he was engaged in the hardware business until 1910,
in which year he was elected county recorder. The fact that he has been four
times elected to that position is incontrovertible proof of his capability and the
confidence reposed in him by the public. He has ifiade a most splendid record in
office and has j^roven faultless in honor and stainless in reputation. He also
served for a term and a half as assessor of Linden township before being elected
deputy recorder. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican
party and he is a most stalwart champion of its principles.

In March, 1898, Mr. Bergfald was married to Miss Allie J. Lofton, of Arkan-
sas, a daughter of Giles and Margaret (Boyd) Lofton. They now have three
children : Carrie Margaret, Orren Thomas and John Milburn. Mr. Bergfald

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 1^21

and his family are members of tlie Lutheran church, of which he is a devoted
adherent, guiding his life by its teachings. All who know him, and he has a
wide acquaintance, speak of him in terms of high regard because of his fidelity to
the principles which govern upright manhood and unswerving integrity.

ED SEVERSON

Ed Severson is actively engaged in farming on section 24, Linden township,
and in this undertaking is a partner of Oscar I. Indvik. He was born in South
Dakota, March 13, 1889, and is a son of Sever and Tona (Fellan) Severson, both
of whom were natives of Norway. On leaving the land of the midnight sun in
1868 they sailed for the United States, settling first in Minnesota, where they
lived for two years. On the expiration of that period they came to Winnebago
county, Iowa, and took up their abode on a farm in Mount Valley township,
where they resided for eleven years. Their next home was in South Dakota,
where they continued for nine years. The mother passed away in 189.'5 after
which the father returned to Winnebago county, where he is still living. To him
and his wife were born six children, all of whom survive.

Ed Severson, whose name introduces this review, was largely reared in Winne-
bago county and acquired the greater part of his education in its public schools,
although for one year he pursued a college course. From the age of fourteen
he has been dependent upon his own resources and whatever success he has
achieved or enjoyed is the result of his earnest labors. He first worked on a
farm and when he felt that his experience, his age and his capital were sufficient
to enable him to take an independent step he rented laud which he cultivated for
three years. His economy was continued through that period so that he was at
length enabled to purchase eighty acres, becoming owner of a tract on section
12, Forest township. He operated that farm for three years and then, in 1916,
removed to his present place on section 24, Linden township. He and his
brother-in-law, Oscar Indvik, are now cultivating five hundred and twenty acres
of land. They not only grow the crops best adapted to soil and climate, but they
also make a specialty of raising and breeding hogs, milch cows and Belgian
horses. They have some of the finest stock to be found in the county and their
business affairs are most wisely and carefully managed, bringing to them a very
substantial and gratifying measure of success.

In 1911 Mr. Severson was married to Miss Isabel Indvik, who was born on
the farm where they now reside. Her parents were Ole J. and Mary Michael-
son) Indvik, both of whom were natives of Norway. In young manhood and
womanhood they came to the new world, and as the years passed the father
advanced step by step along the road of indefatigable industry to the goal of
success. He is still living in Winnebago county but his wife passed away in
1907. In their family were six children of whom only Mrs. Severson and
Oscar 0. Indvik now survive. Mr. and Mrs. Severson have become the parents
of four children, Elsworth S., Orlie M., Merrill 0. and Edward I. The parents
are members of the Lutheran church and in social circles they occupy an enviable
position, having the warm and kindly regard of all with whom they have been

222 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

brought in contact. Mr. Sever.son votes with the republican party and he has
served as assessor and as trustee of Forest township. He is always loyal in
matters of public duty and is ever willing to cooperate in work for the general
good.

OSCAR 0. INDVIK.

No history of agricultural development of Winnebago county would be com-
plete without mention of the Indvik family of which Oscar 0. Indvik is a repre-
sentative, for the family was established here in pioneer times and has since been
active in promoting agricultural progress here. Oscar 0. Indvik was born Sep-
tember 13, 1888, upon the farm where he still resides on section 24, Linden
township, and is a son of Ole J. Indvik, a native (}f Norway and for many years
a representative fanner of this district.

Reared under the parental roof Oscar 0. Indvik accjuired a public school
education, mastering the branches of learning which fitted him for life's practical
and responsible duties. He was reared to the occupation of farming to which
he has given his attention and energies since attaining man's estate. In fact, he
was early trained to the work of the fields and in summer.months assisted in the
task of plowing and jilanting and harvesting, while the winter months were given
to school work. In connection with his sister, Mrs. Ed Severson, he owns four
lumdrcd and eiglity acres of land on sections 23, 24 and 2.5, Linden township.
Tills projterty they inherited from their father, and it is now being further devel-
oped and cultivated by Mr. Indvik and Mr. Severson, who are also cultivating an
additional tract, having now five hundred and twenty acres. There are splendid
improvements upon the farm in the way of excellent buildings and well kept
fences and modern farm machinery. They also have good grades of stock upon
the place, and everything indicates their progressive spirit and enterprising meth-
ods. Mr. Indvik votes with the republican party to which he gives intelligent
support, always closely studying the questions and issues of the day.

ISAAC SWEIGARD.

Isaac Sweigard, identified with financial interests in Garner as president of
the Farmers National Bank, was born in Pennsylvania, March 10, 1849, a son
of Andrew and Elizabeth (Smith) Sweigard, who spent their entire lives in the
Keystone state, where the father followed the occupation of farming.

Isaac Sweigard acquired a public school education and in early manhood
went to Illinois in 1870 and established and conducted a drug store in Shannon
in connection with his brother-in-law. lie also taught school while in that
state. In 1877 he removed to Kossuth county, Iowa, and was actively identified
with its business interests as a buyer of grain and hogs and also as a dealer in
lumber. While there he also served as a member of the county board of super-
visors. In 1882 he removed to Garner, where he entered into partnership with

ISAAC SWEIGARD

TILUKN i-OUNOATiOWs

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 225

A. C. Kipley, under the firm style of A. C. Ripley & Company, for the conduct
of a real estate and abstract business. Mr. Eipley was a lawyer and Mr. Sweigard
largely liad cliarge of the business. In 1887 his fellow townsmen, having recog-
nized his worth and ability, called him to public office, electing him clerk of the
courts, in which capacity he served for four years. He was afterward in Mr.
Ripley's office for a short time and was then again called to a position of public
trust, being chosen county treasurer, in which position he served for one term.
Later he was again associated with Mr. Ripley for a short time, but on account
of his wife's health removed to Missouri, where he remained until 1904, when he
purchased an interest in the Farmers Savings Bank of Garner, with which lie
has since been associated.

In 1872 Mr. Sweigard was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Layman,
who was bom in Pennsylvania but lived in Illinois at the time of her marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Sweigard have three children, namely : Harvey A., who is post-
master at Garner; Etta, who is the wife of R. C. Plummer, of Forest City; and
C. R., the cashier of the Farmers National Bank. Fraternally Mr. Sweigard is
connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has taken various
degrees in Masonry, belonging to Bethel Lodge, No. 319, F. & A. M.; Bethel
Chapter, No. 116, R. A. M. ; Bethel Council, No. 33, R. & S. M.; and Antioch
Commandery, K. T., of Mason City. Of the blue lodge he is a past master. His
family is connected with the Methodi.st church. In politics Mr. Sweigard is a
stalwart democrat and in addition to the offices previously mentioned he has
served as mayor of Garner. In a word, he is a prominent and influential citizen
there who has done much to shape public thought and action and establish a
progressive public policy. At the same time he is an energetic business man,
alert to the opportunities opened for activity in various fields, and his enterprise
has brought to him a substantial measure of success.

OLE HALVOHSON BREKKE.

Ole Halvorson Brekke, a retired farmer of Lake Mills, is a native of Norway
and has manifested the excellent qualities characteristic of his race. He was born
November 19, 1843, of the marriage of Halvor Olson and Helge (Johnsdatter)
Brekke, who passed their entire lives in Norway, where the father engaged in
farming.

Ole II. Brekke, who is the fourth cliiJd and the oldest of four sons, obtained
a common school education in Norway and devoted some time to military training.
He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in Norway until he was
twenty-six years of age, when he emigrated to America alone, crossing the Atlantis
on a sailing vessel and landing at Quebec, Canada. He at once went to Dane
county, Wisconsin, where he worked as a carpenter for a year, but in 1870 he
went by way of the Milwaukee Railroad to Clear Lake, which was then the
terminus of the road, and from that point by ox team to Forest City, Winnebago
county, Iowa. For one year he was employed as a farm hand and then invested
his savings in one hundred and sixty acres on section 35, Center township. For
forty-one years his time and attention were taken up with the cultivation of ttiat

-2-2G WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

place, which he iiiadc one of the iiioilel farms of his locality, ami liis hard work,
progressive spirit and good iiiaiiageiiient made him in time financially independent.
Ill 1911 he retired from ai'tive life and huilt a fine home in Lake Mills, where he
has since resided. lie was a dii-cctor of the Lake Mills Stock Yards for .some time
and also of the Lake Mills Creamery Company.

On tlie 5th of September, 1S7(), Mr. Brekke was united in marriage to Miss
Liv Tullockson, a daughter of 'j'ullock and Ture (Toresdatter) Tnllockson, who
passed their entire lives in Norway. Mrs. Brekke came to the United States with
a brother. She has become the mother of .seven children, namely : Ileleiie, the
wife of Lawrence Lintvet, of Becker county, Minnesota; Anna S., wlio is the
widow of Herman Jeiicer and resides in Becker county, Minnesota; Gunild T.,
the wife of Andrew Branstad, of Forest City; Susanna ()., who married Knudt K.
Tveten, of Comstock, Clay county, Iowa: (iunild Andrea, the wife of P^llsworth
P. Brones, residing near Leland, Winnebago county; Hannah, at home; and
Emma, the wife of Conrad Oscar Harung, of Kensett, Worth county.

Mr. Brekke supports the democratic party where national issues are at stake,
but otherwise votes for the man. He served on the school board a number of
years and was also for some time township trustee and gave to tiie discharge of
his official duties the same careful attention that characterized his management of
his farming interests. He holds niend)ership in the United Lutheran church, to
the support of which he contributes generously. The success which he has gained
is doubly creditable in that he began his independent career without capital or
influential friends and has at all times relied entirely upon his own efl'orts to win
advancement.

JOHN LUNDBEKG.

Business enter]irise in Forest City finds a worthy representative in John
Luiidbcrg, now a succes.sful dealer in wood, coal and ice. He is numbered among
the jiioner residents of Winnebago county, where he has resided for forty-si.x years,
an interested witness of the development of this section of the state and an
active participant in many ])lans and projects for the pul)lic good. He was born
in Denmark, July 3, ISfiT, a son of James and Mary (Anderson) Lundberg, who
came to the United States in 1<S(>7, reaching New York city on the 2d of September
of that year. They made their way at once across the country to Oshkosh, Winne-
bago county, Wisconsin, and there resided for four years. In February, 1.S71, they
became residents of Winnebago county, Iowa, anil the father, who had hitherto
followed the tailor's ti'ade, here turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, ])ur-
cbasing a small farm of forty acres. He afterward sold that property and bought
eighty acres in Hancock county, five miles cast of (iaruer. Three years latt'r he
sold out and returned to Winnebago county, buying forty acres adjoining Forest
City. Upon that farm he lived until his death, which occurred in August, lt)16.
His widow yet survives and still o(cu])ies the old home place.

John Lundberg attended the district schools, Init his educational op]:>ortunities
were limited, for he was the eldest child and his ])arents were in straitened finan-
cial circumstances, scj that bis lalioi's were needed in the further developnieiit of

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 227

the home farm. He workcil in tlio fields from early youtli and soon beeamc
familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He
was twenty years of age when he became a resident of Forest City, where for nine
years he had charge of the live stock of J. A. PKimmcr. lie afterward spent a
year in the employ of the Central Elevator Company, which he represented on the
road, looking after their live stock interests. He next accepted a position as grain
buyer for Barton & Gardner, with whom he was associated for five years. In
1895 Mr. Gardner purchased Mr. Barton's interest and soon thereafter Mr. Lund-
berg was admitted to a partnership under the iirm name of Gardner & Lundberg.
That association was maintained for two years and in 1897 Mr. Lundberg bought
out Mr. Gardner's interest and the same year built a new elevator, which he
operated independently for five or six years. On the expiration of that period
he sold his elevator but continued to deal in live stock and also to tiandle wood
and coal, for in the meantime he had extended the scope of his activities to include
the sale of fuel. He still remains an active and prosperous dealer in wood, coal
and ice and is accorded a liberal patronage by reason of his enterprising methods
and his honorable dealing. He also has other important interests, having served
as a member of the board of directors and as secretary of the telephone company
for a number of years. In fact he has been one of the foremost representatives of
the business life of Forest City for an extended period and his interests have ever
been of a character which liave contrilnited to ))ublic progress as well as to indi-
vidual prosperity.

In November, 1888, Mr. Lundberg was united in marriage to Miss Lydia A.
Cooper, of Waukon, Allamakee county, Iowa, by whom he had four children, three
of whom still survive, namely : Beatrice, who is the wife of Dr. J. E. Charlsoii,
of Goldfield, Iowa : and Zylpy Jane and J. Harmon, both at home. Politically
Mr. Taindberg is a republican and his fellow townsmen, appreciating his worth
and ability, have frequently called him to public office. He has served for eleven
years as a member of the town council and is the present street commissioner of
Forest Citj'. Any plan or mea.sure for the upl)uilding of the community is sure
to receive his endorsement and cooperation and bis work has long been an effectiv*
element in advancing the welfare of city and county. -

AENE E. DAHL.

Arne E. Dahl, who passed away in 19(10, had not only gained a place among
the representative farmers of Linden township, Winnebago county, but was also
held in high esteem personally, for his dominant qualities were such as command
respect. He was born in Norway, May 20, 1833, of the marriage of Erik and
Anna Dahl, both of whom passed their entire lives in their native country. He
received his education in the common schools of Norway and remained there for
a considerable period after reaching mature years. It was in 1873 that he c-ame
to the United States and during the succeeding five years he resided in Kock
county, Wisconsin. In 1877. however, he rented land in Linden township, Winne-
l)ago county, Iowa, wliich he farmed for five years, at the end of wliich time be
purchased forty acres, to which he added at different times an adjoining tract of

228 WINNEBAGO AXl) HANCOCK COUNTIES

.similar size and an t'ifj;lity aciv tract, liecdiiiiut;- the (luuer of the northeast quarter
of section 4, Linden townsihip. I[e devoted his time and energy to the raising of
the usual grains and to the lireeding of stork and hoth phases of his business
proved profitable. He also had other interests as he owned stock in the Farmers
Cooperative th'eaniery Company of Ijeland until the jilant burned and later was
a .stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery of Tlionipson. He ]:)assed
away on the 1st of August, !!)()(), mourned by his many friends.

Mr. Dahl was married in Norway to Miss Mary Olson, wlio survives and still
lives upon tlie home farm. 'I'o their union were born twelve children, of whom
eight are living, namely: Erik, a resident farmer of Cavalier county. North
Dakota; Nettie, the wife of Adam Bell, residing in Winnebago county; ()le, also
engaged in farming in Cavalier county, North Dakota ; Lewis, residing in Thomj)-
son, Winnebago county; Mary, the wife of Edward Thorland, of Eden township,
Winnebago county; Het.sy, the wife of Oscar Lund, residing in McKenzie county.
North Dakota; Albert, who is ojierating the home farm; and Ilehner, a resident
of McKenzie county, North Dakota.

Mr. Dahl was a I'epublican in his [lolitical views ami took the interest of a
good citizen in public affairs hut was never an office seeker. For twenty-three years
he was a resident of Linden township and his sterling worth was recognized by all
who came in contact with him. Mrs. Dahl holds membei-sliip in the Lutheran
Synoil and conforms her life to its teachings.

(!LSLE M. LEE, M. D.

Dr. Gisle M. Lee, a successful physician and surgeon living at Thompson, was
born in Dane county, Wisconsin, July 10, 1867, a son of John E. J. and Martlia
(Venaass) Lee, natives of Norway. When sixteen years old the father accom-
])anied his parents to tlie United .States and the family located in Dane county,
Wisconsin, where the grandfather of our subject engaged in farming until his
death. The mother was lirought to Dane county when an infant by her parents,
who resided upon a farm there until called by death. Both Mr. and Mrs. John E.
J. Lee are buried in the East Kosid<onong church cemetery.

Gisle M. Lee attended the common .schools and later Luther College at Decorah,
Iowa, while his professional education was received in Eush Medical College at
(Uiicago, which conferred upon him the M. D. degree in 1893. In the following
year he came to Thompson, which had been founded only two years ]ireviously,
and was tlie first |>hysician and surgeon to locate here, lie has since continuously
engaged in pi'actice and has a high standing among his professional colleagues
in the county. Through his membership in the American Medical Association
and through wide reading he keeps in touch with the trend oi modern practice
and he has been very successful in the treatment of disease.

Dr. Lee was married in ISOT) to Miss Jessie Severscn, of Cambridge, Wiscon-
sin, and they have four children: Gisle J., who is editor of a newspaper at Slier-
burn, Minnesota; and Melvin, Evelyn and Mabel, all af Imme.

Dr. Lee sujiports the republican party at the polls and has taken quite an
active part in public affairs, having been coroner of the county for the last eight

WlxXNEBAGU AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 229

years and having also surved as mayor of 'I'liompson for one term and as seeretary
of the scliool hoard for eiglit years, lie lidongs to the Lutheran cluirch ati(i
furthers its work in every way possiljle. He has thorouglily ideiitilied hiiiisclf with
the interests of his (■onuiuinity and is deservedly liehl in high esteem Ijv all uho
Imow him.

JOHN I. OFSTEDAHL.

Norway has made valuaVile contrihution to the citizenship of Winnehago
eounty. Many of lier eitizens have eome from tlie laud of the midnight sun and
their love f<ii' that country was manifest in the fact thai Norway township was
named in honor of their old home. They have, lujwever, heen most loyal to all
American interests and have been active factors in the upbuilding and development
of this section. Among the number is John I. Ofstedahl, who was born in Norway
May 27, 18o7, a son of Iver and Cjertie (Olson) (Bursly) Ofstedahl, who were
■ farming people. They had a family of six children, of whom John I. is tlie eldest.
In 1864 they brought their family to the United States and for six mouths lived
with a brother of the father in Olmsted eounty, Minne.sota. Tliey then took up
their abode in Mansfield township, Freeborn county, Minnesota, where Mr.
Ofstedahl secured a homestead claim and developed the farm upon which he is
still living. He yet enjoys good health, although he is now eighty-seven years of
age, being splendidly preserved for one who has traveled so tar on life's journey.
In 1911 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the
'26th of January of that year and was laid to rest in the Synod Lutheran cemetery.
Their children are: John I.; Ole, who is now living in Norman county, Minne-
sota; Iver aiul Albei-t, who are residents of Freeborn county, Minnesota; Iner,
whose home is in Saskatchewan, Canada: ami Agnes, the wife of Jacob Aldal, of
Fargo, North Dakota.

John J. Ofstedahl was reared upon the western frontier and with the family
shared in the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. He aided in the
arduous task of developing a new farm and when opportunity offered he attended
the pioneer schools, using his advantages to secure an education until lie re.ached
the age of eighteen years. He then concentrated his attention upon farnr work
for his father until twenty-six years of age, when he began fanning on his own
account. During the next two years he farmed with his father on shares and in
March, 1887, wdien tliirty years of age, he became a resident of Norway township,
Winnebago county, Iowa, where he purchased the east half of the southwest quarter
of section 23. He innnediately began its development and his labors brought
to him a measure of success that enabled him later to purchase the west half of
the same quarter, so that he is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of
land. The soil liad in it the properties that rendered it rich and productive when
carefully cultivated and he soon transformed the place into well kept fields from
which he has annually gathered golden harvests. When he made his purcha.se
there was a log cabin and straw stables upon the place. He has since added many
modern improvements and the good buildings, the well kept farm machinery and
the neat appearance of his fields all indicate his careful supervision and progressive

230 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

methods. He is ;i stockholder in tlie Lake Mills Creainery Company and in the
Farmers Elevator Conipanj'.

Mr. Ofstedahl was married to Miss Karen Saxerud, a daughter of Anion and
Panella Saxerud, of Norway, who passed away in tlieiv native land, never coming
to the United States. ■Mr. and Mrs. Ofstedahl are the parents of tive children, as
follows: 'i'ina, who is now the wife of P^d. 'J'orvold, of Worth county, Iowa:
Oscar, a resident of Minneapolis; Isaac, who assists in the operation of the home
farm; t'lara, who gave her hand in marriage to Harry Adams, of Ilaytield, Han-
cock county, Iowa; and Alfred, at home.

The parents are meniher.s of the Synod Lutheran churrh and in it.s teachings
find the guiding spirit of their lives. Mr. Ofstedahl is a rejmhlican hut not an
office seeker, yet he is not remiss in the duties of citizenship and delights in the
progress that is heing made along civic lines. From early boyhood he has known
what hard work means and he has never been afraid of the industry and close
application which are so necessary in the attainment of success. In fact, it has
been along those lines that he has reached a position among the well-to-do farmers
of Norway township.

NELS AND ELLEN CHARLSON-.

Nels and Ellen Chnilsiin. both natives of Norway, came to the United States in
1851, first lived for a year at Stoughton, Wisconsin, and then moved to Primrose,
Dane county, Wisconsin, where Mr. ("harlson jiurchased a farm which he im-
proved and cultivated until l.SOd, when he homestcaded in Center township, Winne-
bago county, Iowa, removing here with his family in that year anil thcrcliy be-
coming one of the ])ioneers of this section. Mr. Charlson continued agricultural
pursuits in this county until his demise, which occurred March 1, 1901. lie had
survived his wife several years, as she passed away Ajjril 1, lSi)S. Both are buried
in a cemetery on the home farm. They were pioneer settlers of this section of
the state, took an active [lart in advancing general interests contributing to the
public welfare, and Mr. Charlson did much in promoting the agricultural develop-
ment of the district. When they passed away they were survived by many friends
who had come to esteem them highly. To Mr. and Mrs. Charlson were born ten
children, of whom six survive. Eli, the youngest, is still residing on the home
farm.

Mrs. Helen (Charlson) Colby (ironing, daughter of Nels and Ellen Charlson
and the eldest in their family of ten children, was born in Norway, May 4, 1S44,
and was lirought by her parents to the United States when she was seven years
of age. She was educated in Dane county, Wisconsin, and in 1859 was married to
Eli Colby of that county. They had no cai)ital but were determined to succeed
and in the course of yeai-s won prosperity, although for some time they had to work
very lianl in order to gain a start. They never gave way to discouragement, Ikjw-
ever. and at length rcajjcd the reward of tlieir untiring industry and good nianage-
inent and their sterling qualities gained them the unqualified respect of all wdio
knew them. Mr. Colby died March 12. 188(i, and is bui'ied in the ITuege cemetery
at I'linii'ose, Wisconsin. To them were born twelve children: Charles, of Center

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 281

township; Mary, the wife of Nels Gilbert, of Beeler, Idaho; Ella, the wife of M. M.
Anderson, of Center township; Elizabeth, who married Ephraim Wilson, of Wit-
tenberg, Wisconsin; Joseph, a practicing dentist of Lake Mills, Iowa; Jnlia, who
died at the age of twenty-one and is buried at Primrose; Nora, the wife of i']dward
Hrattrnd. of Center township; William, who died at tlie age of thirty-seven and is
buried in North cemetery at Lake Mills: Clara, the wife of H. C. Schunian, of
lone. Oregon; Norman, of Fort Madis(m. Iowa: Frank, a resident of Sioux City;
and Jessie, of Lake Mills.

In litOl Mrs. Colby married Hans (ironing, now a retired former of i.,ake
Mills, of whom a sketch follows.

HANS GEONING.

Hans Groning, a well known retired farmer living in Lake Mills, was born in
Norway, December 31, 1830, and there he received his education and grew to
manhood. In 1857 he came alone to the United States and purchased land in
Dane county, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming for more than four decades,
or until i;)01. when he removed to Winnebago county, Iowa. He purchased a farm
in Center township which he operated for a year, after wliicli he removed to Lake
Mills, where he has a tine residence. He met with gratifying success in his agri-
cultural work and has a competence which insures him all the comforts of life.

Mr. Groning was married in Wisconsin to Miss Mildred Torgeson, who died in
18!)(; and is buried in the United Lutheran cemetery at Primrose, Wisconsin. She
left a son, Hans, Jr., who is living in ]\Iadison, Wisconsin. In 1001 Mr. Groning
was married to Mrs. Helen Colby. wi<low of VM Colby, of Dane county. Wis-
consin.

Mr. Groning is a stanch supporter of the repulilican party but has never
been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He has ever taken the interest of
a good citizen in public affairs and has given his support to projects seeking the
general welfare. In religious faith both he and his wife are Free Lutherans. They
have made many friends since removing to Winnebago county and are numbered
among the highly esteemed residents of Lake Mills.

OLE A. THOMPSON.

Ole A. Thompson is an active and well known representative of cornnienial
interests in Forest City as senior partner in the firm of Thompson & Clausun,
proprietors of a large general store. The greater part of his life has here lieen
passed, for he arrived in Forest City in 1888, when a youth of thirteen. He was
born in Norway, June 25, 1875, a son of T. O. and Martha Thompson, who in
1880 became residents of Mahaska county, Iowa, where the father followed the
cooper's trade, which he had learned in his native land. In 1888 he removed to
Forest City and purchased a farm in Mount Valley township, where he secured
eighty acres. For twenty-six years thereafter he continued to develop and improve

2;!-J WI.VNEBACiO AXD HANCOCK COUNTIES

his pi'oiierty, Ijiit has rfiuiitly sold and taki'ii up his aluHh; in Furest City, where
he is now living retired.

Ole A. Thompson aeipni-eil a puhlic si lioul iMhiiatinn and supplemented it hy
a husiness eourse at Dixmi. lie made his initial step in husiness eircles as an
em))loye in thr ilotliin<; store ol' Olson Brnthers at Forest City in l.Sili). While in
that eoiineetioii he thoi-mi,<;hly acipiainted himself with modern husiness methods
and he als(j carefully saved his earnin<;s with the li(i|>e of one day engaging in
husiness on his dwn aei-ounl. In 1!His. thcrefoi'e. he pni'eliaseil a half interest in a
general store and heeame a |iai'tner ot C. II. Ellsworth, who, however, sold out
the sanu' year. In IIMO Mr. Thoinpsdu admilled A. E. Clauson to a partnei'sliip
undei- the lirm styli.^ of Thoinpsdii iV Clauson. 'J'liey conduct a genei'al store,
handling groceries, di'y goods, ladies" reaily-to-wear clothing, shoes and other lines
and ni'e now accorded a liheral pati'onage which nudges tlu'ir trade a protitahle one.
They erected a huilding in 1',I14 wliic-h is forty-four hy one hundred feet and two
stoi'ies in height with hasement. This they occupy in the conduct of their trade
anil their husiness has now I'eached suhslantial and gratifying proportions.

On the 1th of Septendier. IIHI. ^Ir. Thompson wa.s married to Maude Snipps,
of Forest City, a daughter of J. P. and Belle (Fisher) Snipps. Mr. and Mrs.
Thomjison ha\c one son. ilalculm. and \iy a former marriage Mrs. Thompson had
a daughter. Hazel. ■ ,

Fi-aternally j\Ii-. Thompson is connected with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, while politically he nuiintains an independent cour.«e, casting his hallot
according to the dictates of his judgment. There have lieen no spectacular phases
in his life rei'ord. He has worked steadily and persistently year after year, en-
larging the scope of his interests as his experience and capahilities have hroadened,
and he is justly accounted one of the progressive merchants of Winnebago county.

HENRY O. HANSING.

Among the representative farmei's of King township, Winnebago county, is
numbered Henry 0. Hansing, who lives on section 29. He has one of the best
improved places in the county and his residence is one of the most beautiful and
attractive homes of this district. All this is indicative of the well spent life and'
indefatigable energy of Mr. Hansing, who was born in Iowa county, Wisconsin,
ill January. ls7il. a son of Arnc and Julia (Harldson) Hansing. who were natives
of the hind of the midniglit sun. Coming to America in an early day, they
established their home in Iowa county, Wisconsin, where for a time the father
cultivated a rented farm, but at length purchased land which he further devel-
oped and improved, and later moved to Blair, Nebraska, spending his remaining
days there. He passed away in December, IIMHI. and is still survived by his wife.

Henry 0. Hansing was reared and educated in his native county and remained
with his parents until he attained his majority, when he started out in the
business world indei)endently. Removing to Winnebago county, Iowa, he was
here employed for about seven years and then married and moved upon his wife's
farm of one hundred and si.xty acres on section 29, King township. lie at once
began the further development of the place, which he has since operated and has

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WlXXKBAdO AXl) HANCOCK tUd'XTIKS 235

converted it into one of the fines^t improved farms of tlie eounty, upon which
he has erected a residence that is scarcely equaled and is not surpassed in this
section of the state. lie follows the most progressive methods in his farm work,
which is conducte<l along- scientific lines, and his life of diligence and deter-
mination has brought a notable and gratifying measure of prosperity. He is
also a stockhdiilcr in the elevator and the creamery companies of Thompson.

In August, IIJOO, Jlr. Hansing was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary (Uahl)
Grasley, a daughter of the Kev. I. N. and Catherine (Maursund) Dahl, who were
natives of Xorway. The father was for six years a missionary in India and
Mrs. Hansing was born in that country in Decendier, 1872. Mr. Dahl came to
America in 1873, establishing his home in Winnebago county, where he engaged
in preaching as a minister of the Lutheran church throughout his remaining
days, passing away Novemb(,'r 1. 1 !•<)(>. He was better known among the Scan-
dinavian people of the northwest than ])crhaps any other one man and for many
years he took a prominent |)art in shaping the civic and religious development
of his community. He was born near Tromsoe, Norway, December 14, 1836.
His father, August Dahl, was a fisherman, becomnig connected with what was
then the principal industry of the coast towns. In 1860 Rev. Dahl went to Ger-
many and studied for the ministry, remaining for six years in the Harmsburg
Theological Mission at Hanover. He afterward spent six years in missionary
work in India, and throughout his entire life his influence was a potent factor
for good in the communities in which he lived. In July, 189G, Iiis daughter
Mary became the wife of Andrew Grasley and to them were born three children.
James 0. is now serving in the United States navy, and the two other children
died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hansing have become the parents of five children.
Irene G., Earl M., Valborg C, Harold M. B. and Henrietta M.

Mr. Hansing has been a member of the school board in his district and has
served as its president. He votes with the republican party and he and his
family are connected with the Lutheran church, doing all in their power to
promote its growth and extend its Influence. His has been an active, useful
and honorable life. Both he and his wife enjoy tlie warm regard of all who know
them and in Winnebago county they have a circle of friends almost coextensive
with the circle of their acquaintance.

ALBERT E. SOALS.

The farming interests of Winnebago county find a worthy and substantial rep-
resentative in Albert V.. Soals, who resides on section 1-f, Forest township. It was
u])on this farm that his liirth occurred May 16, 1873, his parents being Shuble K.
and Anna (Heckle) Soals. Tlie father, a native of the state of New York, came
to Winnebago county al)out 1870 and settled on the farm which is now the home
of his son Albert. Upon that ])lace he continued to reside until called to his final
rest in 1892. There he reared his family, numbering eight children, of whom two
are now living. The mother still survives and has become the wife of J. J. Otis.

Albert E. Soals lived upon the old homestead through the period of his boy-
hood and youth and after attending the common schools went to Lincoln, Nebraska,

236 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

wliere lie rcin:uni'(l lor three years. He then returned to the old home, whieh he
has sinee occupied. It is a vahialile tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres
on section 14, Forest township, Winnebago county, and it has been greatly im-
proved with modern buildings and the best farm machinery. He raises various
cereals adapted to soil and cliuiatic conditions here and he is also successfully
engaged in stock raising.

In I'.MKI <iccurrcd the marriage of Mr. Soals and Miss Laura Arnold, a native
of Nebraska and a daughter of James L. and .lemima (Shephard) Arnold, wIki
are mitivcs of Ohio, whence they removed to Rock Island county, Illinois, 'i'hev
afterward bt'cauic residents of Nebraska and subsequently took u]) their abode in
Forest City, Iowa, where they are now residing. Mr. and Mrs. Soals attend the
Methodist Fpiscopal church and Mr. Soals belongs to the Odd Fellows I^odge Xo.
440 at Forest City and both ai'e connected with the Rebekahs. He ha.s filled all of
the chairs in the lodge and is one of its earnest and helpful members. In politics
he is a democrat, but he has never held ]iolitical office. He is working diligently
and persistently along those lines which lead to siicc'css aii<l already be has made
for himself a most creditable position among the enterprising and prosperous
fanners and stock raisers of Forest township.

PETER 0. PETERSEN.

Peter 0. Petersen, who successfully carries on farming on section 26, Ellington
township. Hancock county, was born March ;!!. 1S,S(;. on the farm where he now
resides, his parents being Peter O. and Marie (.lurgeusen) Petersen, natives of
Denmark. In that country they were reai'ed and married and remained there
until after the birth of two of their children. It was in 1S7.5 that they crossed
the ocean and t<iok up their I'esidence in Clinton county, Iowa, where they made
their honu' for ten years. In 188.5 they removed to Hancock county and the
father jjurchased the farm on section 'H\ Ellington township, where our subject now
I'esides. After living thereon for twenty years he built a comfortable residence on
an adjoining forty acres on section 27, where he spent his remaining days, passing
away on the 26th of January, 19i:?. His widow still survives him and now uuikes
her home in Ventura.

Mr. Petersen of this review was reared in much the usual manner of farmer
boys and is indebted to the district schools for the -education he obtained during
his boyhood. As early as his fifteenth year he became a wage earner, working for
neighboring farmers, and in 1909 he began farming on bis own account, he and
his brother Fred renting and operating the home farm in partnership for four
years. At the end of that time he went to Forest City, where he worked as a
mecbanii- in a garage fiu- one year, and then returned to the farm, being engaged
in the cultivation of one hundred acres during the following year. After his
Tiiarriage in 1914 he took entire charge of the home farm, consisting of the south-
west ((uarter of section 26, Ellington township and the forty acres adjoining on
section 27, and has since operated the place. The land is in a high state of culti-
vation and is made to produce good harvests by the cai-e and labor bestowed
u]H)n it.

WINNEBAGO AND HANCUCK COUNTIES 237

In 1914 Mr. Petersen was united in marriajje to Miss Anna Anderson, of Clear
Lake, Iowa, and they have heconie tlie parents of two cliihlren, Everett M. and
Virginia S. The family attend the Metiiodist Episcopal chun-h and hy Ids ballot
Mr. Petersen supjiorts the men and measures of the dernoeratie party, lie is a
stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of Ventura and is
secretary of the Ellington Telephone Conipaiiy. He is one of the leading; citizens
of his community and well merits the t'onlidencc ri'|.iosed in him iiy his fellow
citizens.

MOElilS M. TAFAGEE.

Since 1897 Morris M. Tapager has heen identified with the husiness interests
of Thompson and is today recognized as one of the leading citizens of the place.
His early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was horn in Denmark,
January 22, 1873, a son of Michael and Maren (Dalgaard) Tapager. He was
quite young when his mother died and his father remarried. In 1890 the family
came to the new world and the father, who was a farmer hy occupation, made
his home in Alhert Lea, Minnesota, until his death in 190."). His widow is still
living there.

Morris M. Tapager spent the first seventeen years of his life in his native
land, where he attended school until ahout fourteen years old, and then turned
his attention to the carpenter's trade. He came with the family to America in
1890 and located in Alhert Lea, Minnesota, where he worked at his trade U>v a
time, but later learned l)utter making, which occupation he followed at that jdace
for two years. In 1896 he accepted the position of manager of a creamery at
Emmons, Minnesota, where he remained one year, and then came to Thompson,
Iowa, working as a butter maker here for two and a half years. Mr. Tapager was
next engaged in the hotel husiness for two years, and then clerked in the general
store of Ed Monday for three years. At the end of that time he again entered
the creamery business and in 1910 purchased an interest in what is known as the
Farmers Cooperative Creamery Com])any, of which he has since been secretary.
He continued to actively engage in butter nuiking until 191-4, but has since given
his attention to general contracting. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator
Company and the Thompson Telephone Company and also owns farm land in
King township, Winnebago county, adjoining Thompson.

In 1894 Mr. Tapager was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bertelson, a daugh-
ter of Nels P. and Marion (Jorgenson) Bertelson, who were natives of Dennuu-k,
and on coming to the United States in 18(58 located on a farm near Albert Lea,
Minnesota, which the father operated throughout the remainder of his life. He
died in July. 1908, at the age of sixty-four years, but the mother is still living in
Albert Lea at the age of sixty-eight. Mr. and Mrs. Tapager have become the
parents of five children : Elmei-, liorn in August, 1896 ; Clare, in February, 1898 ;
.\lonzo. May 1, 1904; Luella. in September, 1907; and Alice, who was Ixjrn in
January, 1895, and died in January, 1896.

The family are connected with the Jjutheran church and Mr. Tapager is also
a member of the Modern Woodmen of .\merica. By his ballot he supports the men

238 AVIXx\EBA(;() AND irAXCorK COUxXTIES

niid measures of the republican party and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth
and aliility, have called upon him to serve in several official positions, including
that of city treasurer. lie lias nlsn been a Hiciiibcr «{ the school hoard and a nieni-
licr nf tlic tiiwii ciiuiicil. wlierc In; scimmI in :i miisl crcditalile and aci-eptaMc
manner.

M]{S. ALICE IIAHN.

Mrs. Alice llalin is widely anil favorably kiHjwn in (Jarner ami throughout
Hancock countj', where she has s])ent her entire life. She was Ixjrn in (iai-ner in
1883 and is a daughter of William Crawford and Eliza (Fitch) Wells, who wei-c
early settlers of Hancock (Muinty, having »reni(ived from Wisconsin to (iarner in

1870. Fi- that time foiward iTpi-eseiitatives nf the family have taken an active

and bel|il'ul ]iait in prrmioting the woi-k of general progress and im]irovement in
this section.

Spending her girlhood days under the parental roof, Alice Wells attended

the public scl Is and passed through consecutive grades to her graduation from

the high school of (iarner with the class of ISlMt. She afterward entered the
Oberlin College and Conservatory at Oberlin. Ohio, where she studied f(jr two
years. In Septendier, IDO:!, she became the wife nf (Jeorge William Halm, who
five years later passed away. Mrs. Hahn is a member of the Congregatimial
church and the nature of her interests is further indicated in her memliership with
the Daughters of the American Revolution and in the Eecital Club, which is a
literary organizatidu. She is a lady of refined taste and libei'al culture, who
has always oceu])ied an enviable ]iosition in the social (•ircles of the city in which
her entire life has been passed.

RASMUS J. HILL.

Rasmus .1. Hill, who follows the occupation of farming on section 4, Forest
township, Winnebago county, where his property, known as the Evergreen Farm,
comprises one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land, was born in
Norway, January 7, LSfi;?, a son of John J. and Engbur Hill, who were also
natives of the land of the midnight sun. The father came with hi:j family to
America in 1872 and settled in Ogle county, Illinois, where he resided until 1884.
He then removed to Winnebago county and took up his abode on the farm, which
continued to be his place of residence until his death, which occurred April 4,
1I)0(), wlien he was seventy-two years old. His wife died in Winnebago county,
October 21, 1915, at the age of eiglity-one years. In their family were seven
children, of whom two ai'e now living.

Rasmus J. Hill was a little lad of nine years at the time of the emigration
to the new world and was reared and educated in Illinois. He came to Winnebago
county in 1885, when a young man of twenty-two years, and purchased forty
acres. Subsequently he jiurchased the farm upon which he now resides. It is a

WINNEBAGO AND HANCUOK COUNTIES 239

quarter of section 4, Forest township, and is appropriately named tlie Evergreen
Farm, by reason of the fine grove of evergreen trees upon the place. Mr. Hill has
planted all the trees on the farm, deciduous and others, and they mlil iiiiirh to the
attractive appearance of his place. He has also erected splendid buildings, includ-
ing a commodious and pleasant residence and substantial barns and sheds which
furnish ample shelter to grain and stock. He makes a specialty of dairying in con-
nection with the raising of crops liest adapted to soil and climate and for his daii-y
pur])oses keeps high grade cows.

Mr. Ilill has been nuirried twice. In I.s:il hu w('d<led Miss Anna Sampson and
they became parents of a son, Enoch. The wife and mother dieil in 1S!)2 and in
I'SDS Mr. Hill wedded Anna Swenson, by whom he has eight children: John E.,
Hilda D., Eosa, Regtor, Henning, Arthur, Delmer and Jester. The ])ai-ents are
niendiers of the United Lutheran church and guide their lives according to its
teachings. Mr. Hill is a republican in ]i(ditics but has never sought nor desired
office of a political character. He is sei'ving. however, as one of the scIkioI directors
of his district. He may truly be called a self-made man, for all that he enjoys
has been aciinired through his persistent, earnest efforts since .starting out in life
IVir himself empty banded. He has woi-ki'd diligently and persistently ami the
rewards of earnest, honest labor are today bis.

DAVID W. BUCK.

r)avid \V. Buck, who is living retired in Lake Mills, is one of the ever deci'easing
number of veterans of the Civil war. He was born on the 5th of March, 1839, in
New Ham})shire, and is a son of Stickney and Maria (Woods) Buck, also natives
of that state. The father engaged in farming there and later in Wisconsin and in
Minnesota and reached the age of seventy-si.x years, dying in January, 187it.
The mother attained the venerable age of ninety-three years and passed away in
June, 1895.

David W. Buck accompanied his parents on their removal to the west and
remained at home until he was grown. He then accompanied his sLster to Indiana,
where in 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Sixteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
with which command he served at the front for thirteen months. At the end of
that time, in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, and
after three months' service with that body of troops was given the privilege of
joining the regular army and l)ecame a mend)er of Company F, First United
States Cavalry. He remained in the array for three years after the close of the
war, but at the end of that time was mustered out and returned to Minnesota. For
four years he operated his father's farm, but in 1879 came to Winnebago county,
Iowa, and bought eighty acres of land a half mile east of Lake Mills. He at once
set about clearing his farm and made a number of improvements upon the place
during the two years that he operated it. His health failed at the end of that
period and he was obliged to give up agricultural work. He removed to Lake
Mills and for eight years was employed in an elevator here, but subsequently went
to North Dakota, where he proved up on a homestead. During the last five
years he has lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former well directed labor.

240 AVINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

On March 23, l.SCT), Mr. Buck was married to Miss Eiiinia Farmer, a daug-hter
of Jolin and Mary Ann (Hooker) Farmer, who lived in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs.
Buck celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. 'L'hey are the parents
of three I'hildren, as follows: lAician ('., who was horn Fehrnary 20, 18C7, and is
farminfi .south of l>ake Mills; Mary M., who was born February 22, 1808, and is
residinj; in Montana; and Ethel L., who was born November 20, 1888, and is the
wife of O.scar (icidthind, of Lake Mills.

Mr. Buck cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln for president and has
since stant'hly sup]iorted the candidates of the republican ])arty — the party which
stood for the maintenance of the Union when its existence was threatened, lie
belonf,rs to the Grand Army of the Kepublic, which affords him opportunity to
keep in touch with his comrades of the Civil war. In relif;ious faith Mr. and JL's.
Buck are Methodists. He has a wide acquaintance in the countv and the fact
that those who have been most intimately as.sociated with him are his stanchest
friends is jiroof of his sterling worth as a man.

HENliY DENZEL.

For a long period Henry Denzel has been connected with the grain anil live
stock business at Forest C'ity, and while he dispo.sed of his grain elevator in litlG,
he is still active as a live stock dealer and is regarded as one of the representative
business men of Winnebago county. A native of Ohio, he was burn in A'ermilion
on the 18th of August, 1871, a son of John and Margaret (Sumner) Denzel, both
of whom were natives of (ienuany. In early manhood and womanhood they
(crossed tlie Atlantic and fur some years after their nuirriage resided in Ohio, while
about 1877 they came to Iowa, settling on a fanii three and one-half miles south
of Forest Oity. The father died about IKIO and tlu' mother, who still survives,
makes her home with her son Henry.

Reared under the parental roof, Henry Denzel acipiired a common school
education and on attaining his majority became a wage earner. He was employed
the first year as a farm hand and for his twelve months' service received one Imn-
dred and forty dollars, of which sum be saved one hundred dollars. He continued
farm work another year and then t<»ik uj) his abode in Forest City, where he
entered the eHii)loy of Seibert Brothers, general merchants, for whom he engaged
in clerking for five or six years. He was anxious to cariT on business on his
own account and on the expiration of that period he jnircbased the Pevee elevator
and turned his attention to the grain trade. He continued to o])erate that elevator
for four or five years and two months after his insurance expired it was burned
to the ground, causing a total loss. This was a great blow to his business, but
with resolute spirit he set to work to retrieve his losses and soon afterward pur-
chased the elevator of the Kingsbury Comjiany, which he continued to operate
until August, 1016, when he sold out to the Farmers Elevator Comjiany. He was
for many years a well known figure in the grain trade and his business was of a
characier that constituted an asset in commercial development and pros])erity here,
furnishing a nuirket for the grain raisers. Through all these years he also engaged
in dealing in live stock, which he still handh's. He is likewise the owner of a

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 241

farm uf one liumlrcil ami twenty acres five miles east of Forest City and gives per-
sonal supervision to its cultivation and im])rovement.

In 1900 Mr. Denzel was united in marriage to Miss Etta Steinlioff, of Xewinaii
Grove, Nebraska. He is a member of the American Yeomen, of the Mystic ToiU^rs
and of Albert Lea Lodge, No. 813, B. P. 0. E. His political allegiance is given
to the democratic party and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, lie is esteemed as a progressive and thoroughly reliable business man,
as a public-spirited citizen and one who in social relations has ever commandeil and
won the confidence and good will (if iill \\\t]\ whom lie has been broiiglil in
contact.

THOMAS 11. THOMPSON.

Thomas H. Thompson, residing in Garner and filling the office of county
treasurer, to which he has been re-elected, is of Norwegian birth, his natal day
being March 4, 1873. His parents, Holstein and Bertha (Molstere) Tliompson,
came to the United States with their family in 1883 and establislied their home
in Hamilton county, Iowa, where the father purchased land and engaged in farm-
ing for about nine years. In 1891 he removed to Hancock county and invested
in farm land in Twin Lake township. Later he removed to Erin township, where
he carried on general agricultural pursuits until his death in 1913. His widow
still survives and is now making her home with her son, A. 0. Thompson, in
Britt, Iowa.

Thomas H. Thompson was a little lad of but ten years at the time of the
emigration of the family to the new world. Since then he has been a resident
of Iowa and is indebted to its public school system for the educational privileges
which he enjoyed. He was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming
familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. When
twenty-seven years of age he began farming on his own account and his previous
experience brought to him success in that undertaking. PTc was thus engaged
until 1909, when he was appointed postmaster of Kanawha and occupied that
position for about four and a half years, or until September, 1913, when he was
elected county treasurer of Hancock county. He proved a faithful custodian of the
public funds, pi'ompt and accurate in the discharge of his duties, and in 191G he
was re-elected. He has held various township offices and fidelity to duty is recog-
nized as one of his marked cliaracteristics in positions of public trust. His political
allegiance has always Ijeen given to the republican party, for he is a firm believer
in its principles.

On the 3d of July, 1900, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Sadie
Stonerson, who was born in Hamilton county, Iowa, a daughter of Frank and
Gertie Stonerson. They removed to Emmet county, where they engaged in farm-
ing for years. The father is now deceased but the mother still survives. Mr. and
Mrs. Thompson became the parents of six children, but lost their second son,
Sidney, who died at the age of two years. The other children are Franklin,
Bertha, Thelma. Edward and Leona.

Mr. Thompson is identified with various fraternal orders, being a Woodman,

ii— 12

242 WIXXEBADO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

a Yeoman, an Odd Fellow and a Mason, having taken the degrees of both lodge
and chapter. He is also a member of the Lutheran church and those who know
him esteem him as a man of sterling worth, his life having ever been guided by
high and lionorable principles.

ENOCH R. HILL.

Enoch R. Hill, wlio is carrying on general agriciiltuial pursuits on .section o.
Forest township, Winnebago county, being the owner of the Plain View Farm,
was born December 20, 1890, in the county where he still resides, his parents
being R. J. and Liger (Sampson) Hill. His boyhood days were passed in the
usual manner of the farm bred boy, his time being divided ijetwcen the duties
of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields.
lie supplemented his public school training by a year's study in college. He
lived with his grandparents from the time tbat he was two weeks old, and after
they had been called to their final rest he inherited the old homestead pro])crty
on section .3, Forest township, comprising one hundred and fifteen acres of well
improved and highly cultivated land. lie is one of the enterprising and [pro-
gressive farmers of his township and carefully, wisely and systenuitically culti-
vates his fields and manages his farm property.

In his political views Mr. Hill is a republican and keeps well informed on the
(|uestions and issues of the day but has never been an office seeker. His religious
faith is indicated by his meml)crsbi]i in the IjUfberan (burcb.

ANDREW INGEBRETSON.

Among the ])rosperous farmers and highly esteemed citizens of Center town-
ship, Winnebago county, is numbered Andrew Ingebretson, whose home is on
section 32. He was born on the 24th of June, 1844, in Norway, of which country
his parents, Ingebret and (iudvc Ingebretson, were life long residents. The
father, who was a farmer by occupation, dieil in July, 1844. and fbe mother's death
occurred in 185.'?.

Andrew Ingebretson was thus left an orphan at the early age of nine years.
Ho grew to manbood in his native land, where he attended school to a limited
extent as he found o])])oi'tunity, and completed his education after coming to this
country. It was in June, 18fi7, that he landed in America and, continuing his
journey westward, settlc<l in Dane county, Wisconsin, where be worked as a farm
hand for eight years, being in the employ of one man for six years of that time.
In 1875 Mr. Ingebretson came to Winnebago county, Iowa, and ]nirchased one
hundred and twenty acres of land on section 32, Center township, to which he
has since added twenty acres. Upon his place he has erected good and substantial
buildings and has converted the tract into a very productive farm. In connection
with genci-al fanning he is engaged in stock raising, nuiking a sjiccialty of |nire

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 245

blooded cattle, and he is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company nl'
Leland, the Leland Creamery Company and the Lake Mills Lumber Company.

On the 17th of April, 1873, Mr. Ingebretson married Miss Caroline Tollei'soii.
by whom he has had eleven children, namely: Annie; Ida: Obert; Josie; Nettie,
who died October IS}, 1913, leaving four children; Palmer; Garfield; Luther;
Emma and Sylvan, twins; and Nellie. In religious faith the family are Lutherans,
and by his ballot Mr. Ingebretson supports the men and measures of the republican
party. At one time he returned to Norway and spent three delightful months in
visiting old friends and the scenes with whicii lie was familiar during his boy-
hood.

ED HENDERSON.

A numlier of the leading business enterprises of Lake Mills and practically
all of the projects for the advancement of the civic interests of the community
have felt the stimulus of the enthusiasm and initiative of Ed Henderson and his
keenness of insight has often excited the admiration of those associated with him.
He established him.self in business here when Lake Mills was only a village and
was for many years actively engaged in merchandising, but has now disposed of
his interests along tliat line, although he is still connected with a nund)er of
important concerns. He was born in Norway, June 26, 1850, the third in order of
birth in a family of eight children whose parents, Ole and Sarah (Gamkin)
Henderson, removed to the United States in 1852. The family located near
Argyle, Lafayette county, Wisconsin, and there the father purcliased land from
the government which he farmed until his deatli in 1898. The mother passed
away a decade later and both are buried at tliat place.

Ed Henderson was l)ut two years of age when brought to the United States and
in the attainment of his education attended the common schools of Wisconsin until
he was sixteen years old. During this time he also received training from his
father in farm work, but when nineteen years old began following the tinner's
trade. At the age of twenty years he established a tin shop and later added a line
of hardware, engaging in business in Wisconsin until 1874, when he sold out and
removed to North wood. Worth county, Iowa, becoming associated with his brother,
J. M. Henderson, who was a hardware dealer there. In 1880 they started a second
store at Lake Mills with Ed Henderson in charge. In 1886 the partnership was
dissolved, Mr. Henderson of this review retaining the Lake Mills business. As the
years passed his trade continued to grow as the natural result of his progressive
and liberal policy. He kept his stock up to date and spared no effort to give his
customers the greatest possible satisfaction. In 1912 he retired from the manage-
ment of the store but still gives personal supervision to his other important
interests. He still owns the Henderson block, which he erected in 1887 and which
was the second brick structure built in Lake Mills. He also built two other blocks
but has since sold them. He was one of the organizers of the Crystal Lake State
Hank at Crystal Lake, the First National Bank at Lake Mills, the Lake Mills Land
& Loan Company, and the Northern Investment Company of Cry.stal Lake, of all of
which he was a director for several years but is not now interested in any of these

246 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

iiistit\itiiiiis, although ho is a s^tnekliuhler in the Farmers State Bank of Lake
ilills. He has invested in real estate, recognizing its great desirability, ami owns
fdiii- hundred and twenty acres of fine laud in Worth county, Iowa. When he
estahlislied his store hei'e there was no hald^ in the town and in order to acconi-
ni0(hite his customers he cai'i'ied on a hanking husiness t(i some extent, cashing
checks in extreme cases and selling exchange. lie eashe(l the cheek in payment
for the lirst carload of hogs shiiqied fnim fjake Mills and his services as a hanker
were liiiddy ai>))re<-iated in the eommunily. lli' has always heen one of the lirst
to crive his support tn plans Uw the |iriinii)t imi ut the eijiiiiiiereial ailvani'emeut
of Lake Mills and has had an im]inrtaiit ])art in the de\eloiimeut nf its husiuess
interests.

Mr. Henderson was man-Jed iM'liruary 21. IS.s;',. to iLss Eli/.a Lee. a daughter
of Ole and Tone (Cf rover) Lee, natives of Norway, who. li(jwever, accomi)anied
their re.si)ective parents to the LTnited States in childhood. The two families were
early settlers, first in Mitchell county and later in Worth county. Both Mr. ami
Mrs. Tjcc have passed awav and ai'e huried in Coiicdrdia cemetery in Worth county.
To Mr. ami Mrs. Henderson have heen horn six children, who are giving an excel-
lent aci'ouiit of themselves and are a great credit to their pai-euts. Estella Theresa,
who is a graduate of Cornell College at Mount \'eriuin, Iowa, and of the Cedar
Kai>ids Business College, and has taken a course in the Art Institute at Cliit'ago,
has been a teacher of penmanship in the West high school at Des Moines and has
been elected director of i)ennuinship in Des Moines. She will have the supervision
of the work in that liranch in about fifty grade scliools. Clara Olivia is a graduate
of the Cedar Falls State Teachers" College and taught school at Lake Mills for
four years. She is also a graduate nurse and is practicing at Minneapolis, Minne-
sota. Elmer Alexander graduated from the Luther Seminary at St. Paul with the
class of 11)15, spent the year l!H(j in i)ost graduate study at the Princeton Theo-
logical Semiiuiry and expects to enter the ministry of the English branch of the
Lutheran church soon. Lillian Sophia is a graduate of the Northwestern Con-
servatory of Music at Minneapolis and is at ju-esent with the Minnesota Public
Health Association, visiting rural schools as .school mii'se. Arthur J. G. is a gradu-
ate of St. Olafs College of Northfield, Minnesota, and is now a medical student in
the University of Illinois. Ruth Elizabeth, who coni|)letes the family, is a member
of the class of 1917 of the Lake Mills high school.

Mr. Henderson's home life has been an iileal one. What success he has achieved
in business and otherwise is greatly <lue to the cooperation (d' his wife, who as a
true Christian woman has entered heartily into all his work, helped, encouraged
and supported him iu the nuniy years <iF strenuous work, in business, church and
home, having, in short, always done lier share of the work and planning. She was
educated in the public schools of Bristol and Northwood and learned the dress-
nuiking trade in Northwood. She has taken an active part in church work, organ-
ized the first Ladies" Aid Society of the Synod church of Lake Mills, was for many
years a member of the church choir and organized the Ladies' Home Club, of
which she is still a meudx'r. In short, she has taken an active part in church and
social affairs for the betterment of the town. However, she is preeminently a
home wonmn and has ever delighted in nuiking the home an ideal place. Their
fine new honu' was ])lanned and built aci'ording to her suggestions and the work

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 247

in the iiiiiiiitest details was done according to her ideas, and so perfect lias it
proven that altliough tive years have now elapsed since it was completed not a
single change has been made.

Mr. Henderson gives his political allegiance to the republican party, served as
a member of the school boai'd for several terms, during part of wliich time he was
president of that body, was town clerk for one term and councilman fur three
terms. His religious faith is that of the Synod l^utheran church. He is a tine
example of a self-made man, for he has worked his way upward from a humble
beginning to a positimi among the capitalists of his city. His dominant chai-acler-
istics are determination, independence of judgment and euteriirise — qualities which
invariably command admiration and which are au excellent foundation for success
in any line of endeavor. The past three winters ho has spent in California, hut
he still considers Lake Mills his home.

ANTHONY 0. TOBIASSEN.

Anthony 0. Tobiassen, wIki at different times has l>een connected with a
variety of business interests in an important capacity but is now largely concen-
trating his energies upon the real estate business and upon selling silos, was born
in Norway, May 32, 1853. He is the eldest of five children, whose parents, Abra-
ham and Torie (Anderson) Tobiassen, came to the United States in 18tU and
settled in Legrand, Marshall county, Iowa. The father had farmed in Norway but
followed the stone mason's trade in Iowa. In 1885 he removed to the state of
Washington, locating near Lynden, and there he engaged in farming until his
death in 1913 at the age of eighty-nine years. He is buried there but his wife is
interred in the North cemetery at Lake Mills, as she passed away in 1902 when
visiting her son Anthony. The rest of the children all live in Lynden, Washington.

Anthony 0. Tobiassen received his early education in the common schools and
worked for others until he was twenty-one years old, when he went to Chicago
and engaged in the nursery business. In 1874, realizing that a better education
would be of great value to him, he entered Grinnell College, where he was a student
for two terms. In 1876 he came to Lake Mills, which he had visited in 1869, and
for five years he taught school in Winnebago county. In 1881 he began working
in an implement store in Lake Mills and later turned his attention to cattle raising,
taking up his residence on a farm which he owned in Norway township. While
living there he also served, as deputy sherifE for three terms under Jacob Twito
and he made an excellent record in that capacity. In 1888 he became connected
with a lumber company in Lake Mills and three years later became president of
the local creamery company and also secretary of the Winnebago County Mutual
Insurance Company. In 1899 he was one of the incorporators of the Lake Mills
Lumber Company, of which he was manager and treasurer until 1903, during
which time the business was very ably conducted and yielded a good profit to its
stockholders. In 1903 he formed a partnership with A. A. Sanden for the con-
duct of a real estate business, but in 1906 went to Lyman county, South Dakota,
where he homesteaded land. He became active in the real estate field there, dealing
in lands in that state until 1911, when he returned to Lake Mills and again became

248 WINNEBA({() AND IIAXCOCK COUNTIES

manager and treasuror (if tlu- Lake Mills Liniiher Company, serving in those capaci-
ties until 1015. He has since given his time and attention to selling silos and
to his interests as a real estate and insui-ance agent and for the past thirty-two
years he lias heen a representative of the Fidelity J'hoenix Fire Insurance Com-
pany. He still owns several valuahle tracts of land in South Dakota.

In Sej)teniher, 187!l, Mr. Tohiassen was married to Miss Clara Twito, a daugli-
tei- of Hans and Aslaug (.lacohson) Twito. who in 181(i removed from Norway
to the United States. Both settled in Muskego, Wisconsin, where they were mar-
ried, and later they removed to S])ring (irove, Miniu'sota, where the father died in
18(i(i and where he was hui'icd. The mother anil her children removed to I'^sthcr-
ville, Iowa, and in 1871 came to Lake Mills, where Mrs. Twito's death occurred in
1914. She was buried in the Noi'th cemetery here. To Mr. and Mrs. Tobias.sen
were horn four children, one of whom died in infancy, the others heing: J. Hen,
who is married and is engaged in the hardware Imsiness in Draper, South Dakota ;
A. Homer, who is married and is a general merchant of Draper, South Dakota ;
and Lottie, the wife of Joseph Beach, a banker of Draper.

Mr. Tohiassen has lieen a lifelong republican and has always discharged to
the full all the duties devolving upon him as a good citizen. He held the offii-e
of township clerk for several years and has also served as township assessor and
his official i-ccord is highly creditable to his ability and pujilic spirit. In religious
faith he i.s a Lutheran, and fi-aternally is a charter mendx'r of the Modern Wood-
men of America lodge at Lake Mills. His has been a life of intense and well
directed industry and although he began his independent career empty handed
he is now financially independent. He naturally finds satisfaction in his material
])rosperity, but values even more the high place which he has uon in the esteem
of his fellow citizens through his strict adherence to high iiKiral standai'ds in all
relations of life.

GIJSTAV GORDON.

(lUstav (iordon, cashier of the State Bank of 'i'liompson, claims Wisconsin as
his native .state, his birth occurring in Primrose township, Dane county, on the
11th of October, 18()!>, and he is a son of Knute and Bertha (Cothompson) Gordon.
The father wa.s born in Norway but was only a year old when lirought to this
country, and the mother was born in Albany, Wisconsin. After reaching manhood
I\nute (iordon followed farming in Wisconsin until 1881, when he removed to
Noi'tli Dakota, and there ])urchased land which he operated for seven years. In
188!) he became a resilient of Palo Alto eminty, Iowa, wdiere he also owned land
and engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 180;!, when he was only
forty-seven years of age. His widow is now a I'csident of Thonip.son, Iowa, and
has attained the age of si.xty-eight years. To this worthy couiile were born four-
teen children, of wdiom the following arc still living: (lUstav, of this review;
Mrs. W. t'. Sundermeyer, of Hake, Iowa: Sever B., engaged in the real estate
business in Madelia, Minnesota: Carl, a farmer of Palo .\lto county, Iowa: Mrs.
A. E. Helland, of Pake: Anna and Marie, who are living with their mother, the
latter a teacher in the Thomp.sou schools; and Henry, who is attending Luther
College at Decorah, Iowa.

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 249

Gustav Gordon accompanied his parents on their removal to Xortli Dakota and
the greater part of his education was acquired in the schools of Mayville, that state.
Later he took a business course at the Capital City Commercial College in Des
Moines, Iowa, and then accepted a position as l)ookkeeper in the First National
Bank of Emmetsburg. Iowa, where he remained for five years. For three years he
was cashier of their branch bank at Cylinder, Iowa, and in 1!»11 came to Thompson.
Winnebago county, and purchased an interest in the State Bank of Thompson, nf
which he has since been cashier. The bank is today one of the most solid and pros-
perous financial institutions of this section of the state, its deposits now amounting
to one hundred and eighty-two thousand dollars. The capital is thirty thousand
dollars and there is a surplus of eight thousand dollars. The officers are B. J.
Thompson, president; J. 0. Osmundson, vice president; Gustav Gordon, cashier;
and II. W. Xelson, assistant cashier, all good reliable business men. Besides his
interest in the bank Mr. Gordon is a stockholder and director in the Town Mutual
Telephone Company and a stockholder and treasurer of the Farmers Cooperative
Creamery Company.

In June, IDd"). was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Gordon and Miss Clara
Kittleson, and to fhcm ha\e been born four children, namely: Verna, born
Septendjer 21, 1!)0!) ; Vivian, born in September, 1913; Ruth, born in July, l'.)l 1 ;
and Ruby, who was born March 21, 1917, and died five days later.

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon are members of the Lutheran church and he is an ardent
republican in politics, taking an active and commendable interest in public affairs.
He has etficiently served as a member of the town council and has also been treas-
urer of the independent .school district. He occupies an enviable position in busi-
ness circles, being a man of good executive ability and thoroughly reliable in nil
transactions.

HANS C. ENGEBEETSON.

Hans C. Engeliretson, a representative farmer of Logan township, Winnebago
county, living on section 16, has been a lifelong resident of this county and is a
representative of one of its old juoneer families. He wasiiorn May 20, 1877, in
Logan township, on school land on which his father had taken up his abode ere
it was placed upon the market for sale. He is a son of Christian Engebretson,
mentioned at length on another page of this work. He began his education in
the ])ioneer schools of the county, which he attended to the age of si.xteen, after
which he spent one term in study in Breckenridge College at Decorah, Iowa. He
afterward worked for bis father until he reached the age of twenty-four years and
then began farming his father's land on the shares. Two years later he rented
a farm in Fariljault county, Minnesota, in connection with his brother Carl and
lived thereon for a year. He afterward spent two years on a farm of eighty acres
on the southwest quarter of section 16, Logan township, Winnebago county, as a
renter, and on the expiration of that period he purchased the ])roperty, to which
he has since added various modern and attractive improvements. He is still cul-
tivating this land, which is now one of the excellent farm properties of the county,
and he also owns a third interest in the northeast quarter of section 3i, Logan

250 WINNEBAGO AND lIANCOrK COUNTIES

tn\viislii|i. His n<ti\ itiof^ are dire(-ti'il along lines; which ultimately produee siil)-
stantial results ami he has already made for himself a ])lace amon<i the valued
and enterprising farmers of Logan township.

On Decendier Ki, 100:?, Mr. Engebretson was niai-ried to Miss lillla II. Peter-
son, her [larents heing Henry and Elsie Peterson, who were early settlers of Free-
horn county. Minnesota, and now reside in Logan townslii]), Winnohago county,
this state. Mr. and Mrs. Engel)i-etson have three children, Clarence Melvin,
(iayler Alvin and JIarold Ernest. The parents hold membership in the United
Lutheran church and Mr. Engebretson exercises his right of franchise in support
of the men and measures of the republican pai'ly. in the faith of whirli he was
reared. His study of ])olitical situations and (picstions of the i)re.sent day leads
bini still to the belief that the ])rinciples of this ])arty contain the best elements

of g 1 government, ami at all times he ranks with the pul)lic-s]iirited and pro-

L'ressi\c men of his district.

HENRY GRIESEMER.

Ileni'y (iriesemei' is now living retired from active business, malving his home
in (iarner. At various periods he has Ijeen identified with •commercial and agri-
cultural interests in Hancock county, where he lias made his home for about
forty years. He was born December 10, 1855, in Richfield, Washington county,
Wisconsin, a son of Jolm and Kate (Ilyer) (iriesemer, who were natives of Ger-
many, whence they came to America about 1833. Making their way westward
they established their home in Washington county, Wisconsin, where John Grie-'
semer engaged in business as a contractor and builder. Later he took up the
occujiation of farming, but both he and his wife are now deceased.

Henry Griesemer was a pupil in the public and German schools of his native
county until he reached the age of fourteen years, when he went to Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, and entered the shoe factory of Andrew Oswald. He afterward spent
eight years with various manufacturing concerns and in 1877 he arrived in Han-
cock county, Iowa, where he was employed for a year. He then returned to
Milwaukee but in 1880 again came to Iowa, settling in Britt, where he conducted
a shoe business for two years. On the expiration of that period ho turned his
attention to farming to which he devoted tliree years in Concord township. In
1886 he became a resident of Garner where he opened a harness shop and shoe
repair shop. He continued in the business for thirty years and then retired,
since which time he has enjoyed a well earned rest. His has been an active and
useful life, and his close application and industry in business brought Iiim a
substantial nu'asure of prosperity. He erected a nice home in Garner, so that he
is now comfortably located. He is a stockholder in the State Bank of Klemme.

On the 11th of November, 1880, Mr. Griesemer was united in marriage to
Miss Justina Mayer, a daughter of Paul and Gertrude (Sanders) Mayer, who
were natives of Germany and became pioneer settlers of Sheboygan county, Wis-
consin. Mr. and Mrs. Griesemer had a family of three children, a daughter and
two sons: Catherine, the wife of Edward Stiels, a resident farmer of Hancock
county; P. M., who is president of the State Bank of Klemme; and Alexander,

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 251

who died July 24, 1914. Mr. Griesemer gives his political iiKlorsemeiit to the
democratic party hut he has never lieen ambitions for oflfice, preferring to concen-
trate his time and attention upon his business affairs, which have been carefully
managed and have, therefore, won him success. He has been dependent upon
his own resources from the age 'of fourteen years and may be termed a self-made
man.

OLE HELGESOK

Ole Helgeson, who follows farming on section 14, Norway township, Winne-
bago county, is numbered among the pioneers of Iowa, having for sixty years
resided within the borders of this state, during which period he has witnessed
a marked transformation and in fact has contributed in no small measure to the
changes which have been wrought, especially along agricultural lines. lie was
born in Norway, June 4, 1857, a son of Helge and Chaste Helgeson, who came
to the United States with their family when their son Ole was but three years
of age. The family home was established in ^Yinneshiek county, Iowa, where the
father purchased land and engaged in farming until his death. Both he and
his wife were laid to rest in Madison cemetery in Madison township, Winneshiek
county, Iowa. They had reared a family of nine children, of whom seven are
yet living, five being residents of Winneshiek county, while but two reside in
Winnebago county, these being Ole and his sister Christie, who is now the wife
of Ole Wangness, of Lake Mills.

Beared under the parental roof, Ole Helgeson attended such schools as were
to be found in Winneshiek county in pioneer times, pursuing his studies until
he reached the age of sixteen. His undivided attention was thereafter given to
farm work for his father until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when he
started out in life independently. During the two succeeding years he went
from place to place seeking for suitable land which he might purchase, and
when twentv-five years of age he took up his abode in Norway townshi]), Winne-
bago county, purchasing the southeast (|uartcr of section 14, upon which Hendrick
Larson had taken up his abode in 18.56, being among the first farmers of this
section of the state. The work begun by Mr. Larson was continued by Mr. Helge-
son, who is today one of the best farmers of the county. He has splendid improve-
ments upon the place, including an attractive residence, large barns and outbuild-
ings and the latest improved machinery. In fact he has secured all the equip-
ments which will facilitate farm work according to modern methods. Only thirty
acres of land was broken when it came into his possession and he turned the first
furrows in many of his fields. In fact he cleared the remainder of timber and
dug out the stumps and brush. Furrows were then turned, harrowing was done
and seeds planted. In time good crops were gathered and as the work of cultiva-
tion has been continued year after year the soil has become more productive. He
practices the rotation, of crops and utilizes all modern methods to keep his farm
up to first-class condition. At the time he made the purchase there were log
buildings upon the land but these have long since been replaced by modern
structures and his home is one of the attractive residences of Winnebago county.

On January 28, 1882, about the time that he removed to this farm, ilr. Helge-
son married Miss Margaret Vrolsoii, a daughter of Jens and Tonie Vrolson,
who were natives of Norway and came to the United States in 186!). They
resided in Fillmore county, Minnesota, for five years and then took up their
abode in Pope county, that state, where they continued to live until called to
their final rest. The father was by occupation a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Helge-
son luive lieeomc the jiarents of ten children, namely: Clara A., who is the
wife of Edward Ausen, of Freeborn county, Minnesota; Henry C, who died at
the age of twenty-one years and was buried in Lime Creek cemetery; John ().,
who married Gertrude Nelson and resides at Thompson, Winnebago county; Til-
ford 0., who married Louise Honsey and makes his home in Norway township;
Oscar M., Clarence E., Myrtle V., Gihiia T. and James A., all of whom are still
under the parental roof; and Mamie, who died in infancy.

In his political views Mr. Helgeson is a republican and has held a number of
the township offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and
fidelity. He was school director for many years and president of the board.
The family hold membership in the United Lutheran church and their lives are
actuated by high and honorable principles. His entire career has measured up
to advanced standards of manhood and nf citizenship.

THEODORE E. ISAACSON.

Theodore E. Isaacson, cashier of the First National Bank of ThompsdU, Iowa,
was born in Forest township, Winnebago county, in June, 1ST?, a son of Nets
and Karen (Olson) Isaacson. The parents were natives of Norway but in 1864
emigrated to America and located in Chicago, where they resided until 1870. In
that year they came tu Winnebago county, Iowa, and the father purchased hiiiil in
Forest township, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted the
remainder of his life. He died in December, 1903, when seventy years old and
the mother passed away in July, 1!>16, when seventy-four years of age.

Theodore E. Isaacson was reared in this county and graduated from the
high school at Forest City. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-
three years old, when he went to Neils, Iowa, where he engaged in buying grain
and live stock for five years. He then served as assistant cashier in the Farmers
& Drovers Bank at Buffalo Center for three years and in 1909 came to Thompson
and entered the First National Bank as cashier, which office he has filled during
the intervening eight years. He has an influential voice in the management of
the affairs of the bank and in the direction of its policy, and his familiarity with
all phases of the Inisiness and the soundness of his judgment are recognized by
all who have had dealings with him. He owns stock in that institution and also in
the Farmers Elevator Company, the Farmers Creamery Company and the Tele-
phone Company, all prosperous local concerns. In addition he liolds title to
farm land in Winnebago county.

Mr. Isaacson was married in July. 1903, to Miss Nellie Johnson, of Belmond,
Iowa, and to them was born a daughter, Lola, E., whose birth occurred in May,
1906. The wife and ni<itlier ])iissed away after a few days' illness in January, 191il.

WlNNEHACiO AM) liANCoClv COUXTIKH 255

In February, 1912, Mr. Isaacson was married to Mrs. Louise Thurston, ami tlioy
have a son, Leslie E.

Mr. Isaacson is a stanch repulilicaii in politics and lias served on the town
council, but gives the greater pai't of his time and attention to his duties nt the
bank. In religious faith he is a United Lutheran and the teacliings of that church
govern his conduct in all the relations of life. He has a wide acquaintance
throughout the county and it is indisputable testimony to his sterling worth that
those wdio have known him intimately since boyhood are his stanchest friend?.

' C. H. RYGMYK.

C. H. Eygmyr, proprietor of a restaurant at Forest City, was born in Winne-
bago county, March 12, 1891, a son of N. U. and Bertha K. (S})ilda) Hygmyr,
both of whom were brought to Winnebago county when children and both of
whom are living in Forest City. He pursued a common school education and
his early training was that of the farm bred boy who works in the fields when
not busy with the duties of the schoolroom. On leaving home he started out as
clerk in a restaurant and, finding this business congenial, he afterward embarked
in the same line on his ciwn account, opening the restaurant in 1913 which he has
since conducted. His business is carried on- in first-class style and he has won
his patronage by the high standard that he has maintained in his service to the
public.

On the 14th of Jiuu, i:n.5, Mr. Rygmyr was married to Miss Katherine Wag-
ner, a native of South Dakota and a daughter of Mathew and Elizabeth (Peter-
son) Wagner, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America
at an early day and settled in South Dakota, where the father .still makes his
liome, but the mother has now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Eygmyr attend the
Methodist P]piscopal I'hurch and his political allegiance is given to the republican
party, but he does not seek nor desire the honors and emoluments of jiublic office.
He prefers on the contrary to give his undivided time and attention to his business
and in this way he is winning deserved success, his indefatigable energy and per-
sistency of purpose enabling him to work bis way steadily upward toward pros-
perity.

S. P. STREEPER.

S. P. Streeper, who is successfully engaged in farming on section 27, Elling-
ton township, Hancock county, was born in Indiana on the 22d of July, 1852,
and is a son of Stephen R. and Isabella (Todd) Streeper, natives of Penn-
sylvania, in wliich state they were reared and married. Subsequently they removed
to Indiana and about 1861 came to Iowa, locating in Jones county, where the
father continued to make his home until his death, which occurred about 1900.

In the Iloosier state S. P. Streeper spent his early boyhood and began his
education in its district schools. When nine years of age he was brought by

256 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

liip parciit>; to lown ami he reiiKiiiieil with them until 1875, in which year he
went to the Pacific coast. For two ami a half years he was employed on ranches
in the Sacramento valley of California and then returned to Iowa, where he
engaged in farming on rented land for two years.

In 1881 Mr. Streepcr came to Hancock county and the following year was
united in marriage to Miss Wealthy Smith, a daughter of Thomas Smith, who
in 1875 had removed with his family to this county from Winneshiek county,
Iowa. For two years after his mari'iage Mr. Streeper continued to cultivate
rented land and in 18S4 bought his present home farm on section 27, Ellington
township, consisting of our huiidri'd and sixty acres, Init he did not locate thereon
until the following year, since which time he has devoted his energies to its improve-
ment and cultivation.

Mr. and Mrs. Streeper have three children, namely: Clarence B., who assists
in the operation of the Imme farm ; Lulu L., the wife of J. L. Thoni])kins. a farmer
of Ellington township; and Claude L., who is now attending high school in Forest
City. In religious faith the parents are Methodists and in politics Mr. Streeper
is a republican. lie has efficiently served as a member of the board of township
trustees and as a public-spirited citizen does all in his power to promote the inter-
ests of his community. He is a wide-awake, progressive farmer and is meeting
with good success in his operations. ^

HELMER T. MYRE.

llelnier T. Myre, who carries on general fai-ming on section 2G, Linden town-
ship, has spent his entire life in Winnebago county and from the age of thirteen
has been dependent upon his own resources. He was very young to face life's
responsibilities and duties unaided, but he bravely took iip the task which con-
fronted him and in the intervening years has provided for his own support. He
was horn Mareh 1, 18!M), his parents being T. C. and Goodnell (Baken) Myre,
both of whom were natives of Iowa and spent their last days in Winnebago
county, both having now passed away. They had a family of four children, three
of whom are yet living.

When a little lad of six summers llelnier T. Myre became a pupil in the
common schools and therein mastered the elementary branches of learning, but
he was only thirteen years of age when his father died and the necessity of pro-
viding for his own support then came to him. He has since worked earnestly
and persistently to make for himself a creditable position in the business world.
In 1913 he began farming on the old liomestead, where he now resides on section
26, Linden township, and the evidence of his labor is seen in the neat and thrifty
appearance of his j)lace. The fields are carefully cultivated and in the pastures
are seen good grades of stock which he is raising and feeding.

On the 1st of March, 1917, Mr. Myre was united in marriage to Miss Eliza-
beth Range, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Smith)
Range, who are natives of Germany and are now residents of Minnesota. Mr.
and Mrs. Myre are well known young people of their section of the county and
the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. Mr. Myre has voted

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIP]S 2o7

with the republican party since age conferred upon hiui the right of franchise.
He is a member of the Lutheran church and is interested in all those forces
which work for betterment in the community. Naturally his time and attention
are most largely given to his farming activities. He is the owner of a third interest
in the old homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, constituting a splendidly
improved property of Linden township.

CARL OSCAR MARTINSON.

Carl Oscar Martinson, (jT the firm of Gordon & Martinson, agents for the
Ford and Buick cars at Lake Mills, is an alert, up-to-date and successful young
business man and is highly esteemed in his community. He was born in Norway
township, Winnebago county, January 20, 1886, of the marriage of Martin I.
and Alena (Anderson) Martinson. The mother, whose birth occurred in Norway,
accompanied her parents to the United States when twelve years of age and when
five years old the father removed with his parents from Wisconsin, his native
state, to Winnebago county, Iowa. Here he grew to manhood and in time pur-
chased land in Norway township which he has brought to a high state of cultiva-
tion. He is still engaged in farming, which he finds at once profitable and
congenial. The mother also survives. To them were born twelve children, of
whom three have passed away, Selmer, Carl and Selmer, while those who survive
are Ingebret, O.scar, Selma, Clara, Gilma, Nettie, Alice, Melvin and William.

Carl Oscar Martinson passed the days of his boyhood and youth upon the
homestead and obtained his early education in the district schools. Subseipiently
he took a course in the Mankato Commercial College and in Luther Academy at
Albert Lea, Minnesota. When twenty-three years old he left the parental roof
and removed to Lake Mills, where for two years he was an employe of Eckert &
Williams, implement dealers. He then began business on liis own account, buying
an interest in the Winnebago Auto Company, which he disposed of four years later,
or in 1914. He then formed a partnership with 0. T. Gordon under the style of
Gordon & Martinson and they have since been agents for the Ford and Buick cars.
They do a large business, the nuniher of their annual sales being limited only liy the
number of cars they can .secure from the factory. In 1916 they sold thirty-six
Fords and ten Buicks and could easily have sold more cars but were unable to get
tlieni. Their success is proof of their thorough knowledge of the construction of
automobiles, their aggressiveness and their fair dealing. In addition to his interest
in the business Mr. Martinson owns stock in the Farmers Elevator Company, a
prosperous local concern.

On May 13, 1909, occurred the marriage of Mr. Martinson and Miss Sarah
Hanson, a daughter of Hans and Martha (Davidson) Hanson, of Norway township,
Winnebago county. Mr. and Mrs. Martinson have had four children: Marvin
Howard, who died July 7, 1911; Marvin H., born July 12, 1911; Laurence, who
was Itorn in July, 1913; and C. Eldon, born in March, 1915.

Mr. Martinson is a stanch republican l)ut has confined his public activity to
the exercise of his right of franchise. He is a communicant of the Lutheran
cliurch and is heartily in sympathy with its work. Although a young man he

258 WINNEBAGO AND TTANCOCK T'OUNTIES

already ranks as an important factor in the business development of Lake Mills and
his sterling qualities of character and his social nature have won for him many
sincere friends.

ALVIN E. CLAUSON.

Alvin Vj. Clauson, junior partner in the tiriii of 'I'lionijison & Clauson, general
merchants of Forest City, has thus been identified with the business interests of
the town since 190,S and has concentrated his attention and efforts u])on the develop-
ment and extension of his trade, lie was here born December 20, 18Si», a son of
Nels C. and Hannah ('. Clauson, both of whom were natives of Sweden. Coming
to America, they settled in Forest City in 188G and for some time the father was
connected with railway interests, but is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of
his former toil.

.Spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, Alvin E. Clau.son acquired
a public school education which he completed by graduation from the high school.
}Ie was a young num when in l!t08 he purchased an interest in the general store
of Ole A. Thompson, thus forming the present firm of Thompson & Clauson. To
the experience and understanding of the senior partner was added the enterjirise
of the young man and they have made a strong firm, occupying an enviable position
in the business circles of their city.

On the yist of December, 1911, Mr. Clauson was married, to Miss Mabel Ells-
worth, cd' Forest City, a daughtei- of H. T. and Emogene (Tjcwis) Ellsworth. They
occii]>y an enviable social position ami the hos])itality of rheir own Ihiiuc is greatly
enjoyed by their many friends.

Mr. Clauson is independent in ])olitics, while religiously he is connected with
the Baptist church. Tlis life has been guided by high and honorable princijilcs iuhI
he is neglectful of none <if the duties of citizenship but on the contrary cooiierates
in many well devised jilans and measures for the pidtlic good.

MICHAEL J. STED.IE.

AltbdUgh liorn in Dane county, Wisconsin, April .i, 1874, Michael J. Stedje has
been a resident of Winnebago county. Iowa, since his first year and since reaching
manhood has lieen prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Center
township, owning and operating a good farm on .section :iO. His parents, Jens L.
and .\nnie ( Aficbaelson ) Stedje, were born and reared in Norway, whence they
emigrated to .\merica in .-Vjiril, 1869. In June of that year they took up their
abode in Dane county, Wisconsin, where the father worked as a section hand on the
railroad for three years. In the meantime he purchased a tract of land three miles
west of Stougbfcjn, which he cultivated until coining to Winnebago county. Iowa,
in 1875. Here he bought one hundred acres on section 30, Center townslii|i. and
at once began its improvement and development, making his home thereon until
Ills death, wliich occun-ed on the 'id of \\<r\\. l!)(i;'.. llis widow is still living at the

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 259

ripe old age of eighty-one "years and makes her home with her son Michael, wiui
is the youngest of the family. Lewis, the older son, died July 39, 1909. Susan,
the only daughter, is the wife of John Lund, of Flaxton, Nortli Dakota.

Michael J. Stedje attended the district schools near his boyhood home and
early became familiar with all kinds of farm work while assisting his father in the
operation of the home phice. He also worked for others to some extent and is
today a very progressive and up-to-date farmer. On his father's death he inherited
the homestead, on which he has since made some valuable improvements and has
met with good success in the operation of his farm. He also owns a section of land
at Oslo, Hansford county, Te.\as, and is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Com-
pany of Leland, Iowa, and the Leland Creamery Company.

On the 17th of May, 1904, Mr. Stedje married Miss Clara Johnson, by whom
he has four children: Cora, born November 14, 1907; James A., September 'i,
1909; Mary, January 19, 1912; and Gordon, October 29, 1914. Mr. and Mrs.
Stedje are faithful and consistent members of the Lutheran church and arc most
estimable people. Politically lie is identified witJi the republican party.

OLE T. GROE.

Ole T. Groe, president and manager of the local creamery company and also of
the liake Mills Telephone Company and secretary of the Lake Mills Lumber Com-
pany, was born in Worth county, Iowa, on the 12th of May, 18.59. His parents,
Tostin 0. and Carrie (Mellen) (jroe, were natives of Norway but settled in the
western part of Worth county, Iowa, when it was still a frontier district. There
the father purchased land which he operated until his death in 1895. He is buried
in tlie Silver Lake cemetery in Worth county, as is his wife, who died in 1.S97.
They were the parents of six children, of whom three died in infancy, and of those
surviving our subject is the eldest.

Ole T. Groe passed his boyhood upon the home farm and early began helping
with the work, caring for the stock and cultivating the fields. When sixteen years
old he left school and for the following five years gave his entire time to assisting
his father. When he had attained his majority he bought two hundred acres of
good land, which he farmed until 1892, when he took up his residence in Lake
Mills. However, he still owns valuable property there, his land holdings in Worth
county totaling four hundred and eighty-six acres. LTpon his removal to this city
he became the partner of G. Nystuen in the ownership of a general store, but after
two years and a half disposed of his interest therein. He is now manager and
president of the local creamery company, in which capacities he has served con-
tinuously since the organization of the concern with the exception of seven years.
Since 1908, in which year the Lake Mills Telephone Company was organized, he
has been its president and nuuuigcr, and for fourteen years he has been
.secretary of the Lake Mills Lumber Company, while for sixteen years he
has been a member of its directorate. He is also a director of the Lake Mills
Canning Company. His official connection with these prosperous corporations
indicates the high estimate placed upon his executive ability by the representative
business men of the city.

2(iO WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

(Jii June l:!, ISSl. Jli-. (iioc was uniti'd in niiirriage to Miss Anna Simninns, a
ilaii.trhtiT of John and (oTtruilc (Ti'oe) Sininioii>. who removed from Xorway to
Woi'th lounly, Iowa, when their chiii.iihter Anna was nine years oh.l. Both are
deceased and are hniied in the Sihei- Lake eenieterv. To ill', and Jlrs. Groe lia\e
been liorii I'iLjht children: 'J'homas, who is a graduate of the Capital City C'oin-
mereia] ('oHe<re and is now assistant eashier of the First National liank at North-
wciod, Iowa: t'lai-a J., who died when seven years old and is buried in the Silver
Lake eenieterv in Worth county: (iina B., who was graduated from the State Uni-
vei-sit\' of Iowa in lUln and is miw the wife (d' K. J. Hickox, of Colorado Springs,
Coloraihi; Clarence, a resident of Lake Mills. Iowa; Josephine, at home; Alviu ()..
who ilieil when seven years old and is buried in tlie Silver Lake cemetery; Hoy C,
who is attending the Lake Mills high school: and Orin K., who is a student in the
gi'adcd schools.

Mt-. (I'l'oe sn]i]iorts the republican party at the ])olls and while a resident of
W'dilli county was foi- several years a nuMnlier of tlie scIkjoI bcjard, of which he was
foi- some time secretary, was justice of the peace and for two years held the office
of township assessor. lie was also ciiy assessor of Lake Mills for two years and
for t\\(i terms, or six years, served on the school board at Lake Mills and he is a
mendier id' the Lake Mills Impro\ement Association. He holds membership in the
United Lutheran church, which indicates the principles which have governed his
conduct. Ilis sound judgment and encrgfy have enabled him to carry to successful
completion whatever lie has undertaken and he is recognized as a leader in his
community.

AUGUSTUS F. LACKORE.

Oue of the earliest pioneers id' Winnebago county now living is Augustus Y.
Lackore, of Forest City, who about lS5(i or 1857 was brought to the county. lie
was born in Illinois on the 31st of January, 1855, a son of William and Elizabeth
(Church) Lackore. the former a native of New York and the latter of England,
whence she came to the United States in her girlhood with her parents when but
seven yeai's of age. Mr. and Mrs. Lackore were nuirried in New York and eight
children were liorn to them there. About lS5-t they renuned to Illinois and in
that state Augustus F. and Jesse Lackore were added to the family. In 1856 or
1857 a removal was nuule to Winnebago county, Iowa, where the father had pre-
viously ]iui-chased se\cn hundi-cd acres of laml. He settled at Forest City, build-
ing the first good frame resiilcmc in the town and becoming one of the ]iioneei-
settlers of this ]iait id' the state. Soon after his arrival he jiurchased a sawmill
which he operated for a nuudier of years, but eventually he sold that projierty and
concentrated his energies upon farming, which he continued to follow until his
demise in 188(>. His wife sur\ived him for more than a decade, passing away
on the irth of April, 1897.

Augustus F. Lackore was educated in the common schools and early became
trained to business metliods under his father's direction. After attaining his
nuijority he renuiined at home and cooperated with his father in the promotion
of farming interests. There was a very strong bond of .^^ynipatby between the

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 261

father and son and they coutinuud tu live together until the death (if the foriin'r,
an ideal companionship existing. Augustus F. Lackore still owns one hundred
and sixty aeres of the old homestead, on which he continued to reside until 1911,
when he retired and removed to Forest t'ity, where he has since made his home,
resting from further business cares save for the supervision of his investments.

On Uecendjer 25, 1882, Mr. Lackore was united in marriage to Miss Jennie
Merrill, of Forest City, Iowa, a daughter of Dudley and Matilda (Kd wards)
Merrill, pioneers of Iowa. To this union were born nine children, eight of whoin
still survive, as follows: Eoy ('., who is jirineipal of schools at Bucyrus, Xoi-th
Dakota; Eayniond C, an agriculturist residing at Little Falls, Minnesota; Floyd
M., a paper hanger and painter who makes his home at Forest Citv; Clyde E., who
is county road boss and resides in Forest City; Clara F., a higii school student;
Hazel M., at home ; and Forest A., and Sylvan H., who attend the graded schools.
Mrs. Lackore is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Lackore has
membership with the American Yeomen and his political support is given to the
republican party. All who know him esteem him as a man of sterling worth
whose life has been one of activity and honor, while his 'well directed industry has
brought to him substantial and gratifying prosperity.

CIIRISTIAX C. SCHAEFER.

Christian C. Sehaefer, who is residing on section 27, German towushi]), Hancock
county, is a native of Wisconsin, his birth having occurred iu Dodge county, on the
23d of August, 1869. His parents, Chris and Mary (Schneider) Sehaefer, were
born in Germany and came to America in 1833. Tliey resided in Milwaukee and
in Watertown, Wisconsin, for many years and about 1897 removed to Iowa, at which
time the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 27,
German township, Hancock county, for which he paid thirty-one dollars per acre.
The farm was at that time somewhat improved. ■ He owned the farm for six or
seven years, after which he disposed of the property. He is, however, still living
and is now about ninety years of age.

Christian C. Sehaefer acquired a common school education at Lowell, Wisconsin,
where he pursued his studies for several years, and in the school of experience he
has also learned many valuable lessons which have been of a most practical and
helpful character. He worked with his father until he reached the age of ahout
twenty-seven years, when he invested in his present home place on section 27.
German township, Hancock county. Here he has a good tract of land a])pi'opriately
named the Pleasant View Farm. He is making a specialty of stock raising,
handling Poland China hogs, Percheron Norman horses of high grade and (iuern-
sey cattle, and in addition he cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate.
Both his stock raising and his farming interests are bringing to him good return,
for his Inisiness atfairs are carefully, wisely and systematically managed.

On the 15th of June, 1901, Mr. Sehaefer was married to Miss Amelia Lembgen,
a daughter of John and Christina (Reinhard) Lembgen, who were natives of Ger-
many and on emigrating to America settled at Lowell, Wisconsin, at which time
only Indians were residents of that section of the state. In other words, they

ii — 13

262 AVINNEBAUO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

cast in tlieir lot with the first settlers of a pioneer district and shared in all the
hardshi])s and privations incident to the development of a new country. The
mother is still living at Watertown, Wisconsin, and is now nearly eighty years of
age. Mr. and Mrs. Schaefer have hcconie the pai'ents of two sons and two daugli-
lers: P]mery W., Alvin E. and Hilda M.. who are fifteen, thirteen and eleven
years of age respectively: and Doris A., a maiden of nine summers.

In his political views Mr. Schaefer is a republican, and while not an office
seeker, he has served as school director for six years. His religious belief is that
of the German Methodist Episcopal church and to its teachings he gives loyal
sup])ort. His has been an ai'tive life directed by honorable jnirposes, and his dili-
gence and energy have constituted the foundation upon which he has builded his
success.

FRED J. OXLEY.

Fred .1. Oxiey, living on .section 'K Magor township, Hancock county, has sub-
stantial possessions in farm lands and is engaged quite extensively in the raising
of hogs. He has also become identified with financial and other business interests
of the county and is one of the progressive and representative men of his section
of the state. He was born in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, "on the 14th of August,
1863, and is one of the thirteen children of William and Maria (Vincent) Oxley,
who were natives of England and in 1858 came to America.

Reared upon the home farm in his native county, Fred J. Oxley began his
education as a district school pupil when a little lad of about six years and
pursued his studies as opportunity offered until he reached the age of eighteen.
Hi 1864 the family removed to Fayette county, Iowa, where our subject was
employed as a farm hand for four years, when, feeling that his age and experi-
ence justified his starting in business on his own account, he came to Hancock
county, locating in Magor township in 1881. There he rented land which he
cultivated for four years. While thus engaged he carefully saved his earnings
until the sum was sufficient to enable him to purchase property. His land was
raw, unbroken prairie land when it came into his possession, but today his farm
is one of the best equipped in the county and his home possesses all the modern
conveniences. His holdings now include one hundred and sixty acres of land on
Section 9, Magor township, eighty acres on section 8 of the same township and
two hundred acres in Freeborn county, Minnesota. He makes a specialty of
raising Duroc and Chester White hogs and that branch of his business is proving
very profitable. He has also become interested in other business projects and is
now president of the Commercial Savings Bank, a stockholder in tlie Farmers
Savings Rank and for twelve years has been president of the telephone company
of Corwith.

On the 20th of April, 1887, Mr. Oxley was united in marriage to Miss Julia
Sanford, a daughter of John V. and Loecada Sanford. She passed away in
April, 1897. There were three children of that marriage: Fred E., who is now
married and resides in Minnesota ; Hilton J., whose death occurred in 1895 ; and
Mildred J., who was graduated in June, 1917, from St. Mary's College at Prairie du

MR. AND MRS. FKEl) J. OXLEY

THE :-:^-!^ YQ^j^

•»-~"i-T, ...--.■;ox AND
TILDiiN ForjNDATIONa

WINNEBAOO AND I lAXCOC'K COUNTIES 265

Chien, Wisconsin. Having lost his first wife, Mr. Oxley later married Miss
Elizabeth Pybus, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hoppe) Pybus, who were
natives of England. The children of the second marriage were: Leslie V.;
Gladys, who died in March, 1908 ; Gail ; and John H.

Mrs. O.xley is actively interested in the raising of chickens, making a specialty
of Rhode Island Reds and Plymouth Rocks. She uses incubators entirely for
hatching and in 1917 is raising one thousand chickens. She also has Indian
Runner ducks and the fine poultry makes a very pleasing and interesting feature
of the farm.

In politics Mr. O.xley is a republican and has been called upon to fill various
positions of honor and trust. He was county supervisor for nine years and did
much to further public interests in that connection. He has also been township
trustee and the cause of education has long received his stalwart support, his
activities as a member and president of the school board doing much for progre^
along that line. He is also well known in fraternal circles, holding membership
with the Masons, the Odd Fellows, the Rebekahs and the Yeomen. He and his
wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and they are highly
esteemed socially, enjoying the warm regard of all with whom they have been
brought in contact.

E. II. HURLESS.

E. H. Hurless, of Thompson, has met with gratifying success as a dealer in har-
ness and shoes. He was born in Tama county, Iowa, February 2, 187-2, a son of G.
W. and Jennie (Mullinex) Hurless, natives of Ohio and of New York state respec-
tively, who in 1880 removed to Iowa, where the father engaged in farming for
many years. He is now living retired, however, at Shellsburg, Iowa, hut tlie
mother died in 1893 and is buried at Shellsburg.

E. H. Hurless attended the common schools of Shellsburg until he was sixteen
years old and then learned tlie harness maker's trade, which he followed in the
employ of others for a period. In 1895, however, he established a shop of his own
at Thompson and in 1903 added a line of shoes. He has built up a large trade in
both lines and enjoys an enviable repirtation for reliability and fair dealing.

In 1895 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hurless and Miss Emma Leamer, a
daughter of David Leamer, who died in Vinton, Iowa, in 1916 and is there buried.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hurless: Neeta and Helen, aged
respectively fifteen and ten years; and one who died in infancy. On the 27th of
October, 1915, Mrs. Heirless passed away and is buried in Evergreen cemetery at
Vinton.

j\lr. Hurless supports the republican jnirty where national issues are at stake
but at local elections votes independently. For eight years he was a member of
the town council and for seven years served on the school board, thus manifesting
liis interest in educational matters. Ho belongs to King Lodge, No. 593, I. O.
0. F., in which he has filled all the chairs, and is a member of the Methodi.st
Episcopal church. Only one other man has been in business continuously in
Thompson for a longer period than he, and during the twenty-two years that lie

266 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

has been connected with the commercial life of the town he has at all times been
found ready to aid in movements seeking the general welfare. He has made all
that he has and is now in more than comfortable circumstances and is therefore
entitled to tlic honor accorded a self-made man.

OTTO BECKJORDEN.

Otto Beckjorden, assistant cashier of the Winnebago State Bank, with which
institution he has been connected since 1!)01), was born August 36, 1879, in the
county where he still resides, a son of Ilalvor aJi<l llomelio ((Jjerde) Beckjorden,
natives of Norway. The father located in Wisconsin in 1871 and the mother settled
in Dane county, that state, in 1872. Both came to Winnebago county, Iowa, in 1876,
and their marriage occurred in this county the following year. The father was a
farmer by occupation and through the cultivation of the soil provided for the
support of his family until death ended his labors. Ilis widow is still living and
makes her home in Forest C'ity. They were the parents of four children, those
besides our subject being: Martin; Henry; and Bessie, who married Magnus
Isaacson of Forest City.

Otto Beckjorden supplemented his public school education, acquired near his
father's farm, by six months' study in the All)ert Lea College of Minnesota and in
Ellsworth College at Iowa Falls. Through vacation periods lie worked in the
lields and as a young man continued to labor on the home farm until December,
U)OG. At that date he was called to the position of deputy county auditor and
served for two years. In 1909 he entered the Winnebago County State Bank, the
oldest financial institution of the county, and after three years" preliminary service,
in whiili he was constantly gaining knowledge of the various phases of the banking
business, he was made assistant cashier in 1912 and has now filled that position for
five years.

In 1905 Mr. Beckjorden was married to Miss Emma Colley, of this county, a
daughter of J. T. Colley, a farmer, and they now have two children, Harold and
Evelyn May. Mrs. Beckjorden is a mendjci' of the Baptist church, while Mr.
Beckjorden holds membership with the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and the
Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party and while not an office seeker he is now serving as school treasurer of the
independent school district of Forest City. He stands for all that is progressive
in the public life of the community and gives stalwart support to those interests
which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.

NILS GORANSON.

Nils Goranson whose farm on section 6, Linden township, is one of the best
improved places in Winnebago- county, is concentrating his efforts upon raising
high grade stock and has gained a position of leadership in that line of activity.

Tie was born in Svve<len, March 7, 1873, of the marriage of Goran and Hannah

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 267

(Larson) Olson, botli of whom spent their entire lives in that country. He attended
the common schools in Sweden and was for one term a student in a school in Iowa
after his emigration to the United States in 1889. He landed in New York city
on the 26th of April of that year. He did not remain in the east, however, but
went to Delaware county, Iowa, where a brother and sister were living. He was
then seventeen years of age and secured work as a farm hand in that county, where
he remained until 1896, when he came to Winnebago county. For one year he
rented land here and then bought one hundred and sixty acres of his present farm
on section 6, Linden township, to which five years later he added the <|uarter
section adjoining on the west. Therefore his farm now includes the north half of
section 6, Linden township, and he has greatly added to its value by the improve-
ments which he has placed upon it. The buildings are new and modern in every
particular and as he raises stock extensively, in fact feeding all the grain grown
upon the farm, the fertility of the soil has been conserved. He breeds Poland
China hogs and shorthorn cattle and believes firmly that it is the best policy to
raise only high grade stock. Aside from his farm his financial interests include
stock in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of Thompson and in the
Farmers Elevator Company of Thompson, of which he is secretary.

Mr. Goranson was married in Delaware county, Iowa, February 80, 1895, to
Jliss Alice Hunt. Her father, James Hunt, was born in England but came to
the United States when a boy with his parents and became one of the prominent
farmers of Delaware county, Iowa. To Jlr. and Mrs. (ioransoii have been born
eleven children, of whom eight survive, namely, Henrietta E., James H., Nels
Henry, Evlon, Alice E., Darley L., Phoebe V. and Gladys C.

Mr. Goranson is a republican in his political views but has confined his partici-
pation in j)ul>lic affairs to the exci'cise of his right of franchise. The success which
he has gained as a stock raiser is due in part to the fact that he has concentrated
his energies upon that business and to the careful study which he has made of it in
its various phases. He has prospered financially and has also been instrumental
in promoting the stock-raising interests of his township. Personally he is popular
and it is recognized that his integrity is above question.

WIXXEBAGO COUNTY STATE BANK.

The Winnebago County State Bank is the oldest banking institution of Forest
City. It had its origin in a real estate, loan and collection business established in
1868 iiy Robert Clark, the founder of Forest City and the first county judge of
Winnebago county. Its business was taken over by his son-in-law, J. F. Thompson,
and was continued as a private banking business until 1896, when a re-organizat'on
was effected under the name of the Winnebago County State Bank. Business had
previously been carried on under the name of the Winnebago County Bank from
the latter 'TOs with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. The partners in the
undertaking were J. Thomp.son, J. F. Thompson, William Larrabee and E. Hunt-
ington. With the re-organization of the bank as a state bank Jasper Thompson
became the president, J. F. Thompson vice president and B. J. Thompson cashier,
while the other stockholders and directoi's of the bank wei'C William Lai'rabee, V,.

268 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Hiinfiii;;toii, I. N. Terry, Josiiili Liltlc, F. X. Vauf^liii, T. Jaidi^^ and J. M. Clark.
Articles of incdrporatinn were fileil .Time 'i'-K l.S'.Ki. and the tiank. capitalized fur
lifty thousand ilolhirs, ()ecn])ied a small one story hrick hnilding on the site of its
present lionie. Tn 1901 J. F. 'rhoin])son was elected to the presidency, Jas]ie;'
1'hoiiips(in liavin;;- sold nut. J«. J. 'riininpson resiyned as cashier anil in that year
M. M. 'I'honipson was chosen assistant cashier, which position he continued to fill
until March 21), 11)11, whi'ii he was elected cashiei-. The (iHicei-s ol' the bank at
this writing are: .1. Y. Thompson, pi-esident: 1-?. .1. 'i'liompson, vice president; M.
M. Thomj)son, cashier: and Otto Reckjorden assistant cashier, with T. .lacohs
and Julia .'\. Thompson also as directors. In 1899 the present two stijry hrick
luisiness hlock was erected, the upper floor heing used as offices, while the first floor
IS occupied hy the hank', which has a most modei-n e(iui])ment .iml is littcil up in a
vciy attractive nuinner. A gencial haidxing hu^incss is conducted and tin- hank
fi-om the heginning has maintained a safe, coii.servative policy that fully |)rotects
its stockholders and yet does not hanipei' that progressiveness which is manifest in a
"rowing business.

ALBERT C. AXDEIJSON.

Since reaching man's estate All>ert V. Anderson has been identified with the
agricultural interests of Winnebago county and is now the owner of a fine farm
on section 16, Norway township, where he was born on the '-27th of June, 1873. His
parents, Chris and Susan Anderson, were born, reared and married in Norway and
continued to reside there until after the birth of two of their children, Andrew,
now a resident, of Hancock county, Iowa, and I'eter. It was in 18.")5 that the father
brought his little family to the new W(irhl and located near Stoughton. Wisconsin,
where he resided for five years. The following year was spent in Freeborn county,
Minnesota, but in 1801 he came to Winnebago county, Iowa, and ]nuchased the
northeast quarter of section 16, Norway township. His first home here was a
dugout and later he built a log house which is still standing upon the place. To
the development and cultivation of his farm he devoted his energies until called
from this life on the Kith of October, 1907. His wife had passed away on the
19th of the previous August, and both were laid to rest in the Lime Creek ceme-
tery. They were faithful and consistent members of the Synod Lutheran church
and Mr. Anderson was a republican in politics. Seven children were born to thi>
worthy cou])lc after coming to this country, namely: Sophia, now the wife of Nels
Lar.son, of Scarville, Iowa: John, deceased; Ole, a resident of Lake Mills: Susan,
deceased; Mary, the wife of Nels Bakke, of Nortlilleld, Minnesota; Lena, the wife
of Abe Winden, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and A. C., of this review.

Reared on the honu/ farm, Albert C. Anderson is indebted to the district
schools of the neighhoi-bood for the educational advantages he enjoyed during his
youth. At the age of sixteen years he put aside his te.xtbooks and gave his father
the benefit of his services on the farm until his marriage. lie then operated the
place on the shares until the death of his parents and now owns the farm wdiere his
entire life has been passed. He is a wide-awake and progressive farmer and has
made his place one of the most attractive farms iu the locality.

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK CoUNTlKS 269

Mr. Anderson was married at the age of twenty-four years, on the 28th of
August, 1897, to Miss Eandy Tangen, a daughter of John and Mary Tangen, of
Brooten, Minnesota, and to this union six children have been born as follows:
Christopher, Madeline, Jemima, Ingeborg, Alvina and Leroy, all at home.

The republican party finds in Mr. Anderson a stanch supporter of its principles
and he has always taken a deep and commendable interest in public affairs, lie
has been especially interested in education and efficiently served as school director
for a number of years. He is one of the leading farmers of his community and
wherever known is held in high esteem.

ADELBERT W. STREETEK.

Adelbert W. Streeter, a well known retired farmer and business man living in
Lake Mills, was born in a log house near Cedar Falls, Iowa, on the 17th of June,
1856, and is a son of Edward P. and Elizabeth (Dobson) Streeter, pioneer settlers
of that locality, having located there in 1852. The father engaged in farming for
a long period but is now living retired in Cedar Falls. He and his wife are both
enjoying good health at the advanced ages of eighty-four and eighty years respec-
tively, and on the 5th of September, 1916, celebrated the sixty-first anniversary of
their marriage. To them were born eight children, of whom six survive. Our
subject and his brother, Thomas W., are residents of Winnebago county. Another
brother, Fred H., lives in Alierdeen, South Dakota. A sister, Mrs. B. F. Smith,
makes her home in Chelan, Washington: Mrs. W. W. Goodykoontz lives in Boone,
Iowa, and Mrs. J. G. Packard resides in Cedar Falls.

Adelbert W. Streeter attended the district .schools until he was fifteen years
old, when the family removed to Cedar Falls, where he completed a high school
course. When twenty-one years of age he began operating the home farm on his
own account and continued there for four years. He came to Winnebago county
in 1884 and after renting a farm in Bristol township for two years bouglit three
hundred and twenty acres there, which he cultivated until 1898, and which he
still owns and rents. He then took up his residence in Lake Mills, where he pur-
chased a livery barn and for fifteen years devoted his time and attention to the
conduct of that business, lie |iriived very successful in that connection, as he had
in his agricultural work, and in 191:!, feeling that his financial circumstances war-
ranted his enjoying a period of leisure, lie disposed of his livery business and
retired.

In 1878 Mr. Streeter was united in marriage to Miss Emma Saul, of Cedar Falls,
who passed away March 27, 1881, and was buried at Cedar Falls. She was the mother
of a son, Clark H., now city engineer of Cedar Falls. On the 28th of February, 1884,
Mr. Streeter wedded Miss Nettie Lane, of Cedar Falls, by whom he had two chil-
dren : Jennie, now the wife of H. M. Wescott, of Winnebago, Minnesota ; and
Clifford W., a banker living at Baldwin, North Dakota. Mrs. Streeter died Sep-
tember 20, 1911, and was buried in the North cemetery at Lake Mills. On the 7th
of October, 1913, Mr. Streeter was again married, Mrs. June Thomas, of Lake
Mills, becoming his wife. She was the widow of Charles D. Thomas, a son of
George and Ilattie Thomas, early settlers of Winnebago county. He engaged in

270 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

farniing on quifo an e-xtcnsive scale in Center township ami in addition to growing
the usual erops of grain gave nnicli attention to raising full hlooded stock. He
passed away on the 4th of March, 1905, and was huricd in the South cemetery at
Lake Mills. He was married June 29, 1887, to Miss June Burdick, who was born
m Worth county, Iowa, and is a daughter of Alfred and Sarah (Platts) Rurdick,
early .settlers of Winnebago county. Her father died September 5, IDO-t, and her
niotiier passed away January 11. 1H14. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were born the
following children: George, who is farming in Center township: Mayme, the wife
of Olaf Anderson, of Madison, Wisconsin; Kush, a civil engineer in the emjjloy of
the Illinois state highway commission; Bessie, now the wife of Arthur Kobberbig,
who is farming in Bristol townshi]): Frank, who is attending college in Minneapolis;
and Xellie and Clara, high school students. Following the death of her husband
Mrs. Thomas removed to Lake Mills, and, as previously stated, in 1913 became the
wife of Adelbert W. Streeter. She holds title to four hundred and twenty acres
of fine land in Center townshi]i.

Mr. Streeter is a rejniblican and for ten years served as a member of the town
coinicil, iluring which time he constantly favored measures calculated to promote
the genei-al welfare. His well spent life has gained him a high place in the regard
of his fellow citizens and his jjersonal friends are many. He owns a fine residence
and is numbered anion"; the substantial citizens of Lake Milks,

BENJAMIN r. BARTHELL.

licnjamin F. Barthcll, wlin follnws general farming on section 9, Forest town-
ship, Winnebago county, was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, May 3, 1880, and is
a son of John JI. and Martha M. (Page) Barthell, the former a native of (iermany
and the latter of Quebec, Canada. The father came to the United States in his
lioyhood days and located in New Y(irk, where he remained for three years. In the
fall of 1851 he i-emoved westward to Iowa and took up his abode in Winneshiek
county. He continued his residence in this state until called to his final rest in
1903, and his widow is still li\iiig at the age of seventy-eight years, at Waukon,
Iowa.

Benjamin F. Barthcll, was one of a family of twelve children, eight of whom
are now living. Spending his youthful days in his native county, he there ])ursued
his education in the ])ublic schools, eventually becoming a high school pupil.
Through vacation ]ieriods he assisted in the work of the home farm or aided his
father in whatever line of work demanded his attention. On attaining his majority
ne turned his attention to the hardware business at Waukon, Iowa, where he con-
ducted a store for three years and then sold out. In 1902 he purchased the farm
on which he now resides on section 9, Forest townshi]i, Winnebago county, compris-
ing thrive hundred acres of rich and valuable land which he has brought tn a high
state of cultivatiiin, ad<ling many modern improvements and e(iuipping the farm
according to the requii-ements of a model farm property of the twentieth century.
He makes a sjiecialty of raising and feeding stock and lie has a fine lierd of Angus
cattle ii])(iii his ]ilace. He lielieves in keeping higli grade stock, having demon-
strated the value of this course, and his live stock interests constitute an iinpovtaiit

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 271

and )n-()fit:il)lt' tViitinc of his Imsiness. He is also a stockholder of the Farmers
Elevator.

On the Gth of October, 1014, Mi-. Barthell was married to Miss Caroline Frevert,
a native of Eice county, Minnesota, and a daui,ditor of Fred and Catharyn
(Becklcy) Frevert, who were born rcspectivi'ly in (iermany and in Indiana ami
who removed to 8ac county, Iowa, al>out 1872. 'I'he father was a soldier in the
Civil war and is deceased hut the mother is livinjf and resides in Charles City,
Iowa. In his political views Mr. Barthell is a rei)uhlican and in fraternal circles
is well known, holdin<r mendjershi]) with the Masons, having taken all of the
degrees up to and including the thirty-second. lie is likewise connected with the
Knights of Pythias. lie has made for himself a most creditable position as one of
the leading farmers of his township and his ability in business is widely recognized.
He has ever displayed unfaltering enterprise and sound judgment and has carried
forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken.

JAMES ELLICKSON.

James Ellickson, deceased, was one of Winnebago county's honored pioneers
and highly esteemed citizens, who took a very active and prominent part in public
affairs. He was born in Waushara county, Wisconsin, on the 4th of September,
1859, and was a son of John and Clieste Ellickson. natives of Norway, who came
to America and located in Wisconsin. There the father engaged in farming
throughout his active business life and passed away in March, 1911. 'i'he mother
is still living.

In the state of his nativity James Ellickson grew to manhood, receiving the
usual educational advantages of the country boy. While living at home he worked
in the pineries of Wisconsin for some years and was also employed as a farm hand
in Minnesota for a time. On the 22d of May, 1881, he arrived in Winnebago
county, Iowa, and ])urchased land two and a half miles from Thompson. At that
time there were only three other settlers in King township and none in Buffalo
township. To the development and improvement of his land Mr. Ellickson at
once turned his attention and he continued to engage in farming with good success
until 1898, when he rented his land and removed to Thompson, becoming manager
of the Northern Lumber Company at that place. He continued with that corpora-
tion for eighteen years and at the same time engaged in the grain business with his
brother John, later selling out to the Farmers Cooperative Company.* He was
also interested in the agricultural implement business for some time and for twenty
years was a director of the First National Bank of Thompson, serving as its vice
president much of that time.

On the 85th of November, 188(i, Mr. Ellickson married Miss Katie A. Larson, a
daughter of Christian and Ellen (Madson) Larson, who were born in Norway and
were also pioneers of Winnebago county. Her father is still living and is now vice
president of the First National Bank of Thompson, but her mother passed away
on the 10th of September, 191(). To Mr. and Mrs. Ellickson were born the follow-
ing children: Cora J., now a teacher in the Thompson schools; Clara E., the wife
of Walter Halverson ; Edith U., a clerk in the Thompson postoffice ; James K. and

272 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK CorNTIKS

Marion A., both attending ?eliO(il ; and Edwin W., Clarence, Edna, Emil and
Artlnir, all of whom died in infancy.

In 1906 Mr. Ellick^on was appointed po^^tniaster of Thompson, and continued
to iill that office until his death, which occurred February 13, 1916, after a short
illness. The rejiublican party always found in him a stanch supporter of its
principles and he was honored with several important official positions. In 18S7 he
was elected a menilier of the board of county siqiervisors and served as such for a
number of years. He was also a scIkidI director for seventeen years and was the
first mayor of Tli(ini|is(iii. Tn ISDI be was elected to the state legislature and sd
acceptably did be Iill ibiit [losilion tlial be was i-eideeted in ISIc;, beiii"- a mendnT
of the house I'm-, two terms. Mv. Ellickson never alluwcd bis nther interests to
interfere with his religions duties l)ut always took an active and prominent ])art in
iburcb work as a membei- of the United Lutheran denomination. It was largelv
through his efforts that the church was established at Thompson and he served as
superintenilent of the Sunday school foi' eleven years. Mr. Ellickson was also one
of the pi-(imoters (if Waldorf College at Forest City and was a mendjer of its board
of dii'ectors at the time of his death. He was a man of exceptional business
ability, farsighted and energetic and usually carried forward to successful coni-
j»leti(in whatever be undertook. No confidence reposed in biin was ever misplaced
and in his death the community realized that it bad lost a ialuable and public-
spirited citizen.

JOHN H. J[ORTENSON.

Among those who in former years were actively identified with the business
development and progre.ss of Hancock county was numbered John II. Mortensou,
now deceased. He resided on section 30, Crystal township, where he followed
general farming. He was born in Denmark, December 8, 1866, a son of Chris-
tian and Maren (Peterson) Mortenson. both of whom were natives of that country,
whence they came to the new world in 1870. They first took up their abode in
Winnebago county, Iowa, where their remaining days were passed. There they
reai'ed their family of nine children, four of wdiom are yet living.

John H. Mortenson was a small child when brought to the United States,
so that his youthful days were jjassed in Iowa amid the experiences and environ-
ment of farm life. He early learned much concerning the work of the fields
and be always followed general agricultural pursuits. In 1891 he was united in
marriage to Miss Anna Paulson, who was liorn in Denmark, a daughter of Jens
and Christina (Smith) Paulson, who in 1871 came to the United States, estab-
lishing their Iiome upon a farm in Winnebago county, Iowa. Later, however,
they returned to Deinnark, where they spent their remaining days. ^fr. and Mrs.
Mortenson became the parents of four children : Emily J., the wife of Edmond
Soreuson ; Jens C; Ethel C, now attending the high school at Britt; and
Stella H.

It was after his marriage that Mr. Mortenson purchased the farm upon which
his widow now resides, becoming the owner of the property in 1892. He after-
ward purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Linden townsliip, Winne-

.^•^:

Wy- At- _

JOHN H. MORTEN SON

T7IE NE-,V ''OKK

PUBLIC f.;nRARY

ASTOR, L2;-'f-;;\ .^Nll

T1LD£N' FOUNH/.A-nr^N.--

^ « L

WINNEBA()() AND IIANCiOCK COL^XTIES 275

bago county, and at the time of his death was the owner of four liundred acres of
rich and ])roductive land in northern Iowa.

Mks. Mortenson attends the Lutheran church, where Mr. Mortenson also wor-
shiped. In 1897 he became a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Thompson
and was a member at the time of his death. He passed away on the 19th of
January, 1917, at the age of fifty years, and was laid to rest in the Crystal Lake
cemetery. His had been an active and useful life and diligence and enterprise
had brought to him the measure of success which he enjoyed. He left a good
farm to his widow, who still conducts the place and is showing good business
ability in its management.

HELMEE C. MYRE.

Ilelmer C Myre is busily engaged in the cultivation of a fai'in of eighty-two
acres on section 4, Linden township. His entire life has been passed within the
borders of Winnebago county, which claims him as a native son. He was born
January 2, 1891, and is a son of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Myre, who are represented
elsewhere in this work. His youthful experiences were those of most boys who
are reared upon farms. He began his education in the common schools and
eventually became a liigh school pupil in Forest City. He remained at home until
he attaincil his majority and at the same time he became widely known throughout
the district for feats of strength and skill in athletics. He is today the light
heavyweight champion wrestler of Iowa and frequently engages in bouts. Ho now
cultivates two hundred acres of land, which he has brought to a high state of devel-
opment, iiroducing the various crops l>est adapted to soil and climate here. II
is also raising and feeding stock and his farm work is wisely, carefully and profit-
bly managed.

In 1913 Mr. Myre was married to Miss Ethel Trail, who was born in Mount
Carroll, Carroll county, Illinois, a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Klitz) Trail.
Hit father is now deceased, while tlie niotluT makes her lionie in Winnebago
county, Iowa. Mr and Mi's. Myre have one son, Herman Theodore, who was born
February 31, 1916. The parents are members of the Lutheran church and Mr.
Myre votes with the re]nil)lican [tarty. He is a young man, representing the spirit
of modern-day enterprise and ilevelopmeut in farm work, and bis labors are ren-
dering his land more and more ))rod\ictive.

L. E. PETERSON.

L. E. Peter.son, engaged in the real estate business in Forest City, was born in
Dodge county, Minnesota, September 15, 18?0, a son of Ellef and Engeborg Peter-
son, both of whom were natives of Xorway. Coming to the LTnited States in 18-19.
they located in Wisconsin and in 1856 removed to Minnesota, where the father
followed the occupation of farming, purchasing school land. He lived
there amid pioneer conditions and continued his residence in that state
for eighteen years, or until 1874. when he came to Winnebago county, Iowa. Soon

276 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

aftcTWiuil lie ]iiii(hiistMl rt farm in Center township nml tlicrt'on lived until called
to his final rest on the 13th of August, 1902. For a brief period he had surviveil
his wife, who jiassed away in 1900. For almost thirty years Mr. Peterson had iieeii
an active fai-mer of this eounty and was widely known by reason of his enter]ii-isc
and progressiveness in agricultural alfairs.

L. E. Peterson was a lad of but four summers wlien bro\iglil to \\'innebagi)
eounty and at the usual age he became a ]iublic school pupil. When he hud
mastered the elementary branches of learning ho entered the Decorah (la.) Insti-
tute, from which lie was graduated in 1S9:?. He then turned his attention to
carpentering aiul conti'acting, following that liusines.s for two years, after whidi
he resunu'd fai'ming, in which he engaged until 1900. Removing to Oregon, lu'
conducted a i-cnl estate business on the I'acific coast until 1911, when lie returned
to Forest City, but after six months he again took up the occupation of farming,
to which he devoted the following year. On the expiration of that period he once
more returned to Forest C'ity and for a year was connected with the Olson Land
Co7iipaiiy. In 1911 he embarked in business on his own account under the name
of the L. E. Peterson Land Company for buying and selling property. He handU^s
land in Minnesota, in the Dakotas and in Iowa, making a specialty of farm property
but also handling a large amount of city realty. He not only buys and sells but
also builds houses for sale and liis spc<-uhili\c huiMing has coutributed much to his
success. He likewise owns the L. E. Peterson Mercantile Business, a general store,
and lie is the owner of the old homestead farm and also of a place just across the
road, making two hundred and twenty acres in all. His farm property is leased
and brings to him a substantial annual income.

On the 12th of June, 1900, Mr. Peterson was unilcil in marriage to Miss Emma
Haugland, td" Center townslii]), \Yinnebagci county, a daughter of R. 0. and Sarah
Hauglanil, who were early farming ]ieople of that community, ilr. and Mrs.
Peterson liinc fcuir chihlreu. Selma Elvii'a, l{euben Krvin, Luella Annette and
Margaret Antonia.

In his political views Mr. Peterson is a republican, while in religious faith he
and his wife ai-e connected with the United liUtheran church. With the exce])tion
of a brief ]>eriod si)ent in the Pacific northwest he has continuously resided in Iowa
from the age of four years and is widely known in Winneliago county, where bis
sterling worth and business enterprise have gained him high position and favorable
regard.

JOHN DANIEL RUNS.

John Daniel Kuns is now living retired in Forest City but was long actively
identified with farming and stock raising interests and is still the owner of valuable
farm property in Winnebago county. Hi' was born near Pierceville, Indiana,
August 22, 18.50, a son of Jacob and Jemima (Hoobler) Kuns, who were natives
of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Indiana and there remained for three
years. They afterward Ijecame residents of Livingston county, Illinois, where the
father passed aMay. The mother still resides there at the very advanced age of
ninety-three years. In their family were eight children, four of whom survive.

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 277

Johu Dauit'l Kuiis was reared and ediu-ated in Livingston county, Illinois, his
early experiences being those of the farm bred boy who divides liis time between
the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of tlie
fields. After reaching man's estate lie began farming on liis own account in
Illinois and in 1889 he removed to Winnebago county, Iowa, where he purchased
a farm, residing thereon until 1906. In that year he retired from active business
life and removed to Forest City. In the meantime he had brought his fields to a
high state of cultivation and had added many modern improvements to his place,
converting it into one of the valuable farm properties of the district, lie was
practical and progressive in all that he did and as the result of his untiring
industry and sound judgment he annually gathered good harvests. He is still
the owner of six hundred and forty acres of land in this county, all of which is
improved. While upon the farm he also fed stock of various kinds and this branch
of his business contributed much to his income.

On September 2, 1871, Mr. Kuns was married to Miss Phoebe M. Krooker. who
was born in La Salle county, Illinois, a daughter of Thomas and Lucinda (Wilber)
Brooker, the former a native of England, while the latter was born in Ohio. They
were married in the Buckeye state and thence removed to Illinois, while in 1887
they became residents of Winnebago county, Iowa, where their remaining days
were passed, the father dying September 9, 1891, and the mother January 7, 1917.
In their family were ten children, nine of whom are yet living. To Mr. and
Mrs. Kuns were born ten children: Delia May, who became the wife of John
Conner and died in 1903 ; Bertha L., the wife of R. V. Hotchkiss, living in Fair-
mont, Minnesota: Mabel F., the wife of Raymond McBride, of Mount Valley, Iowa;
Erastus E., a resident of Montana ; Ammond R., who married Esther Witter and is
living in Hancock county; Grace Belle, who is the wife of Earl Patten, and is living
in Rowan. Iowa; Edward A., who married Flora Studer of Luverne, Iowa; Lula
Pearl, the wife of Henry Xelson, of Forest City; John J., who married (iladys
Walsh and lives at Clear Lake, Iowa; and George Dewey, at home.

The family attend the Baptist church ami they are numbered among the valued
and respected citizens of this part of the state. In politics Mr. Kuns has long
has long been a stalwart republican and he has served for several years as school
director and as justice of the peace. He owes his success to his own efforts and
the assistance of his estimable wife. Through their labors they have won a hand-
some fortune and are now reaping the benefits of their former toil. Moreover,
their success has been so honorably W(ui anil so worthily used that the most envious
ould not grudge them their prosperity.

MELVIX .lOHXSOX.

Melvin Johnson was born on the farm on section 14, Ellington township, Han-
cock county, on which he now resides, the date of his birth being Xovendjer 18,
1888. His father, Charles Johnson, is a native of Norway and on attaining his
majority severed the- ties which bound him to that land and crossed the Atlantic Id
America, becoming a resident of Clayton county, Iowa. In the '80s he removed
to Hancock county and purchased a farm on section 14, Ellington townshi)), wliicli

278 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

is now the old family homestead. Year alter yenr he carefully and persistently
tilled the soil and liarvested golden crops, thus winning the success that now enahles
biiii to live retired. He continued to cultivate his land until 1909, when he put
aside husiness cares and now makes his Ikhiic in ilillei-. lie married Xettie
Halverson. wlio passed away in 1910.

Melvin .lolmson was one of a family of six chihlrcii and his youthful davs were
spent upon the old home farm where he still resides and which is therefore endeared
to him through the associations of his l)oyhood as well as of his manhood. After
attaining adult age he rented the old home place, which he as since cultivated. His
public school edui ation was sup])lenu'nted hy two terms of college ti-aining, which
qualilied him for iile's ]>raetical and responsilile duties. His life has been charac-
terized hy diligence and determination and as the years have gone on success has
attended his efforts in the cultivation and improvement of the lionu' farm.

In 1012 Mr. .lohnson was married to Miss Marvea Xelson. a native of Foi-est
City, Iowa, and a daughter of Andrew and Betsy (Erickson) Xelson, wlmwere Imji-u
in Sweden liut in childhood canu' to the new world. They are now residents of
Ellina'ton townslii|i, Hancock county. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one son, Arlo
C, who was horn May 7, 191 1. The parents are members of the Baptist church,
while in political faith Mr. Johnson is a republican. He is well known, being a
lifelong resident of his community, and his record is as an open hook which all mav
read.

IIO.MKI; A. HROWX.

Homer A. Brown, a veil known attorney of Forest City, was born in Westtield,
Vermont. February ."i, lS(i7. a son of Thomas (). and Ellen If. Brown, who in
the year 1S7II left Xcw England and removed westward to Milchell coimlv. Iowa,
where the father followed tlie occupation of farming.

In attendance at the ]iublic schools Homer A. Brown mastered the elementary
branches of learning and then in preparation for a professional career matriculated
in the State University, being graduated from the law dejiartment with the class of
1S!)0. The same year he was admitted to the bar and located for practice at
K'it-eville. Iowa, where he I'emained for two years. In 1S9.3 he came to Forest
City, where he opened an office and has since followed his profession, doing excellent
work at the bar an an able lawyer who possesses a comjirehensive knowledge of th(>
])rinci]iles of juris])i-udence and is accurate in a]ii)lying these princi]i]es to the
points in litigation. He pre])ares his cases with great thoroughiu^ss and care, is
sound in his reasoning and logical in his deductions.

In 1897 Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Maida Clark, of Iioekl'oi-il,
Illinois, a daughter of H. G. and Mary Clai-k. Their children ai'e Phyllis, Mai--
jorie. Ellith and Eoger, all at home.

Mr. Brown is a well known Mason, belonging to the lodge at Forest City and
the chapter at (lai-ner. He is a past nuister of Truth Lodge, X"^o. 213, A. F. & A. M.
His political allegiance was given to the republican party until 1912, when he
joined the progressive party, and in 1916 was the candidate on its ticket for the
office of attorney general of the state. He has lieen city attornev for the past nine

WINNEBAGO AND IIAXCOCK COUNTIES 279

years and has made a most creditable record in that position. He lias also served
as a member of the school board and the cause of education has found in hiin a
stalwart champion. He and his family attend the Congregational and Methodist
churches and tlieir influence is always on the side of those forces of righteousness
and civic betternieiit which work lor the upbuilding of the community.

SAMUEL K. TUENER.

'I'here is probably no resident of Eake Mills with a wider or more favorable
:i((|uaintaiico throughout the county than Samuel K. Turner. He has made his
home in the town for many years but has continued to engage'in farming and has
met with gratifying success in that connection. Moreover, for more than three
decades he has been 'either deputy sheriff or constable. He was born i\Iarch 10,
1856, in Fennimore, Grant county, Wisconsin, and is a son of James and Harriett
(Brown) Turner. The former was born in Lancashire, England, and the latter
in Belgium but when a child was taken by her parents to Virginia. In early
maidiood the father emigrated to the United States and located in Lancaster,
Wisconsin, where he farmed until the discovery of gold in California. In 1849
he made the long journey to the Pacific coast and was more successful there than
the average miner as at the end of three years he returned to Wisconsin a wealthy
man. Ho took up his residence in Fennimore and became the owner of three
hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in that locality, engaging in raising
grain and stock until he enlisted as second lieutenant of a Wisconsin Infantry
Company for service in the Civil war. He was at the front for a year and a
half, or until the close of hostilities, and when honorably discharged held the rank
of captain. When peace had been restored he returned to Wisconsin and continued
to reside there during the remainder of his life. He died in 1870, when sixty-
three years of age, from the effects of a wound received in battle. He was one
of the foremost citizens of his section of the state and for a term filled the impor-
tant position of state treasurer. He was a brother of the well known General
Turner, who was killed in battle at the beginning of the Boer war. The mother
of our subject survived until 1800, ]iassing away at the advanced age of seventy-
seven years.

Samuel K. Turner was reared upon the homestead and in the acquirement
of his education attended the public schools. When he reached mature years he
look charge of the operation of the home place and also bought and sold horses,
so continuing until 1876. In that year he came to Winnebago county, Iowa, and
the following year, in partnership with his brother, purchased a half section of
land which is now worth one hundred and fifty dollars an acre but which they
bought for four and a half dollars an acre. They never operated tliat place and
in fact sold it after a few years. Mr. Turner of this review removed to Lake
Mills and for three years engaged in the livery business, and at the same time
served as deputy sheriff under J. H. Twito and M. C. Wheeler. He retained that
office for eleven years. Since the end of his connection with the sheriff's office,
or for twenty-three years, he has been constable, and has made a splendid record.
While still living in Wisconsin he was deputy sheriff for five years and the number

280 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

of times he lias been called to office testifies to the high esteem in which he has
always been held by his fellow citizens. In 181)3 he bought a quarter section of
land in'Logan tnwnshi]) and although continuing to reside in Lake Mills he has
farmed that place himself save for three years when he rented it to others. He
understands thoroughly the various phases of agricultural work, is industrious
and progressive, and his annual income ranks him among the substantial men
of his county. He is also a stock holder in the Farmers Elevator Company and
ihe Mutual Telephone Company and for thirty-five years he has engaged in auction-
eering, during which time he has ciied many sales occurring in the county. Although
the activities enumerated are seemingly sufficient to require all of his time and
energy he also practiced as a veterinarian from the age of fifteen years until two
years ago, retiring from that work in JDl."!.

Mr. Turner was married Se])tember 24, 1884, to Miss Minnie Witchenthal,
and tfi them were born five children, Ethel H., who married Earl Harkness'; Luhi
I)., whii nuirried (ius (4isinger, Beulali F., who married Dr. L. R. Turner, of
Eenwick, Iowa; Lyle K., who enlisted at the age of seventeen years in Troop M
of the Thirteenth Minnesota Cavalry and served eighteen months with that com-
mand, being stationed at Cohunbus, Xew Mexico, and El Paso, Texas; and Glenn F.

The wife and mother died January 12, 1890, and on the Idth of October.
1900, Mr. Turner was married to Mrs. Luretta M. (Robbins) Kyle, of Lake Mills,
the widow of tlie late John A. Kyle, who was the owner and editor of the Lake
Mills Graphic.

Mr. Turner is a stanch adherent of the republican party and discharges to the
full his civic duties and has served with ci'cdit as a member of the town council.
Fraternallv he belongs to the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen of America.

FRANK OTIS.

An excellent tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, Forest
township, Winnebago county, pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon
it by the owner, Frank Otis, whose life of diligence and determination has brought
to him a substantial measure of success. He was born in Winnebago county on
the l?th of Septeiid)cr, ]87(;, his father being J. J. Otis, of whom mention is
made elsewhere in this work. Spending his youthful days under the parental
roof, Frank Otis acquired his education in the public schools, mastering the usual
branches of learning wliil(> dixiding his time between the work of the schoolroom
and the work of the farm. He continued to assist his father in the development
of the fields until he attained his majority, when he started out in farm life on
his own account ami f(ir thri'c years rented land. He then purchased the farm
whereon he now resides on section 28, Forest township, comprising one hundred
and sixty acres and through the intervening period he has bent his energies to
te further development and improvement of this property. He has brought his
fields to a high state of cultivation and annually gathers good crops as a reward
for the care and labor which he bestows ui)on his place. He is prompt in all that
he undertakes and is systematic in his work. Aside from his farming he is a
stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Forest City. ,

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 281

On tlie 23d of September, 1903, Mr. Otis was married to ]Miss Katherine
McCann, who was born at Iowa Falls, Iowa, a daughter of William and Mary
(Cooiiej') McC'ann, who were natives of Ireland and New York respectively. The
father is now deceased but the mother is living in Forest City, Towa. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Otis are members of the Catholic church and in the coniiuunity where
they reside they are held in high esteem.

CHARLES L. BEADLE.

Cliarles L. Beadle is now a retired farmer living in Forest City. He was born
in Hancock county on the 16th of May, 1870, and has been a lifelong resident
of Iowa. His parents, George W. and Sarah (Streeter) Beadle, were pioneers
of this section and are mentioned at length on another page of this work.

The son was educated in the public schools and in the Dccorah (la.) Normal
School, after which he taught for one term, but on the expiration of that period
resumed farming, to which pursuit he had been reared, early becoming familiar
with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. His father's
training well qualified him for later responsibilities and he took up farming on
his own account in Ellington township, Hancock county, where he purchased land
on which he resided for twenty-one years. In the spring of 1916 he removed
to Forest City, where he is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of his former
intelligently directed effort. He still owns a farm of one hundred and fifty acres,
from which he derives a substantial income, and the success of his former years
enables him to have all of life's comforts and many of its luxuries.

In September, 1893, Mr. Beadle was united in marriage to Miss Mary Streeper,
of Britt, Iowa, and they have become the parents of four children : Irene L., a
teacher in the schools of Hancock county ; Lois M., a teacher in the Winnebago
county schools; Sarah C, who is attending Waldorf College at Forest City; and
George M., a pupil in the graded schools.

In his political views Mr. Beadle is a republican and has ever been a close
student of the political questions and issues of the day but has never been an
office seeker. He represents one of the old pioneer families of the county and has
himself been a resident of this section for forty-seven j'ears. He has a wide
acquaintance and those who know him speak of him in terms of warm regard.

A. 0. STALHEIM.

Winnebago county has no more progressive or up-to-date farmer living in its
midst than A. 0. Stalheim, who owns and operates a highly improved farm on
section 21, Norway township. He was born in Norway on the 17th of November,
1864, and is a son of Ole and Olina (Andrea) Anderson, also natives of that
country, where the mother died. The father, who is a farmer by occupation, is
still living there. In their family were seven children, all of whom are still living.
Two are still in Norway but five have come to the new world.

•J82 \VIXXKHA(i() AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Mr. Stalheim of this review is the oldest of the family. In his native land
ho grew to manhood, being nineteen years of age when he came to the United
States alone to try his fortune, believing that better opportunities were afforded
young men on this side of the Atlantic than in the older countries of Europe.
TTis destination was Sharon, Wisconsin, where he worked as a section hand on the
railroad for eight years, but has since devoted his time and attention to farming.
He was twenty-seven years of age when he arrived in Winnebago county and for
several years was employed as a farm hand in Norway township. Later he engaged
in farming for himself upon rented land and in 1910 purchased the northwest
quarter of section 31, Norway township, where he now makes his home. In con-
nection with the operation of his (iwn Innd he cultivates the southeast quarter of
section 20, which he rents.

Since buying his farm Mr. Stalheim has made many improvements thereon.
He has remodeled the residence, making it modern in every respect, and has built
the finest barn in Winnebago county and perhaps in the northern part of the
state. It is a large cement foundation structure with the upper part of frame,
with cement floors, Lowden stanchions and stalls, electric lights and water, sewer
and ventilating tubes. There are refuse carriers traveling on .suspended overhead
tracks and each stall has individual convertible feeding and watering cement
troughs. Mr. Stalheim is now jilanning to build a hog Uam on the same plan
and also a cess tank for refuse. When these are completed he will have one of
the most modern and up-to-date farms in the state, with all its equipment
efficient and sanitary.

At the age of nineteen years Mr. Stalheim was married in Wisconsin to Miss
Mary Jurgenson, whose parents never came to the United States but she came
over on the same shiji with her husband. To them were born three children,
namely: Ole, who is married and living near Northwood, Iowa; Nels, who is also
married and living near Joice, Iowa: and Edward, who is single and at home.
The mother of these children died in Wisconsin in 1895 and was buried at Jefferson
Prairie, that state. Mr. Stalheim was again married in 1807, his second union
being with Miss Mary Sanden. a daughter of Erick and Katrina Sanden, of
Norway townshi]), Winnebago county, Iowa, who are now deceased and are buried
in Lime ('reek cemetery. There was one child by this marriage, Gina, at home.

The family hold membership in the Synod Lutheran church and are people
of prominence in the community where they reside. Since becoming an American
citizen Mr. Stalheim has affiliated with the republican party but has taken no
active part in politics aside from voting.

DANIEL H. PETERSON.

For many years Daniel H. Peterson engaged in farming in Winnebago county,
but is now living retired in Lake Mills, having accumulated a competence and
feeling that he has earned a period of leisure. He was born in Norway, January
30, 18.'33, and has therefore passed the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey,
but in health and mental vigor seems many years younger. He is a son of Ilan^
and Caruline Peterson, also natives of Norway, where the father engaged in

O
-■4

POir.': f.:;:-ARy

AV1NNEBA(J() AND HANCOCK COUNTIEH 285

farming until liis death, whicli occurred wlien his son Daniel H. was about ten
j-ears old. The mother subsequently removed with he. children to the United
States.

Daniel 11. Peterson, after remaining at Waupaca, Wisconsin, during the first
summer of his residence in this country, removed to La Salle county, Illinois,
whence three years later he went to Rochester, Minnesota. He was employed on
farms in that vicinity for about six years and on the 4th of July, 1865, arrived in
Winnebago county, Iowa, lie took up a homestead in Center townshij), which
was then practically a frontier region, the only other settlers being Charles
Smith and Helen Benson Oroe. He erected a log liouse, in which he resided for
a number of years, although later it was replaced by a commodious frame struc-
ture. He made other imjirovements upon his farm and in all his work strove
to combine progressiveness with practicality with the result that as the years
passed his resources steadily increased. In 1893 he retired and removed to Lake
.\rills, where he has since resided.

When twenty-four years old Mr. Peterson was married to Miss Martha Angle-
son, of La Salle county, Illinois, who passed away twenty-five years later. To
them weie born ten children, of whom foiir survive, namely: Hans, who is
residing upon the home farm; Nels, a resident of I.iake Mills; Bessie, now ]\Irs.
Tom Angleson, of Brock, South Dakota; and Martha, the wife of H. M. John-
son, who resides near Blanchardville, Wisconsin. The wife and mother was
buried in the North cemetery. In 1S83 Mr. Peterson married Miss Ilarborg
Angleson, a sister of his first wife.

Mr. Peterson supports republican candidates and measures at the polls, but
has never sought office as a reward for his party fealty. The rules which govern
his life are found in the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church and his
close adherence to high ethical standards has gained him the respect of all who
know him. He was quick to recognize and take advantage of opportunities, and
although he began his independent career empty handed, he is now financially
independent. After he had begun to prosper he loaned money without interest
to twenty-three friends in Norway to pay their transportation across the Atlantic
and all of them emigrated to this country, where they too, met with success.
He is stanch in his loyalty to America and all that it stands for, and has ever
been willing to place the general good above his private interests.

NATHAN BRONES.

Nathan Brones, who is engaged in general agricultural pursuits on section 33,
Mount Valley township, was born on what is known as the old Brones homestead,
on section 7 of the same township, and has been a lifelong resident of Winnebago
county. His natal day was July 10, 1877, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Peter
N. Brones, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work.

The son remained under the parental roof through the period of his boyhood
and youth and divided his time between the acquirement of an education in the
district schools and the work of the fields, for he early assisted in planting, caring
for and harvesting the crops. On attaining his majority he did not seek to change

286 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

liis occupation but began farming on his own account on the old homestead, which
lie rented for a year. During the succeeding three years he rented and cultivated
other land and while thus engaged he carefully saved his earnings so that he was
then able to pui'cluisc forty acres and thereby became the owner of a tract on
section 21, IMount Valley township. He resided there for two or three years,
after which he went to North Dakota and took up a homestead of one hundred
and si.xty acres. Jle proved uji on that property and subsequently sold it for
twenty-five Immlred dollars. On returning to Winnebago countv ho purchased
his present home farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he has lived
since 1911. It was a tract of wild laud when it came into his possession. He
erected thereon substantial farm buihlings, dug out the brush, fenced the land
and converted tlie place into rich and productive fields. He today has a valuable
and fertile farm and the land which he purchased for $36.25 per acre he now
regards as worth more than one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. In
fact he has recently refused that sum. There are good buildings upon the place
and he employs modern farm machinery in facilitating the work of the fields.

In 1901 Mr. I^rones was married to Miss Malena Felbind. a daughter of
Torjus Felland, one of the pioneer settlers of Mount Valley township, who arrived
here in the "60s and who is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Brones have had seven
children, of whom six are living, Gladys A., Lyle S., Alpha (<!., Palmer F., Stanley
E. and Mildred M. The ])arents attend the Norwegian Methodist Episcopal church
and they are well known in their section of the county, whrre thev have a circle
of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acfpiaintance.

T. A. SORBON.

T. A. Sorbon, who is living retired in Lake Mills, was born in Norway, May
3, 1854, but wdien fourteen years old accompanied the rest of the family on their
emigration to the United States. His parents, Andreas and Pollen (Scar) Sorbon,
believed that better opjiortunities awaited them in this country than in their native
land and found their hopes more than realized. They came here in 1868 and
for a year resided in Dane county, Wisconsin, after which they removed to Mitchell
county, Iowa, where the father purchased a farm which he operated until 1891,
when he removed to Lake Mills. He lived retired there until his death in 1896 and a
year later the mother also passed away. They were buried in the North cemetery.

T. A. Sorbon, who is the oldest in a family of four children, received his
education in the common ' schools of Norway and through assisting his father with
the farm work received valuable training in the cultivation of the fields and the
care of stock. When twenty-five years old he purchased land in Mitchell county
and his time and attention were taken up with its cultivation until 1891, when
he disposed of the place and took up his residence in Lake Mills. He became a
member of the firm of Sorbon & Aasgaard, dealers in hardware, and remained in
that connection ior four years. In 1896, however, he bought out the Nelson
interests in the Scar-Nelson clothing store and was part owner of that business
for fourteen years. Upon disposing of his interest in that store he purchased a
farm near Scarville and for five years followed agricultural pursuits there. He

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 287

tlien retired from active life and took up his residence in Lake Mills, where in
1915 he erected a fine modern home.

Mr. Sorbon was married in 1886 to Miss Carrie Lindeley, a daughter of 0. 0.
and Carrie Lindeley, of Mitchell county, Iowa, by whom he has four living children:
Edward K. and Louis H., who are residents of Rapid City, South Dakota; and
Cora E. and Alma ()., both at home.

The democratic party has a stanch supporter in Mr. Sorbon, who, however,
has limited liis participation in politics to the exercise of his right of franchise.
He is a member of the Masonic blue lodge, in whicli he has filled all the chairs,
and his religious faith is indicated in his membersliip in the United Lutheran
church. The competence which he has gained, which enables him to rest from
further labor, has been acfpiired solely througli his own efforts and is evidence of
his enterprise and sound judgment.

T. L THOMPSON.

T. 1. Thompson, who is residing upon his finely improved farm of three hundred
and twenty acres on section 35, Linden township, Winnebago couty, is one of the
foremost men of his township and at one time held title to from twelve to thirteen
hundred acres of land, but has now disposed of his holdings save for his home
place. He was born in Norway, December 22, 1855, a son of Knute and Sena
(Goodmanson) Thompson, the latter of whom died when he was but two weeks
old. The father came to the United States about 1882, and from that time until
his death in 1902 mad,e his home with his son, T. I.

The last named received his early education in his native country, but in 1872,
when in his seventeenth year, came to the United States on a sailing vessel which
required eight weeks to make the voyage. He landed at Quebec, Canada, in July
of that year, and at once made his way to the United States, locating in Lee county,
Hlinois. He secured work on a farm and was given the privilege of attending
school during the winter months. After spending about five years as a farm hand
in Lee county he went to Chicago, where he found employment on the government
piers as a ca^-penter. For six years he made his home in that city and then was
for three years a resident of Story county, Iowa, fanning rented land during that
time. In 1885 he removed to Winnebago county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of his present farm on section 35, Linden township. He was from
the start very successful as an agriculturist and as he prospered he invested in
additional land until he became the owner of between twelve and thirteen hundred
acres. In 1905, however, since he did not wish to be burdened with the over-
sight of the operation of so much land, he disposed of his holdings save the
three hundred and twenty acre farm in Linden township on which he resides.
This place is one of the model farms of the township and the equipment includes
all implements that have been devised to increase the efficiency of farm work. He
also owns stock in the Crystal Lake Savings Bank.

In 1880 occurred the marriage of Mr. Thompson and Miss Rebecca Baggeson,
a native of Norway, and they have become the parents of six children as follows:
Harry I., and Walter J., both of whom are farming in Forest township, Winnebago

288 WINNEBA(!() AN'D HAXCOCK COTNTIES

county; Ai'tluir J., wlm is ii I'ai'inrr ami cattlr man rcsiilinii in Allicrta. Canaila;
Frank ]., and Mabel and Lilly, at Immc

Mr. Tliomjisun wupjioi'ts the rcpuhliian party ami has fur many years served
as a nienilicr cif the school ixianl hut has not behl any other office. His wife and
children belong to. the Methodist Episcopal clnircli in the work of which they take
an active part. The signal measure of success which lu' has gained as a farmer has
been due in large measure to his progressive spirit, ami this has also characterized
liim ill his relation to bis community, as he lias a( all times stood firmly for
measures calculatetl to iiromote the common good.

WJLLIAM H. ANNETT.

William II. Annett, owner and eilitor of the Huffalri Center Tribune, has
devoted his entire cari't-r lo newspaper work ami his long and varied experience
in that field is evidenced in the efficiency which he dis])lays in the management
of his present paper. That he has time to devote to other interests than his private
business affairs is fortunate for bis community, for he possesses sound judgment
and the ability to secure hearty cooperation from his associates in any undertaking,
and as mayor of Butfalo Centei' he has done much to ftirward the interests of the
municipality. He was born in (Jalena, Illinois, duly '^\K 1S7!. and is of English
descent. His parents, .lohn I'>. and Harriet ( Kicbardson ) Annett. rciuoxed there
after coming to America many years ago. The father was a shoemaker by trade,
but after locating in (laleiia, became connected with the ])olice department there
and for several years held the office of chief. At the time of the Civil war he
enlisted in Company C, Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served through-
out the period of hostilities with the rank of first lieutenant. After the restoration
of |)eaee he went to S)K'ncer, Iowa, and took n]i a homestead in that locality, but
as the grasshopper plague caused him to suffer beavv financial loss lie returned to
(jalena, Illinois, where he lived until 1S7T. In that year be again became a
resident of Spencer, Iowa, and sei'vetl as the first city marshal. Moreover, the
Grand .Vrmy ])ost there is named in bis honor. He passed away in July, 188t),
deejdy mourned by his many friends. Our subject's grandmothei', Mary Richardson,
was the custodian of Ceneral (irant's home at (ialena and tber(> John 1>. "Annett
was mari'icd to Miss ilarriel Itichardson. who sni'vives him and makes her home
in lilaho.

William H. Annett was only a child at the time of his fathi'iV death, but
as he was the oldest son be bad to go to work and bel]) su]iport the family. He
left school wlien twelve years old and entered a printing office, there learning the
trade. He has ever since been identified with newspajier offices and has made
gratifying jirogress in his chosen work. Fm- nine years he was foreman of the
Chiv County News, in which he bought an interest in 1895, but three years later
be disposed of his holdings therein and became part owner of the Spencer Reporter,
with which be severed his connection, however, in 1004. He then went to Idaho
and for six years was foreman of a large pidilisbing house in that state, but returned
to Iowa on account of his wife's health. For a year he was employed in Sioux
City and in I'-M'? came to Buffalo Center, Towa. and iiurchased the Buffalo Center

WINNEBAGO AND HANC'()(;K C^OTNTIKS 289

Tribune, which he has since owned and edited, llis plant is well e(|uipped and in
addition to publishing the Tribune he docs a large job business. He has won
an enviable reputation for enterprise, high class work and honorable dealing and
has been markedly successful both as a newspaper publisher and as a job printer.
Mr. Annett was married June 2, 1897, to Miss Jessie Bender and they have
had two children: Marguerite, who was born in May, 1898, and died in 1901; and
Pauline, born in September, 1904. Mr. Annett is a republican in his political
belief and since 1916 has been mayor of Buffalo Center. His work as a newspaper
man has naturally kept him in close touch with public affairs and this knowledge
of matters pertaining to local government has been of great value to him in the
discharge of his duties as mayor, enabling him to work efficiently for the town's
good. His public service has also included his incumbency of the office of secretary
of the Winnebago-Kossuth Institute and Short Course for two years and he still
takes a most lively interest in plans for giving farmers the benefit of the scientific
investigation that is constantly being made along agricultural lines. lie is a
member of the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias. He also belongs to
the Congregational church and is a member of the male cjuartette there and his
wife is choir leader. His varied interests make such heavy demands upon his
time and energy as would tax the powers of a less enterprising man, but he is
never so busy that he cannot find time to give to his friends, of whom there are
many.

SAMUEL KLIPPING.

Samuel Klipping, of Forest City, is now living retired after long lonnection
with agricultural interests in Hancock county. He was born in Stephenson county,
Illinois, March 23, 1853, a son of Conrad and Marie Klipping, who were natives
of Germany, where they were reared and married. While they were en route
for America their eldest child, a daughter, was born on shipboard. They became
pioneer settlers of Stephenson county, Illinois, where the father secured land and
engaged in farming until his death.

Samuel Klipping attended the common schools to the age of sixteen years and
afterward worked for his father upon the home farm until he attained his twenty-
second year. He then rented land and began farming on his own account, con-
tinuing his connection with agricultui-al interests in liis native i-ounty for fourteen
years. In 1890 he arrived in Hancock county, Iowa and the following year
removed his family, after which he cultivated a rented farm for four years. In
1895 he purchased three hunilred and twenty acres of land, which he cultivated
until the spring of 1916, or for a period of twenty-one years, after which he retired
to Forest City, where he is now most comfortably and pleasantly located. He
still owns one hundred and sixty-six acres of his farm, while his son George is
now owner of the remainder. His place returns to him a gratifying animal income,
for he has converted the land into rich and productive fields.

In 1876 Mr. Klipping was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Meyer, of Stephenson
county, Illinois, by whom he had eleven children, ten of whom still survive, as
follows : George, an agriculturist of Hancock county ; Eose, who is the wife of

290 WINNEBAdO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Henry Schiiltz, of Winnebago county; Jet^sie, who is married and lives in Waterloo,.
Iowa; Artliur, a resident of Eed Lake Falls, Minnesota; Elmer, living on the
home farm; Louisa, the wife of Leonard Bryant, of Waterloo; Clara, who is the
wife of Henry Jones, of Estherville, Iowa; Roy, living on the home farm; Leonard,
who is in the employ of Henry Sr-hultz : and Tma who is employed as a clerk in
Waterloo, Iowa.

Mr. Klipping exercises his right of franchise in support of tlie men and
measures of the republican party. He has for three years been township trustee
but could nc\er be called a politician in the sense of office seeking although he
keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He started out in
life empty handed, but he early realized the fact that determination and energy
are the basis of honorable success. He has worked his way upward along those
lines and what he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his time and
his innate powers and talents. ■.•■ .

HANS AND HALVOR FUGLEBERG.

Hans and Halvor Fugleberg, actively interested in faiming on section 7, Center
township, have one hundred and twenty acres of land in their home farm and
have cither investments in land and business enterprises. They are well known
and substantial citizens of Winnebago county, within the borders of which they
have always lived. They were born in Forest township, Hans on the 29th of
April, 1875, and Halvor on the 4th of February, 1R70. They are sons of Ole
and Mary Fugleberg, who were natives of Norway and in 1865 came to America,
settling first in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming
for seven years. He then sold that property and removed to Winnebago county,
purchasing one hundred and si.xty acres of land in Forest township. This he
improved and cultivated for seventeen years, when he sold out and took up his
abode in Center township, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of land on
section 7. He cultivated and developed this property throughout his remaining
days, his life's labors being ended in death on the 5th of September, 1907. His
wife had previously passed away, her death occurring June 6, 1900.

Hans and Halvor Fugleberg spent their youthful days upon the farms on
which their parents lived in Forest and Center townships. They attended the
district schools and as they advanced in age and strength they more and more
largely assisted in the work of the home farm. Following the death of the father
Hans Fugleberg purchased the home place of one hundred and twenty acres and
Halvor Fugleberg bought an eighty-acre tract on section 6, Center townsliip, just
north of the home place. They have since together operated the entire tract of
two hundred acres and have made it one of the productive farms of the county.
They work persistently and diligently in the further development of the property,
and their practical and progressive methods are indicated in the success which has
attended them. They are stockholders in the Farmers Elevator Company and in
the Lake Mills Creamery Company, while Hans is a stockholder in the Farmers
Elevator Company of Scarville.

Like many of the people of Norwegian nationality or descent, the Fugleberg

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 291

brothers adhere to the faith of the Lutheran churuh and guide tlieir lives by its
teachings. Tliey vote with the republican party and keep well informed on the
questions and issues of the day, so that they are able to support their position
by intelligent argument.

ANDREW CHAELSON.

Andrew Charlson is a retired farmer of Forest township, Winnebago county,
who now makes his home on section 23. He is a representative of that large and
substantial quota of citizens that Norway has furnished to Iowa, his birth having
occurred in that country on the 13th of October, 1841. In 1853 his parents, Carl
Anderson and Bertha (Halverson) Charlson, came to the United States with their
family from Anfenesrue, near Drammen, Norway, on a sailing vessel that took
sin-en weeks to make the voyage. They established their home in Dane county,
Wisconsin. The father was employed on the construction of the Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul Railroad from Stoughton to iladison, Wisconsin, and he continued
his residence in that state until called to his final rest, after which the mother
brought the family to Winnebago county, Iowa, in 1866.

Andrew Charlson was reared and educated in Dane county, Wisconsin, pursuing
his studies in one of the old-time log schoolhouses, with its slab benches and other
primitive furnishings, while the methods of instruction were almost as crude in
those pioneer times. However, in the school of experience he has learned many
practical and valuable lessons. In the spring of 1866 he came to Winnebago
county, Iowa, with his mother and in connection with her purchased a small tract
of land in Forest township on which was a log cabin. In that primitive home
the family was established and there resided for several years. Mr. Charlson was
ambitious and industrious and througii his earnest and indefatigable effort he was
able to earn the money that enabled him from time to time to add to his posses-
sions. He has- at intervals made purchases until he is now the owner of eight
hundred acres of valuable farm land, all of which he has improved and which is
now being further developed and cultivated by his children, with the exception of
the small tract of fifty acres whereon he now resides. This splendid property is
the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. In addition
to his farming interests he is a stock holder in the Lake Mills Lumber Company
and in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of Forest City.

On July 26, 1870, Mr. Charlson was married to Miss Bertha C. Peterson, a
native of La Salle county, Illinois, and a daughter of Hans H. Peterson, who came
to America from Norway in 1850 and settled in La Salle county, Illinois. In
that state he was married to Kristana Thors Nelson Vareberg, who emigrated to
America from Stavanger, Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Charlson have become parents
of seven children, of whom five are yet living, namely: Clarence H., who follows
farming in Winnebago county ; Bertha M., the wife of George Klipping, a resident
farmer of Hancock county; and Joseph W., Arthur Bliss and Irving W., all of
whom are farmers of this part of the state, taking up the work for their father
upon his land.

Mr. and Mrs. Charlson are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church

292 WINXKBAfio AXi) IIAXCOCK COUXTIES

anil liiive giiided their lives acconliiig to its teachings. His ])()litical endorsement
is given to the repiiblican party and in 1864 he first exercised his right of franchise
by voting for Abraham Lincoln. It was in that year that he joined the Union
army as a soldici- of the Civil wai-. becoming a member of Company I, Fcirty-third
Wisconsin Infantry, with which he remained until the cessation of hostilities. He
has served as a member of the school board in his district and has filled several
of th<' townshi]) offices, the duties of which he has ever dischargccl with i)i'(imptness
and fidelity. He is today luuubcred auumg the old settlers of Winnebago county
and is one of its most highly estecnieil citizens. He certainly deserves much credit
for what be has accom])lished, for he lias worked diligently and with determination
to win his success and his life record indicates what may be accomplished when
there is a will to dare and to do. He did not shirk the responsibilities that early
came io him nor grundde that I'ati' was unkind to him but worked along lines
that led to success and is today nnc nl' the prosjierous citizens of Winnebago county.

JOHN N. BRUDVICr.

John N. Brudvig, actively aiu.l successfully engaged in general farming on
section 8I», Norway township, Winnebago county, was born in a little island
calleol Osterand, in the northeastern ])art of Bergen, Norway, his natal day being
April 20, 1844. His ])arents were N^els and Anna (Olson) Anderson, farming
people, who had a family of three children, of whom John N. was the eldest.
His two brothers were Andrew M. anil Ole Brudvig. The former became an
early settler of Norway township, Winnebago county, Iowa, and contributed to
the pioneer development of that section, where he lived for many years and then
|)assed to the home beyond. The younger brother died in Norway in 18()(j, when
but eighteen years of age. The mother passed away in Norway in 1871. It
was more than a decade later, or in 1882, that the father emigrated to the United
States. In the meantime he had married again and by the second union there
were Imrn three children; .\nilrew j\I., now a minister of the gospel in Colton,
South Dakota; Emma, the wife of Andrew J. Brudvig, of Stutsman county.
North Dakota ; and Bertha, the wife of Joseph Johnson, of Thompson, Iowa.
On loniing with his family to the new world the father made his way at once
to the home of his son, John N^. Brudvig, and lived with him for three years.
He then ])urchased a farm on section 20, Norway township, and continued to
further develop and improve the place until his death, which occurred in 1000.
His widow is still living and now makes her home with a daughter in Thompson,
Iowa. In his political views Mr. Anderson was a republican, for his study of
the political situation of the country led him to the belief that the principles
of that jtarty cnntained the best elements of good government. His religious
faith was that of the United Lutheran church. lie was a self-made man, his
persistency of purpose and his energy enabling him to overcome obstacles and
difficulties and work his way steadily upward to success.

John N. Brudvig attended the public schools near his boyhood home until he
reached the age of sixteen years, when he began earning his living as a farm
hand and was thus employed in N^orway until 1867. He then resolved to try his

WINNEBAGO AND IIAXL'OCK C'DlXTiEN 295

fortunu ill the new world and came alone to the United States, making the voyage
on a sailing vessel. lie crossed the country to Lodi, Columbia county, Wisconsin,
where he secured emjiloyment as a farm hand and thus worked until the fall of
1870, wlien he removed to Worth county, Iowa, and secured employment near
iSTorthwood. He remained in the service of others for six years and in 1873 he
bought the south half of the southwest (|uarter of section 39, Norway township.
He paid for it by working in Worth county and in 1877 he took up his abode
upon that place, binding liis efforts to the work of clearing, developing and
improving the place. He has converted the wild land into productive fields, from
which he annually gathers good harvests. He is interested in the Farmers Ele-
vator at Scarville, Iowa, and in the Scarville Creamery.

It was in 1S83 that Mr. Brudvig was united in marriage to Miss Lena Holmset,
a daughter of John Olson and Johanna (Ludvigson) Holmset, both now deceased,
their remains having been interred in the Lime Creek cemetery. Mr. and IMrs.
Brudvig have become the parents of ten children : John, who is now living in
Logan township ; Nels, who is assisting in the operation of the home farm ;
Martin, who died in 1911 at the age of twenty-five years; Anna, who passed
away in 1910 at the age of twenty-two years; Hannah, who is living in Mason
City; Carl, a resident of Logan townshi]); Hilda, also of Mason City; Emma,
who died in infancy; and Emma, second of the name, and Clara, both at home.

Mr. Brudvig votes with the republican party, but while he has never sought
nor desired political office he has served as school director for a number of terms
and believes in sustaining good schools in order that the children may have the
training which fits them for life's practical and responsible duties. Both he
and his wife are members of the Synod Ijutheran church. Mr. Brudvig has never
had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he
has found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has worked
his way steadily upward. Energy and ability have brought him to the front as
a successful farmer and his life record should serve as a means of encouragement
to others, showing what may be accomplished through individual labor.

CASPER K. MOE.

I'louiinent among the citizens that Norway has furnished Hancock county is
Casper K. Moe of Concord township, who has steadily prospered since coming to
the new world and is today one of the most substantial men of the community.
He was born in Norway on the 1st of February, 1858, a son of Christian and
Bertha (Tolloson) Moe, who were lifelong residents of that country. There Mr.
Moe was reared and educated, being twenty-two years of age when he crossed the
ocean and located in Boston in 1880. He worked at the shoemaker's trade in that
city for six months and then came west.

It was in 1S81 that Mr. Moe arrived in Hancock county, Iowa, with whose
interests he has since been identified. For a short time he worked as a section
hand on the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad but on the 18th of August, 1881,
accepted a position in a shoe store in Garner, where he was employed for two years
and a half, and then engaged in the same line of business on his own account for

296. WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

eight yeai'R. Tii ISSI' he ]iurchased three luindreil :inil twenty acres of hind on
section 28, Concord township, Hancock county, .for which he paid the liigliesf
price ever given for land in this county ui> to that time, and in 1917 he sohl the
tract for two hniidi-cil and twelve and a half dollars per acre, which is the i-ecord
price paid for land in this locality. It is needless to say that his farm was the
finest in Concord township, it heing under excellent cultivation and splendidly
improved with suhstantial liuildings. which stood as monuments to his thrift an<l
enterprise. Mr. Moe has not confined his attention wdiolly to agricultural pursuits
liut has hecome interested in a number of business enterprises which have had an
important bearing upon the prosperity and development of Hancock county. From
lIKI'i to lino he served as ])resident of the Farmers National Bank of Gai-ner;
was one of the original stockholders and the first treasurer of the Farmers Coopera-
tive Elevatdi- ('(ini)iany: and also a stockholder of the Co(")|)erative Creamery at
(lamer.

On the 'v'Sth of Januai-y, 18.sri, Mr. Moe was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Elizabeth Stork, who was born in Wisconsin, May 15. 18()(i, and is a daughter of
Joseph and Barbara Stork, natives of Germany and Bohemia respectively. In 1870
her ]iarcnts became residents of Muscoda, (irant county, Wisconsin, but are now
deceased, ilr. and Jlrs. Moe have three children, namely: Chester II., who
married Dorothy Reeves, a native of Missouri; Vera I., the^wife of Walter II.
]\Ioore, a native of Indiana; and Vivian Lucille, who is at home.

Since becoming an American citizen. Mr. Moe has affiliated with the repid)lican
]iarty ajid has taken quite an active and infinential part in local politics. He has
given special attention to educational affairs and served as school trustee six years,
school treasurer ten years and school director for six years. In religious faith he
is a Congregationalist, and in his fraternal relations is connected with the blue
lodge, chapter, council and commandery of the Masonic order. He is also a mem-
ber of the Eastern Star and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He is
a num of prominence in his community and has the confidence and respect of all
who know him.

B. C. BURDICK.

B. C. Burdick, a highly respected retired farmer living in Lake Mills, was born
in Cedar Falls on the 3d of August, 1861, and is a son of Alfred and Sarah (Platts)
Burdick, natives of Pennsylvania and New Hampshire respectively. The fatbei-
came to Iowa in young manhood and the mother was brought to this state when a
girl liy her brother, Henry Platts. Mr. and Mrs. Burdick resided for a short
time in Cedar Falls and were pioneer settlers in both Winnebago county and in
Worth county, just across the line. The father had extensive land holdings in both
counties, including a homestead on Burdick island in Rice lake, near Lake Mills.
In the '60s he conducted a store in Bristol, Worth county, in connection with his
farm. Both be and his wife are decea.sed and are buried in Sunnyside cemetery in
Lake Mills.

B. C. Burdick attended the district schools until he was sixteen years of age
and durinir tlie following nine vears worked for his father. When twcntv-five years

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES '-'97

old he was married aud purcliased a farm in Silver Lake township. Worth county,
which he operated for eleven years. He then rented that place and took up his
residence in Lake Hills, hut nine years later bought a farm in Bristol township.
Worth county. After following agricultural pursuits there for five years lie retired
from at-tive life and became a resident of Lake Mills. He is in envial>le
financial cii'cumstances and is assured nf all the comforts of life without further
recourse to lalior.

Mr. Burdick was married in 1887 to Miss Xellie Wright, a daughter of Abel J.
and Anice (Balsom) Wright, natives of New York state, where they were married
and six of their children were born. The father came to Iowa in 1868 but did not
bring his family until 1873, making several trips between New York and Iowa
in the meantime. In 1873 the family located in Bristol, Worth county, Iowa, and
the father conducted a st(.ire there and also engaged in farming. In 1886 he
removed to Lake Mills, Winnebago county, and retired from ai-tive life. He died
September 5, 1904, and his wife January 17, 1!)14, and both an.' huried in Sunny-
side cemetery. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Burdick, namely:
Juva N., the wife of Milton Bergland, of Mason City; Beryl, who married Glenn
Gaskill, of Lake Mills ; Clarence A. ; and Donald, who died in infancy.

Mr. Burdick is a democrat in his political belief and his interest in public atlairs
is that of a good citizen. He served many years as a member of the school board
in Worth county and was trustee for several years. He is a member of the Yeomen
and of the Methodist church, associations which indicate the nature of his interests.
He has a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the county, his salient qual-
ities being such as invariably command respect and regard.

MARTIN I. MARTINSON.

Martin 1. Martin.son has been a resident of Winnebago county, Iowa, since six
3'ears of age and since reaching man's estate has been prominently identified with
her agricultural interests, now owning and operating a good farm on section 29,
Norway township. He is a native of the neighboring state of Wisconsin, his
birth occurring in Lafayette county, June 24, 1859, and he is a son of Ingebrit and
Gertrude (Odden) Martinson, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of
Ole I. Martinson on another page of this volume.

Martin I. Martinson accompanied his parents on their removal to Winnebago
county, Iowa, about 1865, and here he pursued his studies in the public schools
until sixteen years of age. He remained at home until twenty-five and then
purchased the southeast quarter of section 39, Norway township, and also tlie west
half of the southwest quarter of section 28. Upon this farm he has since resided
and has given his undivided attention to its cultivation and improvement with
good results. He is now a stockhohler in the Farmers Elevator, Lake Mills
Creamery Company and Farmers Lumber Company of Lake Mills and is one of
the well-to-do citizens of his community.

On the 29th of March, 1884, Mr. Mai'tinson was uniteil in marriage to Miss
Lena Anderson, a daughter of Ole and Carrie Anderson, who were natives of
Norway and came to tlic United States forty years ago. The father was a farmer

298 WlXXEBA(i(» AND IIAXCOCK CoTXTIES

and passed away in Wiinicliagu cmiiity in 1<S!)7. He is hurieil in Lime Creek eenie-
tery. Tlie niotlier is living in Wisconsin at tlie age of eighty-three years. To
Mr. and Mrs. Mai'tinson liave heen liorn twelve children, of whom the followini;'
are still lixiiin: liigclirit .M.. a resident nf Center township: (aid <_)scar, of Lake
Mills: SeJnia ('.. the wife of Md .lohnsoii. nl' ('ciitei' towiishiii. W'innehago county;
(Jlara ('., the wife of Alfred 'rhomjison, of Center township; and (iilma, Annetta
('., Aliei' B.. Mel\in (). and Williani K., all at home.

The family are identilled with the Synod Lutheran ehiirch ami in polities Mr.
^lartinson aifiliates with the reimhlican pai'ty. in whdse prineiph's and policies
he firnilv helieves. For a numher of years he lilled the otlice of sehool dii-eetor and
the cause of education has always found in him a faithful friend. Wherever known,
lie is held in high regard and he is ninnhered among the representative citizens
of his locality.

NELS P. BAYERS.

Among the most pros])eroiis residents of Winnebago county is Nels P. Bayer?,
a retired farmer now living in Forest City. There is much of interest concerning
his life record and (he methods wlii<-li he has pursued in the jittainment of success
that can with ]u-olit he set down. He was born in Sclileswig-Holstein, Denmark,
May (5, 184.S, a son of Christ ami Carrie ( Vestergaard ) Bayers, the former of wdiom
dieil in (icrinaiiy and the latter in Copenhagen.

Reared under the jiareiital roof. Xels P. Bayers acquired his education in his
native countiy and was a y(Uing man of twenty-three years when in 1871 he
crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling in Manistee, Michigan, on the
25th of October of that year. There he was united in marriage to Miss Bertha
Marie Anderson, who came to the United States from Denmark in 1872. For
five years Mr. Bayers continued a resident of Michigan, l)ut thinking to find lietter
o])Iior1unities in the west, resolved to remove to Iowa.

It was in 1876 that he arrived in Hancock county and purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land in I-^ritt township, ten miles west (jf Garner, which he sold
shortly afterwards. He then bought forty acres four miles east of Carner, where
he remained for two years, after which he sold that and jmrchased ninety acres
in Ellington township, which he cultivated for a time. I>atcr he disposed of that
land and bought one hundred and sixty acres in the same townshiji. His next
investment made him owner of one hnndred and sixty acres adjoining and still
later he bought one hundred and eighty acres where the town of Miller is now
located. He continued to occupy and cultivate his farm in F^llington township
until 1901, when he retired and removed to Forest City. He remains, however,
an extensive holder of farm lands, his possessions including five hundred and forty-
seven acres of valuable land near Rochester, Minnesota, two hundred and thirty-si.x
acres near Charles City, Iowa, one hundred and sixty acres of irrigated land in
Laramie county, Wyoming, and eighty acres of land in Sumner county, Kansas,
which has become very valuable owing to oil discoveries there. Mr. Bayers
is rated among the wealthy men of Forest City. He has been very successful,
for although lie came to this country a poor young man, he has worked his

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 299

way steadily upward. When he arrived in Manistee, Michigan, he had had
no breakfast and possessed not a penny to buy his dinner. Two days later he
had fifteen dollars in his pocket, which his earnest labor had brought him —
as much money as he made in the mother country in six months. lie was
ambitious and determined to get ahead. He worked hard, utilizing evci-y advan-
tage that would enal)le liini to progress in a business way, and year iiy year inMrke<l
an increase in his fortunes, owing to his persistent effort, his careful invest-
ment and his keen sagacity. In addition to his farming interests lie became the
organizer of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Hancock County, of which
for twelve years he was the president. He was also the organizer of the Farmers
Alliance of Hancock County and foi- two years served as its president. He is
now a stockholder in the First National Hank of Forest City. For many years he
was president of the Farmers Mutual Creamery Company (if Forest City, the first
mutual creamery company in Winnebago county.

In 1908 Mr. Bayers was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who
passed away on the 2d of April of that year, leaving ten children, while three have
departed this life. Those who still survive are: Celia M., the wife of H. J.
Ries, of Billings, Montana; Mamie, who gave her hand in marriage to C. C.
Clark, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Peter ('., a resident of Antler, North Dakota;
Carrie, the wife of John M. Walls, of Grafton, North Dakota; Arthur, a banker,
who makes his home in Lavina, Montana ; (ieorge W., residing in Denver, Colo-
rado ; Marie, who is a music teacher of Minneapolis, Minnesota; .John and Walter,
who are Montana homesteaders; and Valeta, a trained nurse of Minneapolis,
Minnesota. In May, 1909, Mr. Bayers married Miss Olivia Hendrickson of
Chicago, Illinois, who is a native of Denmark.

Mr. Bayers gives his political allegiance to the democratic jiarty but has never
sought nor desired office. However, he served on the school l)oard in Hancock
county for several years. He is interested in progressive citizenshii) and liis
activities have been an element in the continued growth and development of his
section of the state. Here he has lived for more than forty years and has ever
been an interested witness of the events which have occurred that have molded
the history of the county.

ANDEEW A. R0DBERC4.

As its name indicates, Norway township, Winnebago county, has been largely
settled by those who were born in the land of the midnight sun or whose parents
came from that country. Andrew A. Rodberg first opened his eyes to tlie light
of day at North Fjord, Norway, March 13, 1862, being the second child of Amund
and Anna Rodberg, who are farming people and who had a family of six children :
John, who is now a resident of Scarville, Iowa; A. A.; Jeneca, now the wife of
Louis Oiidahl. of North Fjord, Norway; Olina, the wife of Rasmus Nelson, also
living in that country; Gertrude, the wife of Andrew Kvernaveck, of Norway;
and Jacob, who died in Norway. The first two were the only ones who ever came
to the United States, the parents and (ithcr members of the family still living
in Norway.

;;()() WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Andrew A. Kdillieri;" sjiciil tin.' pericul ol' his Ijiiyliood and youth in his native
land and when twenty-one yeai's of age eame alone to the United States, first
settling near Xorthwood, Worth county, Iowa. He worked as a farm hand for
a short time and then removed to Norway township, Winnebago county, where
he was employed at farm labor until he reached the age of twenty-seven years.
In the meantime he carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy
hail hrought to him a sufficient sum to enable him to purchase the northeast
(piartci- of section 31, Norway township. With characteristic energy he at onci'
began to clear and develop that ])roperty, uiion which he still makes his home.
lit' soon cleared the land, plowed under the native prairie grasses, harrowed his
fields, planted Iiis seed and in due course of time was gathering good harvests.
All through the intervening years to the present he has carefully cultivated his
land and the result of his labors is seen in a splendidly developed farm, upon
which are good improvements. He rotates his crops, studies the best methods of
enhancing the yield and utilizes the latest improved machinery in planting and
liarvesting.

When twenty-eight years of age Mr. Rodborg was married to Miss Anna Idc.
who came to the United States with her brothers, who settled in Worth county,
Iowa, where they still make their home. To Mr. and Mrs. Rodberg were born
four children : Perry, who nnirried Sarah Linde, a daught^f of 0. P. Linde, of
Norway township; Amanda, the wife of R. Jacobson, who is cultivating the home
farm and by whom she has two children, Asta and Alma: and John and Elmer,
who arc still at hime. The wife and mother passed away duly o, li)13. and hci-
remains were laid to rest at Lake Mills.

Throughout his life A. A. Rodberg has been actuated by high and honorable
principles for he has long been a consistent member of the United Lutheran
church. His political views constitute an endorsement of the republican party,
but he has never been and)iticnis to hold office. For forty-four years he has
lived continuously in Iowa and is thoroughly American in spirit and interests,
standing at all times for those forces which work for the betterment of county,
state and nation.

BICK CONNER.

Eick Conner, proprietor of a livery stable at Forest City, was born in Fayette
county, Iowa September 18, 1873, a son of Isaac and Emily (Clark) Conner, who
were natives of Imliana and of Ohio respectively. The father came to Iowa in
1859, establishing his home in Fayette county, whence he afterward removed to
Winnebago county, settling on a farm in Forest township. He was thus identified
with general agricultural jnirsuits of that locality for a long period. To him and
his wife were born ten children, of whom nine are now living.

Bick Conner pursued his education in the public schools and when not busy
with his textbooks worked in the fields. He began farming on his own account
in Fayette county, Iowa, where he remained for a year and then came to Winnebago
county, where he rented land which he cultivated for six years. At the end of that
time he had saved money enough to purchase a farm and became the owner of

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 301

a tract of land of eighty acres on section 9, Forest township. Upon that place he
remained for twelve years, converting it into a highly improved and productive
property. His farm work was wisely and carefully managed and conducted and
brought to him a substantial measure of success. At length he removed to Forest
City and opened his livery barn, since which time he has conducted a growing
business. He has a large number of vehicles and horses and it is ever his earnest
desire to please his customers, while his reliable methods have brought to him a
large patronage from the public.

In 189i Mr. Conner was married to Miss Mary Boleyn, a native of Fayette
county and a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Boleyn, the former now deceased,
while the mother is still living. Mrs. Conner was an only child. Mr. Conner
belongs to the Brotherhood of American Yeoman and he exercises his right of
franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He has
never sought nor desired public office but has concentrated his efforts and attention
upon his business interests and he is now well known in this county, in which he
has resided for many years.

NELS 0. BERG.

Nels 0. Berg, proprietor of the only e.xclusive grocery store in Thompson,
Iowa, was born in Norway on the 3d of February, 1865, and is a son of Ole and
A.nna (Nelson) Berg, also natives of that country, where the family continued
to reside until June, 1865, when they emigrated to Anierica. Locating in Winne-
shiek county, Iowa, the father purchased land nine miles east of Decorah and
engaged in farming there until 1902, when he retired from active labor and
removed to Decorah, making his home in that city until he passed away in April,
1915. The mother of our subject died in 1869.

It was during his infancy that Nels 0. Berg was brought to the new world
and he was reared and educated in Winneshiek county, Iowa. After leaving home
he learned the carpenter's trade in Decorah and later followed that occupation in
St. Paul, Minnesota, for three years. During the autumn season he engaged in
threshing in North Dakota for three years and in the fall of 1891 came to Forest
City, Iowa, but soon afterward returned to his old home in Winneshiek county,
where he spent one year. In 1893 Mr. Berg again came to Winnebago county and
settled in Thompson before the railroad had been built to this place. Here he
engaged in contracting, erecting many of the early buildings of the town, but later
spent two more years in Winneshiek county. On his return to Thompson he
bought an intere.«t in a general store, which he conducted for a time, and subse-
quently engaged in the restaurant business for eight years. Since then lie has
given his attention to the grocery business and now carries a large and complete
stock of staple and fancy groceries, for which he finds a ready sale, having built
up an excellent patronage. Mr. Berg is also a stockholder in the Farmers Co-
operative Creamery Company and in the Town Mutual Telephone Company and
is the owner of two store buildings besides Iiis fine home in Thompson.

On the 1st of January, 1895, Mr. Berg was united in marriage to Miss
Hattie Hah erson, and they have become the parents of three children : Millard,

ii— 15

302 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

born October 21, 1898; Hattie Lucille, born March 16, 1913; and the hitter's twin
sister, Nettie Luella, who died August 8, 1914.

In his political affiliations Mr. Berg is a republican and is a recognized leader
in the local ranks of that party. He is now efficiently serving as a member of the
town council and has also filled the office of school treasurer. In religious faith
he is a Lutheran. He gives his hearty. support to all measures calculated to ad-
vance the moral, educational or material welfare of the community and is re-
garded as one of the leading citizens of Thompson as well as one of its most
enterprising business men.

ANDEEW B. MYHK.

The home farm of Andrew B. Myhr is situated on sections 37 and 28, King
township. This is the old liomestead of tlie family and became the property of
the present owner in 1916. He was born in Nebraska on the 5th of April,
1884, and is a son of Berge A. and Helen (Thorsheim) Myhr, who were natives
of Norway and came to America in 1882, locating in Illinois. After a yeai;
they removed to Nebraska and obtained a homestead claim which Mr. Myhr
continued to cultivate until 1888. He then came to Winnebago county and pur-
chased eighty acres on section 28, King township. This he further developed
and improved and continued to engage in farming thereon until called to his
final rest. He died in June, 1901, being killed by a bull. His widow is still
living.

Andrew B. Myhr was reared and educated in Winnebago county, dividing
his time between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground
and the tasks assigned him in connection with the cultivation of the fields. He
remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when
he purchased land, and since then has bought and sold several farms, becoming
the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of the old home place in 1916. Tliere
were at one time two hundred and forty acres in this farm, but a part of it had
been sold. Mr. Myhr has made excellent improvements upon it since he took
up his abode tliere and he now has one of tlie nicest homes of the county. In
the rear of the residence stand good barns and outbuildings and these are sur-
rounded by liighly cultivated fields. The place presents a most neat and attractive
appearance and constitutes one of the pleasing features of the landscape. Mr.
Myhr is also well known in business circles and in other connections. He is a
stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company and in the Cooperative Creamery
Company of Thompson. He has served as vice president and as president of
the King Mutual Telephone Company for several years, occupying the latter
position at the present time. He now makes a specialty of raising stock, handling
pure bred Guernsey cattle and Chester White hogs, while his wife is engaged
quite extensively in raising White Wyandotte chickens.

It was in March, 1907, that Mr. Myhr wedded Miss Clara Anderson, a daugh-
ter of K. R. Anderson, a native of Norway, who came to the United States when
but ten years of age. He was a veteran of the Civil war and was one of the
pioneer settlers of Winnebago county, where he passed away in the fall of 1910,

MR. AND MRS. ANDREW B. MYHR

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WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 305

having for a few years survived his wife, who died in the spring of 1906. Mr.
and Mrs. Myhr have an adopted daughter, Alpha K., who is now five years oi
age.

Their religious faith" is that of the Lutheran church and politically Mr. Myhr
is a republican. He is the present township clerk of King township, which
position he has occupied for about eight years, and in 1914 he was made his
party's candidate for county treasurer. While imdoubtedly not without that laud-
able ambition which is so valuable as an incentive for faithful service in public
life, he yet regards private pursuits as abundantly worthy of his best efforts and
in business has made a creditable record. His plans are always well defined and
carefully executed and his careful management of his farming interests has
brought gratifying returns.

SIGHED C. BROCKET.

Iowa ranks with the great agricultural states of the Hnion, leading in the
production of some crops. Its reputation in this regard is due not to any littl(
group of individuals but to the combined effort of many enterprising and progres
sive farmers who have gathered to this section from all parts of the world.
Among those who have come from Norway is Sigurd C. Brockey, who is now living
on section 27, Mount Valley township, Winnebago county. He was born Septem-
ber 14, 1847, his parents being Christian and Sarah (Segersou) Brockey, who
were also natives of that country, where the wife and mother passed away. The
father afterward came to the new world in 18.57 and took up his abode in Minne-
sota, where he continued to reside until his demise.

Sigurd C. Brockey was about ten years of age when he came with his father
to the United States and under the parental roof he remained until he had
attained his majority. He was early trained to the work of the fields, receiving
practical experience in the best methods of cultivating the soil and caring for
the crops when the harvest was ripe. On reaching man's estate he began farming
on his own account in Minnesota and in 1875 he removed to Iowa, establishing
his home in Winnebago county, where he purchased the farm on section 27,
Mount Valley township, on which he now resides. It bears little resemblance at
the present time, however, to the tract of land which came into his possession more
than four decades ago, for he has improved the place according to modern farm
methods and has erected thereon substantial buildings. At one time he owned
one hundred and eighty acres of land. He has always made a specialty of raising
and feeding stock of all kinds and his work in this connection has added not a
little to his income. He is likewise a stockholder in the creamery at Forest City.

In 1871 Mr. Brockey was joined in wedlock to Miss Betsy Swenson, a native
of Norway, and they have become the parents of eight children, as follows :
Sarah H., who is the wife of Gottlieb Riehm ; Christian, deceased ; Lottie S., who
gave her hand in marriage to Arthur Larson; William, who has passed away;
Swan S., who operates the homestead farm ; Willie, deceased ; Dena C. ; and Carl
G., who has also passed away.

Mr. and Mrs. Brockey are members of the Lutheran church and are interested

306 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

in all those moral forces which work for the uplift of the community. Mr.
Broekey early found that industry is the key which unlocks the portals of success.
He has led a life of activity and has been most practical in all that he has under-
taken, so that substantial results have crowned his efforts. Although he has now
almost reached the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten, he is yet an
active worker in tlie worUrs work and Winnebago county classes him with her
representative farmers.

JOHN P. NELSEN.

John P. Nclsen, who at the time of his demise was living upon the farm now
owned by his widow, on section 30, Linden township, Winnebago county, was a
man of many admirable qualities, and his memory is cherished by his friends. He
was born in Germany, July 21, 184fi, and remained there until he was eleven
years old, when the family removed to Denmark, where he finished his education.
He was married in that country where he continued his residence until 1878, when
he came to the United States and located at Monmouth, Illinois. For thirteen
years he maintained his home there but in 1891 removed to Hancock county, Iowa,
whence two years later he came to section 30, Linden township, Winnebago county,
and bought a good farm of eighty acres. He gave his time and attention to the
operation of that place until he was called by death on March 17, 1895. Although
he had resided in Winnebago county bxit two years he had gained the unqualified
respect and warm regard of those who had come in contact with him, and his
demise was deeply regretted. His remains were interred in Crystal Lake cemetery.

Mr. Nelsen was married in Denmark to Miss Matilda Nelsen, and to their
union were born seven children, four of whom survive, as follows : Louisa, the wife
of M. Daniels of North Dakota ; John and George, who are living in Mason City,
Iowa; and Arthur, living at Woden, Iowa. Mrs. Nelsen resides upon the farm in
Linden township purchased by her husband in 1893. She holds membership in
the Lutheran church, of which Mr. Nelsen was a life-long and consistent member.
He was a man of sterling character, his conduct at all times conforming to high
standards of ethics.

K. G. OSIIEIM.

K. G. Osheim, who was prominently identified with the business life of
Thompson as a member of the hardware firm of Jerde & Osheim, but is now living
retired, was born in Norway, July 20, 185.'i. When two years old he was brought
to America by his parents, Gunder and Bertha Osheim, who purchased a farm in
Winneshiek county, Iowa. There the father engaged in agricultural pursuits until
his death at the age of sixty-three years. He is buried in the Stavanger Church
cemetery. Five children of the family of four sons and two daughters survive.

K. G. Osheim received a limited education in the district schools of Winneshiek
county and suljsequently spent several years working for his father, but when

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 307

twenty-one years old rented a farm in that county. A year later he bought that
place, which he operated until 1892, when he removed to Winnebago county and
purchased a quarter section in Linden township, to which he added by purchase
until his holdings comprised four hundred and eighty acres. In 1896 he gave
up farm work, sold his land and became a member of the firm of Jerde & Osheim,
dealers in hardware at Thompson. At length he bought out his partner and in
association with his son Lawrence conducted business until 1910, when he disposed
of his interests therein and retired from active life.

In 1876 Mr. Osheim was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Danielson, who
passed away leaving two children : Lawrence, now a resident of Rosholt, South
Dakota ; and Julia, the wife of Lars Ritland, of Adams county, Iowa.

Mr. Osheim gives his support to the republican party but has not been very
active in public affairs, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his business
interests. He is a communicant of the Lutheran church and seeks to extend its
influence and further its work. He early realized the fact that he must win for
himself whatever success he gained and bent all his energy to making his way in
the world. His industry, determination, and good management have been well
rewarded, for he now has a competence that ensures him all the comforts of life.

BURT J. THOMPSON.

Burt J. Thompson is a well known representative of the Winnebago county bar,
practicing at Forest City, but this does not by any means cover the scope of his
activities, for he is an equally forceful and resourceful man in banking circles and
is a prominent representative of the agricultural interests of the state. He combines
persistency of purpose with keen sagacity and the ability to discriminate between
the essential and the nonessential in all business affairs.

Mr. Thompson was born May 19, 1872, in the city which is still his home,
his parents being Jasper and Clara (King) Thompson, who are mentioned else-
where in this work. Following the completion of his public school course Burt
J. Thompson entered Grinnell College at Grinnell, Iowa, and was graduated there-
from with the class of 1894. With thorough preparatory training he then entered
the Harvard Law School of Cambridge, Massachussetts, and won his professional
degree with the class of 1904. Through the intervening period he was prominently
connected with the professional and business interests of Winnebago county. For
six years before entering the law school he was cashier of the Winnebago County
State Bank and in 1898 and 1899 he was traveling around the world, being in the
Philippines at the time of the Spanish-American war and there witnessing several
engagements. While upon this trip he contributed several articles concerning his
travels to the Midland Magazine. Following his return he began preparation for
the bar and has since been actively engaged in the practice of law in Winnebago
county, making for himself a most creditable position at the bar by reason of his
comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence and his accuracy in
applying these principles to the points of litigation. His reasoning is clear, his
deductions sound and his arguments forceful. Associated with him in practice
are Alan Loth and Byron L. Sifford, both young men of notable ability. Mr. Loth

308 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

completed the liberal arts course in the Chicago University and won his degree in
the Chicago Law School before he was twenty-two years of age. He at once entered
into his present partnership relation and is regarded as one of the most brilliant
young trial lawyers in northern Iowa. Mr. Sifford is a graduate of the State
University of Iowa in both the academic and law departments and is now in charge
of the BulTalo Center branch of the firm's practice. He was the most brilliant
honor student in the law department of the university in many years and in his
practice is carrying out the promise of his student days.

The success which Mr. Thompson has won as a lawyer would satisfy many a
man, but with him the recognition of opportunity is always a call to action and in
various other fields he has won notable distinction and success, equaling the
prominence which he has attained as a distinguished memlier of the Iowa bar. In
financial circles he is well known, for he is the vice president of the Winnebago
County State Bank of Forest City, is the president of the State Bank of Thompson,
was formerly vice president of the First National Bank of Buffalo Center for many
years, is secretary of the Iowa Northern Land Company of Fort Dodge and presi-
dent of the Thompson Land Company, of Thompson, Iowa. He is also deeply
interested in agriculture and the development and improvement of farm lands. He
has become the owner of large land interests in Iowa and in Texas, taking all of his
farms in the raw and improving them. His methods bring qtlick results, as he eon-
verts the wild prairie into richly productive fields. Formerly he made a specialty
of the raising of high bred shorthorn cattle but is now confining his attention more
largely to crop cultivation, operating his farms through tenants. He has purchased
tract after tract which he has tiled and improved and has thus contributed largely
to the progress of the state along agricultural lines.

In February, 1910, Mr. Thompson was married to Etliel (Satterlee) Bennett,
of Los Angeles, California, a daughter of Dr. Dwight Satterlee, who was born in
Connecticut and represented a family prominent in textile manufacturing. Dr.
Satterlee served for five years with the Federal army in the Civil war as a surgeon
with the rank of major. He had charge of a hospital in Richmond. Following
the cessation of hostilities Dr. Satterlee located at Dunlap, Iowa, where he engaged
in the practice of medicine for forty years. He was also the owner of a drug
store there and was president of the Dunlap Bank. He also served as county super-
visor and filled other offices and was prominently connected with many projects of
importance to the community. Later he became a resident of Des Moines, Iowa,
and later went to Denver, Colorado, and on to California, where he took up his
abode about 1901. He is a man of nuich more than ordinary ability and his activ-
ities constitute a valuable contribution to the world's work. Mr. and Mrs. Tliomp-
son are the parents of the following children : Wilma Charlotte, Bruce and Janice.

In politics Mr. Thompson has always been a stalwart republican, believing
firmly in the principles of the party yet never sesking nor accepting nomination for
ofiice. Fraternally he is connected with Truth Lodge, No. 213, A. F. & A. M., and
also with the Knights of Pythias. He is happy in having back of him an honorable
ancestry and forluimte in that bis lines of life have been cast in harmony therewith.
He has made his life one of broad usefulness, directing his efforts not alone along
lines l)ringing individual success but also into fields which constitute a source of
public service. In June, 1915, he was elected a trustee of Grinnell College at

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 309

Grinnell, Iowa, and was elected a director of the Grinnell Foundation, which is the
business corporation of the college, in June, 1916. In the winter of 1915-16 he
was sent by the school to be its representative at meetings held by its local alumni
associations in Seattle, Tacoma, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver and Kansas
City. The high purposes of his life have ever found fulfillment in the attainment
of practical results, for he has ever been a man of action rather than of theory.

JOHN J. HOLST.

John J. Hoist, a resident farmer of Mount Valley township, Winnebago county,
has his home on section 34, where he owns and cultivates eighty acres of rich
and productive land. He was born in Sweden on the 10th of August, 1871, and
is a son of Jens 0. and Sophia (Larson) Hoist, both of whom spent their entire
lives in Sweden. It was in the year 1893 that John J. Hoist came to the new
world. He had spent the period of his minority in his native land and had acquired
his education in its public schools. He settled in Winnebago county, Iowa, where
he went to work as a farm hand, and he continued to work for wages for eleven
years, but desirous of engaging in business on his own account, he rented land in
1904 and began farming for himself. He carefully saved his earnings through
the succeeding period of eight years and in 1913 he purchased his present farm of
eighty acres in Mount Valley township. For five years he has resided upon this
place and his labors are manifest in the well kept appearance of his farm with
its carefully tilled fields, its substantial buildings and other improvements. He ia
also a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of Forest City
and a stockholder in the Fanners Elevator of Forest City, and he is interested
in all those projects and measures which are looking to the improvement of conditions
for the farmer or which promote agricultural progress as exemplified in the raising
of crops.

In 1904 Mr. Hoist was married to Miss Mary Brones, a daughter of Peter
N. Brones, mentioned elsewhere in this work. They have four children, Phyllis
S. E., James P., Mable I. and Alvin C. The parents are members of the Norwegian
Methodist Episcopal church and guide their lives according to its teachings. Their
influence is always on the side of right and progress, reform and improvement,
and their genuine personal worth is indicated in the large number of their friends.

GEOKGE W. BEADLE.

In the history of George W. Beadle is given the life record of one who for
many years was a prominent factor in the business life and development of Iowa.
He was recognized as a man of sterling worth. He arrived in Winnebago county
in the period of its pioneer development and lived to witness the remarkable
changes which have transformed this from a frontier district into one of the
populous and prosperous counties of the state. He was born in Woodbury, Wash-
ington county, Vermont, on the 8th of July, 1835, and was there reared to man-
hood, while its public schools afforded him his educational opportunities. In

310 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

1855, when twenty years of age, he came to Iowa, making his way first to Lyons,
Clinton county, where he resided for two years. He was afterward in Worth
county for two years and then came to Winneliago county. However, as a
youth of twenty years he liad visited Winnebago county, where he became ac-
quainted with an old trapper and for a short period was associated with him
in trapping and hunting in the vicinity of the present town of Lake Mills. He
arrived in this district ;d)0ut the same time as Judge Robert Clark and they
later liecame fast friends. He established a bricliryard, which he operated for a
year or two, and made the brick for the first courthouse and the old Clark Hotel.
He then Ijouglit land from the governiuent and settled at Ellington, the old
county seat of Hancock county. 'J'here he engaged in farming and upon that
place made his home for thirty-two years. He also bought other land adjoining
his first purchase and ultimately acquired seven hundred acres, which he con-
verted into rich and productive fields. In addition to tilling the soil he also
engaged in stock raising and for several years he conducted a general store at
Ellington. He was also postmaster there for many years and was a very promi-
nent factor in the develo]>ment and progress of the district in which he lived.
He continued upon the farm for many years. A year and a half was spent in
Britt, Iowa, where he organized and, as its president, conducted the Farmers
Savings Bank. At the end of that period, however, he^ sold the bank and in
1895 he came to Forest City, where he conducted a general store for five years.
At the end of that period he disposed of his general mercantile interests and
retired from active business.

On the 24th of June, 1860, Mr. Beadle was united in marriage to Miss
Sarah J. Streeter, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, who survives him. Her father, Zimri
Streeter, was a native of Vermont and in 1856 came to Iowa, where his remaining
days were passed. He engaged in farming near Cedar Falls and was in the legis-
lature three years. Although not a lawyer he served as one in many instances.
His wife was in her maidenhood Lucinda Dean. To Mr. and Mrs. Beadle were
born five children: Howard G.; Clara, now the wife of Michael O'Xeil ; Julia M.;
Charles L., who is mentioned elsewhere in this work ; and Angle, who died when
but ten months old. There are also eleven grandchildren and one great-grand-
son. For a few years John Beadle, a brother, made his home with Mr. Beadle
of this review. John Beadle was born in Newport, Vermont, February 5, 1829,
and in 1849 went to California by way of Central America. In 1852 he returned
to his native state and the year following came to Iowa, but again went back
to Vermont. In 1859, however, he located at Bristol, Worth county, Iowa, and
later removed to Ellington township, Hancock county. He enlisted at the first
call for volunteers for service in the C!ivil war and fought in nearly all the most
important battles in the war, including Gettysburg. He was a member of Com-
pany C, Twelfth United States Infantry. At the close of hostilities he returned
to Iowa and bought two hundred and seventy-six acres of land five miles south
of Forest City. He lived there until a few years before his death, when he went
to live with his brother, G. W. Beadle. He passed away July 9, 1918, at the age
of eighty-four years.

George W. Beadle always took an active interest in politics and for many
years filled the office of county supervisor, discharging his duties with marked

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 311

promptness, capaljility and fidelity. He was deeply interested in education, served
during his entire residence in Hancock county as a member of the seliool f)oard
and for many years was scliool treasurer. He ever contributed to ])ublic ])rogress
through his aid and cooperation in movements projected for the general good.
He never united with any church but was a man of deep religious convictions,
which he manifested in his everyday affairs and in his relations with his fellow-
men. His death occurred on the 18th of August, 1914, and he was laid to rest
in tlie Ellington cemetery, leaving a widow, four children and many friends to
mourn his loss. His was an active and well spent life which won for him the
respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact arul many who knew
him entertained for him the warmest regard. Mrs. Beadle still owns the old
homestead of four hundred and forty acres in Hancock county, a finely improved
tract of land. She is a woman whose many admirable qualities have won her
the friendly regard and confidence of all who know her. No history of this
section of the state would be complete without extended reference to Mr. and
Mrs. Beadle, for from early pioneer times he was connected with Hancock and
Winnebago counties, witnessing their development from a wild frontier region and
ever bearing his part in the task of promoting the upbuilding of his section of
the state.

B. N. MACOMBEE.

B. N. Macomber, engaged in the lumber business in Forest City, was born in
Oneida county, New York, February 1, 1867, a son of George H. and Phoebe
(Dunaway) Macomber, who were also natives of the Empire state, the former
of Scotch descent, while the latter was of English lineage. In October, 1869,
they arrived in Forest City, traveling from Waverly, Iowa, by team, and Mr.
Macomber then rented land that is now included within the boundaries of the
county seat. Later he turned his attention to the teaming business, hauling
freight between Forest City and various other points in an early day before the
building of a railroad. He died in the year 1913, having for a decade survived
his wife, who passed away in 1903.

B. N. Macomber largely devoted his early youth to mastering the branches
of learning taught in the public schools near his father's home and then started
out in the business world as clerk in a store. He afterward became proprietor
of a general store which he owned and conducted until 1902. After selling out
he became manager of the lumber yard of J. H. Queal & Company at Leland,
Iowa, where he continued for two years. He afterward spent a similar period
at Bryceland with the same company and next came to Forest City as manager
of the Queal interests at this point. He is thoroughly acquainted with the lumber
trade and in his responsible position is conducting a large and growing business.

On the 26th of December, 1894, Mr. Macomber was married to Miss Henrietta
Thurston, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, a daughter of Henry Thurston, who was
one of the early settlers of that state. He became a prominent educator there
and was an active and influential leader in politics.

Mr. Macomber votes with the republican party and is an active worker in
its ranks. He has served as a member of the town council but prefers to leave

312 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

office holding to others. Fraternally he is well known, belonging to Truth Lodge,
No. 213, A. F. & A. M., and to the Eastern Star. He is also identified with the
Odd Fellows lodge, the Eebekahs and with the Modern Woodmen. His has been
a life of activity and what he has undertaken he has accomplished.

JOHN W. MAHONBY.

No history of Winnebago county would be complete without extended mention
of J. W. Mahoney, who is now deceased but who for many years was one of the
foremost merchants of Forest City, locating there in pioneer times and taking
active part in its development along many lines. He served for many years
as postmaster, was also a memljer of the city council and was connected with
various business interests. His birth occurred in Laporte county, Indiana, April
24, 1841, and there he remained until .his seventeenth or eighteenth year, when he
removed with his parents to Floyd county, Iowa. He was educated in the common
scliools and in 1861, upon the outbreak of the Civil war, he enlisted as a member
of the Third Iowa Battery, with which he served until the close of hostilities,
participating in the engagements at Pea Eidge, at Helena and at Little Rock,
Arkansas, and also in the Yazoo expedition. He proved a loyal and faithful
soldier, manife.sting his loyalty by the prompt performance of every duty that
devolved upon him.

At the close of the war Mr. Mahoney returned to Floyd county, where he
resided until 1869, when he came to Forest City and engaged in merchandising,
erecting the first good store building in the town. Therein he conducted the first
mercantile establishment of importance in Forest City, being associated with B. A.
Plummer for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period he took over
Mr. Plummer's interests and conducted the business independently for a number
of years. Later his son, Irving W., became his partner and the energy and
enterprise of the young man, and the sagacity and experience of the father, made
a strong business combination. Mr. Mahoney was also financially interested in
Forest City's first sawmill, which was subsequently converted into a grist mill.
He was that type of man who, when anything needed to be done in the town,
did not stand back and wait for some one else to do it but took his place in the
vanguard and led the movement.

Mr. Mahoney was connected with many interests of public importance. In
1870 he was appointed deputy postmaster of Forest City and in 1873 was made
postmaster, which office he filled for about fourteen years. He was also a member
of the first board of councilmen of Forest City, being called to that office in 1878
and serving for two years, and for a similar period held the office of mayor. He
served on the school board for many years and did everything in his power to
advance the cause of education. In 1888 he was elected to represent his district in
the state legislature for a two years' term and was a candidate for renomination,
but the nomination was declared a tie and in order to keep harmony he resigned
in favor of his opponent. He worked for the betterment of public conditions and
the development of the resources of Winnebago county and co-operated in every
plan and measure for the general good.

JOHN \V. ilAUOXEY

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WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 315

On Marcli 20, 18G8, Mr. Mahoney was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E.
Barmore, of Eoekford, Iowa, a daughter of John and Julette (Waters) Barmore,
natives of New York state, wlio removed to Wisconsin in 1845 by wagon and in
the early "60s came to Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Mahoney became the parents of three
children: Irving W., an abstractor and prominent citizen of Jackson, Minnesota;
Edna M., who is the wife of N. L. Baker, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the patentee
of the Baker change-making machine, and who has a daughter, Beth; and Hugh
J., a resident of Forest City.

Mr. Mahoney was a stanch republican in politics and he was for forty years
a member of the Masonic lodge of Forest City, of wjiich he was ever a most loyal
adherent, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He passed
away February 9, 1909, while he and his wife were spending the winter with their
daughter in Oklahoma City. In his passing Winnebago county lost one of its most
prominent and most beloved citizens. During the funeral all the business houses
were closed, the flag in the courthouse yard was suspended at half mast and the
old soldier comrades of Mr. Mahoney attended the services in a body. He and
his wife attended the Congregational church. He was generous to a fault, giving
freely in aid of those who needed assistance. He was prominent in social circles
of the city and is everywhere spoken of as one of Nature's noblemen. His life was
ever upright and honorable, actuated by high purposes and fraught with splendid
results. Of him it might well be said :

" He was a man ; take him for all in all,
I shall not look upon his like again."

SOEEN OLSON.

Soren Olson is included within Norway's contribution to the citizenship of
Winnebago county, for he was born in the land of the fjords on the 3d of April,
1851, his birthplace being in the parish of Opdahl, near Bergen. His parents
were Ole Hanson and Martha Nelson, who were farming people of that country.
Their family numbered six children, but only two are now living: Soren; and
Nels, who still occupies the old homestead in Norway. The parents never came
to the United States.

Soren Olson crossed the Atlantic in 1872, when a young man of twenty-one
years. The reports which had reached him concerning the opportunities and
advantages of the new world proved to him an irresistible attraction and after
landing at Quebec, Canada, he made his way across the country to Freeborn
county, Minnesota, where he lived for a few months. Later he spent two years
in Mitchell county, Iowa, where he was employed as a farm hand, and in 1875
he came to Norway township, Winnebago county, and purchased the west half
of the northwest quarter of section 30. The following year he acquired the
remainder of that quarter section, thus becoming owner of one hundred and sixty
acres of good land which he cleared and developed, continuously farming this
until 1910. He then removed to another farm, which he had previously pur-
chased, comprising two hundred and forty acres of land on section 20. He also
bought one hundred and twenty acres on section 19 and another forty acre tract

316 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

on Feetion ;>(). At one tinn' lie waR the owner of four liundred and sixty acres
of valuable farm land in Norway township, but has since sold all but two hundred
and eiglity acres of this, "^'ear after year he carefully and systematically engaged
in farming, winning success by his unfaltering and intelligently directed efforts,
but ill ]!)l(i he retired Irciiii ai-tive life and removed to Scarville, where he and
his wife now occu|iv an atti'active home.

In May, LSTS. W r. Olson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Olson, daughter
of Jacob and Ciunilda Olson, who were natives of Norway and in 1801 came to
the United States, estal)lishing tlu'ir home in Dane county, Wisconsin, where they
lived for three years and then removed to Freeborn county, Minnesota, where they
followed farming until called to their final rest, their remains being interred in
Lime Creek Church cemetery. They were devoted members of the United Luth-
eran church. Ml', and JIi's. Olson becaiiie parents of ten children: Ole, living
in Scar\ille with his parents: .lacob, who is u])on the honu^ farm in Norway town-
ship; ]\Iatilda, the wife of Herman Branvig, of Crookston, Minnesota; Gilbert,
■whose home is in Logan townslii|i, AVinnebago county; Carrie, now the wife of
Henry Severson, of Norway township: Emma, the wife of E. A. Riley, of Norway
towTiship; Nellie, the deceased wife of Axel Anderson, of Scarville; Sevcrt and
Oscar, who are also residents of Norway township ; and Minnie, at home.

The ])arents are members of the United Lutheran church, and in his ])olitical
belief Jlr. Olson is a republican. For more than twenty years he acceptably
filled the office of townshi]i trustee, was also road supervisor for a number of
years and for some time filled the office of school director and was president one
year. lie was likewise interested in various cooperative companies of which he
was a director, but he has now put aside all business cares and is resting in the
enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. His life record should serve to inspire
and encourage others, for it shows wdiat may be accomplished through individual
effort. He was practically ])enniless when he came to the new world, but he took
advantage of the ojiportuuities wliich he here found and through persistent,
earnest labor, worked his way upward and is now numbered among the men of
affluence in this section of the state.

JACOB OLSON.

Jacob Olson, devoting liis attention to general agricultural pursuits on the
old homestead farm in Norway township, Winnebago county, was born upon that
place January 14, 1881, a son of Soren Olson. At the usual age he became a
public school pupil and continued his studies until he reached the age of sixteen,
when he left the schoolroom to concentrate his efforts and attention upon assisting
his father in the work of the home farm. He was employed by his father until
he reached the age of twenty-six, when he rented the old homestead, which he
still cultivates, and in addition he has become the owner of forty acres of land
on section 30, Norway township. He is a busy man, constantly occupied with his
farm cares and duties, and his activities are bringing him a growing measure of
success.

On the 18th of February, 1014, Jacob Olson was united in marriage to Miss

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 317

Bertha Sande, a daughter of Hans N. and Carrie Sande, of Logau township, and
they have one child, Katherine Adeline, who was born October 13, 1915. The
parents are members of the United Lutheran church and Mr. Olson votes with the
republican party. His entire life has been spent upon the farm which he now
occupies and cultivates, and while there are no spectacular phases in his career,
his activities have made him one of the substantial citizens of his community.

CHAELES JACOB NAUMANN.

The excellent condition of the affairs of the Farmers Savings Bank at Cor-
with is evidence of the ability of Charles Jacob Naumann, who has served as
cashier since the organization of the institution in 1908. He was born in Blairs-
town, Benton county, Iowa, May 19, 1879, and is a son of Jacob and Catharine
(Keck) Naumann. The father was born near Weibelskerehen, Germany, and
received his education in his native country. At the age of twenty years he se-
cured a position as clerk in a store there and following his emigration to America
he clerked in a store in Marshallville, Ohio, for some time. At the beginning of
the Civil war, however, he enlisted in an Ohio regiment for the defense of the
Union and was in the military service for four years. After being at the front
for a time he was sent north on recruiting duty, and after securing enough men
to fill up the regiment he returned to the south and thereafter saw much active
service. When the war was over he returned to Marshallville, Oiiio, where he re-
mained until 18G9, during which time he was married. After establishing his
home in Blairstown, Benton county, Iowa, he went into the hardware business and
was numbered among the successful merchants of the town until his demise in
1883. His wife, who was a native of Marshallville, Ohio, reared her children to
maturity and continued to reside in Blairstown until 1908, when she took up her
home with her son, Charles Jacob, at Corwith. She reached an advanced age
and died January 16, 1917.

Charles J. Naumann was reared in his native town and after completing the
course in the high school there entered the Epworth Seminary at Epworth, Iowa,
and later was a student in Cornell College. In 1899 he secured a position as clerk
in a bank at Wall Lake, Iowa, and remained witli that institution for eight years,
becoming cashier. He resigned that office to become teller of the First National
Bank of Fort Dodge, Iowa, but not long afterward was made cashier of the
Farmers Savings Bank at Corwith, which was organized in 1908 by the men
back of the First National Bank. He has proved well worthy of the confidence
reposed in him and has so formulated and carried out the business policy of the
Farmers Savings Bank that the institution has won the confidence of the public.
Its business has shown a steady increase and it has been the means of promoting
the financial and commercial interests of Corwith in many different ways. Mr.
Naumann owns three or four good farms and his knowledge of agricultural con-
ditions and the business problems which confront the farmer have been of great
value to him in adapting the service of his bank to the needs of the farmers of the
surrounding territory.

Mr. Naumann was married at Toledo, Iowa, June 7, 1906, to Miss Winifred

318 AVINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Markee, who was born in Wisconsin but was reared in Toledo. She attended the
public and high schools there and also attended Western College, now known as
Leauder Clark College, at Toledo. She engaged in teaching before her marriage
and taught in the high schools at Lake City, Toledo and Wall Lake, where she
met Mr. Naumann. Her parents, William T. and Harriet (Wheelwright) Markee,
were born in Wisconsin but removed to Iowa in early manhood and womanhood.
Both are now living at Toledo, where the father is in business as a painting con-
tractor. Mrs. Naumann passed away on the 24th of May, 1908, leaving a daugh-
ter, Harriet Alice, who was born on the 10th of May, 1908.

Mr. Naumann is a republican in his political views and is now village treas-
urer. His greatest public service, however, has been in advancing the educational
standards of the town. He has given a great deal of study to educational prob-
lems, is well informed as to the advanced methods that have been worked out by
leaders in that field and has labored in season and out of season to make the
schools of Corwith thoroughly modern in every respect. He was for some time
president of the school board and is now a member of the board of the consoli-
dated school district and it is generally conceded that to him belongs much of the
credit for making the high school an accredited school. The most improved
equipment has been provided and the teachers are all alert, progressive and
deeply interested in their profession. His fraternal connections are with Paradise
Lodge, No. 553, A. F. & A. M., of Corwith, and with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, in which he has served as noble grand. He is also very active in
church work, being now a trustee and also a steward of the Methodist Episcopal
church.

OLE H. SEVEESON.

Ole H. Severson, living on section 16, Amsterdam township, Hancock county,
has here made his home since March, 1902, and is quite extensively and success-
fully engaged in the raising of polled Angus cattle. He was born in Vieka, Nor-
way, on the 5th of May, 1852, his parents being Henry and Mary (Olson) Sever-
son, who came to America in the year 1881. At the usual age Ole H. Severson
became a pupil in the public schools of his native land, there pursuing his studies
to the age of sixteen, when he quit school and was employed as a farm hand in
Norway, receiving but twenty dollars per year for his services. Seeing little busi-
ness outlook there, he determined to try his fortune in America and came to the
United States when twenty-nine years of age. He worked by the month in Ken-
dall county, Illinois, for three years and operated rented land for one year, after
which he rented land in Grundy county, Illinois, for seven years. On the expira-
tion of that period he came to Iowa, settling first in Wright county, where he
rented land for eight years. He arrived in Hancock county with five hundred
dollars and in March, 1902, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land
on section 16, Amsterdam township, where he has since made his home. He is
busily engaged in the cultivation of his fields, devoted to corn, wheat and other
cereals well adapted to soil and climate, and one of the most important features

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 319

of his farm work is the raising of polled Angus cattle, of which he has a fine herd,
his live stock interests constituting an important branch of his business.

On the 21st of February, 1884, Mr. Severson was united in marriage to Miss
Ellen A. Johnson, a daughter of John H. and Bertha (Thompson) Johnson, who
were natives of Norway and came to America with their family, arriving on the
8th of July, 1872. Mrs. Severson was born in Carmoen, Norway, and is now
fifty-two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Severson have become the parents of ten
children, of whom eight are yet living, namely : Jay H., Bertha M., Sadie A., and
Mabel, all of whom are married ; Melvin B., Anna, Edith N. and Orville R., who
are yet at home.

Mr. Severson is a stanch advocate of the republican party and its principles,
for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government.
He does not seek office, for he prefers to give his undivided time and attention
to his business affairs, and in addition to his farming interests he is connected
with the Kanawha Creamery and the Kanawha Elevator as a stockholder. Both
he and his wife are members of the United Norwegian Lutheran church and their
lives are guided by its teachings.

EDWARD PRICE.

Edward Price is successfully engaged in farming on one hundred and six
acres of good land in Norway township adjoining Lake Mills and upon that place
his birth occurred on the 25th of May, 1879. He is the only son of James and
Caroline (Cuff el) Price, of Scotch-Irish and Scotch descent, respectively. The
maternal grandmother was Rebecca Newton, a direct descendant of Isaac Newton,
who came to America on the Mayflower. The father was born a short time after
the emigration of his parents to the United States, on the 18th of May, 1836, at
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. His father became a member of the regular army
and was stationed at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, where he died. Subsequently the
mother married George West and they removed to Mitchell county, Iowa, where
she passed away. James Price was reared in Mitchell county and at the outbreak
of the Civil war, in 1861, enlisted in the Fourteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and
was in active service until the restoration of peace. He then returned to Iowa
and, going to Lake Mills, purchased forty acres of land west of Lake Mills, but
he subsequently sold this tract and bought eighty acres, also west of Lake Mills,
and nine years later his son Edward purchased twenty-six acres adjoining, making
a farm of one hundred and six acres on which our subject still resides. The
father cultivated this land for many years but at length retired and removed to
Lake Mills, where he died on the 12th of April, 1913. He was buried in the
Hiuman Park cemetery. His wife still resides in Lake Mills. To them were
born three children: Mrs. C. E. McCaffree, of Lake Mills; Nettie, who is teach-
ing in the schools of Lake Mills; and Edward.

The last named attended school in Lake Mills until he was sixteen years old
and for five years thereafter worked for his father upon the home farm, but on
attaining his majority became his father's partner in the operation of the place
and so continued until 1907, when his parents removed to Lake Mills, leaving him

320 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

in entire charge of the farm. He now owns the phice, which is well improved
and wliich is rendered more valuable because of its good location. He has erected
a number of fine buildings of the most improved design and keeps everything
upon the farm in excellent condition. He raises high grade stock and has met
with gratifying success in that connection as well as in the growing of grain.

Mr. Price was married June 4, 1907, to Miss Mary Davis, a daughter of John
W. and Kate (Olivrr) Davis, the former a native of Wales and the latter of
Scotland. After their removal to America they lived in various places in the
United States but since llio:! have been residents of Lake Mills. To Mr. and Mrs.
Price have been b(i]-n two children, Shirley E. and Kathlyn M.

The religious faith of the parents is indicated by their connection with the
Methodist Episcopal church, whose work profits by their keen interest therein.
Mr. Price endorses the ju'inciples of the republican party but although loyal in the
supjiort of its candidates has never been an office seeker. He lias concentrated
his energies upon bis farm work and in so doing lias gained a competence and
has also contributed to the agricnltui-al development of his locality.

FEED A. SIEVERT.

Fred A. Sievert, living on section .'SO, Boone township,* Hancock county, is
well known as a successful general iarnier and stock raiser. The equipment of
his farm is thoroughly modern and he has one hundred and seventy-one acres of
rich and productive land in a liigb state of cultivation save that portion which
is u.sed for pasturage for his high grade stock. He was born in Germany, July
18, 1865, and is a son of William and Frederieka (Piehl) Sievert, who came to
the new world in 1870 and settled in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Fred ±\. Sievert was at that time a little lad of five years. He acquired his
education in the district schools, pursuing his studies to the age of fifteen years,
when he went to Durand, Winnebago county, Hlinois, where he resided for seven
years, working as a farm hand during that period. He afterward engaged in
farm work near Pecatonica, Hlinois, until 1894, and in the meantime he was
adding continuously to his savings, working diligently and jiersistently to acquire
a sum that would enable him to jiurchase land and engage in farming inde-
pendently. The year 1894 saw the fulfillment of his hopes, for at that time lie
became the owner of a farm of one hundred and seventy-one acres on section 30,
Boone township, Hancock county, Iowa. Through the intervening period of
twenty-three years he has resided thereon and his labors have wrought marked
change in the appearance of the place, which indicates his practical and progres-
sive methods in its well tilled fields and its substantial buildings. Everything is
kept in good repair and the latest improved machinery is used to facilitate the
work of the fields. He is also making a specialty of raising Chester White hogs
and shorthorn cattle and his live stock interests constitute a substantial feature
of his growing success.

Mr. Sievert has been married twice. He first wedded Emma Glawe, who
passed away, and on the 29th of July, 1914, he married Minnie Miller, a daughter
of Charles Miller and a native of Wisconsin. He has had three children: Mabel

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 321

Maud, the wife of E. K. Greene, of Durand, Illinois; Laura Belle; and Urville
H., who died in 1901.

Mr. Sievert holds membership in the English Lutheran church and guides
his. life by its teachings. His political endorsement is given to the republican party
and he has served as township trustee for ten years, making a most creditable
record in that position. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. There have been no unusual or spectacular phases in his life
record. His is the story of honest industry and thrift. It is a well known fact
that progress is a cumulative process, and that where there is no advancement
there has been no effort. Mr. Sievert has ever worked diligently and persistently
and his energy has brought to him the success which he now enjoys.

E. E. BEANSTAD.

E. E. Branstad is the owner of four hundred and forty acres of valuable land
in Winnebago county and from his holdings he derives a substantial annual income
by reason of the practical and progressive methods which he follows in the con-
duct of his farming interests. He was born in Norway on the 5th of June, 1866,
a son of Endre and Dorde (Gryttnes) Branstad, who are mentioned in connection
with the sketch of their son, Andrew E. Branstad, on another page of this work.
'It was in 1873 that the family crossed the Atlantic to the new world, at which
time E. B. Branstad was a little lad of but seven summers. His education was
acquired in the common schools of this country and about the time he attained
his majority he began farming on his own account, bringing to this work the
knowledge and ability which he had gained from practical experience in his
youthful years. He rented the old homestead for three years and afterward culti-
vated other land for a year. In 1892, with capital acquired through his industry
and economy, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Newton township, on
which he took up his abode, there continuing his residence until 1904, when lie
removed to his present home farm of eighty acres. He now owns two farms of
one hundred and sixty acres each in Newton township and another tract of forty
acres in the same township, so that his holdings now embrace four hundred and
forty acres of rich and valuable land that responds readily to the care and labor
which he bestows upon it. His place is divided into fields of convenient size by
well kept fences and he has the latest improved farm machinery and equipments
upon his place.

Mr. Branstad's whole life is dominated by the spirit of serving his community.
This is shown by the brave step taken in the critical time of 1900. Centralizers
were then trying to induce the people to ship their cream. Against this course,
he set to work, heart and soul, fighting for the preservation of local creameries in
its stead. His efforts were not in vain and the creamery was reorganized at
Thompson, Iowa. The success of his earnest labors is marked by the growth
of the band of patrons from fifty, with more than half of the people shipping
their cream, to three hundred and seventy in the course of four years of his
management, with not a single man shipping. His field of serving was not lim-
ited to this alone, as he was one of the organizers of one of. the first farmers'

li— 16

322 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

elevators organized in Winnebago county and a member of the first board of
directors of tliis elevator at Thompson. When the bill was passed providing for
the free mail delivery, he gave his time that the people of his community might
enjoy this privilege, and he succeeded in getting two routes from his home town
of Leland, a small place of less than one hundred and seventy inhabitants. Mr.
Branstad is still a stockholder in tlie Farmers Elevator Company of Leland and is
a stockholder and the secretary and nuuiager of the Farmers Cooperative Cream-
ery Company. Pie was the dominant factor in the organization of both of these,
his efforts being largely instrumental in bringing the two companies into exist-
ence.

On the 3d of May, 1887, Mr. Branstad was united in marriage to Mrs. Delia
0. (Olson) Hagc, the widow of Lars Hage, of Fertile, Worth county, Iowa. Her
parents emigrated to the United States from Norway and took up their abode
among the early pioneers of Winnebago county, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Branstad
have been born eight children, seven of whom survive, as follows : Philip is a
graduate of Waldorf College and cultivates one of his father's farms. David,
who is a carpenter by trade, lives at home. Daisy, a graduate of Waldorf College,
is now the wife of H. P. Lien of Newton township, Winnebago county. Rudolph
has completed a course in violin at the Siegel-Myers School of Music and also a
course in C. A. Coey's School of Motoring and is now^ assisting his father in
operating the home farm. Esther and Ellen are students hi Waldorf College at
Forest City. Euth is attending school in Leland. Nels Hage, a son of Mrs.
Branstad by her first husband, operates one of his stepfather's farms.

Mr. Branstad exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and meas-
ures of the democratic party and has been especially honored in being chosen for
many positions in this organization, such as chairman of county conventions,
member of the county central committee and delegate to various other conven-
tions. He was twice nominated as state representative from Winnebago county
without opposition and at the primaries June 5, 1916, on the fiftieth anniversary
of his birth, he was nominated as state senator from the forty-first senatorial dis-
trict. This was a very special honor, being the first one the democratic party of
this district had ever nominated for this office. Although he made no active cam-
paign and in spite of the fact that the district is strongly republican, seventeen
hundred votes were cast at the polls for the democratic candidate. Mr. Branstad
is a member of the United Lutheran church and a stockholder in the Waldorf
College Association. He is a believer in all those forces winch work for the uplift
of the individual and the betterment of mankind, and his aid and influence are
given to the side of progress and improvement as related to the development of
his county in many ways.

JOHN C. ENGEBRETSON.

Among those names in Winnebago county which are synonymous with progress
along agricultural lines and also with good citizenship is that of John C. Enge-
bretson, a representative of one of the pioneer families of northern Iowa. He was
bom in Logan township, upon his father's farm, July 20, 1875, and is a son of

JOHN C. EXGEBBETSOX AND FAMILY

-^SroH. LK.Vf.x AND
TILDES F-OUNOATrONS

« L I

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 325

Christian Engebretson, mentioned elsewhere in this work. At the usual age he
became a pupil in the early schools, where he mastered such branches of learning
as then constituted the public school curriculum. At the age of eighteen he went
to Decorah, Iowa, and for two terms was a pupil in Breckenridge College, thus
becoming well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He then re-
turned to Winnebago county and took up the profession of teaching, which he
successfully followed for ten terms in Logan township, imparting clearly and
readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. When twenty-five years
of age he started farming on his own account on the northeast quarter of section
19, Logan township. He began putting fine improvements upon it and from
time to time he purchased a part of the farm until he had become owner of th€
entire tract. He is also interested with his father and brother in the ownership
of one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, Logan township.

On the 4th of July, 1900, Mr. Engebretson was united in marriage to Miss
Carrie Hylland, a daughter of Nels 0. and Anna Hylland, formerly of Logan
township, but now residents of Woonsoeket, South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Enge-
bretson became the parents of five children, but two of the number, Matilda and
Gehard, died in infancy. The others, Clarence J., Nora Amanda and Matilda,
are all at home. Mr. Engebretson and his family are members of the United
Lutheran church. He votes with the republican party and is one of its acknowl-
edged leaders in Winnebago county. He has been called upon to fill various
local positions, serving as township clerk for ten years, as assessor for four years,
as road superintendent for seven years and as a member of the school board for
two years. His duties are always discharged with promptness and fidelity and
over the record of his ofiicial career there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion
of evil. His entire life has been passed in Logan township and that his career
has been an honorable and upright one is indicated in the fact that many of his
stanchest friends have known him from his boyhood to the present time.

HARVEY A. SWEIGARD.

Harvey A. Sweigard, postmaster of Garner and well known in business and
political circles of Hancock county, was born in Carroll county, Hlinois, Novem-
ber 29, 1872, a son of Isaac Sweigard, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this
work. With the removal of the family to this state his education was acquired
in the public schools of Iowa and his initial business training came to him under
the direction of his father, a well known banker of Garner, with whom he con-
tinued in the bank until January, 1914, when he was appointed postmaster. His
{raining in the bank was thorough and for some time he was connected with the
State Savings Bank at Goodell, Iowa, there serving in the capacity of cashier
from 1896 until 1902. In the latter year he organized the State Savings Bank at
Klemme, Iowa, where he continued as cashier until 1907, after which he was
associated with the Farmers National Bank of Garner, of which his father is the
president. There he remained until called to his present position by presidential
appointment.

On the 22d of August, 1914, Mr. Sweigard was imited in marriage to Miss

326 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Caroline V. Noble, of New Hampton, Iowa, a daughter of Joseph E. Noble.
They are members of the Congregational church and in social circles of Garner
they occupy an enviable position. Mr. Sweigard votes with the democratic party
and is a stalwart champion of its interests. Fraternally he is connected with
Bethel Lodge, No. 319, A. F. & A. M., Bethel Chapter, No. 116, R. A. M., of
which he is a past master. Bethel Council, R. & S. M., Chivalric Lodge, No. 82,
K. P., and the Woodmen of the World. His interests are broad and as a citizen he
stands for all those measures and projects which work for the betterment of the
community and for the upholding of high civic standards.

THOMAS BEECHER.

Thomas Beecher, who for more than thirty years has resided on his present
farm on section 6, Magor township, Hancock county, was born on the 1st of
January, 1S66, in the state of New York, a son of John and Emily (Kirschner)
Beecher, both of whom were natives of Germany. In the district schools of the
Empire state Thomas Beecher pursued his education until he reached the age of
sixteen years, when he started out to earn his own living, being employed as a
farm hand. He afterward rented laud for six years and in that way gained a
sum sufficient to enable him to purchase property. He has been a resident of
Hancock county since 1<S,S5 and in 1886 his father purchased the farm on section 6,
Magor township. Since his death our subject and his brother have continued
operating tlie place, devoting tiieir time and energies to the further cultivation
and development of this farm, which is now a rich and productive tract of land,
annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which is
bestowed upon it.

Mr. Beecher of this review is a member of the Catholic church and he gives
his political allegiance to the democratic party, but has never sought nor desired
office as a reward for party fealty, preferring rather to give his undivided atten-
tion to his business affairs. His life has been one of unfaltering activity and his
success is well deserved.

JAMES W. SLOAN.

James W. Sloan is well known as a representative farmer and substantial
business man of Magor township, Hancock county, his home being on section 9.
He has lived in this county continuously since 1899 and is widely and favorably
known. He was born at Dwight, Livingston county, Illinois, April 9, 1875, a son
of James and Jane (Thomson) Sloan, who were natives of Scotland, but about
1864 crossed the Atlantic to the new world and established their home in Illinois.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for
James W. Sloan during the period of his boyhood and youth. He worked in
the fields and in the winter months attended the country schools, pursuing his
education until he attained his majority. He afterward was employed upon the

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 327

home farm until he reached the age of twenty-two, after which he cultivnted
land in Livingston county, which he rented from his father. He is a brother of
John M. Sloan, mentioned elsewhere in this work. The two have been most
closely associated. They attended school together and have been connected in
all their business interests since that time. They came to Hancock county
together in 1899 and purchased two hundred and forty acres of land on section
9, Magor township. With characteristic energy they began the further develop-
ment and improvement of this property and had no separate interests until 1911,
when John M. Sloan purchased eighty acres more on section 9, Magor township.
They have continuously and successfully engaged in general farming and also
in stocking calves, which they keep until feeding time and then sell for feeding
purposes.

On the 17th of June, 1907, Mr. Sloan was married to Miss Lizzie Krauss, a
daughter of George and Sophia (Hotz) Krauss, who were natives of Germany.
Two children have been born of their union, Margaret I. and Marvin J.

The parents are members of the German Lutheran church and in politics Mr.
Sloan is a republican, having supported the party since age conferred upon him
the right of franchise. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance in
Hancock county, esteem him as a man of business ability and of sterling personal
worth and both he and his brother enjoy the warm regard of all with whom
they have been brought in contact.

JOHN J. BYE.

John J. Bye, deceased, was one of the substantial farmers and honored citi-
zens of Norway township, Winnebago county, his home being on section 8, where
his widow now resides. He came from the land of the midnight sun, being born
in Norway, February 18, 1851, and in that country his parents continued to
reside throughout life. He was nineteen years of age when he crossed the ocean
and located in Lyle, Minnesota, where he spent one year, but in 1871 came to
Iowa, being employed as a farm hand near Plymouth, Cerro Gordo county, for
two years. Coming to Winnebago county in 1873, Mr. Bye purchased one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land on section 8, Norway township, and at once began
to improve and cultivate his farm. As time passed he prospered in his labors
and was able to add to his holdings, owning at the time of his death the south
half of section 8 and one hundred and sixty acres on the south half of section 17,
Norway township. Upon his place he erected good and substantial buildings and
the fields were made to produce abundant harvests.

In April, 1873, Mr. Bye was married in Norway township to Miss Julia
Saue, a daughter of Lars and Sigtrue Saue, who were early settlers of Winnebago
county, but later removed to Polk county, Minnesota, and spent their last days
in Eeynolds, North Dakota, where both died and were buried. To Mr. and
Mrs. Bye were born ten children, as follows: Thea, is the wife of John Jordre,
living near Eckman, North Dakota, and their children are Anna, James, Mattie,
Cora, Julia and Elizabeth. Sarah died at the age of seven years. John married
Sarah Erickson and resides in Glenburn. North Dakota. Lena is the wife of

328 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

B. J. Butler, living near Kensett, Iowa, and their children are Elvina, Margaret,
Ingeborg, Lawrence and Agnes. Matilda, deceased, was the wife of I. Opdahl
of Polk county, Minnesota. Selmer, living in Norway township, Winne-
bago county, Iowa, is married and has three children, Orlando, Bernice and Mel-
borne. Sarah is the wife of Corbit Adams of Joice, Iowa. Louis married Bur-
lette Iverson and has one child, Juleta. Emil and Jennette are both at home.
Louis and Emil are operating the home farm.

After a useful and well spent life Mr. Bye passed away June 6, 1914, and
was laid to rest in Lime Creek cemetery. He served as school dii'eetor in his
district for a number of years and also filled the office of road supervisor. In
politics he was a republican. His success in life was due entirely to his own
well directed efforts and he certainly merited the prosperity that came to him.

JOHN CAESON.

John Carson, mayor of Forest City, is making an excellent record in office,
his course showing an even balance between that conservatism which precludes
useless expenditure and that progressiveness which looks ever to the upbuilding
and furtherance of public interests. He was born in Cook county, Illinois,
December 12, 1857, a son of John and Elizabeth Carson, both of whom were
natives of Scotland. They came to the United States in the early '40s and,
settling in Cook county, Illinois, were there identified with farming interests,
both passing away in that county.

John Carson acquired a public school education at Arlington Heights and in
the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Chicago. His early training was
that of the farm bred boy and through the periods of vacation he assisted with
the work of the farm and also after his text-books were put aside gave his atten-
tion to the work of the fields for a considerable period. In 1887, however, he
came to Winnebago county and settled in Forest township, where he purchased
three hundred and twenty acres of land. With characteristic energy he took up
the work of further developing and improving his farm, which he cultivated until
1891, when he leased the property and removed to a farm of eighty acres which
he purchased a mile and a half from Forest City. His attention was chiefly
given to the work of the fields there until 1910, when he retired from agricultural
life and took up his abode in the county seat. Since then he has lived retired
from active business cares but still retains the ownership of his farm property,
from which he derives a gratifying annual income. His life has been a busy and
useful one fraught with success that now permits the leisure which enables him
to give most of his attention to public service.

In February, 1888, Mr. Carson was married to Miss Clara A. Cooley, a native
of Cook county, Illinois, and a daughter of Charles and Clara Cooley. They have
but one son, Carroll, who is farming the old home place. He wedded Vera
Hickok and has one son, David Hickok Carson.

Mr. and Mrs. Carson are members of the Congregational church, to the sup-
port of which they make liberal contribution, while of its teachings they ai"e
loyal adherents. In politics he has been an earnest republican since age con-

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 329

ferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as township clerk, as
secretary of the school board for thirteen years, and in March, 1916, was elected
mayor of Forest City for a two years' term, so that he is now the incumbent
in the office, in which connection he is concentrating his efforts upon a wise,
safe and equitable administration of public affairs.

CLARENCE A. ARNOLD.

One of the most enterprising citizens and business men of Hancock county
is Clarence A. Arnold, who carries on agricultural pursuits according to modern
scientific methods and bases his activities upon thorough study, resulting in
complete comprehension of the questions involved. He is today one of the most
prominent farmers and stock raisers of his section of the state. He was born
in Clayton county, Iowa, on the 19th of August, 1883, and is a son of Fred and
Mary (Renziehausen) Arnold, natives of Germany and of Ohio, respectively.
In the year 1895 the family removed to Hancock county, Iowa, where the mother
is still living at the age of sixty-four years, but the father has passed away.

Liberal educational advantages were accorded Clarence A. Arnold, who after
attending the district schools for six years, spent two years in the graded schools
of Klemme and a short period in the Nora Springs Seminary. Later he matricu-
lated in the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, Fayette county, and also at the
Iowa State College at Ames, specializing in agronomy and animal husbandry.
Moreover, he has remained a close student of the best magazines and other pub-
lications which have a bearing upon every subject connected with farming and
stock raising, and he had, too, practical training, for he early began to assist
his father in the cultivation and development of the home farm. The family
home was established on section 5, Avery township, Hancock county, on the
5th of April, 1895, and in his boyhood days Clarence A. Arnold aided in the
work of the fields, performing such tasks as he could, his responsibilities and
work increasing as the years went by. Today he is actively engaged in the culti-
vation of four hundred and eighty acres of land on section 8 and in the raising
of pure bred Polled Durham cattle and Duroc hogs. He is a most successful
agriculturist and his work is an exemplification of the practical value of the
scientific methods which he follows. He has studied soils and their adaptation to
particular needs, knowing just which crops can be raised most profitably, and
he has also studied every feature of stock breeding and raising. He stands as a
most prominent representative of scientific farming and success in large measure
has been his. He is today a student of such papers as Wallace's Farmer, The
Agricultural Digest, Successful Farming, the Kimball Dairy Farmer, Hoard's
Dairyman, the Prairie Farmer, the Breeders' Gazette and the Iowa Agriculturist.
In addition to his other activities Mr. Arnold is a director and stockholder in the
First National Bank of Klemme.

On the 28th of August, 1912, Mr. Arnold was married to Miss Emilie M.
Lenz, a daughter of Ernest and Friedrika (Koerner) Lenz, natives of Germany.
The father came to the new world in 1865 and lived in Wisconsin. The mother
crossed the Atlantic in 1869 and lived for a time near Freeport, Illinois. For

330 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

thirty-nine years they have been residents of Hancock county. Mrs. Arnold was
one of four children. She is a lady of liberal culture and refinement, sharing
in her husband's studies and tastes. On their table are found such magazines
as the Christian Herald, the Literary Digest, the Outlook, the Pathfinder, the
Ladies' Home Journal, the Woman's Home Companion, the Mother's Magazine
and others, showing tluit both are keeping in touch with the trend of modern
thought and progress. Their religious faith is indicated in their membership in
the German Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they take an
active and helpful part. Mr. Arnold has served as assistant superintendent of the
Sunday scliool and lie has also filled the offices of township trustee and of school
director. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. His efforts to
further the welfare of the community have been directed along the lines of educa-
tional campaigns. He is president of the Klemme Cooperative Creamery, of the
Cow-Testing Association of Klemme and of the Short Course Association and
director of the Federation of Cow-Testing Associations. He recognizes the fact
that activity must be preceded by desire, and the desire for advancement, progress
and improvement in community life as well as in stock breeding and raising
must be furthered by instruction. No man has done more to promote knowledge
and advance the interests of scientific farming in Hancock county and his work
will long bear fruit. In his own affairs, too, he has displayed the utmost enter-
prise, combined with keen sagacity and discrimination, and his business judgment
is seldom, if ever, at fault.

HENKY L. SUCKOW.

Since 1878 Henry L. Suckow has been a resident of Hancock county, Iowa,
and now makes his home on section 34, German township, where he owns and
operates a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres. A native of the
Empire state, he was born in Albany, February 11, 1865, and is a son of John
and Caroline (Liverance) Suckow, who came to this country from Germany
about 185.5 and located in Albany, New York. There the father engaged in the
boot and shoe business for twelve years and after his removal to Clayton county,
Iowa, in 1869, continued in the same business for a few years longer. He then
purchased a farm and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, but at the
end of five years sold his property in Clayton county and removed to Hancock
county in 1878. He bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, German
township, and engaged in its operation for some years but is now living retired,
enjoying the fruits of his former toil.

Henry L. Suckow attended the district schools of Clayton and Hancock
counties until eighteen years of age and in the meantime acquired an excellent
knowledge of farming while assisting his father in the labors of the fields. He
aided in operating the home farm until twenty-one years of age and then bought
one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 35, German township, where he
farmed for ten years. On selling that place he purchased the old homestead com-
prising one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, where he has since carried on
general farming and lias also engaged in the raising of cattle and hogs to some

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 331

extent. He has a well improved place under excellent cultivation and has met
with success in his undertakings.

On the 9th of November, 1887, Mr. Suckow married Miss Taldine Brouwer,
a daughter of J. B. and Katherine Brouwer, who are natives of Germany and
are now living retired in Garner, Iowa. On their emigration to America they
came direct to Hancock county. Mr. and Mrs. Suckow have seven children,
namely: Edna, now the wife of Herman Paul, a farmer of Hancock county;
John, a carpenter of Klemme; May, the wife of Lawrence Schaefer, also a farmer
of Hancock county; and Carl, William, Henry and Louis, all at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Suckow are members of the German Methodist Episcopal church
and are held in the highest esteem by all who know them. Mr. Suckow has
always taken an active interest in public affairs and has eflBciently served as justice
of the peace, secretary of the school board, road supervisor and township assessor.
No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree.

C. F. LEHMAN.

C. F. Lehman, residing on section 21, King township, Winnebago county, has
spent practically his entire life in Iowa, although he is a native of Wabasha
county, Minnesota. He was born in May, 1861, a son of Gottlieb and Annie
(Gephart) Lehman, who were natives of Germany and in early life came to the
new world, settling in Minnesota. The father purchased land in Wabasha county
and there engaged in farming. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the cause
of his adopted country and joined the army, going to the front with the Union
troops, with which he served for about a year. He was taken prisoner but was
exchanged and was on his way home when a guerrilla attack was inaugurated and
they took him to Arkansas, where he contracted yellow fever that terminated his
life. He passed away in 1866 and his widow survived until 1909.

It was in IST'l that Mrs. Lehman removed with her family to Webster county,
Iowa, so that C. F. Lehman was largely reared and educated in this state. He
remained with his mother until he reached the age of seventeen years and then
began work as a farm hand, being employed in that way for a decade. He next
went to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he learned the cooper's trade, which he followed
for sixteen years. In 1901 he arrived in Winnebago county and purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land on section 21, King township. He has since
improved this place and has converted it into a valuable farm. He afterward
added to his holdings by the purchase of an adjoining eighty acres and he is today
the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres which he carefully
and systematically cultivates and improves. He carries on general agricultural
pursuits and the value of his methods is seen in the excellent crops which he
annually gathers. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company and in
the Cooperative Creamery Company of Thompson.

In January, 1886, Mr. Lehman was united in marriage to Miss Katie Derscheid
and they have become parents of three children: Fred, at home; Harley, who is
a bookkeeper in Winona, Minnesota ; and Marvin, also at home.

Mr. Lehman is much interested in community affairs and lends the weight

332 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

of liis influence to progress and improvement along many lines. For fifteen years
he has served as president of the school board and the cause of education finds
in him a stalwart champion. Politically he is a republican and he keeps in touch
with the trend of modern thought as relating to government affairs in county,
state and nation. His religious belief is that of the Methodist church. Those
who know iiim, and he has a wide acquaintance, entertain for him high regard,
for his entire life has been characterized by high and honorable principles.

ANDREW N. BRONES.

Among tlie honored early settlers of Winnebago county is numbered Andrew
N. Brones, who has made his home here for fifty-two years and has therefore
witnessed almost the entire development of this section of the state. Throughout
the greater part of his active business life he has followed farming and now
resides on section 18, Mount Valley township, where he owns and operates one
hundred and sixty acres of valuable land.

A native of Norway, Mr. Brones was born on the old Brones homestead, in
Modom, June 23, 184.5, and is a son of Nels 0. and Mary (_Skretteberg) Brones,
who came with their family to the United States in 1853 on an old sailing vessel,
ShofEano, and located in Dane county, Wisconsin, where the mother died two years
later. In 1865 the father brought his family to Winnebago county, Iowa, and after
one year's residence in Forest City purchased a farm four miles northeast of that
place. He erected thereon the second house built between Forest City and Lake
Mills, the first being at Bensons Grove. He made his home upon that farm until
his death, which occurred in 1885. He was three times married and by the first
union had four children, but Andrew N. is the only one of these now living. Three
were soldiers in the Civil war, Andrew being but nineteen years of age and
Peter N. not yet seventeen at the time' of enlistment. Olavus was taken prisoner
at tlie battle of Chickamauga and died in Andersonville prison. By his second
marriage the father had two sons. Christian and John, both of whom are still
living, and by the third union there were five children, two of whom survive:
Mary and Niekoline, who are teachers and homesteaders in Montana.

During his boyhood Andrew N. Brones attended the public schools of Forest
City and later was a student at the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, completing
his education with a commercial course at the Upper Iowa Commercial College.
In the meantime, however, he had served his adopted country as one of the boys
in blue. In 1864 he enlisted in Company I, Forty-third Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry, and remained in the service until tlie close of the Civil war. After
being mustered out he joined the family in Winnebago county, Iowa, whither
they had removed early in the spring of 1865. On the completion of his education
he began teaching .school and was the first Norwegian to teach in the English
schools of Winnebago county. For many years he was prominently identified with
educational work and for six years served as county superintendent of schools in
Winnebago county, during the '80s. Prior to this he had filled the office of county
supervisor for two terms. In 1866 Mr. Brones purchased his present home farm

MR. AND MRS. ANI)Kr-:W X. BRONES

THR f.'FW youk:
PIIBLrC LCRARY

ASTOS. LEfJnX AND
TILD£N yOOXnATtOM.u
L

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 335

of one hundred and sixty acres on section 18, Mount Valley township, but did
not locate thereon until 1889, since which time he has followed agricultural pur-
suits with good success. He also owns another farm of the same size in Kossuth
county, Iowa.

On the 22d of June, 1881, Mr. Brones was united in marriage to Miss Emma
Jacobs, a sister of Thomas Jacobs, a prominent merchant of Forest City. Her
father, Jacob Jacobs, came to this country from Norway in 1868 and first located
in Howard county, Iowa, but a year later came to Winnebago county, where he
made his home until his death in 1902. He was a shipbuilder in Norway but
followed farming in Winnebago county. To Mr. and Mrs. Brones have been born
five children but two are deceased, those living being J. Warren, now a farmer
of Kossuth county; and Alfred G. and Anna M., both at home.

At an early day Mr. Brones joined the Masons and is a republican in politics,
being for a number of years a prominent factor in public affairs. He has long been
numbered among the foremost citizens of his county and is a man highly respected
and esteemed wherever known. For over half a century he has been a resident
of this locality and has borne an important part in its development and upbuilding.

SHOTWELL HIGDON.

For almost a quarter of a century Shotwell Higdon has made his home in
Hancock county and his is the creditable record of a progressive business man,
for within this period he has become well established as a substantial and highly
respected farmer, his home being on section 3, Boone township, where he is the
owner of an excellent farm of three hundred and twenty acres. He was born in
Ford county, Illinois, September 9, 1872, and is a son of Peter B. and Marietta C.
(Miller) Higdon, who were natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively.

Through the period of the boyhood of their son Shotwell they were residents
of Illinois, so that he there acquired his education in the district schools, which
he attended through the winter months, while the summer seasons were spent at
work upon the home farm. His text-books were put aside at the age of twenty
years, but he continued to work on the old homestead until he reached the age
of twenty-three. He then came to Hancock county and in the intervening period
has resided within its borders, making steady progress along business lines to the
goal of success. In 1906 he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land
on section 3, Boone township, and is now extensively and profitably engaged in
raising, buying and selling shorthorn cattle and in breeding Belgian horses, being
recognized as one of the leading stockmen of this section of the state.

On the 14th of January, 1895, Mr. Higdon was married to Miss Malinda Sal-
strom, a native of Illinois and a daughter of John and Hannah (Anderson) Sal-
strom, who were natives of Sweden and about 1867 came to the new world.
Mr. and Mrs. Higdon have four children, Gerald B., Harold H., Clarence and
Paul A., all yet at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Higdon are consistent members of the United Brethren church.
He exercises his right of franchise in support of the principles and candidates of

336 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

the rppubliciin party, believing tliat the party platform contains the best elements
of good government. He concentrates his attention upon his business afFairs. and
the wise direction of his interests is bringing to him the just ijrofits of his labor,
making him one of the men of affluence in his community.

CLAUDE STULL, D. D. S.

Dr. Claude Stull, of Corwith, was horn in North English, Iowa, February 1,
1878, a son of Thomas Hawkins and Lucinda (Smalley) Stull. The father resided
in Penn.sylvania until he was twenty years of age and there received his general
education, although he prepared for the practice of medicine in the Keokuk
Medical College at Keokuk, Iowa. He jiracticed his profession in North English,
Iowa, for two j'eai's but later spent a short time in Livingston, Wisconsin, and
subsecjuently removed to Linden, Wisconsin, whence he went to Algona, Iowa.
There he passed away in 1918, and there his wife still resides. She was born in
Johnson county, Iowa, was reared and educated in this state and was married at
South English.

Claude Stull was reared under the parental roof and attejided school in Lin-
den, Wisconsin, until he was fifteen years old, when he accompanied the family
to Algona, Iowa, where he completed a high school course. He was for two years
a student in the dental college of the Iowa University at Iowa City but completed
his course in the dental college of the Northwestern University, from which he
was graduated in 1899. He immediately located for practice in Corwith, Iowa,
becoming the first resident dentist of the town, and has since remained here. In
the intervening years he has biiilt up a large practice.

On the 3d of September, 1903, Dr. Stull was married at Corwith to Miss
Mabel Frances Stilson, and they have a daughter, Frances Eleanor, a native of
Corwith.

Dr. Stull is a republican in politics and is now serving as mayor of Corwith.
Fraternally he belongs to Paradise Lodge, No. 553, A. F. & A. M., of Corwith, of
which he is a past master. Along strictly professional lines he holds membership
in the Iowa Dental Society. Throughout the period of his residence in Corwith
he has taken a leading part in movements calculated to advance the general wel-
fare and he is recognized as a prominent and public-spirited citizen.

GOTTORM SONSEY.

Gottorm Honsey is one of the oldest of the pioneer settlers of Winnebago
county now living within its borders, and it is with pleasure that we present the
record of his life to our readers. He was born in Norway, April 15, 1836, and
has therefore passed the eighty-first milestone on life's Journey. His parents, Ole
and Anna Honsey, both died in Norway and in that country Gottorm Honsey
was reared and educated. Before leaving that country he was married in 1861,
but immediately afterward sailed for the United States and became a resident of

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 337

Dane county, Wisconsin, where he was employed at farm work for four years. In
1865 he came to Iowa and after a year spent in Worth county removed to Winne-
bago county in 1866. Here, in company with his brother, who had come to the
new world with him, he purchased the southwest quarter of section 3 in Mount
Valley township, and for three years he and his brother Peter cultivated their
land in partnership. Gottorm Honsey then purchased his present home farm, on
which he has resided for the past forty-eight years, and he is today one of the
best known among the old pioneers of this section of the state. His farm was
wild land when it came into his possession and thereon he built a log cabin which
he occupied for twenty years. He drove across the country from Wisconsin to
Iowa with oxen and he used his ox team in tilling his soil and developing the
fields. In fact, he became familiar with every phase of pioneer life and his
industry and enterprise contributed largely to the early development and prog-
ress of this section of the state. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Honsey
is a stockholder of the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of Lake Mills
and was one of the organizers of the Lake Mills Lumber Company.

Mr. Honsey was united in marriage to Miss Mary Olson, by whom he had
eight children, three of whom survive, as follows: Ole, who is engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits in Mount Valley township, Winnebago county; Samuel, who
cultivates the home farm; and Lena, the wife of Erik Eeienes, who operates the
home place in association with his brother-in-law, Samuel Honsey.

Politically Mr. Honsey is a republican and for many years he served as town-
ship trustee and in other local ofBees. He was also for a long period a member
of the school board and has ever been a stalwart champion of public education.
He and his family are members of the United Lutheran church and his life has
ever been guided by his Christian faith. His entire career has been an upright
and honorable one, winning for him the respect and confidence of those with whom
he has been associated, and in the evening of life he can look back over the past
without regret and forward to the future without fear. He has never had occa-
sion to wish that he had remained in his native land, for in America he found
the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization won success.

HENEY K. NELSON.

Henry K. Nelson, living on section 18, Norway township, Winnebago county,
was bom in De Forest, Wisconsin, on the 4th of March, 1874. His parents were
Knut Lundon and Gertrude (Halvorson) Nelson, both of whom are natives of
Norway, where they were reared and married. The only child born to them in
that country was Nels Nelson, who died at the age of one year, while the parents
were en route for the new world. Following the burial of the little one, the
parents continued on their way until they reached Dane county, Wisconsin, where
they took up their abode, and there the father worked at the carpenter's trade
until about 1885. In that year they removed to Mount Valley township, Winne-
bago county, Iowa, and Mr. Nelson there gave his time and energies to general
agricultural pursuits for twenty-two years, becoming recognized as one of the
valued and representative farmers of his district. He is now living retired in

338 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Forest City in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly
deserves. To him and his wife were born seven children after their arrival in
America. Five of the family are yet living: Carl K., whose home is in Forest
City; N. K., living m Mount A^illey township; 'Henry K. ; Hans Lundon, who
resides in Forest City ; and Chris K., living at Lake Mills.

Henry K. Nelson of this review was a lad of eleven years at the time of
the removal of the family to Iowa. He acquired a common school education,
continuing his studies to the age of sixteen, after which he began providing for
his own support by working as a farm hand. He was thus employed until he
reached tlie age of twenty-six years, when he rented his father's farm, upon which
he lived for two years. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention
to the creamery business, which he followed in Fertile, in Bristol and in Joice,
Worth county, after which he removed to Scarville, Winnebago county, where he
continued in the creamery business until 1915, when he purchased the east half
of the southwest quarter of section 18 and the northeast quarter of the northwest
quarter of section 10, making one hundred and twenty acres in all. This place he
is now farming and has won a position among the substantial agriculturists of the
neighborhood.

In 1900 Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Hoveland, her
parents being G. 0. and Guro (Christopherson) Hoveland^ of Mount Valley
township. The father still resides on a farm in that township, but the mother
died in 1908, her remains being interred in the Winnebago cemetery. To Mr. and
Mrs. Nelson have been born five children, namely : Gladys, Kenneth, Harry, Con-
rad and one who died in infancy.

In politics Mr. Nelson has maintained an independent course. His fellow
townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several local
offices. He was the first mayor of Joice and in that position made a most cred-
itable record. He was also president of the school board of Joice and he is now
a director of the Scarville school. Mr. Nelson deserves much credit for what he
has accomplished, for he started out in life empty handed and it has been through
persistent purpose, honorable effort and straightforward dealing that he has gained
his present position as a substantial and progressive citizen of the community in
which he now lives.

E. J. WESTEEBEEG.

E. J. Westerberg, living on section 5, Ellington township, Hancock county,
was born in Sweden, although from the age of ten years he has been a resident
of Iowa and through all the intervening period has been identified with agricul-
tural interests, being now owner of the Lilac Stock Farm, a valuable property
which constitutes one of the attractive features of this section of the state. His
birth occurred on^the 21st of December, 1871, his parents being John and Anna
(Hockinson) Westerberg, who are also natives of Sweden, where they remained
until 1882, when they brought their family to the new world. They did not
tarry on the Atlantic coast, but made their way at once across the country and
are still residents of Winnebago county, Iowa, their home being now in Forest

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 339

City. They became parents of two sons, the younger being Olaf, who is also
living in Ellington township, Hancock county.

E. J. Westerberg was largely reared and educated in Winnebago county and
his youthful e.xperiences were those of the farm bred boy. He attended school in
the winter months and through the summer seasons worked in "the fields, remaining
at home until he had attained his majority. He did not seek to change his occu-
pation, finding in farm work a congenial pursuit, and as soon as possible he pur-
chased property, becoming owner of what is known as the Lilac Stock Farm, a
valuable tract of three hundred and twenty acres, which he has improved with
fine buildings. He has an attractive residence, substantial barns and sheds and
modern machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, raising the various cereals
best adapted to soil and climate. He also makes a specialty of raising and feed-
ing stock of all kinds and this branch of his business brings to him a very sub-
stantial financial return annually.

In 189-lr Mr. Westerberg was united in marriage to Miss Alice Johnson, a
native of Sweden and a daughter of Martin and Carrie (Pearson) Johnson, who
were also born in the same country, where the father still makes his home, but the
mother has now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Westerberg have become the parents
of six children: Adolph B., Nettie F., Mamie A., Rollie H., Harry A. and
Violet E. Mr. Westerberg and his family are members of the Baptist church
and guide their lives according to its teachings. His political endorsement is
given to the republican party, and while never seeking office, he has served for
several years as school director and is much interested in having in his community
schools that will furnish an adequate preparation to the young for life's practical
and responsible duties. He is a self-made man, for all that he possesses and
enjoys has been acquired through his own efforts since he attained man's estate,
assisted by his estimable wife, who has indeed been a helpmate to him. Diligence
and persistency of purpose have constituted the foundation upon which he has
builded his success.

ROBERT D. HOADLEY.

Robert D. Hoadley is living on section 23, Amsterdam township, Hancock
county, where he is following agricultural pursuits according to the most modern
and progressive methods. He was born in Earlville, Illinois, on the 2d of May,
1885, a son of George R. and Kate (Temple) Hoadley, the former a native of
England and the latter of Scotland.

After pursuing his early education in the country schools, Robert D. Hoadley
attended the high school at Earlville, Illinois, and later became a student in
Brown's Business College at Ottawa, Illinois. His textbooks were put aside when
he reached the age of eighteen years, after which he engaged in farming and
for two years rented the old home place. Subsequently he cultivated rented land
at Emmetsburg, Iowa, for two years and later he rented his mother's farm, but
eventually his earnings were such that he was able to purchase property and
invested in one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 23, Amsterdam
township, Hancock county. Here he is farming with a modern tractor, and in

340 WlxXXEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

fact he utilizes all the latest improved machiuery to facilitate the work of the
fields and care for the harvests. He is a very progressive man, thoroughly up-to-
date iu everything that he does, and in addition to his farming interests he holds
stock iu tlie creamery at Kanawha.

On the 3d of October, 190T, Mr. Iloadley was married to Miss Anua Johnson,
a daughter of August Johnson, a native of Norway. They uow have two chil-
dren, Virla M. and Howard C, both at home. Politically Mr. Hoadley is a
republican and his religious faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. He
has become well known during the period of his residence in Hancock county
and that his has been a well spent life is indicated in the fact that all who know
him speak of him in terms of warm regard.

FRANK QUIGLEY.

Frank Quigley, living on section 24, Twin Lake township, Hancock county, is
engaged in general agricultural pursuits, owning and occupying three hundred
and twenty acres of land, which returns to him a substantial tribute for the care
and labor he bestows upon his fields. His life has been one of intense and well
directed activity and he has already wrought substantial, changes in his present
farm since taking possession thereof in 1913. Mr. Quigley* is of Irish birth, his
parents being Francis and Mary (Sherry) Quigley, who were natives of Ireland,
where the father spent his entire life, passing away at the age of fifty-two years.
His widow afterward came to the new world and died on this side the Atlantic
at the advanced age of eighty-six years.

Frank Quigley, who was born on the 16th of March, 1872, remained a resident
of the Emerald isle until 1886, when at the age of fourteen he came to the United
States and began earning his living as a farm hand. He afterward rented land
for fifteen years, but it was his earnest desire to own property and he saved his
earnings until through diligence and determination he had acqiiired a sufficient
sum to purchase a farm. Since 1913 he has been the owner of three hundred and
twenty acres of valuable land on section 24, Twin Lake township, Hancock county,
Iowa, which he purchased for one hundred and ten dollars per acre. He now culti-
vates all kinds of cereals upon his place and also raises graded stock. He is likewise
interested in a threshing outfit and he is justly accounted one of the enterprising
business men of his section, carrying forward to successful completion whatever
he undertakes.

On the 17th of February, 1901, Mr. Quigley was married to Miss Ellen Goffney,
a daughter of Thomas and Anne (Brady) Goffney, both of whom vrere natives of
Ireland, where they spent their entire lives, the father passing away at the age of
seventy-five years, while the mother is now living at the age of sixty-five. Mr. and
Mrs. Quigley have become parents of four children : Francis James, Thomas John,
Gertrude Marie and Raymond Alloysius.

Politically ^Ir. Quigley is a democrat and has served as president of the town-
ship board. He has also been school director and is interested in all those questions
which have to do with the w-elfare and progress of his community. He holds
membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Knights of

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 341

Columbus and tlie latter association is an indication of the fact that he is a member '
of the Catholic church. He may truly be called a self-made man and as the
architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well.

XELS FEANDSEX.

For a third of a century Nels Frandsen has been a resident of Hancock county
and has therefore witnessed much of its development and improvement. He has
taken an active part in furthering its agricultural development and is now suc-
cessfully engaged in general farming on section 3, Crystal township, where he
has made his home since 1887. He was born in Denmark, August 3, 1850, a
son of Franc J. and Christine (Nelson) Jensen, both of whom were natives of
Denmark, where they spent their entire lives.

Nels Frandsen was reared and educated in his native country and in 1884
bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for the new world, hoping to benefit
his financial condition on this side of the Atlantic. He at once made his way to
Iowa, settling in Hancock county, and three years later, or in 1887, he became
the owner of a farm of eighty acres on section 3, Crystal township, and in 1890
bought an additional eighty acres adjoining it. He has since resided upon that
place and through all the intervening years he has carefully and systematically
cultivated and improved it and now has a valuable farm which annually returns
to him golden harvests, affording him a good yearly income.

Mr. Frandsen was married in Denmark to Miss Carrie L. Jergeson, and they
became the parents of four children, Mary, Carrie, William and Clara, all yet at
home. The son now operates the farm and gives much attention to the raising
of stock. The wife and mother passed away in April, 1916, and was laid to rest
in Crystal Lake cemetery, leaving a husband, four children and many friends to
mourn her loss.

Mr. Frandsen exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the republican party. He has served as school director and has ever
been an advocate of a progressive school system that will qualify the young for
life's practical and responsible duties. He is a self-made man, his success being
won through his own efforts since coming to America. He has therefore never
had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world and has
become more and more strongly attached to the land of his adoption as the years
have passed:

JOHNSTON BROWN.

Johnston Brown, who is residing on section 28, Garfield township, Hancock
county, is one of the pioneers of that section and remembers well when there were
no railroads in the county and when the conditions of life were those of a fron-
tier district. He was born in Jefferson county. New York, October 11, 1843, of
the marriage of John and Sarah (Stahl) Brown. His boyhood was spent upon

ii— 17

342 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

the home farm in the Empire state, and his educational opportunities were meager,
as there were but few schools in that section at the time and those that were in
existence afforded but a rudimentary course of instruction. In his early manhood
he removed to Aurora, Illinois, and engaged in farming in that locality until
1886, when he came to Hancock county, Iowa. He only remained here for a
short time, after which he returned to Illinois, but in 1888 he located permanently
in Garfield township, Hancock county. At that time there were no railroads in
the county and there were only two stores in the town of Garner. He devoted
his attention to farming and stock raising and brought his land to a high stat^
of development. He has met with a gratifying measure of prosperity and now
holds title to two hundred and fifty-two acres of land in Hancock county, his
residence being on section 28, Garfield township, and one hundred and sixty acres
in Todd county, Minnesota.

On the 11th of February, 1868, Mr. Brown was married in Kankakee, Illinois,
to Miss Caroline Farr, a daughter of Alfred and Margerj' (Rush) Farr. Her
father was a native of England, where his parents, Thomas and Mary (Smith)
Farr, spent their entire lives. When a boy of fifteen years he came to America
on a sailing vessel and it was six months from the time he took passage until he
landed in the new world, as the ship was wrecked and the passengers cast on an
island. Margery Eush and her twin brother were the first white children born
in Elkhart county, Indiana, but when she was five years old the family removed
to Kankakee county, Illinois. Her uncle was the founder of Eush Medical Col-
lege in Chicago. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born three daughters and
one son, as follows : Milo, who married Mary Chipman and lives at Burt, Iowa ;
Mona, who married John Lowe, of Hayfield, Iowa; Emma, the wife of John
Davison, of Long Prairie, Minnesota; and Myra, now Mrs. John Tythcott, of
Sioux City, Iowa.

Mr. Brown is an advocate of republican principles and has supported the
candidates of that party at the polls with the exception of the 1916 election,
when he voted for Woodrow Wilson. He has always taken the interest of a good
citizen in public affairs, but has held only one office, having served as township
trustee for two years. In 1864 he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and
Thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Thomas Lamport, for
one hundred days' service. He has a wide acquaintance in Hancock county and
his dominant qualities are such that all who have been brought in contact with
him hold him in high esteem.

ANDREW A. JOHNSOK

Andrew A. Johnson, living on section 30, Twin Lake township, Hancock
county, has practically spent his entire life in Iowa, although he was born in
Indiana on the 15th of January, 1858, his parents being Benjamin and Hen-
rietta (Thomas) Johnson, who were natives of New Jersey and Indiana respect-
ively. They became residents of Hardin county, Iowa, during the pioneer epoch
in its development, and assisted in the work of progress and improvement there,
but both are now deceased.

ANDREW A. JOHNSON

Pff.-^

"A' YORK

^raRARY

ASTOS. LKMox AND

TILDKN FOUNDATIONS

R L

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 345

Andrew A. Johnson was but an infant when brought by his parents to Iowa,
so that he was reared in Hardin county, where he acquired a district school
education. His textbooks were put aside when he had reached the age of seven-
teen years, after which he worked with his father on the old homestead until he
attained his majority. Later he spent three years at farm work in the employ
of others and on the expiration of that period he rented land which he cultivated
for three years. He afterward bought sixty-five acres on section 30, paying one
thousand dollars for this tract. In 1886 he bought eighty-five acres on section 30,
Twin Lake township, for which he paid two thousand dollars and for an addi-
tional eighty acres on the same section he gave three thousand two hundred
dollars. Throughout all the intervening years he has concentrated his efforts and
attention upon farming and stock raising. He carries forward to successful com-
pletion whatever he undertakes. He is energetic and has never been afraid of
hard work. He tills the soil, rotating his crops so as to keep his land productive
and not impoverish his fields. He also makes a specialty of raising Poland China
hogs, handling pure bred stock, and this branch of his business adds materially to
his income.

On the 14th of February, 1884, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Lizzie Ott,
a daughter of Matthias and Elizabeth Ott, who were natives of Germany, and on
coming to Iowa in 1858 settled at Northwood. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have
become the parents of four children of whom two are married. Flossie May is
now the wife of Henry Hanson, who lives in Amsterdam township. Alice Marie
is the wife of Harold Stotts, and they make their home in Minnesota. The other
children are Ora A. and Euth M., yet at home.

Mr. Johnson votes with the republican party, which he has supported since
attaining his majority, and for six years he has capably filled the office of township
trustee. He has likewise served as school director and the cause of education
finds in him a stalwart friend. Eeligiously he is identified with the United
Brethren church and he displays many admirable characteristics which have won
for him the respect, confidence and goodwill of all with whom he has been
brought in contact. He is numbered among Iowa's pioneer settlers, having for
almost sixty years resided within the borders of the state, during which period
he has witnessed a marvelous transformation, for the wild prairie land has been
converted into fine farms, dotted here and there with thriving towns and villages,
and there is no feature of modern civilization nor of progressive business life that
is not found in the state.

THOMAS BEEHOW.

The home farm of Thomas Berhow is situated on section 4, Amsterdam township,
Hancock county, and comprises three hundred and twenty acres of rich and
productive land upon which he is extensively engaged in sheep raising. He was
born on the 29th of March, 1875, in Story county, Iowa, a son of Ole and Bertha
(Eide) Berhow, who were natives of Norway. They reared their family, however,
in Iowa and Thomas Berhow pursued his education in the public schools of PoUc

346 WINNEBAGO AND IIAN(!()OK COUNTIES

county, this state, dividing his time between the work of the schoolroom, the
pleasures of the playground and the labors of the fields until he reached the age
of sixteen. His time thereafter was concentrated upon assisting his father in
the further development and cultivation of the home farm until he attained his
majority. He then started out in life independently, beginning work as a farm
hand, his labors in that way continuing until he reached the age of twenty-four
years. He afterward rented land for three years and his first purchase made him
owner of ninety-four acres in Story county, Iowa, which he cultivated for seven
years. He then came to Hancock county, establishing his home on section 36,
Amsterdam township, where he followed general farming for a time, but at length
he disposed of that place and purchased three hundred and twenty acres on
section 4, Amsterdam township, where he now resides. His farm is equipped
with all modern conveniences and accessories. There are good buildings upon the
place and fences, which are always kept in a state of good repair, divide the farm
into fields and pastures of convenient size. He is making a specialty of sheep
raising, handling high grade Shropshires, and he finds this a profitable source
of income. He is also connected with the Kanawha Creamery, and he stands for
progressiveness in all that pertains to the life of the agriculturist.

On the 14th of March, 1899, Mr. Berhow was united in marriage to Miss
Jennie Fatland, her parents being John H. and Sarah (TTeggen) Fatland, the
former a native of the United States and the latter of Norway. To Mr. and
Mrs. Berhow have been born four children, namely: Floyd William, Edgar Orvin,
Byron LeEoy and Sidney J. The parents hold membership in the Norwegian
Lutheran church and are interested in its upbuilding, doing all in their power
to promote its gi-owth and extend its influence. Mr. Berhow votes with the
republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day.
His has been a life of marked activity, intelligently directed, and though he started
out in life empty handed, he is today one of the substantial citizens of his part
of the state.

HALVOE 0. KVAMBECK.

Halvor 0. Kvambeck, who is devoting his time and energies to general farming
on section 35, Norway township, has spent almost his entire life in Winnebago
county and throughout the entire period has devoted his energies to agricultural
pursuits. He was born in Norway, January 3, 1864, a son of Ole S. and Ingeborg
(Halvorson) Kvambeck, who were farming people there. They came to the United
States when their son Halvor was but two and one-half years old and for a year
resided near Northwood, in Worth county, Iowa, where the father had a brother
who was engaged in farming. The next year, however, they removed to Winnebago
county and Mr. Kvambeck purchased the north half of the northeast quarter of
section 35, Norway township. It was then a tract of raw land, but he immediately
began to develop and improve the place, in which he soon wrought a marked
transformation. He also bought the north half of the northwest quarter adjoining
section 35 and likewise purchased thirty-seven and one-half acres on the southwest
quarter of the northwest quarter of section 36, Norway township, and devoted his
remaining days to the cultivation of his farm. In the fall of 1906 he suffered

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 347

serious injuries through the attack of a bull, which caused his death on the 3d
of November. His widow survived him for about four years, passing away October
11, 1910, and both were laid to rest in the United Lutheran cemetery at Lake
Mills. In his political views Mr. Kvambeck was a republican and always supported
the party from the time that he became a naturalized American citizen. His success
was the direct result of his own labors. He worked diligently and persistently and
as the years passed on won a substantial measure of prosperity. To him and his
wife were born five children, one of whom died when but three years of age. Those
still living are Simon 0. and Halvor 0., who are farming together; Christina;
and John, who is also upon the old homestead. The three brothers are associated
in the work of the farm, while the sister manages the household afEairs.

Halvor 0. Kvambeck spent his youthful days under the parental roof and his
experiences were those which usually fall to the lot of the farm bred boy. He
attended the early schools of the county until he reached the age of sixteen years
and afterward worked for his father until the latter's death. He and his brothers
have continued upon the home place and he now owns the southwest quarter of
section 36, Norway township. He is financially interested in the Farmers Elevator,
the Farmers Lumber Yard at Lake Mills, and the Lake Mills Creamery Company.
He has led a life of diligence and thrift and his energy and industry are the basic
principles of the success which has come to him.- His political allegiance has
always been given to the republican party. He is now town clerk and served for
three or four terms on the school board.

HENRY AFEICA.

Henry Africa, the well known and popular postmaster of Kanawha, Iowa, was
born on the 1st of June, 1869, in Center county, Pennsylvania, of which state his
parents, Samuel and Louisa (Dunlap) Africa, were also natives. In 1875 the
family came to Iowa and located in Grinnell, where our subject's maternal grand-
parents had previously settled. The father, who was a miller by trade, subsequently
obtained employment in a gristmill at Newton, Iowa, where he made his home
until 1885, and then removed to Hancock county, being employed as a miller in
the old Amsterdam mill. Later he became a resident of Goodell, where his death
occurred in 1893, but the mother of our subject is still living and continues to
make her home in Goodell.

After coming with the family to Iowa in 1875, Henry Africa lived with his
maternal grandparents on a farm near Grinnell for a number of years and obtained
his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. As early as his thirteenth
year, however, he became a wage earner, working at farming or anything by which
he could earn an honest dollar. In the spring of 1885 he joined his parents,
who were then living in Webster City, Iowa, and came with them to Hancock county,
where he has since made his home most of the time, though he conducted a barber
shop at Belmond for a few years. On selling his business there in the spring of
1901, he removed to Kanawha, where he purchased a hotel and engaged in the
hotel and restaurant business with good success. His establishment was run on
a high plane of efficiency and his table became famed among the traveling men

348 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

visiting this part of the state. In 1915 he traded his hotel property for a farm
of eighty acres five and a half miles southwest of Kanawha and has since given
his undivided attention to the duties of the postofBce, having been appointed
postmaster in 1913.

In 1896 Mr. Africa married Miss Frauke K. Duryea, of Hancock county, a
sister of the noted baseball pitcher, Cy Duryea (Cyclone Duryea). By this union
four sons and one daughter have been born, namely: George Arold, Guy K., Esther,
Henry Jr., and James.

Mr. and Mrs. Africa hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and
he is also prominently identified with a number of fraternal orders, being a member
of Corwith Lodge, No. .535, A. F. & A. M.; Bethel Chapter, No. 116, E. A. M.,
of Garner; Bethel Council, No. 33, R. & S. M. ; and Mount Lebanon Commandery,
No. 01, K. T., of Clarion, Iowa. He also belongs to Kanawha Lodge, No. 667,
I. 0. 0. F., the Rebekahs, the Modern Woodman of America and the American
Yeomen, while his wife is a member. of Corwith Chapter, 0. E. S. By his ballot
he supports the men and measures of the democratic party and besides serving
as postmaster he has filled the office of town clerk four or five years. He has
always been found true to any trust reposed in him and well merits the confidence
and esteem which his fellow citizens so freely accord him.

GILBERT OLSON.

Gilbert Olson, now successfully engaged in farming on section 30, Center town-
ship, has been a resident of Winnebago county since 1876, but his early home was
on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in Norway on the 29th of August,
1848. His parents, Ole and Karie (Hellickson) Olson, were likewise natives of
Norway, in which country the father followed farming until called to his final
rest in 1851. The mother subsequently came to the new world and lived with
her children until she too passed away in 1899.

In the land of the midnight sun Gilbert Olson grew to manhood with the
usual educational advantages of a farmer boy in that counti7 and was twenty
years of age when he determined to try his fortune in America, where he believed
that better opportunities were afforded ambitious young men. On arriving here
in 1868 he located in Wisconsin, where he worked as a farm hand for a few
years, but in 1876 he came to Winnebago county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land on section 23, Newton township, which he at once began
to improve and cultivate. To this tract he later added eighty acres and continued
to operate that farm until the spring of 1917, when he rented the place and
removed to Center township, having purchased the old Holland farm of ei^^'hty
acres on section 30. Upon this place is one of the oldest log cabins in Winnebago
county, it standing as a monument of pioneer days.

On the 8th of March, 1888, occurred the marriage of Mr. Olson and Miss
Betsy Quam, a daughter of .John and Betsy (Johan) Quam, natives of Norway,
who came to the United States about 1867 and first located in Goodyear county,
Minnesota, but afterward became early settlers of Newton township, Winnebago
county, Iowa. Mr. Quam is deceased and his widow is living in Mount Valley

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 349

township, Winnebago county, with her daughter, Mrs. John Haugen. To Mr.
and Mrs. Olson have been born thirteen children, but Bertine died February 10,
1895, at the age of a year and a half. Those living are Otto, John, Carl, Bent, Mary,
Genhart, Clara, Melvin, Tena, Albert, Elmer and Selma.

In religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Olson are Lutherans and in politics he is
a stanch supporter of the republican party. He has been called to fill the offices
of justice of the peace and trustee of Newton township, was also elected the first
assessor of that township and served in that capacity for two terms. For the
long period of twenty years he was also treasurer of his schodl district. He is a
stockholder in the Lake Mills Creamery Company and the Leland Creamery
Company and is a man in whom the people of the community have the utmost
confidence.

JOSEPH R. LEWIS.

A life of industry and thrift has made Joseph E. Lewis one of the substantial
farmers of Winnebago county, his home being on section 18, Mount Valley town-
ship. He was born March 14, 1876, a son of Lars Pearson and Ellen B. (Pearson)
Lewis, both of whom were natives of Sweden. Coming to America in 1871, they
established their home upon a farm in Winnebago county, Iowa, and throughout
his remaining days the father gave his thoughtful and earnest attention to the
development of his fields, winning a fair measure of success through his farm work.
He passed away in 1910 and is still survived by his widow. They had a family of
eix children, five of whom are yet living.

At the usual age Joseph R. Lewis became a pupil in the public schools and
therein mastered the branches of learning which qualified him for life's practical
and responsible duties. From early boyhood he aided in the work of the fields
through the summer months and as his age and strength increased he worked more
and more in that connection. He has never sought to change his occupation, believ-
ing, as George Washington expressed it, that agriculture is the most useful as well
as the most honorable occupation of man. He saved his earnings until he was able
to purchase one hundred and fifty acres of land, which he secured on section 18,
Mount Valley township. In the intervening period he has given his attention to
crop production and also to stock raising, and both branches of his business are
proving profitable sources of income.

In 1903 Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Mary Segerstrom, a native
of Mitchell county, Iowa, and a daughter of Nels and Bengta (Swenson) Seger-
strom, who were natives of Sweden and in the year 1868 made the long voyage
across the Atlantic to the new world. They first settled in Mitchell county, Iowa,
and afterward established their home in Minnesota. In the year 1887 they became
residents of Winnebago county, where the mother passed away, but the father is
still living. They had a family of seven children, five of whom survive. Mrs.
Lewis attended the high school of Forest City and for ten years she successfully
Luella A., Lyle J., Russell M., Forest V. and Elsie Buetillie. The parents are
members of the Baptist church, in which Mr. Lewis is serving as a steward. His

350 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

political endorsement is given to the republican party but he has never been ambi-
tious to hold office. He is interested, however, in affairs of the community and is
now serving as a school director. He lends his aid and cooperation to many move-
ments for the general good and his influence is always on the side of progress.

CHRISTIAN ESCHER.

Christian Escher established his residence in Iowa in ISitO and was the owner
of a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 19, Magor township,
Hancock county, at the time of his death, which occcurred May 5, 1901, Illinois
claimed him as a native son, as he was liorn in Tazewell county on the 11th of
January, 18G0. His parents were Jolm and Johannette Escher, natives of
Germany.

Christian Escher became a pupil in the district schools of his native county and
therein pursued his studies between the ages of six and seventeen years. Then
he and his brother bought one hundred and sixty acres in Ford county, Illinois,
and farmed there for two 3'ears, after whicli the place was sold. He then rented
land until 1896, when he removed to Iowa, and he was identifid with agricultural
interests in Hancock county until his death in 1901. Since then his son, Louis,
has operated the farm. He makes a specialty of raising Polled Angus cattle and
has a good herd upon the place. He has added various substantial improvements
to the farm, which is well equipped.

On the 2d of November, 1885, Mr. Escher was married to Miss Augusta Erp,
a daughter of John and Mary Erp, natives of Germany, who came to America and
located in Ford county. Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. E.sclier were born six children,
William John. Louis Walter, Joe Milo, Reuben, Laura E. and Erwin C. Of this
number Reuben is deceased.

The religious faith of the family is that of the German Lutheran church. In
his political belief Mr. Escher was a republican. He was interested in many
matters pertaining to public progress and improvement and was numbered among
the substantial and valued citizens of Magor township.

HERMAN B. LAUEN.

Herman B. Lauen, a resident farmer of Avery township, Hancock county, living
on section 23, was born in Germany on the 23d of February, 1866, his parents being
Bert and Anna Lauen, who were also natives of that country, the mother born in
1830. They came to America with their family in 1884, but both have now passed
away.

Herman B. Lauen was about eighteen years old when the family arrived in the
United States and from the Atlantic seaboard they made their way westward to
Wright county, Iowa, where he worked by the month as a farm hand for four
or five years. He was ambitious, however, to engage in farming on his own
account and at length rented land, which he cultivated for six years. During that

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 351

period he carefully saved his earnings and at length was able to purchase one
hundred and sixty acres on section 23, Avery township. With characteristic energy
he bent his efforts to the development of the place. lie paid twenty-five dollars
per acre for this land, which was then a wild tract. He broke the sod, harrowed
the fields, put in his seed and in time gathered good crops. Since then lie has care-
fully, persistently and systematically cultivated his farm and has also engaged in
raising cattle and hogs and on a limited scale has engaged in dairying.

On the 2d of December, 1903, Mr. Lauen was united in marriage to Mrs. Ida
M. Pals, a daughter of John and Pauline Stadtlander, who are natives of Germany
and are still living. Mr. Lauen is a republican in his political views and while he
has never sought nor filled political offices, he has served as school director. He
and his wife belong to tlie German Eeformed Methodist Episcopal church and they
are people of many substantial qualities. Mr. Lauen deserves much credit for what
he has accomplished in a business way, for his success is due entirely to his own
efforts, his diligence and perseverance enabling him to overcome all tlie difficulties
and obstacles in his path and work his way upward to prosperity.

HENEY 0. HAKEISON.

Henry 0. Harrison, who carries on general farming on section 11, Ellington
township, has been a resident of Hancock county for more than thirty-seven years.
He was born in Wisconsin, Jiily 10, 1854, and was one of a family of seven children,
although only two are now living. Their parents, Ole and Eva (Medbin) Harrison,
were both natives of Norway and the former came to America when but ten years
of age, at which time he became a resident of Wisconsin. There he was reared
and married and in 1867 he removed with his family to Iowa and later went to
Hartland, Minnesota, where eventually he passed away as the result of wounds
sustained during his three years' service in the Civil war as a defender of the Union.

Henry 0. Harrison was a youth of thirteen years when he came to Iowa. He
acquired his education in the public schools and assisted in the development and cul-
tivation of the home farm up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated
in 1881, Miss Thonne Michalson becoming his wife. She was born in Iowa and
is a daughter of Torger and Ingbyr (Qualley) Michalson, both natives of Norway,
whence they came to the United States in the '60s. They established their home in
Wisconsin but after two years removed to Decorah, Iowa, and later to Lake Mills,
where both passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have become parents of nine
children : Tillie A., and Albert T., both deceased ; Oscar, Eddie and Henry A., all
at home ; Marie, the wife of L. V. Donahue ; Ida A., at home ; Emma T., the wife of
Thomas Eigmer; and Thelma A.

Following his marriage Mr. Harrison purchased the farm upon which he has
now continuously lived for thirty-six years. • His tract of land comprises one hun-
dred and sixty acres, which he has since brought to a high state of cultivation and to
which he has added many substantial modern improvements. In addition to
tilling the fields he is engaged in raising stock of all kinds and keeps good grades of
stock. His business affairs are wisely and carefully conducted and economy and
industry have been features of his growing prosperity. In addition to his agricul-

352 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

tural interests lie is a stockholder in the Farmers elevator at Ventura, Iowa. Mr.
and Mrs. Harrison owe their success entirely to their individual efforts. They are
numbered among the prominent residents of Ellington township, where they have
a large circle of warm friends. They hold membership in the Lutheran church
and Mr. Harrison votes with the republican party, which he has supported since
age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as justice of the
peace and as a member of the school board and has done everything in his power
to further the interests which are cared for Liy the two offices. Those who know
him esteem him highly because of a well spent life. He has lived to witness many
changes in the county during the long years of his residence here and his progressive
spirit has made him a well known factor in its agricultural development.

CHRISTIAN ENGEBRETSOISr.

Christian Engebretson, who is concentrating his time and attention on general
farming on section 20, Logan township, Winnebago county, is a self-made man
whose success is due entirely to his close application and persistent energy. He
was born in Modum, Norway, near Christiania, June 9, 1845. His parents were
Engebret Olson and Mary Knutson. The father followed. farming in his native
land, where he passed away in 1867. In the family were eight children, of whom
Christian is the eldest. Six of the number are yet living, and Mary and Anna
are still in Norway. The others in America are: Hans Berg, of Logan town-
ship, Winnebago county; Ole, also of Logan township; and John, who is living
in Polk county, Minnesota.

Christian Engebretson was twenty-four years of age when he came to the
United States and made his way direct to Winnebago county, Iowa, in 1869,
going to the home of his uncle, Hans Knutson, in Norway township. He worked
for his uncle and for others for a short time and then settled on school land in
Logan township before it was put up for sale. When thirty years of age he pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acres on section 20, constituting the northwest
quarter, and later he purchased the southwest quarter of the same section, having
here a valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres. He broke the prairie
land and put in his crops. He carried on the work of development and improve-
ment steadily as the years went on and soon wrought a marked transformation
in the appearance of his place. His mother afterward came to Winnebago county
with her son Hans and lived with Christian Engebretson until her death, which
occurred in 1909, her remains being interred in Bethel cemetery.

Mr. Engebretson was married, before coming to the United States, to Miss
Maren Gurine Gaaserud, and they became parents of eight children. Maren
Helene, who was born in Norway, November 14, 1867 became the wife of Herman
Gulsrud, of Hubbard county, Minnesota, and died November 20, 1916. Inga,
born October 13, 1870, is the wife of Tom Gavle, of Freeborn county, Minnesota.
Maria, born January 1, 1873, is the wife of John Holman, of Eden township,
Winnebago county. Johan C, born July 20, 1875, is living in Logan township.
Hans C, born May 20, 1877, also makes his home in Logan township. Carl C,
born March 18, 1880, is a resident of Freeborn county, Minnesota. Albert C,

MR. AND MRS. OHRTSTTAN ENOEBRETROX

^HE ;M7\V VQp.,^
PUSLfC UHRARY

ASTOf^, LKNox AND
TILDF.N FOUNDATIONS

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 355

born June 20, 1882, is assisting in the cultivation of the home farm. Gunda,
born December 6, 1884, died November 24, 1908. The wife and mother passed
away June 13, 1913, and was laid to rest in Bethel cemetery.

Mr. Engebretson is still actively interested in farming and yet owns two hun-
dred and sixty-seven acres on section 20, Logan township, together with the
north half of the southwest quarter of section 16. He likewise has a third
interest with his sons, J. C. and H. C, in the northwest quarter of section 34,
and he has materially assisted his sons in acquiring their farms. He is a stock-,
holder in the Farmers Creamery at Vinje. His has been a life of diligence and
determination, and he has carried forward to successful completion whatever he
has undertaken. His history shows what may be accomplished when one has the
will to dare and to do, for he started out in life empty handed and has worked
his way steadily upward.

Mr. Engebretson holds membership in the United Lutheran church. His
political allegiance is given to the republican party and for a number of years
he filled the oflice of township trustee. He has also been school director for a
number of years and he is interested in all that pertains to the progress and
welfare of his adopted land. In early manhood he chose to make this country
his place of residence and he has always been loyal to the United States and her
interests. Living under the protection of her laws, he has felt that he has
owed her allegiance and at all times he has stood for those things which have
contributed to public progress and improvement in the district in which he
resides.

GEORGE M. CARSON, D. V. M.

Dr. George M. Carson, of Lake Mills, Iowa, is one of the busiest and most up-
to-date veterinarians of this part of the state. A native of of Cook county, Illinois,
he was born August 23, 1884, of the marriage of Mathew and Lizzie (Crego)
Carson, the former also a native of the Prairie state. In 1888 the family removed
to Winnebago county, Iowa, and the father purchased land here, which he has
since farmed. The motlier also survives.

Dr. George M. Carson received his education in the schools of Thompson and
Milford, Iowa, graduating from the high school of the latter place with the class
of 1903. From that time until he was twenty-three years of age he worked upon
the home farm, after which for three years he rented a farm belonging to his
father. He next entered the McKillip Veterinary College of Chicago and upon
the completion of the course there was graduated in 1912 with the degree of D. V.
M. He at once located for practice at Lake Mills, where he still resides. He pur-
chased property on Main street and converted it into a veterinary hospital, which
has been of great value to the stock raisers of the county. His practice extends into
a number of counties in Iowa and Minnesota and his professional standing is
enviable. He has never ceased to be a student of his profession and keeps in close
touch with the newest methods for the treatment of the diseases of animals. He
owns stock in the Farmers Elevator Company of Lake Mills and has already gained
a competence.

356 WINiNEBA(JU AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Dr. Carsou was married in June, 1!K)7, to Miss Ethel V. Dannatt, by whom he
has two children: Venetia \'.. who was i)urn October 2, 1908: and Arlo Brnce,
born April 11, 1014. The Doctor is a strong republican in his political views,
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Homesteaders lodges and
holds membership in the (.'ongregational church. He is one of the leading citizens
of Lake Mills, and his salient ipialities of cliaracter are sncli that he is most
highly esteemed by those who kn(j\v liini most intimately.

SEVERT M. JACOBSON.

Severt M. Jacobson, who follows farming on section 14, Amsterdam township,
Hancock county, has au excellent tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres
which he carefully and systematically cultivates and in addition he is also engaged
in the buying and selling of horses. He was born on the 18th of August, 1877, in
Story City, Iowa, a son of Jacob and Josephine (Olson) Jacobson, who were natives
of Norway. His education was acquired in the district schools of Story county,
Iowa, his time being divided between his school work and the labors of the fields
until he attained his majority. He then quit school and for a time engaged in
work as a farm hand, Inii was dcsii'oiis of making his ell'orts of more direct benefit to
himself and for thirteen years he cultivated a rented farm. The money which he
earned in that way enabled him to purchase one hundred and sixty acres on section
14, Amsterdam township, Hancock county, in March, 1914, and he has since carried
on the work of the farm, cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and
also winning a considerable measure of profit through his activity as a horse buyer.

On the 83d of January, 1902, Mr. Jacobson was married to Miss Ragnel Nearam,
a daughter of Knute Nearam, a native of Norway, and they now have four children,
Arthur J., Jcannette M., Clara Elniira and Selma R. Since age conferred upon
him the right of franchise Mr. Jacobson has been a stalwart advocate of the repub-
lican party, while his religious faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
He is widely and favorably known in Amsterdam township, where he has a circle
of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.

OSCAE THOMPSON.

Oscar Thompson, who is engaged in farming on section 16, Center township,
Winnebago county, was born in that township on the 1st of May, 1886, a son of
John and Sarah (Thorvaldson) Thompson, natives respectively of Minnesota and
Wisconsin. The father settled in Winnebago county in its pioneer days and after
renting land for a few years purchased a quarter section in Center township, which
he operated successfully until the spring of 1907, when he retired from active life
and took up his residence in Lake Mills, where he is now living. The mother also
survives.

Oscar Thompson was reared upon the home farm and in the acquirement of his
education attended the district schools and also schools at Lake Mills and Forest

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 357

City. After attaining his majority lie rented land and began farming for himself,
his experience in agricultural work, gained through assisting his father, well fitting
him for his chosen life work. He is now operating one hundred and sixty acres on
section 16, Center township, belonging to an uncle, and his well directed labors are
rewarded by large crops. He also raises some stock and finds that likewise profit-
able. He is financially interested in the Farmers Elevator Company at Lake Mills
and in the Lake Mills Creamery Company, and owns one hundred and sixty acres
of land in Divide county. North Dakota. On the 2d of June, 1914, Mr. Thompson
married Miss Emma Kvalsrud, a daughter of Tostin and Ausee Kvalsrud, who
were born in Norway but located in Worth county, Iowa, many years ago. Thoy
are now living upon a farm in the vicinity of Joice. Mr. Thompson is a republi-
can in his political allegiance and has served for three years as assessor of Center
township, in which connection he has made a highly creditable record. Through
his membership in the Lutheran church he has identified himself with those forces
making for righteousness, and his many excellent qualities have gained him the
unqualified respect of those who have known him since boyhood.

EOLLIN S. FILLMORE, JR., M. D.

The large practice with Dr. RoUin S. Fillmore, Jr., of Corwith, has built up in
the comparatively short time that he has been a resident of the town is evidence
that the public recognizes his ability and devotion to his profession. He received
his training in a thorough medical college and in up-to-date hospitals and gives his
patients the benefit of the latest discoveries in the field of medicine.

The Doctor was born in Blue Rapids, Kansas, on the 22d of December, 1888, a
son of Dr. Rollin S. and Ada Louise (Burns) Fillmore. The father, who was born
on the 23d of December, 1854, in Minnesota, devoted his life to the practice of
medicine and thus followed in the footsteps of his father, who was a .successful
physician. Rollin S. Fillmore, Sr., was graduated from the medical department of
the University of Washington at St. Louis in 1882 and in the same year opened an
office for practice in Blue Rapids, Kansas, where he is still located. He is one
of the prominent physicians and surgeons of his section of the state and has also
served as mayor of Blue Rapids, his •election to that oSice indicating the high esteem
in which he is held by his fellow citizens. His wife was born in Tillsonburg,
Ontario, Canada, on the 22d of December, 1853, and rececived her education and
grew to womanhood in the Dominion. In 1884 she went on a visit to Blue Rapids,
Kansas, and there met Dr. Fillmore, her future husband. They have three chil-
dren : Louise, the wife of Dr. R. E. Weston, a physician practicing at Tillsonburg,
Canada; Rollin S. ; and Benjamin De Witt, who was a student at the University
of Kansas but left college to enter the aviation corps of the British army and is now
serving in Egypt.

Rollin S. Fillmore, Jr., completed the high school course at Blue Rapids,
Kansas, and in 1908 entered the medical college of Washington University at St.
Louis, the school from which his father graduated, receiving the degree of M. D.
from that institution in 1912. For one year he was interne in St. Luke's Hospital
at St. Louis and for six months held a similar position in the Iron Mountain Rail-

358 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

road Hospital at Little liock, Arkansas. Subsequently he was physician at a
lumber camp at Eigeluw, Arkansas, hut in 1914 removed to Corwith, Iowa, where
he has since remained. In his practice here he has adopted the methods in use in
the most up-to-date hospitals and has been most successful in the treatment of
disease. He belongs to the Winnebago & Hancock Counties Medical Society, the
Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and through the
proceedings of those organizations, through individual study and through wide pro-
fessional reading he keeps thoroughly informed as to the work of the leading
physicians and surgeons of the country.

Dr. Fillmore is a republican in politics, but altliough he feels the concern of a
good citizen for the welfare of his community he has not taken an active part
in public affairs, preferring to concentrate his attention u23on his practice. He
belongs to Paradise Lodge, No. 553, A. F. & A. M., of Corwith, and to Lodge
No. 29, B. P. 0. E., at Little Rock, Arkansas. He is held in the highest esteem
throughout Hancock louiity not only professionally liut also personally.

SAM THEONSON.

Sam Tlironson, who is engaged in general farming oh .section 30, Norway
township, Winnebago county, has always devoted his life to the tilling of the soil
and his energy and determination have brought to him success. He was born on
his father's farm in Norway township, December 25, 1885, a son of Thron and
Inger (Nelson) Thronson, who were natives of Norway, where they were reared and
married. Before leaving that country one child was born to them, Lena, who is
now the wife of 11. \\. Johnson, of Eniiiioiis, Minnesota. On coming to the United
States in 1879 they made their way at once to Norway township, Winnebago
county, and the following year the father purchased the east half of the northeast
quarter of section 30. To his original purchase he added from time to time as his
financial resources permitted, acquiring the entire northeast quarter of section 30
and also purchasing eighty acres on section 19 of the same township, so that his
farm covered two hundred and forty acres. This he carefully and systematically
cultivated and improved throughout his remaining days and became recognized as
one of the substantial and valued farmers of his community. He deserved much
credit for his success, which was attributable entirely to his persistent effort.
Becoming a naturalized American citizen, he gave loyal support to movements and
interests for the benefit of the community and he voted with the republican party.
He held membership in the Lutheran church and when called to his final rest
on the 16th of January, 1916, his remains were interred in the Lutheran cemetery
at Scarville. He had the following children: Lena, Nellie, Thomas, Sam and
Inga.

Sam Thronson obtained his education in the common schools of Norway town-
ship, which he attended until eighteen years of age, after which he worked for his
father until the latter's death. He is now farming the old homestead and he also
rents and cultivates the southwest quarter of section 30, so that he is giving his
time and energies to the cultivation of four hundred acres of land. He is leading
a. busy, useful and active life and his energy and thrift are evidenced in the

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 359

splendid appearance of his place. The fences and buildings are kept in a state
of good repair and there are fine improvements upon the farm, while in the culti-
vation of his fields he utilizes the best machinery. He also raises quite a number
of cattle and hogs. In a word, he is a progressive agriculturist and his laliors
are being attended by gratifying results. He is a stockholder in the Scarville
elevator and in the creamery. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party but he has never sought nor desired office. His religious faith is manifest
in his membership in the Synod Lutheran church.

LEWIS G. AVERY.

No history of Hancock county would be complete without mention of the
Avery family and one cannot carry his investigations far without learning what
an important part they have played in the development and upbuilding of this
section of the state. Lewis 6. Avery, who is now engaged in general farming on
section 25, Avery township, was born November 12, 1867, his parents being Anson
and Lovina (Pliilo) Avery, who were the first settlers of Hancock county, where
the father took up the occupation of farming when all this district was a wild and
unbroken prairie in which as yet the hand of civilization had wrought no changes.
It was in his honor that Avery township was so named.

A lifelong resident of Hancock county, Lewis G. Avery entered the public
schools at the usual age, but attended only through the winter seasons when his
labors were not needed in the work of the farm. Through the summer months
he took his place in the fields, but he continued to attend school as opportunity
offered until he reached the age of seventeen. Afterward his entire time was
devoted to farm work on the old homestead until he reached the age of twenty-
four years, when his father gave him seventy-seven acres of land on section 20,
Avery township, and he afterward purchased sixty acres on section 21 of the same
township and another tract of five acres on section 20. This farm he still owns
and he has made it one of the valuable and desirable properties of his part of the
county. Stock raising has become a prominent feature of his place and he special-
izes in Chester White hogs, shorthorn Durham cattle and fine Belgian horses.
He also thoroughly understands scientific methods of crop production and so
utilizes his fields that through the rotation of crops they are kept at a high state
of productiveness and splendid harvests are annually gathered.

On the 26th of November, 1891, Mr. Avery was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Hughes, a daughter of Edward and Lucy (Melius) Hughes. The father,
who was born in Ireland in 1839, came to America when a youth of seventeen
years and during the period of the Civil war he rendered three years of active
service to his country in behalf of the Union. His wife was born in 1857 and
both have now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Avery have become the parents of two
daughters : Mardel L. A. ; and Clara A. who is the wife of Irvin F. Bier, a son
of Conrad Bier, of Meservey, Iowa, and has one child, Avery I. Bier.

Mr. and Mrs. Avery attend the United Brethren church. His political endorse-
ment is given to republican principles and upon the party ticket he has been
elected township trustee. He has also served as school director and he is nnich

360 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

intecestt'd in community affairs, giving his aid and cooperation to plans and
movements for the general good. His has been a well spent life. The work insti-
tuted by his father in pioneer times has been carried on by him and thus the
name of Avery is closely associated with the agricultural development of this
section. His memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and
the progre.ssive present and he has done much to further public progress not
only along agricultural lines, but in all those branches of activity which touch
the general interests of society.

GAEL 0. THOMPSON.

Carl (_). Thompson is a well known and jirominent resident of Norway township,
Winnebago coimty, where he has been called upon to fill various public offices by his
fellow townsmen, who recognize his worth and ability. His attention is given to
general agricultural pursuits and he is now the owner of two hundred and twenty
acres of rich and productive land in Norway township, his home being on section 21'.

Mr. Thompson was born January 13, 1861, in the country of Norway, and is the
only living child of Ole and Ingeborg Thompson, although two other children
passed away in infancy. The father was a blacksmith by ^rade. He was twice
married and by his first vmion liad a daughter, Julia, who is now Mrs. John
Severson of Norway township. In the year 1866 Ole Thompson brought his
family to the United States and, making his way across the continent, established
his home in Norway township, Winnebago county, purchasing one hundred and
forty acres of land on section 27 that is now in possession of his son Carl. He
endured the hardships and privations of pioneer life during the period of early
development here, but he resolutely faced conditions and bent his energies to the
development and improvement of a farm with the result that in course of time his
land became a vahialile and productive property. He devoted his attention to its
cultivation until his life's labors were ended in death August 22, 1891. His
widow survived him for a considerable period and passed away August 1, 1905,
when she was laid to rest by his side in Lime Creek cemetery. He was a republican
in his political views and his religious faith was indicated by his membership in
the Synod Lutlieran church.

In his youthful days Carl 0. Thompson attended the early schools of the
county, which were then of a somewhat primitive character, as the work of
organization and development in the school system had scarcely been begun.
After reaching the age of sixteen years he did not go to school any longer but
concentrated his entire attention upon the farm work and was in his father's
employ up to the time of his marriage. He had reached the age of twenty-three
years when in 1884 he wedded Anna Holstad, a daughter of Ole and Anna Ilolstad,
who resided near Northwood in Worth county, Iowa, but have now passed away.
their remains being interred in Somber cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson
became the parents of nine children, of whom one has departed this life, Hilma,
who was the sixth born and who died at the age of eighteen years. The others are :
Ole, who is married and lives, near Lake Park, Minnesota; Ida B., the wife of
Burton Johnson, a farmer of Bristol township, Worth county; Oscar, who is married

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 361

and makes his home now in St. Paul, Minnesota, but expects soon to be ordained
as a Lutlieran minister and will locate at Chinook, Washington; Albert T., at
home; Clara, the wife of Alfred Larson, living near Grantsburg, Wisconsin; John
B., Amanda and Alice, all at home.

Following his marriage Mr. Thompson began farming on his own account and
the success which has come to him is the direct reward of his earnest and persistent
labors. He is now the owner of the old homestead of one hundred and forty acres,
which has been in the possession of the family for more than a half century,
and he also owns the west half of the northwest quarter of section 33, Norway
township, and a quarter section of land in Becker county, Minnesota. He
has led a life of thrift and industry, and that his farm work is diligently
prosecuted is manifest in the excellent appearance of the place with its
growing crops, its modern machinery and fine improvements in the way of
buildings. Mr. Thompson is now president of the Farmers Elevator Company of
Lake Mills and of the Norway Farmers Union Telephone Company and is secretary
of the Lake Mills Creamery Company.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are well known in Winnebago county and have a large
circle of warm friends. They hold membership with the Synod Lutheran church
and Mr. Thompson gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has
filled all of the township offices save that of justice of the peace and for six years
he was a member of the county board of supervisors. He is now serving as
school treasurer, and in public office he has made a creditable record by reason of
his promptness and fidelity in the discharge of duty. Those who know him esteem
him as a man of sterling worth and one who lias contributed in no small measure
to the upbuilding of this section.

FRED KATTER.

Progressive agriculture in Hancock county finds a worthy representative in
Fred Katter, the owner of the Maple Ash Lawn stock farm, situated on section 27,
Madison township. He was born, in Ohio, November 28, 1866, and is a son
of Henry and Elizabeth (Paterjohn) Katter, both of whom were natives of
Germany. Coming to America in 1860 they settled in Ohio and in 187.5 came to
Iowa, establishing their home on a farm in Hancock county, where they spent their
remaining days. They had a family of twelve children, uf whom eight are now
living.

Fred Katter was reared and educated in Hancock county, for he was only about
eight or nine years of age at the time of the removal of the family west of the
Mississippi. After attending high school he entered the business college at
Garner and was graduated from that institution. For a year thereafter he
devoted his attention to farming and then engaged in merchandising at Garner
for a decade. He next sold that place and turned his attention to the real estate
and insurance business in which he continued for seven years. In 19Q7 he removed
to his present farm whereon he engages in stock raising and breeding, handling
Aberdeen Angus cattle and Chester White hogs, keeping only registered stock. He
is recognized as one of the leading stock raisers of this section of the state and his

li— 18

362 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

annual sales reach a very gratifying figure. Throughout his business career he
has displayed unfaltering determination and energy and he carries forward to
successful completion whatever he undertakes.

In 1893 Mr. Katter was united in marriage to Miss Louise Holtkamp who
was born in Shelby county, Iowa, a daughter of William and Mary (Neimeyer)
Holtkamp, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ohio. They have
become parents of six children of whom five are living, their first born, Ruth,
having died at the age of a year and a half. The next two, Reuben and Calvin,
are twins. The others are Lincoln, Wilson and Emily. The parents are members
of the Reformed church of Garner and loyally adhere to its teachings, doing all in
their power to promote the moral progress of the community. Mr. Katter is a
supporter of the republican party and has Ijeen called upon to fill several of the
township offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and
fidelity. He was the organizer of the Farmers Club in his township and was the
promoter of the consolidated school system. He is constantly studying questions
relative to the improvement of farm life, not only in regard to material welfare but
also to social intercourse and moral progress. He feels that one of the needs of
the present hour is a greater social spirit which will hold the young people to the
farms, and is also an advocate of improved school conditions which will give to
the young advantages equal to those to be obtained in the city. In a word, he is
actuated by a most progressive spirit and his labors have brouglit good results.

JOHN OLSON.

John Olson has since 1911 been cashier of the First National Bank of Forest
City but for a much longer period has been identified with financial interests in
Winnebago county and has been a close student of the grave and important finan-
cial problems of the day. He is actuated in all that he does by a spirit of enter-
prise and public opinion accords him place with the representative citizens of this
part of the state. He was born in Iowa county, Wisconsin, June 8, 1873, a son
of 0. B. and Gunhild (Anderson) Olson, both of whom were natives of Norway
but became residents of Wisconsin during their childhood days. At the time of
the Civil war the father responded to the country's call for troops, going to the
front with a Wisconsin regiment and thus aiding in defense of the Union. In
1880 he removed to Worth county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm, devoting
the greater part of his life to general agricultural pursuits. He has now passed
away, while his wife resides at Lake Mills, Iowa.

John Olson supplemented his public school education by three years' study in
the Valder Business College at Decorah, Iowa, and on the 20th of July, 1896,
arrived in Forest City, then a young man of twenty-three years. He became
official stenographer with Judge C. H. Kelley, with whom he remained for a year,
after which he spent a year as deputy county treasurer. Since then he has been
closely identified with banking interests. lie first entered the Winnebago County
State Bank as cashier, in which capacity he served for a decade, after which he
filled the office of state bank examiner for two years. On retiring from that
position he entered the First National Bank of Forest City as cashier in 1911 and

.TOHX OLSON

TJfK

■ -■-i'^'' 'X AND

ATlriN'K

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 365

is the present incumbent in tliat office, contributing in large measure to the success
of the institution by reason of his fidelity and thorough understanding of banking
in all its various phases.

On the 16th of December, 1806, Mr. Olson was married to Miss Maude Cole,
a daughter of A. T. and Phoebe Cole, who were pioneers of Winnebago County.
They have four children, Vance, Euth, Eunice and Mark. The son "Vance, a
senior in the Forest City high school, enlisted in the United States army in the
signal corps May 7, 1917, at the age of nineteen.

Mr. Olson is very prominent in fraternal circles, holding membership in Truth
Lodge, No. 213, A. F. & A. M., in Bethel Chapter, No. 116, R. A. M., of Garner;
in Forest City Lodge, No. 440, I. 0. 0. F.; in Linwood Camp, No. 717, M. W. A.;
in Forest City Homestead, No. 498, B. A. Y., and with the lodge of the Mystic
Toilers, No. 132, of Forest City. He was national delegate to the Modern Wood-
men Head Camps, held in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1905, in Peoria, Illinois, in 1908, in
Buffalo, New York, in 1911, in Chicago, Illinois, in 1912 (special session) and in
Chicago Illinois in 1917. He was also a delegate to the national convention of the
Brotherhood of American Yeomen in Colorado Springs in 1905, in Minneapolis
in 1909, in Oklahoma City in 1913 and in Detroit, Michigan, in 1917, and he is
in thorough sympathy with the spirit of fraternity that underlies these organiza-
tions. Mr. Olson is also recognized as a prominent factor in political circles. A
stalwart republican, he has been a member of the city council and also a member
of the school board and he has done much to further the interests of his party
as chairman and as secretary of the republican county central committee, while
on four different occasions he has been a delegate to the republican state conven-
tion. His position is never an equivocal one. He stands loyally for what he
believes to be the best interests of the community and his progressive spirit has
carried him into important public relations.

J. JOSEPH BONNSTETTER.

J. Joseph Bonnstetter, living on section 32, Boone township, Hancock county, was
born in Kossuth county, Iowa, April 30, 1879, a son of Michael and Katherina
(Dorweiler) Bonnstetter, who were natives of Germany but became early residents
of Iowa. While spending his youthful days under the parental roof J. Joseph
Bonnstetter divided his time between the work of the fields and the acquirement
of a district school education until he reached the age of eighteen, when he
entered the high school at Des Moines, where he studied fbr six months. He
afterward began earning his living as a farm hand and carefully utilized, his time
so that he was later able to purchase a farm. He bought one luuulred and sixty-five
acres in Kossuth county, upon which he lived for two years, when he disposed
of his holdings there and removed to Hancock county, where he invested in two
hundred and twenty-three acres on section 32, Boone township. While he has
always engaged in general farming, he has also made a specialty of handling Belgian
horses, breeding the pure bred stock and having in his herd some of the top strains,
and he likewise writes insurance for the Hancock County Mutual Fire Insurance
Company and also for the Kossuth County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. His

366 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

has been a busy ami useful life as indicated by tbe substantial improvements which
he has placed upon liis farm, making it one of the attractive properties of his
part of the county.

On the 16th of June, 1900, Mr. Eonnstetter was married to Miss Ada M.
Ludwig, a native of Wi.sconsin and a daughter of Dr. Herman and Christina (Till)
Ludwig, who were natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Bonnstetter have five chil-
dren, Gilbert A., Eaymond E., Lester M., Ernest J. and Esther B.

Tlie parents are communicants of tiie Catholic church. Mr. Bonnstetter holds
membership in the Masonic order and he gives his political allegiance to the demo-
cratic party. Pie has served as school director but has never sought nor held
political office. Working diligently and persistently since starting out in life on
his own account, he has become the owner of an excellent farm and is now numbered
among the men of aiBuence in his community.

F. L. MILLER.

F. L. Miller is well known in financial circles of Hancock county as the cashier
of tbe Bank of Miller, wliieli was organized in 180!). Moreover, he has always
been a resident of this section of tbe stale. lie was born July 1, 1878, in the town
in which he still resides, liis parents being E. C. and Phoebe W. (Jlorey) Miller,
the former a native of Vermont, while the latter was horn in Pennsylvania. When
but tliree years of age she was taken to Illinois and in that state she gave Ler hand
in marriage to E. C. Miller. In 1875 they removed to Hancock county, Iowa, and
settled on the farm where the village of Miller now staiuls, the father thereafter
giving his time and enrgies to general agrieultui'al pursuits until his death, which
occurred January 14, 11)12. His widow is still living on the old homestead. In
their family were three children: P. L. ; A. L., who remains upon the farm; and
Nellie, the wife of George F. Hanson.

F. L. Miller was reared in his native county and supplemented his early
education, acquired in the common schools, by study in the business college at
Mason City, Iowa. In 19()?> he became cashier of tbe Bank of Miller and has since
acted in that capacity, covering a period of fourteen years, during which his sound
business judgment, bis executive force and bis enterprise have contributed much to
the upbuilding of tlie institution. He is still owner of an interest in the old
homestead.

In 1910 Mr. Miller was married to Mrs. Cora D. Wilcox, who was born in
Benton county, Iowa. She is a daughter of Fred and Anna (Jones) Phillips,
who are now residents of Kossuth county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have become
parents of a daughter and a son : Mona Maurine, born August 27, 1911 ; and Edwin
Fred, born September 13, 1913. The parents are consistent members of the
United Presbyterian church and are prominent socially. Mr. Miller is a republi-
can in his political views and for several years has filled the office of township
clerk. Fraternally he is connected with Garner Lodge, No. 319, F. & A. M.,
and also with the Eoyal Arch Chapter and has held several offices in the lodge. He
likewise belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp No. 5863, of which he is clerk.
His is a well balanced character and the various interests of life receive from him

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 367

due attention. While an active and energetic business man, he has ever realized
his duties of citizenship and his obligations to his fellows and has cooperated in
many well defined plans and measures for the public good.

OLE HOVEY.

Although he started out in life for himself in limited circumstances Ole Hovcy,
is today one of the substantial citizens of Ellington township, Hancock county,
owning and operating a fine farm on section 12. He is of Scandinavian birth,
being born in Norway, June 84, 1844, and is a son of Ole and Kunde Hovey, who
were lifelong residents of that country. During his boyhood our subject attended
the common schools of Norway and he remained in his native land until about
twenty-three years of age.

It was in the spring of 1867 that Mr. Hovey crossed the Atlantic to the
United States and located in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he worked as a farm
hand for two years. At the end of that time he came to Hancock county and
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 14, Ellington township.
As money was scarce at that time and hard to get he ti-aded eighty acres of his
land for a team of horses and later sold forty acres of the original tract but has
since added to his property from time to time until he now owns two hundred
acres of very valuable laud and his wife owns one hundred and twenty acres.
That he thoroughly understands the occupation he has chosen as a life work is
demonstrated by the success that he has achieved and he now ranks among the
well-to-do farmers of his community.

In 1867 Mr. Hovey was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Rude, also a native
of Norway, who came to the United States on the same vessel which brought her
husband to this country. Of the six children born to them, three are living,
namely: Oscar, now a ranchman of Colorado; K. 0., who operates the home farm;
and Emma, the wife of Joseph Harris, of Cerro Gordo county, Iowa.

Mr. Hovey is now practically living retired, leaving his son K. 0. to carry on
the work of the farm. In the early days he endured many hardships and priva-
tions but as time passed he steadily prospered and is now the owner of a fine farm
under excellent cultivation. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the
republican party and he takes a commendable interest in public affairs.

WALTER F. THOMPSON.

Since 1896 Walter F. Thompson has been a resident of Hancock county, Iowa,
and for several years he has been regarded as one of the leading farmers of Boone
township, owning and operating a large and valuable farm on sections 3-3 and 35.
He was born in Livingston county, Illinois, on the 16th of May, 1868, and is a
son of Robert and Margaret (Jury) Thompson, natives of Scotland and England
respectively. On coming to America in 1853 the father settled in Livingston
county, Illinois, where he followed farming for some years.

368 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Upon the old home place Walter F. Thompson grew to manhood with the
usual educational advantages of a country boy at that time and he continued to
attend the conmion schools of his native county until about twenty years of age.
In the meantime he had also become thoroughly familiar with agricultural pursuits
and after putting aside his textbooks assisted his father in the operation of the
farm until the spring of 1896. In the fall of 1894, however, he had purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 33, Boone township, Hancock county,
Iowa, and on leaving the parental roof located upon this tract. Subsequently he
bought two hundred and forty acres on section 35, the same township, and has
since made many valuable and useful improvements upon his place, the neat and
thrifty appearance of which plainly indicates his thrift and enterprise as well as
his untiring industry. He gives some attention to stock raising, making a specialty
of Duroc Jersey hogs.

On the 4th of December, 1894, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss
Alice N. Wolfe, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah E. (Hawkins) Wolfe, who were
born in West Virginia, and are now living in Stilson, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs.
Thompson have two children: Maud Mary, who married Marcie Hunsley and
lives on section 35, Boone township; and Orin Leo.

By his ballot Mr. Thompson supports the men and measures of the republican
party and he has filled the office of school director. He is- a^member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church and is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of
America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is one of the representa-
tive men of his community and is held in high regard by all who know him.

MES. JULIA WILSON.

Mrs. Julia Wilson is residing on section 29, Twin Lake township, Hancock
county, where she owns an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres. She
was born in New York. December 27, 1854, a daughter of John and Ann (Maloney)
Mao-hum, who were natives of Ireland but in early life crossed the Atlantic to the
new world. The father died when but twenty-two years of age, while the mother
survived to the age of sixty-five years.

Mrs. Wilson was but two years of age when taken from New York to Rockford,
Illinois, and much of her girlhood was spent in Independence, Iowa, where she
pursued her education in the public schools. At the age of eighteen she went to
Gentry county, Missouri, where on the 15th of April, 1874, she became the wife of
Mark Wilson, a son of Timothy and Sarah (Rhocles) Wilson, who were natives of
England where they spent their entire lives.

For about fourteen years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wilson remained
residents of Gentry county, Missouri, and then removed to Wright county, Iowa,
where they lived for four years. On the expiration of that period they took up
their abode in Hancock county and in 1891 purchased a farm of one hundred and
sixty acres on section 29, Twin Lake township, on which Mrs. Wilson still makes
her home. By her marriage she became the mother of eleven children, ten of
whom are yet living, the eldest son, George, having passed away. Those who still

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 369

survive are Sarah, Julia Ann, Mary, Benjamin, Timothy, John, Daisy, Ellen, Lily,
and William K. All are now married with the exception of John and William K.
The family circle was broken hy the death of the husband and father in 1905.
His death was deeply deplored for he had many friends. He was a member of
the Church of England and he. gave his political support to the democratic party.
Mrs. Wilson still occupies the old homestead on which she has now lived for twenty-
six years. The farm was originally ditched with oxen and through all the inter-
vening years the work has been carried on along progressive lines until the farm is
now a very productive and valuable one, Mrs. Wilson deriving therefrom a sub-
stantial income that keeps her in very comfortable circumstances.

HENEY I. MARTINSON.

Henry I. Martinson resides on section 27, Norway township, on the old family
homestead on which his birth occurred January 9, 1870. He has always resided
in Winnebago county and is a representative of one of its old and valued families.
His parents were Ingebrit and Gertrude (Vegurn) Martinson, who were natives of
Norway, where they were reared and married. Before they came to the United
States two children were born to them : Ole, who is now living in Norway town-
ship ; and Carrie, the wife of John N. Dahle, living near Kiester, Minnesota. After
crossing the Atlantic the parents had five children and all are still living in
Winnebago county with the exception of Carrie and Anna, who is the wife of
Gilbert Holstad and is a resident of Worth county, Iowa. On reaching the new
world Ingebrit Martinson made his way to Wisconsin but after a brief period spent
in that state came to Winnebago county, Iowa, where he purchased one hundred and
eighty acres of land on section 27, Norway township. Later he bought forty acres
adjoining and upon that farm continued until his death, which occurred December
7, 1911. He had long been a resident of the county, where he was known as an
energetic and progressive farmer. His widow still survives and makes her
home with her son Henry, enjoying good health at the very advanced age of
ninety-one years.

Henry I. Martinson was reared in Winnebago county when it was a frontier
district and he pursued his education in the pioneer schools, continuing his studies
to the age of sixteen years. His attention was afterward given in undvided manner
to the work of the home farm and upon reaching the age of twenty-five years he
rented the farm from his father and has since occupied and cultivated it. It is
now a splendidly improved property and in its well kept appearance indicates his
careful supervision.

In 1896 Mr. Martinson was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Holstad, her
parents being John and Julia Holstad, natives of Norway. After coming to the
United States they established their home in Worth county, Iowa, where the
father passed away, his remains being interred in the cemetery near Northwood.
The mother is still living and makes her home in Northwood. Mr. and Mrs.
Martinson have three children, Ingvald J., George and Gladys B., all at home.

The family attend the Synod Lutheran church, in which the parents hold
membership. Mr. Martinson has voted with the republican party since age con-

370 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

ferred upon him the right of franchise and keeps well informed concerning the
questions and issues of tlie day. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquain-
tance, recognize in liini a relial>le business man and substantial citizen. There
have been no spectacular phases in his life record, but he has been loyal to duty in
both public and private life and his chief characteristics are those which everywhere
awaken coufideuce and regard.

MILTON P. GALLOWAY.

Upon a farm on section Ml, j-ioiinc tiiwnshij), Hancock county, comprising one
hundred and seventy acres of land, resides Milton P. Galloway and the place con-
stitutes one of the pleasing features of the land.scape. There are great fields of corn,
wide fields of clover and rich pasture lands on which are found grazing good grades
of cattle. In a word, Mr. Galloway is practical and progressive in all that he
undertakes and is winning merited success by his intelligently directed effort. He
was born in Logan county, Illinois, June 16, 1807. and is a son of Joseph and
Mary (Moran) Galloway, who were natives of New York and Ohio respectively.

While spending his youthful days under the parental roof Milton P. Galloway
acquired a common school education. JIc remained at home until he attaineil his
majority, after which he engaged in the operation of a tile factory at Latham, Illi-
nois, for two years. He later returned to the occupation to which he had been
reared and for nineteen years cultivated rented land. On the expiration of that
period, in 1918, he came to Hancock county, Iowa, and pui'chascd one hundred and
seventy acres of land in Boone township, not far from Corwith. He also bought
one hundred and si.xty acres in Woodward county, Oklahoma. Upon his Iowa farm
he is carefully cultivating corn, clover and other crops best adapted to soil and
climate and is raising graded cattle and Plymouth Eock chickens. The products
of his farm annually bring to him a good income, enabling him to live in comfort.

On the 2Gth of February, lS!t2, Mr. Galloway was united in marriage to Miss
Tillie Sennett, who was born in Illinois on the 29th of July, 1872, her parents being
Robert and Iseline (Allison) Sennett, also natives of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs.
Galloway have three sous, Clarence E., Robert J. and Louis E., all at home.

Mr. Galloway is a supporter of republican principles but has never been an
office seeker. In his life he exemplifies the beneficent teachings of the Masonic
fraternity, of which he is a representative, and he attends the Methodist Episcopal
church. His life has always been actuated by high and honorable principles and he
has ever endeavored to do unto others as he would have them do unto him.

CHARLES A. HARTWIG.

Charles A. Hartwig, who has won an enviable reputation as the best corn
grower in Hancock county, is today the owner of a fine farm of two hundred
acres in Magor township, Hancock county, his home being on section 33. He
was born on the 4th of October, 1861, in Germany, which was also the birthplace

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 371

of his parents, Carl and Christina (Gundlach) Hartwig, who brought their family
to America in 1870 and settled in Mitchell county, Iowa, and in 1880 came to
Hancock county. By occupation the father was a farmer.

Charles A. Hartwig was about nine years of age when he accompanied his
parents on their emigration to the new world and in this state he grew to manhood
with the usual educational advantages of the country boy of those days when schools
were few and far apart. He began working as a section hand on the Minneapolis
& St. Louis Railroad and was thus employed for two summers, after which he
engaged in farming on rented land for three years. At the end of that time he
was able to purchase one hundred and sixty acres on section 23, Magor township,
Hancock county, where he has since resided, and besides this tract he now owns
forty acres on section 26, the same township. This is a fertile farm under excellent
cultivation and well adapted to the raising of corn, and in 1915 and 1916 Mr.
Hartwig won the first prize, a silver cup, for the best corn grown in Hancock
county at the Iowa Corn Growers Association. He is also interested in stock
raising, making a specialty of Clydesdale horses, of which he has some fine
specimens npon his farm.

On the 28th of August, 1895, Mr. Hartwig married Miss Paulina Zuehl, also
a native of Germany and a daughter of Carl and Fredericka (Doring) Zuehl, who
on coming to this country with their family located near Madison, Dane county,
Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Hartwig have five children, namely: Clara Irene, Oscar
Carl, Ella A., Emma Paulina and Lena F., all at home.

The family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr.
Hartwig casts his ballot for the men and measures of the republican party. He
is a stockholder in the Kanawha Elevator Company and is one of the representa-
tive farmers and honored citizens of his community, held in high esteem by all
who know him.

S. 0. SOLOMONSON.

S. 0. Solomonson, who is successfully engaged in farming on section 34, Logan
township, Winnebago county, was born on the 24th of June, 1865, in the stift of
Bergen, Norway, but was only a year old when brought to the United States by his
parents, Ole and Carrie Solomonson. The family first located in Allamakee county,
Iowa, where they spent one year, and then removed to Winneshiek county, this
state, which was their home for nine years. At the end of that period they came
to Winnebago county and the father purchased a farm in Newton township, which
he continued to operate until his death on the 5th of April, 1909. His remains
were interred in the North Prairie church cemetery. The mother is still living and
resides with her son Oscar. In the family were seven children, five of whom
survive, namely: S. 0., of this review; Louis, a resident of Newton township,
Winnebago county; Malena, the wife of 0. B. Jenson, of Lake Mills; Anna, who
is living with her brother Oscar, the youngest of the family and a resident of
Newton township.

S. 0. Solomonson was reared to agricultural pursuits and early became familiar
with all the duties which fall to the lot of a farmer. His literal^ education was

372 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

obtained in the district schools. He remained under the parental roof until 1893,
when he purchased the southwest quarter of section 34, Logan township, Winne-
bago eouut)', and has since devoted his time and attention to its improvement and
cultivation. He is a stockholder in the Farmers elevators at Scarville and Lake
Mills, the Lake Mills Lumber Company and the cooperative creameries at Scarville
and Lake Mills.

On January 28. 11)00, Mr. Solomonson was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah
(Martinson) Twito, the widow of John Twito, of Lake Mills, and a daughter of
Ingebrit and Gertrude Martinson, of Norway township, Winnebago county,
both now deceased. By her first marriage Mrs. Solomonson has four children:
Helmer, now a resident of Lorraine, North Dakota; Emlet, who married Lillian
Albertson and is now operating the farm which belonged to the father of Mr.
Solomonson in Newton township: Isabel, the wife of Swan Green, of Logan
township; and Archer, at home. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Solomonson : Catherine, Carroll, Evelyn, John F., and Milford. The family are
connected with the Synod Lutheran rliurch and are highly esteemed by all who
know them. By his ballot Mr. Solomonson supports the men and measures of
the republican party and he has been called upon to fill the oflBces of township
assessor and school director, the duties of which he has most capably discharged.
He is one of the representative citizens of his community.

ISAAC 0. FLORENCE.

Since starting out in life for himself Isaac 0. Florence has been interested
in the dredging business and now carries on operations under the firm name of
I. 0. Florence & Company with headquarters at Thompson, Iowa, where he has
made his home since 1905. He was born in Wood county. West Virginia, on the
16th of February, 1876, and that state was also the birthplace of his parents,
Marshall 0. and Patience A. (Boice) Florence. In 1884 the family removed to
Ohio, where the father engaged in farming and contracting, and he continued
to reside in the Buckeye state until called to his final rest in Norember, 1910.
The mother is still living.

Isaac 0. Florence was eight years of age when he accompanied his parents on
their removal to Ohio, where he grew to manhood, in the meantime acquiring a
good common school education. At the age of twenty years he left the parental
roof and began to make his own way in the world. He entered the employ of the
dredging firm of A. V. Wills & Sons, of Pittsfield, Illinois, at a salary of twenty
dollars per month, and remained with that company for five years. The following
two years he was with C. H. Sternberg & Sons of Chicago and has since engaged
in the dredging business on his own account, starting in business for himself in
Indiana in 1904 under the name of the Indiana Drainage Company. The follow-
ing year he came to Thompson, Iowa, but continued to carry on operations under
the name of the Indiana Drainage Company until 1910, when the name was
changed to I. 0. Florence & Company. He has built up a good business, which
is constantly increasing, and he has become widely and favorably known through-

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 375

out this section of the state. His work now takes him all over Iowa and Min-
nesota.

On the 4th of July, 1898, Mr. Florence married Miss Maude A. Hatten, and
they have become the parents of five children, the first three born in Indiana and
the others in Iowa, namely: Oral, born February 12, 1900; Dale Chadwick,
February 13. 1902; Fairy Fairbanks, May 19, 1904; Glee, December 20, 1909;
and Marshall 0., October 12, 1914.

In religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Florence are Methodists, and he is also
identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a republican
and is now eflSciently serving as a member of the Thompson school board. During
his residence here he has made a host of warm friends and wherever known is held
in high regard.

JOHNNIE EAKE.

Johnnie Eake, a well known, highly respected and popular resident of Eake, is
cashier of the State Savings Bank. He was born in Nordfjord, Norway, July 3,
1890, a son of Cornelius and Malina Rake. The father was a farmer of Norway,
where he is still living, but the mother passed away there in 1890.

At the age of six years Johnnie Eake came to America with his uncle, A. A.
Eake, who had resided for a time in Minnesota and who in 1882 came to Winnebago
county, finally taking up his abode on land adjoining the present site of Eake,
which town was named in his honor. He cultivated his farm in Lincoln town-
ship for many years and also turned his attention to general merchandising,
opening a store in Eake which he owned and successfully managed for a number
of years. At length his establishment was destroyed by fire. He then organized
the Eake Banking Company and devoted his entire attention to the banking busi-
ness until he retired from active life. While the establishment had been organized
as a private bank, it was converted into a state savings bank in 1914 with a capital
stock of fifteen thousand dollars. Today the bank has over one hundred and fifty
thousand dollars on deposit and there is a surplus of two thousand dollars. The
company erected one of the most modern bank buildings in the county in 1916.
On retiring from business Arent A. Rake was succeeded as president of the bank,
by A. Christopherson, with S. C. Jenswold as vice president and Johnnie Eake as
cashier.

The last named was reared and educated in Lincoln township and made his
initial step in the business world as assistant cashier in his uncle's bank. He
thoroughly acquainted himself with the duties of the position and his developing
ability secured for him the position of cashier in September, 191.5. He is also a
stockholder in the hank and his activity and efforts are contributing much to its
continued success. In a word, he is actuated l)y a spirit of enterprise and progress
and it is his habit to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
The State Savings Bank of Eake has one of the finest bank buildings in Iowa,
thoroughly equipped in every way, and the policy of the bank is one which will
bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. In addition to his connection there-
with Mr. Rake is treasurer of the Lincoln Cooperative Creamery Company.

376 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

In his political belief Mr. Rake is a republican and his religious faith is that
of the Lutheran church. For more than a year he has been city clerk of Rake
and is also school treasurer. He takes a deep interest in all comnuinity affairs,
giving his aid and influence on the side of progress and improvement, and is a most
public-spirited citizen.

THOMAS HOLTAN.

For many years Thomas Holtan has been prominently identified with the agri-
cultural and business interests of Winnebago county and has been an important
factor in the development of this region along various lines. He resides upon the
old homestead on section l(i, Mount Valley township, which his father purchased
on coming to this county in 1866, and is successfully engaged in its operation.
He is also interested in a number of business enterprises that have an important
bearing upon the prosperity of the locality.

Mr. Holtan was born in Olmsted county, Minnesota, on the 3d of January,
1866, and is a son of Hans and Margit (Torgerson) Holtan, who came to the United
States from Norway in 1862 and located in Olmsted county, Minnesota, but after
residing there for four years came to Winnebago county, Iowa. The father pur-
chased a quarter section of land on section 16, Mount Valley township, but did not
locate there xintil the spring of 1867, the family spending the winter with Harris
Olson. Mr. Holtan began the erection of a log house upon his farm but only com-
pleted about a third of it at that time. Into this the family moved and continued
to live abont five years before the entire building was roofed and finished. In 1885
Mr. Holtan bought an adjoining eighty acres but the following year went to
McLean county. North Dakota, where he took up a homestead and continued to
reside until his death, which occurred on the 3d of October, 1915. His wife had
passed away July 6, 1906. As a republican he took a very active and prominent
part in local politics in early days and filled a number of offices, including those of
road commissioner, school director, school treasurer and assessor. Both lie and
his wife were faithful members of the United Lutheran church and were most
estimable people. He became a large land owner having at one time nine hundred
and sixty acres in McLean county. North Dakota, and three hundred and twenty
acres in Montana.

It was during his infancy that Thomas Holtan was brought to Winnebago
county, where he was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farmer
boys at that time. When his father went to North Dakota, he took charge of the
home farm here, which he operated alone for two years and later in partnership with
his brother Halvor, but a year after his marriage this business connection was
dissolved and Halvor removed to his own farm. Thomas Holtan continued to
rent the old homestead for the following four years and operated it independently.
In 1896 lie purchased the place and has since made many improvements thereon,
including the erection of good modern farm buildings, so that it is now one of the
best improved farms of the locality. Mr. Holtan has not confined his attention
solely to agricultural pursuits but is now serving as president of the Citizens Mutual
Telephone Ccmipany, is a stockholder and director of the Forest City Cooperative

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 377

Creamery Company; a stockholder of the Lake Mills Lumber Company; and of
both the Leland and Forest City Farmers Elevator Companies.

On the 3d of June, 1891, Mr. Holtan was united in marriage to Miss Esther
Thorvildson, a daughter of Aslag Thorvildson, who came to the United States from
Norway about 1861 and settled in Fillmore county, Minnesota, but in 1865 became
a resident of Center township, Winnebago county, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Holtan
have been born nine children, all of whom are still living, namely : Tilda A., at
home; Mabel H., the wife of Theodore Fjelstad, of Center township; Edwin C;
Sarah A.; the wife of Peter Haugen, a farmer residing near Leland; and Ella H.,
Agnes B., Hilda G., Hans 0. and Bertha K., all at home.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Holtan has affiliated with the republican party
and he is now serving his third term as township trustee. He has filled the office
of school treasurer for twenty years and has always taken an active and commend-
able interest in public affairs. He and his family hold membership in the United
Lutheran church and are people of prominence in the community where they reside.

KNUT M. LARSEN.

Knut M. Larsen is a self-made man who has won success through indefatigable
effort and persistency of purpose. He resides on section 19, Norway township,
Winnebago county, where he has a valuable farm property, and he is also officially
and financially connected with several business enterprises of this section of the
state. He was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, June 10, 1864, a son of Michael
and Martha (Knutson) Larsen, who were natives of Norway but were married in the
United States. They had a family of five children : Louis, who is living in
Stockholm, South Dakota; Mrs. Betsey Peck, a resident of Salem, Oregon; Knut
M., of this review; Lena, the wife of Andrew Lunda, whose home is near Parker,
South Dakota ; and Martha, the wife of M. 0. Sletten, of Norway township.

In the year of his birth Knut M. Larsen was taken by his parents to Worth
county, Iowa, where the father purchased a small farm, and there both he
and his wife passed away when their son, Knut M. Larsen, was but seven years
ago, their remains being interred in Silver Lake cemetery. The boy, thus left an
orphan, afterward lived with his uncle, Hans Ingebritsun, an early settler of
Norway township, Winnebago county, with whom he remained until he reached the
age of fourteen years. He then started out to earn his living by working as a farm
hand and was employed in that way until he reached the age of twenty-nine years,
when he was married and began farming on his own account. He purchased the
northeast cjuarter of section 19 and the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter
of the same section in Norway township and thus became the owner of two hundred
acres of rich and productive land which he has since owned and occupied. His
labors are manifest in the highly cultivated fields and in the good improvements
which he has put upon the property. Almost his entire time is devoted to its
further development and improvement and annually he gathers good crops which
are the reward of his industry and perseverance. He has had other business inter-
ests and connections. He is now a trustee and was formerly the manager of the
Scarville Creamery. He acted as manager for eight years and at the present

378 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

time is vice president of the company. He is also a director and the vice president
of the Farmers Elevator at Scarville and is a director of the Lake Mills Lumber
Company.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Larsen chose Miss
Betsey Bakken, her parents being Harry and Tilda Bakken, of Winneshiek county,
who are now deceased and lie buried in that county. Mr. and Mrs. Larsen have
eight children, namely: A. Melvin, Harry 0., John C, Tilda, George A., Benja-
min, Kalmer L., and ClifEord L.

Jlr. and Mrs. Larsen hold membership in the United Lutheran church and he
votes with the republican party. For one term he served as township clerk and for
eight years he filled the office of school director. He stands for all that is beneficial
to the community and heartily cooperates in many plans and movements for the
general good. At the same time he has carefully managed his business affairs and
energy and reliability have brought him success. While he started out empty-
handed, he is now in the possession of a comfortable competence. His home place
is a highly improved farm in the midst of which stands a fine modern residence,
indicating that he is now able to surround himself with all of life's comforts and
some of its luxuries.

JOHN HELGREN.

John Helgren, a well known farmer of King township, Winnebago county,
living on section 29, was born in Sweden, November 24, 1867, and is a son of Peter
and Bertha Helgren, who were also natives of that country, where they spent their
entire lives.

The youthful days of John Helgren were passed in his native land and its
public schools afforded him his educational opportunities. He was twenty years of
age when he severed home ties and sailed for the new world. He did not tarry
on the Atlantic coast but made his way at once to the Mississippi valley and
located first in Forest City, Iowa. He was employed as a farm hand for four years
but he was desirous of engaging in farming on his own account and at length
felt that his experience was sufficient to enable him to take that step. He then
rented land and at the end of two years, having carefully saved his earnings, he was
able to purchase one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, King township, Winne-
bago county. With characteristic energy he at once began to develop and improve
that place, which he has since owned and cultivated, and that he has led a busy
life is proven by the very attractive appearance of the farm, which has been care-
fully cultivated and improved. He is a stockholder of the Farmers Elevator
Company and of the Cooperative Creamery Company of Thompson and in addi-
tion to cultivating his home place he also farms one hundred and sixty acres of
land which he rents.

On the 10th of March, 1893, Mr. Helgren was married to Miss Martha Fingle-
berg, a daughter of Ole Fingleberg, and they have become the parents of seven
children: Palmer, Clarence, Mabel, Hazel, Myrtle and Leonard, all at home;
and Helen, who died in infancy.

The religious faith of the familv is that of the Lutheran church and in his

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 379

political belief Mr. Helgren is a republican. He has served as assessor of King
township for the past eleven years and has been a member of the school board for
many years, while at the present time he is serving as its treasurer. His influence
is always on the side of progress and improvement and he gives loyal aid to those
interests which tend to promote the material, social, intellectual and moral welfare
of his community.

EDWAKD WILLIAMS.

The farming and stock raising interests of Hancock county have a worthy repre-
sentative in Edward Williams, who makes his home on section 35, Boone township,
where he has a well improved place of one hundred and sixty acres. He was born
on the 25th of August, 1853, in Macon, Illinois, and is a son of Jackson and Levina
(Long) Williams, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania.

Edward Williams attended school until about nineteen years of age and when
not busy with his studies assisted in the labors of the home farm and thus acquired
an excellent knowledge of the occupation which he has made his life work. At the
age of twenty-two years he rented a farm in Illinois and commenced farming on
his own account. Six years later he came to Hancock county, Iowa, and in 1892
purchased his present farm on section 35, Boone township, paying for his quarter
section seventeen dollars and a half per acre. He now gives considerable attention
to the raising of fine stock, his specialty being pure bred Shorthorn cattle, Poland
China hogs and Clydesdale horses, and he is regarded as an excellent judge of stock.

On November 25, 1886, Mr. Williams married Miss Leona Still, a native of Cerro
Gordo, Illinois, and a daughter of George and Anna (Ainsworth) Still. Her
grandmother Ater was the first white woman to locate in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs.
Williams have two daughters : Mildred, now the wife of William Snyder, living at
Fairfax, Iowa; and Charity Eugenia, the wife of Fred Brand, living with her par-
ents on the home farm. The family attend the United Brethren church and are
among the most highly respected citizens of the community in which they live.

H. C. AEMSTEONG.

H. C. Armstrong, vice president of the First National Bank and one of the
foremost citizens of Britt, is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in
Greene, Butler county, on the 2-lth of February, 1875. His parents were A. J.
and Myrtie C. (Clark) Armstrong, the former a native of Oliio and the latter of
Prince Edward Island, Canada, but they were married in Franklin county, Iowa.
In the late '50s the father accompanied his parents on their removal to Franklin
county, of which the family were pioneer settlers. On leaving Prince Edward
Island the Clark family removed to Wisconsin and went from there to Franklin
county, Iowa. In early life A. J. Armstrong learned the carpenter's trade and
subsequently became a contractor and builder, carrying on operations in Greene
and Emmetsburg. Later he became identified with the lumber business and

380 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

removed to Boise, Idaho, being a prominent figure iu the lumber industry of that
state uji to the time of liis death in November, 1913. His widow is still living
and continues to reside in Boise.

During his boyhood and youth H. C. Annstrong attended the public schools
and completed his education in the Emmetsburg high school. When about sixteen
years of age he began his business career as proprietor of a bicycle and machine
shop at that place, which he carried on successfully for three years. In April,
189S, he laid aside all personal interests and entered the service of his country
at the outlireak of the Spanish-American war. He had previously been a member
of the National Guard of Iowa and on entering the United States service was as-
signed to Company K, Fifty-seccond Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with the rank of
quartermaster sergeant. He was discharged in November of the same year but
on the reorganization of the regiment the following spring was elected captain of
his company, in which official capacity he served for three years. Captain Arm-
strong was then appointed inspector of small arms practice with the rank of
captain, there being only four such officials in the state. After serving two or
three years the office was abolished and Captain Armstrong severed his connection
with the National Guard.

It was in 1902 that he first became interested in the banking business, accepting
the position of bookkeeper in the Farmers & Merchants -Savings Bank of Bake,
Winnebago county, where his ability was soon recognized and rewarded by his
being elevated to assistant cashier and afterward cashier of the institution within
three years. In 190.5 he accepted the ca.shiership of the First National Bank of
Titonka, Iowa, with wliicli he was connected for eight years, and was then identified
with the ]']mmetsburg National Bank for one year. In August, 1914, Captain
Armstrong came to Britt and purchased an interest in the First National Bank, of
which he was made vice president, soon becoming the managing force in the direc-
tion of the bank's financial policy. He is a man of good Inisiness and executive
ability, who thoroughly understands banking in principle and detail, and today
occupies an enviable position in financial circles in tliis part of the state.

In 1899 Captain Armstrong was united in marriage to Miss Mabel L. Henry
of Emmetsburg and they have become the parents of three sons, namely: Neil H..
Dean M. and Gordon C. The republican party has always found in the Captain
a stanch supporter of its principles but he has never been an aspirant for office
though ho served for five or six years as mayor of Titonka, giving the city a very
businesslike and progressive administration. He still takes a commendable interest
in public affairs and never withholds his support from any enterprise which he
believes will prove of public benefit.

OSCAR SWANSON.

Oscar Swanson is an active representative of farming and stock raising interests
in Ell township, Hancock county, his home being on section 3.3, where he owns and
cultivates one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land. He has
resided thereon since 1905, and his labors have greatly improved and developed his
place. lie was born in Sweden on the S9th of January, ISGG, a son of Swen P.

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 381

and Mary Sophia Peterson. lie continued in his native eoiiiitry until he had
readied the age of twenty-two years. Attracted hy the favoraliU' reports which hi'
had lieard <'oncerning America and her opportunities, he then determined to <iiiiic
to the new worid, and made arrangements to cross tlie Atlantic. The voyage over,
he continued his journey to Wexford county, Michigan, where he resided for two
years. He afterward spent two years in Chicago and eighteen years in (irundy
county, Illinois. He took \\\) farming on iiis own account on rented land, hut ilesir-
ous of owning property he caicfully saved ins earnings and purchased one hundred
and sixty acres on section '■'>'.',, VA\ township, Hancock county. He is now jnakini;
a specialty of breeding and raising Chester White hogs and handling thoroughhred
stock, and holds a sale of hogs each year. He also feeds Shorthorn cattle to some
extent and he hrecds his own horses, which are Percherons. The fine stock u]>on
his place indicates his progressive spirit and laudable ambition.

Mr. Swanson as been married twice. In 181)5 he wedded lluhhi .lohnsoii, and
for his second Avife he chose Anna Dahlgren, whom he nuirried in 190.3. By his
first marriage he had five children, Mary, Albert, Carl, Estlier and one who died
in infancy, and by the second marriage there are six children, Jiuth, Poy, Dora,
Leonard, Edith and Ethel. The children are still at home.

Mr. Swanson votes with the republican party, believing firmly in its princi|)h's.
but he has never sought nor desired office. His religious faith is that of the
Swedish I^utheran cluirch and he endeavors to folhiw its teachings in all his life
activities. He is found to be honest and straightforward in business as well as
progressive and enterprising, and in every relation of life he is a man whu can
be dependeil upon to support what is right.

WILLIAM EDGAE GOURLEY.

William Edgar Gourley is the owner of a valuable farm on section 8, Magor
townshi]), Hancock county, whereon he is engaged in buying, selling and feeding
stock, making a specialty of handling hogs. His business affairs are carefully
and wisely conducted and managed and his success is the direct outcome of his
intelligent effort.

On tlie 15th of x\ugust, ISfiS, Mr. Gourley was born in Livingston county,
Illinois, a son of Alfred and Rebecca (Farris) Gourley, who were natives of \'ir-
ginia. After acquiring a district school education, continuing his studies to the
age of seventeen years, William E. Gourley began work as a farm hand and also
was employed in connection with the livery business at Cornell, Illinois, for five
years. He was desirous, however, of engaging in business on his own account and
carefuilv saved his earnings until the sum was sutficient to enable him to purchase
one hundred and sixty acres of land near Cornell. He remained upon that farm
for a year and then sold the property, after which he came to Hancock county,
Iowa, in 1001, and purchased three eighty-ai're tracts on section 22, Magor town-
ship. He afterward addeil to his holdings eighty acres on the same section and
four hundred and eighty acres on section 8, where he makes his home. He owns
altogether eight hundred acres. He is now engaged in buying, selling and feeding
cattle and for three years he has continuously and successfully engaged in buying

ii — 19

382 WINxNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

liogp. He lias iiiaile splendid iinpruveiiieuts upon lii.s plaee in the way of i;(iod
buildings and all modem accessories, which indicate a progressive spirit in agri-
(■\dtural life. His labors have wrought splendid results and he is now numbered
aiiiono; tjie men of affluence in bis county. He also has other luisiness interests,
being a siockb<ililcr in the Farmers Savings P>ank. tbc ('<]ninici'cial Savings Bank,
the Kanawha Elevatiu' Cnnipany and (he Kanawha Crcaniciy ('iini]iany.

(Jn tlie loth (if jMarcb. ISl):). Mv. (lourley was mai-ned to Miss .Nellie .1. Mills,
a daughter of Samuel and i\laiT (Kindicrs) Mills, who were natives of Kngland
and in carlv lifi' became lesiilcnts cif Illindis. where their daughtei'. Mrs. (iiiuidev.
was b(U'n, then' biiiiie at the time being in La Salle e<iunty. ISy her mari'iage Mrs.
(biui'lev has become the ludtbcr (if eight cbildi'cn; b'llerv ('.: .Jessie \'., Ibe wife
of Webb Shipman; Seib lb; Cari-ie K. ; .Idbn K. : .Vlfrc(| Ifciss; Lisle !•:. ; and
Wdliani K.

PoliticalU' Mr. (bmrley is a I'cjiublican and foi- twn years lille(l the ollice of
liiwiisbip assessdi' and Inr two years has been township trustee, lie belongs to the
Independent Ordci- nf ()(l(l Fellows and bis religious faith is indicated hv bis con-
nection with the .Methodist Episcopal cbui-cb. lie has evei- been ujirigbt and
bonoi'able in bis dealings, |irogressive in all that be has umlcrtaken, and through
detei-miiic(l and persistent etforl intelligently guided he has reached a (dace among
the prosperous and i-epreseiitati\(' faiaiicrs and business men of Hancock county.

OLE MICHAELSON.

(Jle Michaclson is now living retii-e(l in Leiand, where for a long period he was
actively engaged in grain buying, while with farming interests he was also
connected. The rest which lie is now enjoying is well deserved and has come to
him as the reward of his former activity and enterjirise. He was born in Norway,
January 31, 18.58, a son of Michael Thoring aiul Mary Oleson Belverud, who
were likewise natives of the land of the midnight sun. They came to .\merica
in 1888 and settled on a farm in this part of the state, here remaining until called
to their final rest. In tlreir family were nine children, of whom six are yet living.

Ole Michaelson was reared and educated in his native country to the age of
twenty years, when in 1878 he came to the LTnited States, making his w'ay at once
to Winneliago county. For four years he was employed as a common laborer, at
the end of which time he began buying grain in Leiand. With the business he
was continuously and successfully connected until a very recent date, when he
retired, but he still owns an elevator. He displayed .sound and discriminating
judgment in buying grain and his business affairs were so carefully and wisely
conducted that success in large measure rewarded his eft'orts. He is also the
owner of one hundred and sixty acres of rich and valuable laud on section ID,
Newton township, Winnebago county, which returns to him a gratifying annual
income. Moreover, he is financially interested in other luisiness concerns, lieing
now the president of the Farmers Savings Bank at Leiand, wdiile he is also a
stockholder of the Leiand Creamery Company.

On June 2'i, 1880, Mr. Michaelson was u^iited in marriage to Miss Bertha
Branstad, a native of Norway, who was brought to the United States in her early

OLE MICHAKLSOX

'^ L

AVINNEBAGU AXi) HANCOCK COUNTIES 385

girlhood by lier parents, Andrew and Dorothea (Grytiies) Branstad, who were also
natives of Norway. They made the voyage to the new world in 1873 and settled
first ill Winneshiek county, Iowa, where they lived for a year before coiiiiiig to
Winnebago county. Here the father passed away, but the mother is still living
and is now in her eighty-fir.st year. Jn their family were eight children, who
yet survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Michaelson have been born ten children : Minnie
('., the wife of 0. Theodore Moen, now of Minneapolis; Delia E., at home; Ruth,
Rudolph and Elvin, who have passed away; Euth J., the second of the name, now
a student in college; Clarence O., who is a graduate of W'aldorf ('(incgc and is
now attending St. Olaf College of Minnesota : N'ictor. deceased ; and .Agnes L.,
and Obed B., at home.

The [larents are consistent and faithful inenibers of the Liitlu^ran cliurch, ddiiig
all in their power to promote its growth and extend its influence. In ]j<)litics
Mr. Michaelson is a republican and fen- twenty-five years he has served on the
school board, of which he is still a member. He has ever been a stanch cham|jion
of the cause of education and he is now acting as one of the trustees of Waldorf
College. He is also one of the directors of the Fair Association of Forest City
and is interested in all the plans and projects which look to the upbuilding of the
county along the lines of material, intellectual, social and moral development.

BUDOLPH C. GLAWE.

Eudolph C. Glawe, a well known and highly respected farmer of Boone town-
ship, Hancock county, makes his home on section 19, where he has one hundred
and sixty acres of land. He is a native of Germany, his birth having there
occurred on the 8th of April, 1865. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Miller)
Glawe. were also natives of that country and, resolving to try their fortume in
America, they crossed the Atlantic in 1870 and establishing their home at Appleton,
Wisconsin. The father was a farmer and Eudolph C. Glawe was reared in the
usual manner of the farm bred boy dividing his time between the duties of the
schoolroom the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. He attended
a German school until he was about thirteen years of age and then started oat
to earn his own living by working in a carriage shop at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where
he was employed for a year and a half. He then went to Durand, Illinois, where he
worked by the month as a farm hand for ten years. He carefully saved his earnings
and in this way gained a sum that enabled him eventually to purchase his present
farm. He invested in one hundred and sixty acres of land on the southeast
quarter of section 19, Boone township, Hancock county, Iowa, and has since
devoted his time and attention to the further development and improvement of
his property. There were no fences upon the place when it came into his pos-
session and no bridges had been built. He has since been closely identified witk
the work of general improvement. He assisted Eichard Allison in hauling the
first load of tile to the county and has at all times stood for progressive methods
of farming. He has made many improvements upon his place and is putting forth
every effort to enhance its productiveness.

On the 9th of July, 1894, Mr. Glawe was married to Miss Mary Stritzel, who

;;s(', WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

was born in Germany, a ilaiigbtpr of August and Henrietta (Miller) Stritzel, who
were natives of the fatherlantl. Mr. and Mrs. (ilawe have become the parents
of six children, Elda Ida, Elmer William, Anna Myrtle, Maud Hannah, Hazel
Freda and George Rudolph, all yet at home.

In his political views Mr. (ilawe is a republican and lie has served as a
meiid)er of the town board and as judge of elections. He belongs to the English
Methodist Episcopal church and lives an upright, honorable life that commands
for him tlie coiithlence and goodwill of all with whom he comes in contact. His
record, too, shows how effective are industry and persistency of purpose as forces
in business life, for it is along those lines that he has attained his success, even-
tually reacbing a position among the substantial farmers of his adopted county.

GHKISTIAiN TOKGERSON.

Forty years have come and gone since Christian Torgerson arrived in Winnebago
county and through mucli of the intervening period lie has been closely identified
with its farming interests but is now living retired in the enjoyment of well
earned rest, making his home on section 10, King township. lie was born six
miles from Christiania, Norway, in February, 1848, a son of Torger and Ingeborg
(Gullickson) Torgerson, who were natives of Norway, where the father followed
the occupation of farming to the time of his death. He passed away in lUOO,
while his widow survived only until 1903.

C'hristian Torgerson was reared and educated in Xurway, where he remained
until he reached the age of eighteen years and then came to the United States
in 186G. He located in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he was employed for
several years, and in 1877 he arrived in Winnebago county, wliere he I'outinued
to work as a farm hand for some time. He carefully saved his earnings and
as soon as ])ossible purchased a yoke of oxen and forty acres of land situated on
section 17, King township. He at once began to develop and improve the property
and, continuing his close economy and his unremitting industry, he was afterward
able to add eighty acres. Eventually he obtained forty-six acres which he added
to his homestead in King township, and he continued to cultivate and develop
his farm until IIMI, when he retired, since which tinu' he has lived with his
daughter. He also became the owner of one liundred and twenty acres in Eden
townshi]), which his sons are now farming. He formerly made a specialty of raising
Shortliorn cattle and lie is still a stoeklioliler in the ('iio|ierative Civamery Ciim]iany
of Thomf)Son.

In May, 1809, Mr. 'i'orgerson was united in marriage to Miss Julia Watenbryn,
by wdiom he has six children, as follows: Theodore, who operates the old home
place; .lulius. George and Ole, all of whom are engaged in farming in Eden town-
ship ; Albert, who is em]doyed as a farm hand ; and Jlary, who is the wife of
Eddie Ellefson, an agriculturist residing on section 10, King townshi]i. Mr. and
Mrs. Ellefson have four children: Marion, Opal, Mildred and Carroll.

Mr. Torgerson has served on the school board for a number of years and
does all in his power to further the interests of public educati(m in his district.
He exercises his right of franchi.se in support of the men and measures of the

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 387

democratic party and his religious belief is that of the Lutheran church. His
has been an active, useful and honorable life and his present rest is well merited,
for he worked most diligently and persistently for many years and in all of his
business dealings was found thoroughly reliable. Today he is the possessor of
a comfortable competence which enables him to rest from further labor.

DKS. HELENA AND (JENA THORESEN.

Drs. Helena and Gena Thorescn have built up a very large practice in Lake
Mills as chiropractors and hold a high ])lace in the esteem of all who know them.
They are daughters of Lars and Gurie (Loftsgaard) Thoresen, natives of Norway,
who became early settlers of Clayton coiuity, Iowa, whence they removed to Palo
Alto county. They were also among the first people to settle in that county, and
the father purchased land which he farmed for many years in addition to operating
a blacksmith shop. He is now seventy-four years of age and is making his home
with his children. The mother died in October, 1900. There were ten children
in the family, of whom seven are living, namely : Susanna, the wife of Dr. Th.
T. Nae, of Graettinger, Iowa; Theodore and Oie, both of whom are farming in
Palo Alto county; Helena, who was born September 22, 1877; Anna, who is a
doctor of chiropractic, practicing in Red Wing, Minnesota; John, a chiropractor
of Glenwood, Minnesota ; and Gena, born September 10, 1882.

Drs. Helena and Gena Thoresen were reared in Palo Alto county and received
their early education in the jiublic schools there. In 1912 both entered the
Universal School of Chiropractic at Davenport, Iowa, wliere they completed the
course. Dr. Helena Thoresen has taken advanced post graduate work and holds
four diplomas. In 1914 she opened an office in Lake Mills and in June, 1915,
was joined by her sister and they are practicing in partnership under the name
of Thoresen & Thoresen. They have purchased a fine residence, have a splendidly
equipped offce and have built up an extensive and representative practice. They
also maintain an office at Forest City, and Dr. Helena Thoresen spends three days
of the week there. They belong to the Chiropractic Society and find that con-
nection of great value inasmuch as it enables them to profit by the experience
of other ui)-to-date and successful practitioners. In religious faith they are
Lutlierans, and their lives conform to the teachings of that church.

OLE G. THUNE.

Ole G. Thune, residing on section 4, Mount Valley township, Winnebago county,
owns and o]K'rates a fine farm of two hundred acres, which he has placed under high
cultivation and improved with good substantial buildings which stand as monuments
to liis thrift and enterprise. A native of Iowa, he was born in Winneshiek county,
December 31, 1868, and is a son of Gullick and Aaste (Olson) Thune, natives
of Norway. In the spring of 1868 the parents crossed the Atlantic and took
up their residence in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where they lived for three years.
In 1871 they came to Winnebago county, and after working as a farm hand for

388 WINNEBA(J() AND TIAXCOCK COUNTIES

two years in this locality the fatlier was able to purchase eighty acres of land on
section 4, Mount Valley township, on which he erected a log house with a thatched
roof. In this hmnble little home the family lived for some years, but at length
a more modern residence was erected ujion land adjoining which the father had
bought in the meantime. There he died on the '23d of March, 1010, at the ripe
old age of eighty-six years and three months. The mothei- of our subject had
passed away in 1S74 and the father was again married in 1S85, his second union
being with Miss Tngeborg Void, who died in 1001. Iiy the first nuirriage there
Avei'e three children, thiisc slill living being Ole (i. and his lii'other (Tilbert, who
resides on the Imnie place.

During his boyhood Ole (I. Tliiine attended the district schools and also
acquired an excellent knowledge of farm work. Later he worked at various
occupations toi' some years l)ut in 1898 bought eighty acres of land adjoining
his present home farm on the east. He has since engaged in farming and in
1910 purchased the place where he now lives, locating thereon in 1911. His farm
now comprises two luindT'ed acres, all in one tract, ami he is successfully engaged
ill its operation. lie is a stockholder in the Lelaiid Farmers Elevator Company
and also in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of Leland.

In 1901 Ml'. Tlmne married Miss Anna Teterson, and to them have been born
seven children, IIkisc slill living being: Gisle M., Delbort, Austin, Oscar Carl,
Wilma Kuth, i'aliner and Edna Margaret. The family are members of the United
Lutheran church and Mi', '{''luine is a republican in politics. He never withholds
his siijipdi't from any enterprise which he believes calculated to promote the moral
or edneatiiiiial welfare of his community and for sixteen years has efficiently
served in some olticial cajiacity in his townshi]). He is now lilling bis second term
as townslii|) clerk, has been a member of the board of township trustees ten years,
and is president of the school board at the present time. He is also secretary
of the Farmers Elevator Company and is regarded as one of the leading citizens
of his locality.

ERIK B. STENE.

'IMie name of Stene has been as.soeiated with the agricultural develnpiiient of
Winnebago county from a very early period in the settlement of this section of
the state. The homestead farm of Erik B. Stene, which is situated on section 11.
Norway township, was taken over by his uncle and aunt, (^le and Anna Ternm,
as a government claim. They were among the first group of Norwegians to
establish homes in this section of the state and Erik B. Stene ])urchased his farm
from them. He was born in Norway, October 14, 1849, a son of Botolf and
Ingeborg Stene, wIki were farming ])eople of that laml. where they spent their
entire lives and leart^d their family of seven children, of whom four are still living,
Erik B. being the eldest. The others who survive are: Filing, who resides upon
the old homestead farm in Norway, Johannes, also living in Norway; and L. B.,
who is located in Norway township, Winnebago county.

Erik B. Stene spent the period of his minority in his native country, hut
on reaching the age of twenty-one years determined to try his fortune in America.

WINNEBAlio AND HANC(K!K COUNTIES 389

for the reports which had reached him liad convinced him that hetter opportuni-
ties might be secured on this side of the Atlantic. It requires determiruition and
courage, liowever, to sever liome ties and go to a new country, with tlie language
and customs of wliicli one is unfamiliar. This must of itself involve the individual
in many hardship.s, but Mr. Stene possessed a resolute will and carried out his
purpose. He made his way at once to Iowa and began earning liis living as a
farm hand, being thus employed until he reached the ago of thirty-five years. In
the meantime, however, he was saving his earnings M'ith the purpose of some day
owning a farm and eventually lii' pui'cliased land on the mirtliwest (|uarter of
section 11 and tlie northeast (puirtcr of section 10, Norway township, Winnebago
county. 'I'liis he cleared and im]U'oved and to the further development and culti-
vation of the tract has since given his attention. The excellent appearance of
the ]ilace bears testimony to the care and labor which he has bestowed upon it.

When twenty-five years of age Mr. Stene was united in marriage to Torgron
Nelson, whose parents were Nels and Anna Nelson, natives of Norway, who became
residents of Freeborn county, Jlinnesota, where the father continued to engage in
fanning until his death. Both he and his wife lie buried there in Lime Creek
cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Stene became the parents of four cliildren, of whom one
died in infancy, while three are yet living, namely: Emma, now the wife of Peter
Dahle, of Worth county, Iowa; Butler, who is living in Norway township; and
Anna, the wife of Gilbert Hanson, of the same township. The wife and mother
passed away September 11, 1882, and her remains were interred in the family
cemetery on the farm. Mr. Stene was married August 14, 1887, to Gure Lange-
land, a daughter of Lars and Mageli (Nelson) Langeland, who were natives of
Norway, where both passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Stene luave three children, namely :
Matilda, who is the wife of Oscar Thompson, of St. Paul, Minnesota; Alfred,
who operates the home farm; and Elma, who is yet under the parental roof.

Mr. Stene votes with the republican party and his fellow townsmen, recognizing
his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office. He has filled
most of the township positions, including that of assessor, trustee and school treas-
urer. He and his wife belong to the Synod Lutheran church and they are much
esteemed in the community, occupying an enviable position in social circles in
their neighborhood. Mr. Stene has never had occasion to regret his determination
to come to the United' States, for while he has worked hard, he has secured the
results of his labors and has made for himself a creditable position among the
substantial and representative farmers of Norway township.

HENKY C. BEIER.

Henry ('. Beier, who is engaged in genera] farming on section 20, German
township, Hancock county, was born in Delaware on the 25th of August, 1869, a
son of William J. and Louisa (Schlei) Beier, natives of Germany, who about
1864 came to the new world. The father has now passed away, biit the mother
is still living.

The youthful days of Henry C. Beier were largely devoted to the acquirement
of a common school education and to work upon the home farm. He continued

390 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

to assist his iatlitT until lie reached the age of twenty-eight years, receiving no
wages for his services. At that time his father dee(:le<l him a farm on section 29,
German township, Hancock county, which has been in his possession since 1897.
That he has prospered in his undertakings is indicated in tlie fact that in 1914 he
purchased a second farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres. His places are
well developed and improved, showing all the evidences of modern ])rogressive
fanning. lie has good buildings upon his place and utilizes scientiiic methods in
conducting the various branches of his work. His attention is principally given
to the raising of Ilolstein cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs, and his high grade stock
brings gratifying prices when put upon the market.

On the 22d of December, 1897, Mr. Reier was married to Miss Ida Lenz, a
daughter of Fred and Lena (Holfus) Lenz, both of whom are natives of Ger-
many, whence they came to the new world, and who are now living in Hancock
county. For a long period the father was engaged in farming, biit has now
retired from active business.

Politically Mr. Beier is a republican, giving stalwart support to the party.
He has filled the offices of township clerk and school director, and he cooperates
in many movements and ])lans which he believes will prove helpful in the upbuild-
ing of the community. He is a director of the creamery company at Klemme.
He has never become identified with any lodges, but has taken an active ])art in
promoting the moral progress of the community through his support of the German
Methodist Episcopal churcli, in which he holds membership. He has always
devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and stock raising, and thus concentrating
his eiTorts along a single line, he has worked his way upward, winning a substan-
tial measure of success as the years have gone on. .

PETEE KNUDSEX.

Prominent among the prosjierous farmers of Hancock county who have come
to the new world empty handed and have won success through their own well
directed efforts is Peter Knudsen, whose home is on section 26, Magor township.
He was born in Denmark on the 22d of April, 1855, and is a son of Nickoly and
Catherine (Kasmussen) Knudsen, who came to the United States in 1880 and
located in Mitchell county, Iowa.

Peter Knudsen began his education in the schools of bis native land, but also
had the advantage of attending school in Germany for some time. On laying
aside his textbooks at the age of sixteen years he found work in Germany and
was there emidoyed for about three years. He emigrated to the United States in
1873 and took up his abode in Mitchell county, Iowa, where he worked as a farm
hand for a number of years. He then had charge of an elevator at Carpenter for
one year and in 1879 came to Hancock county for the purpose of securing a farm
of his own. He liought eighty acres on section 26, jMagor township and in 1886
bought another eighty acres on the same section. Having .steadily prospered in
his fanning ojierations, he extended the boundaries of his place by the purchase
of eighty acres on section 19, Amsterdam township, in 1900, and in 1903 bought
one hundred and twenty acres of land on .section 26, Magor township. At one

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES :5!»1

time lie devoted considerable attention to the raising of cattle and hogs, but is now
practically living retired, leaving the active work of the farm to others. He has
a well improved place under high cultivation and is regarded as one of the loading
farmers of his community.

On the 26th of September, 1880, occurred the uiurriage of Mr. Knudsen and
Miss Bertha Wilkie, a native of Germany and a daughter of Frederick and Fred-
ricka (Eedincel) Wilkie. She came with her i)arents to America in 1876 and
located in Mitchell county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Knudsen have three children.
Mate M., Fred N. and Ella Bertha, all married.

Mr. Knudsen is a republican in politics and has always taken an active interest
in public affairs, serving as township assessor for twenty years, township trustee
for four years 'and school treasurer for ten years. In religious faith he is a
German Lutheran. He is a stockholder in the Kanawha Elevator, Creamery and
Telephone companies, and is also a stockholder and director of the First National
Bank of Kanawha. He is a farsighted, enterprising business man, who generally
carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and he is today
one of the most substantial citiEens of his community.

\V. G. GREEX.

Agricultural interests of Hancock county find a substantial representative in
W. G. Green, who follows farming on section 24, Madison township. Wiscoiisin
claims him as a native son, his birth having there occurred on the 5th of October,
1858. His parents, William and Ann (Watts) Green, were natives of England,
but came to America, locating in Wisconsin. In the '60s they removed to Iowa,
settling in Black Hawk county, but later they became residents of Bremer county,
where both passed away. They had a family of three children, all of whom are
yet living.

W. G. Green was largely reared and educated in Bremer county, pursuing his
studies in the common schools, while his training was that of the home farm.
He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring
for the crops and he continued with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-
five years and then began farming on his own account on rented land in Bremer
county, where he continued to reside for a decade. In 1894: he came to Hancock
county and purchased his present farm on section 24, Madison township. This
he luis since improved with good buildings and has made it one of the excellent
farms of his section. He raises and feeds stock of all kinds, as well as cultivates
the cereals best adapted to soil and climatic ccfnditions here, and his practical and
progressive methods are indicated in the neat and attractive appearance of his
place. In addition to his agricultural interests Mr. Green is a stockholder in the
Farmers elevator and also in the Forest City Creamery.

In 1884 'Mr. Green was united in marriage to Miss Ella Smith, a native of
Buchanan county, Iowa, and a daughter of William and Emily (Smith) Smith,
who, although of the same name, were not related. Both, however, were natives
of England and came to America in the '50s. They first settled in Jo Daviess
county, Illinois, but aften^'ard removed to this state, where both passed away.

392 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Mrs. Green was one of a family of eight children, five of whom are now living,
and by her marriage she lias beeome the mother of a son, Orville E.

In his fraternal connections ^Ir. (ireen is a Knight of Pythias and politically
he is a democrat. For some years he served as schocil director and for six years
filled the olliee of county supervisor, making a creditable record in that position.
His worth is widely recognized and those who know him esteem him highly.

MES. LOUISA F. BEIEK.

Mrs. Louisa F. Beier resides on .section 34, German township, and is well
known in Hancock county, where she has long made her home. She was born
in (iermany, August 14, 1.S42, a daughter of John and Caroline (Winka) Schlei.
who spent their entire lives in their native country. Jh's. Beier passed the period
of her girlhood in the fatherland, and was a young woman of twenty-two when
she came to the United States, arriving in Clayton county, Iowa, in the month
of June. On the 8th of October following she became the wife of William J.
Beier, a native of Germany, who was then residing at Delhi, Clayton county,
Iowa. He was a farmer, living upon rented land, but the family were ambitious
to own a farm and carefully saved their earnings until in .1877 Mr. Beier was
able to purchase property, securing one hundred and si.xty acres on section 34,
German townshi]), Hancock county, for which he paid five hundred and si.xty
dollars. This was still a frontier district at the time. There were no trees
upon the place, no roads through this section of the county and no bridges. In
hauling wheat Mr. Beier would have to throw off one-half of his load at the
river, then go on to Garner and return for the other half. He paid for seed at
the rate of a dollar and a half per busliel and sold his crop at fifty cents per
bushel. The seed was largely sown by hand and the raking was done with teams,
(^orn was put in the ground with hand ])lanters and farm work of all kinds was
done in a primitive manner as compared with present-day methods that have
been brought about through the use of modern machinery. The Beier family
were among the first to settle in this section, there being only three houses between
their place and Garner, a distance of ten miles. They built their own house,
there being no carpenters in the neighborhood, and for eight years they occupied
their pioneer dwelling. It was then replaced by a more commodious and attractive
residence, and from time to time otlier improvements were added to the farm,
which in the course of years was converted into one of the valuable farm properties
of German township.

Mr. and Mrs. Beier Ijecame the parents of eight children, of whom seven are
yet living: Henry C. who married Ida Lenz, a daughter of Fred and Lena
(Kolfus) Lenz: Ida ^L, the wife of August Ridder, living in Klemme ; William F.,
who married Bertha Lend^e, a daughter of Henry Lemke ; Emma A., the wife of
William Kulper, a resident of Waterloo, Iowa; Fred Charles, at home; Emil G.,
who cultivates the old home farm ; and Lydia M., who is also at home.

The husband and father passed away on the 26th of July, 1911, and his death
was deeply deplored by many friends who had come to esteem him as a man of
sterling worth and as a valued citizen of the community- His political allegiance

MB. AND MRS. WILLIAM J. BEIEE

T;'" Ngiy YQ^f^

TILOK N Fc.MJ N UATIr^N ,.

WINNEBAGU AND HANCOCK COUNTIES ;!95

was given to the republican party, and he based his support upon an intelligent
understanding of party principles. For years he was a school director and the
cause of education found in him a stalwart champion. Pie was also a loyal
member of the German Methodist Episcopal church, to which Mrs. Beier still
belongs. She has now reached the age of seventy-five years and she yet occupies
the old homestead. She is one of the highly esteemed ladies of this section and
a worthy pioneer woman who has lived to witness the entire development of this
part of the state. Hancock county today bears little resemblance to the district
in which she and her husband .settled many years ago, for at that time the wild
prairie was all around them, covered by one unbroken, dazzling sheet of snow in
the winter months, but starred with a million wild flowers in June. Mrs. Beier
can relate many interesting incidents of the early days when the work of pioneer
develo])ment was being carried forward. In early times she assisted in the work
and stacked all of the grain on a whole section of land, amounting to fifty-four
hundred bushels of oats and fifteen hundred bushels of wheat. She aided in
the threshing and did everything possible to assist her husband in getting a stari
Today .she is surrounded with not only the necessities and comforts but some of
the luxuries of life, and is able to enjoy that rest which has come to her after a
most active and useful career. The farm work is now being carried on by her
son, E. G. Beier, who is a representative farmer, active and energetic in all his
undertakings.

WILLIAM E. HAES.

William E. Haes, who is carrying on general farming on section 33, Garfield
township, Hancock county, has been a lifelong resident of Iowa, his birth having
occurred in Worth county on the 30th of November, 1877. His parents, Andrew
and Amelia Haes, were also natives of this state and the mother is now residing in
Garner, Iowa. The father passed away April 26, 1916, at Grafton, Iowa. In
their family were eleven children: Minnie, William, Martha, Mollie, Henry,
Emil, Fred, Lena, Elmer, Alvin and Julius. Five of the number are now married
and five reside in Hancock county. Minnie lives at St. Paul, Minnesota; Mollie
and Henry at Tentura, Iowa ; and Emil and Fred at Waterloo, Iowa. Martha
died when a baby. She and William were twins.

William E. Haes acquired a common school education and throughout his
entire life he has been connected with agricultural interests. He purchased land
on section 33, Garfield townsliip, Hancock county, where he now has one hundred
and twenty acres, and to tlie further development and improvement of this prop-
erty he is giving his time and attention. Annually he gathers good crops as a
reward for the care and labor which he bestows iipon his fields, and the neat and
thrifty appearance of his place indicates his careful and progressive methods.
He is also the owner of stock in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery and in the
Farmers Elevator at Garner.

On the 26th of November, 1903, Mr. Haes was married to Miss Martha Kettle-
son, a daughter of Charles and Emma Kettlcson, who are now residing in Bruce.
Wisconsin. Two children have been born of this union, Mildred and Ernest. In

396 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

liifs political views Mr. Ilaes if a democrat and fur one year served as township
assessor, but has never been an office seeker. He and his wife belong to the
English Methodist Episcopal chnrch and are well known and highly esteemed in
the community where they make their home. Mr. Haes has lived a life of industry
and thrift and has never allowed difficulties and obstacles to bar his path, but has
regarded them rather as an impetus to renewed effort on his part.

MONS N. HELLE.

Mons X. Helle, deceased, was one of the honored citizens and prosperous
farmers of Norway township, Winnebago county, Iowa, his home being on section
11, where his widow still resides. He came from the land of the midnight sun,
for he was born in Norway, March 18, 1848, and in that country was reared and
educated. His parents never came to the United States, but when he was twenty
years of age he resolved to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic and on
reaching the new world continued his journey westward to Spring Prairie, Wis-
consin, where he spent one year and a half. It was in 1870 that he arrived in
Winnebago county, Iowa, and purchased the southeast (piaftej- of section 11, Nor-
way townsliip. which lie placed under cultivation and improved with good and
substantial buildings. He met with success in his farming operations and con-
tinued to engage in agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest on the 4th
of May. 1014. His remains were interred in the Lime Creek cemetery.

On :May 2G, 187fi. Mr. Helle was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Dalile,
who was also born in Norway on the lOth of September, 18.53, and was about
twentv years of age when she came alone to the United States to make her home
with her brother. Ole M. Dahle, wlio was one of the early settlers of Norway town-
ship, Winneliago county. Her parents were lifelong residents of Norway. To
Mr. and ]\Irs. Helle were born nine children, but Melvin and Cora, twins, died in
infancy. Those living are Mabel, now the wife of N. E. Brudvig, of Logan town-
shi]), Winnebago county : Carrie, the wife of John Dahle, of the same township ;
Nets M. and Mikkel. both residents of Stutsman county. North Dakota; Clara, at
home; Marie, the wife of Nels Olson, of Iowa City; and Ole M., who is farming
the home place. Wherever known the family are held in the highest esteem. By
his ballot Mr. Helle supported the men and measures of the republican party, but
was never a politician in the sense of office seeking. He was one of the representa-
tive farmers of his community and his success was well merited, as it was due
entirely to his own industry and good management.

DAVID T. DUNCAN.

David T. Duncan, residing upon a farm on section 22, Amsterdam township,
has for sixteen years lived in Hancock county. He was born at Deer Creek,
Illinois, on the 24th of April, 1861, a son of George and Jessie (Tyrie) Duncan,
who were natives of Scotland. He obtained his education in the district schools

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 397

of Illinois, which he attended iintil he reached the age of twenty years, and then
rented land for six years. On the expiration of that period he purchased eighty
acres of the old homestead in Illinois but afterward determined to try his fortune
in Iowa and came to Hancock county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land on section 22, Amsterdam township. Upon this place he has since
made his home and it is well known as the Bonnie View Farm. Hereon he raises
pure bred Percheron horses and Poland China hogs, his stock raising interests
being an important feature of his business. He also cultivates the cereals best
adapted to soil and climate and his farm work is carefully and systematically
managed.

On the 2.Stli of .Tanuary, 1886, Mr. Duncan was married to Miss Clara Chaffer,
a daughter of Fred and Rebecca (Lee) Chaffer, natives respectively of England
and of Pennsylvania. To this union six children have been born, Jessie May.
Stella R., Neliie M., Hazel. Myrtle F. and Florence C.

Mr. Duncan is a republican but has never been an office seeker. He belongs
to the Methodist Episcopal church aiul in his life he displays many substantial
qualities and traits of character which comnumd for him the good will, confidence
and high regard of all with whom he is associated. He has won prosperity through
earnest, diligent and intelligently directed effort and he certainly deserves much
credit for what he has undertaken and accomplished.

ELWYN G. GASKILL.

Elwyn G. Gaskill, who owns the family homestead of three hundred and twenty
acres in Magor township, operates the place on the same principle that a business
man conducts his affairs and ranks among the most progressive and most efficient
agriculturists of Hancock county. He was born in Bureau county, Illinois,
October 23, 1874, a .^on of William and Alice (Holroyd) Gaskill. The father was
born in Blackstone, Massachusetts, but was taken as a child by his parents to
Illinois and was reared upon the home farm near Wyanet. He received his educa-
tion in the district schools of the Prairie state and resided there until a number
of years after his marriage. In 1884 he removed with his family to Hancock
county, Iowa, and purchased the south half of section 17, Magor township, which
he operated for many years. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him and
his death in 1913 was deeply regretted. He was quite active in public affairs and
served as township trustee and also as school director. His wife was a native of
Bureau county, Illinois, and lived there until the removal of the family to Hancock
county, Iowa, in 1884. Her demise occurred upon the home farm in 1911.

Elwyn G. Gaskill was but nine years old when the family home was established
in Hancock county, and accordingly his education was largely obtained in the
district schools here. He aided his father in farming the home place until the
latter's death and is now the owner of the homestead, which comprises the south
half of section 17, Magor township, and which is as fine a farm as can be found
in the county. The land is well drained and the buildings commodious, substan-
tial and well adapted to their purposes. He raises the usual grains and also gives
considerable attention to breeding high grade stock'. In addition to his general

;j!)8 WIXXEBAIK) AXi) HANCOCK COUNTIES

farming interests he buys and sells stock to some extent and is a director of the
Farmers Savings Bank at Corwith. From 1904 until 1912 he was managing
director of the Corwith Eural Telephone Company and made an excellent record
ill that cuinicetion, kee])ing the sci-viee u]i to a lugh staiidai'd ami also making
the eoneern pay financially.

ilr. (Jaskill was married mi tlu' ."itli of November, 11)03, at Livermore, Iowa,
(o Miss Winnifrcd Bravender, wlio engaged in teaching before her marriage. She
taught in Ijivermore for some time and was following her profession in Corwith
when she met Mr. Gaskill. Slie is a daughter of A. E. and Tjui-y (Lyons) Braven-
der, the former liorn in Canada and the latter in Iowa. The father engaged in
farming in Humboldt county, Iowa, near Livermore, for a long period, but is now
living retired at Marshall. Minnesota. The mother also survives. Mr. and Mrs.
(iaskill have three cliildrcn, William Albert, j\larj(iric and (ienrge, all liorn on the
homestead.

Mr. Gaskill supports the reimlilican jiarfy at the ]iolls and is now serving as
trustee of Magor townshi]) and as treasurer of the school board. In the discharge
of his official duties he iianifests the same grasp of situations and the same almost
unerring jiidgnu'iit that have characterized him in the management of his business
interests. He belongs to Paradise Lodge, No. .55.3, A. F. & A. M., of Corwith, and
exemplifies in his life tlie beneficent spirit of the craft. He is a tru.stee of the
Methodist Episcopal church, is very active in its work and contributes liberally
to its support. His wife is also a jirominent church worker and is now teaching
a Sunday school class. 'I'he name of (iaskill has been associated in Hancock county
with progressive spirit, un(|uestiiinable integrity and ability for more than three
decades, and Mr. Gaskill of this review is accorded the same honor and esteem
civen his father before him.

ANDREW OLSON.

Throughout an active, useful and well spent life Andrew Olson followed the
occupation of farming, taking uji his abode in Twin Lake township, Hancock
county, in 1S71, at whieh time lie secured four hundred and twenty acres of land
on sections 30 and 31. For many years he carefully tilled the soil and developed
the place, but his life's labors were ended in death in 1909. He was born on the
13th of December, 1839, in Norway, a son of Ole Olson, who was a native of
Xorway but became a resident of Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming and
where both he and his wife died.

The youthful days of Andrew Olson were passed in the usual nuinner of the
I arm bred boy, who divides his time between the acquirement of an education, the
work of the fields and the pleasure of the playground. After attaining his major-
ity he was married in Norway to Miss Lena Holberg, a native of that country
and a daughter of John Holberg. To them were born six children, Ole, Minnie,
.Tobn, Edwin, Anton and Benton, all of whom were born in Twin Lake township,
Hancock county, Iowa. The first two and the last two are now married. The
other sons still remain upon the old homestead, which they are now carefully and
profitably cultivating.

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 399

In his political views Mr. Olson was a republican and his fellow townsmen,
recognizing liis worth and ability, called him to several local offices. He served as
township trustee and town supervisor and school director. His religious faith was
that of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and he guided his life according to its
teachings, attempting always to do unto others as he would have Ihem do unto
him. He was found thoroughly reliable in his business transactions, and his
friends and neighbors came to esteem him as an upright, honorable man. In
business affairs he displayed sound judgment, and whatever success he achieved
was the direct reward of his own labors.

HANS FKEDEICKSON.

Hans Fredrickson is one of the prosperous farmers and representative citizens
of Hancock county w'hose home is in Crystal township, where he owns and operates
a valuable tract of two hundred and forty acres of land. Like many of the lead-
ing men of the county, he is of Scandinavian birth, being born in Denmark on
the 4th of July, 1857, a son of Lars and Caroline (Hanson) Fredrickson. He
was a child of only four years when his father died and his mother subsequently
married Nels Larson, with whom she came to the United States in the spring of
1872. The family located in Freeborn county, Minnesota, Mr. Larson purchasing
a farm eight miles east of Albert Lea, but later he sold that place to a brother
of our subject and bought another farm two miles west of the same city, where
he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred September 31, 1912. Mrs.
Larson had passed away in January, 1910.

In the land of his nativity Hans Fredrickson passed the first fifteen years of
his life and his education was mainly acquired in the common schools of that
country* for he only attended school four months after coming to America with the
family in 1872. When in his sixteenth year he began earning his own livelihood,
working by the month as a farm hand for some time. At length he was able to
purchase property and, coming to Hancock county in 1882, he bought one hundred
and twenty acres of land on section 28, Crystal township, which he at once began
to cultivate and improve. In 1889 he sold that farm and purchased eighty acres
of his present farm on section 19, Crystal township, to which he added eighty
acres in 1901 and another eighty acre tract in 1916, so that he now has an excel-
lent farm of two hundred and forty acres. This he has tiled and otherwise
improved and the fields are made to yield abundant harvests.

On the 1st of May, 1885, occurred the marriage of Mr. Fredrickson and Miss
Anna Jensen, also a native of Denmark, who came to the United States only a
short time previous to her marriage. To them have been born eight children, all
living, namely: Hilda, now- the wife of Hans Larson, a farmer of Rusk county,
Wisconsin ; Clara and Arthur, both at home ; Eleanor, the wife of Martin Madson,
a farmer of Crystal township, Hancock county, Iowa ; Emma, who lives at home
and is teaching in the district schools ; Neva, who is attending the Britt high
school ; and William and Clifford, both at home.

Having little opportunity during his youth to gain an education, Mr. Fred-
rickson has come to realize what an education means in these days of progress.

400 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

and has endeavored to give his children good advantages along that line. For
ten years he eflfieiently served as school director and the cause of education has
always found in him a hearty suiiimrtei-. In jjolitics he is a democrat, and he is
an earnest and consistent meniher of the Danish Lutheran church, to which his
wife and family also belong. He is a stockholder of the Farmers Cooperative
Creamery Company of Crystal Lake and is a man of good business ability and
sound judgment whose success in life is due entirely to his own well directed
etforts and untiring industry.

ALBERT H. PETERSON.

Albert H. Peterson, who carries on general farming on section 18, Norway
township. Winnebago county, has a good tract of land which responds readily to
the care and labor that he bestows upon it, and by reason of his practical and
progressive methods he has come to rank with the substantial farmers of Winne-
bago county. He was born in Winneshiek county, Iowa, October 1, 1869, a son
of Hans and Anna (Twito) Peterson, the former a native of Norway, while the
latter was born near Muskego, Wisconsin, which was the first Norwegian settle-
ment in the United States. The father was but a young lad when brought by his
parent? to the new world, the family home being established in Winnebago county,
Wiscnnsiii. where his parents folloued fai-niing until called to the home beyond.
They were laid to rest near Winchester in that county. Hans Peterson acquired
his education in the pioneer schools of the Badger state, and after the outbreak
of the Civil war joined Comjiany K of the Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry. He saw
active service throughout the jieriod of hostilities, and after peace was declared he
removed to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he married Anna Twito, a daughter
of Hans Twito. who came from Norway in 1843 and settled in Muskego, Wis-
consin, but later removed to Fillmore county, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson
began their domestic life upon a rented farm, upon which they lived for a short
time, and later they removed to Emmet county, Iowa, where Mr. Peterson endeav-
ored to develop a homestead, but the crops were destroyed by grasshoppers, and
in 1876 they removed to Winnebago county. At one time Mr. Peterson served as
deputy sheriff of the county. He lived at Lake Mills until a few years ago, but
he and his wife are now residents of Perkins county. South Dakota, making their
home with their daughter Nettie, who is the wife of Peter Larson. They have a
family of five children: Albert H. : Hilda, who is now the widow of Isaac Larson
and makes her liome in Freeborn county, Minnesota; Mollie, the wife of Martin
Dakken, of Lake Mills; Nettie, now Mrs. Peter Larson; and Amanda, the wife
of J. S. Hood, (if Perkins county. South Dakota.

Albert H. Peterson attended the common schools until he reached the age of
sixteen vears and then liegan earning his living as a farm hand. He \vas thus
employed until he attained his majority, when he began farming on his own
account on rented land in Newton township. He spent four years in that way,
during which period he carefully saved his earnings until the sum was sufficient
to enable him to purchase property. He invested in land in Lyon county, Minne-
sota, on wliich he lived for a vear, and when twentv-seven years of age he bought

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 401

eighty acres on section 18, Norway township, which he has since owned and culti-
vated save that in the year 1907 he resided upon a quarter section of land in
Lyman county, South Dakota, in order to obtain that property under the home-
stead act. He exercises great care and thought in the management of his farm
and annually gathers golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he
bestows upon the fields.

Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Gertie Kvale, a daughter of
Engebret and Berit (Kvale) Kvale, who came to this country from Norway, and
after residing in Winneshiek county, Iowa, for four years, removed to Winnebago
county about 1875, settling in Norway township. Mrs. Kvale died in 1908, but
Mr. Kvale is still living on the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have become
the parents of eight children, as follows: Alpha B., Hamlet E.. Hilda M., Alice
G., Melvin Reuben, Isabelle M., Marie G. and Henry T., all at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Peterson hold member.ship in the Synod Lutheran church and
he votes with the republican party. For twelve years or more he served on the
school board as a director from the time the school district was organized. He
has never sought nor desired office, however, preferring to concentrate his time
and energies upon his business affairs. All that he possesses he has made through
his own efforts, for he started out empty handed. Today he is the owner of a
splendidly improved farm and is k stockholder of the Farmers Elevator Company
and the creamery company of Scarville. He stands as a representative of that
type of citizens of whom Iowa has reason to be proud — men whose force of char-
acter and ability is sufficient to enable them to overcome difficulties and obstacles
and steadily work their way upward tn success.

JOSEPH E. ERICKSON.

Joseph E. Erickson, actively engaged in general farming on section 36, Amster-
dam township, Hancock county, displays the qualities of western enterprise and
])rogress which have been the dominant features in the development of this section
of the country. He was born August 29, 1876, his parents being Eriek and Ellen
(Nelson) Erickson, the former a native of Norway and the latter of Illinois.
They came to Iowa by covered w-agon before the year 1860 and cast in their lot
with the pioneer settlers who were contributing to the early development and
upbuilding of the state. The father is still living at the age of sixty-five years
and the mother at the age of sixty-six.

Reared upon the home farm, Joseph E. Erickson acquired a district school
education, pursuing his studies to the age of seventeen, after which his entire
time was concentrated upon farm work until he reached the age of twenty-one.
He then went to North Dakota, where he carried on farming for seven years, and
later he was for a time at Spokane, Washington. On leaving that state he took up
his abode in Story county, Iowa, and for two years rented his father's farm. He
then bought one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he cultivated for a
time, and after selling that property he came to Hancock county, establishing his
home on section 36, Amsterdam township, where he became owner of one hundred
and sixty acres of land which he has converted into rich and productive fields.

ii— 20

402 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

feathering therefrom good harvests annually. He follows progressive methods in
developing his farm and has made it an attractive and valuable property. In
addition to tilling the soil he is interested in the Kanawha Creamery.

On the IGth of May, 1896, Mr. Erickson was united in marriage to Miss Char-
lotte Quam, her parents being Peter and Yetta Gurina (Vatsoog) Quam, natives
of Norway. They have six children, namely: Gaylord E., Ernest P., Bert A.,
Mabel E., Jordan C. and Viola B., all of whom are still under the parental roof.
Mr. and ]\Irs. Erickson are members of the Norwegian Ijutheran church and in
his ])olitical views the former is a republican, but he does not seek nor desire
oliice, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. He has
always followed farming, which more than a century ago George Washington
said "is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man." He
has worked diligently and persistently and his efforts have been rewarded by a
substantial measure of success.

E. P. HANSON.

Hancock county has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied
her public offices, for on the wliole they have been capable and devoted to duty.
Such an official is found in K. P. Hanson, who is now serx'ing as county auditor.
He was born in Hancock county, Iowa, September 14. 1878, a son of Peter and
Anna (Sorensen) Ilnnscui, who are natives of Denmark and a record of whom
appears elsewhere in tliis volume.

E. P. Hanson sjient his youthful days under the parental roof and ac(iuired a
public .school education. He was reared to the work of the home farm, early
becoming familiar with the l)est methods of tilling the soil and caring for the
crops. Wlien his textbooks were put aside he concentrated his efforts upon agricul-
tural pursuits and continued to follow farming until January, 1006, when he was
elected county recorder, which position he filled for four years. He afterward
took up farming again, devoting two years to the work of the fields, and in 101.3
he was made assistant cashier in the ('ry.>;tal Lake Savings Rank, in which institu-
tion he was elected to the vice presidency in 1014. In January, lOKi, he was
again chosen vice president of the bank but from 1914 until 1916 was not actively
connected with its management, fn the former year he was elected county auditor,
entering upon tlie duties of the position in January, 191,5, and on the 7th of
November, 1016, he was reelected for a second term of two years without opposition
■ — a fact which indiciites how faithfully and well he had discharged his duties.

On the 28th of March, 1900, Mr. Hanson was married to Miss Margaret
Schroeder, who was born in Grundy county, Iowa, a daughter of Andrew Schroeder.
Their children are Maurice, Leon, Lorraine, Naomi and Elwood Peter. The
family is widely and favorably known in Garner and throughout Hancock county.
In his political views Mr. Hanson has always l>een a republican and has done
splendid work for the party, contributing in large measure to its successes.
Fraternally he is connected with the Red Men. with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and with the Masons, having taken the degrees of lodge, chapter and
council, while in his life he exemplifies the beneficent spirit upon which the craft

E. P. HANSON

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 405

rests. His has been an active and useful career and his life record .stands in
contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in !iis
own country, for Mr. Hanson is a native son of the county in whicli he still resides
and in which he has spent his entire life, his course being such as to win for
liiiii the confidence and high regard of all with whom he as been brought in contact.

ERIK REIBNES.

Erik Reienes, an enterprising and ])rogressive farmer of Mount Valley town-
ship, Winnebago county, living on section 10, was born in Norway on the 6th of
April, 1882, a son of Knute and Christina Reienes. The niotlier died in Nor^.'ay,
October 30, 1916, and the father still makes his home in that land.

Erik Reienes pursued a common school education and on attaining his majority
came to the United States, crossing the Atlantic in 1003. He made his way direct
to Winnebago county, Iowa, where he has since lived. Here he went to work
tor Gottorm Honsey and has since remained in his employ. In later years he has
operated the Honsey farm in connection with his brother-in-law, Samuel Honsey.
He is an energetic and enterprising bu.siness man who in the conduct of the farm
displays most practical and progressive methods. He is also a stockholder in the
Farmers Cooperative Creamery Compaiiy of T^nkc Mills and in the Farmers
Elevator Company of that place.

In 1908 ilr. Reienes was united in marriage to Miss Lena A. Honsey, daugh-
ter of Gottorm Honsey, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work.
To Mr. and Mrs. Reienes have been born four children, namely : Conrad G.,
Melvin C, Geneva M. and Esther O. The family arc members of the United
Lutheran church ami in the social circles of j\[ount Valley township they occupy
an enviable position. Jlr. Reienes has lived a life of activity and usefulness, and
the diligence and iletermination which he has displayed have brought to him the
measure of success which he now enjoys.

JACOB SWEERS.

Jacob Sweers, a general farmer living on section 12, Boone township, Hancock
countv, was born in Germany on the 6th of March, 1857, and is a .son of Herman
and Hannah (Gerder) Sweers. In accordance with the laws of his native land,
he attended school there until he reached the age of fourteen years, after which
he began to earn his living by working as a farm liand. He was thus employed
until he reached the age of twenty, after which he spent two years as a member
of the German army. He then resumed farm work, in which he continued actively
until 1890, when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world and became a resident
of Butler county, Iowa. For two years he was employed on a stock farm and then
removed to Hancock county, where he rented land which he cultivated for thirteen
years. He practiced economy as well as industry and at the end of that time
was able to purchase the farm which he had rented, comprising one hundred and

406 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

sixty acres on section 12, Boone townsliip. Six years later he extended the bounda-
ries (if his farm by an additional jiurchase and is now the owner of three hundred
and twenty acres of rich and pnidiietive laml which he devotes to general agri-
cultural pursuits, raising the cereals Ijest adapted to soil and climate. Everything
about his ])lace is kept in good condition. The buildings and fences are always
well rc]>aii'ed and the latest improved machinery facilitates the work of the fields.
Efficiency is his watchword and his success has come fi-nm his ihorougiiness and
close application.

In May, 1888, Mr. Sweers was married tn Miss Cornelia Wrilaml, a native of
Germany and a daughter of John and Tina (Krull) Wetland, who were also born
in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Sweers have become parents of twelve children,
but only six are now living: Tina and Herman, both of whom are married; John,
at home; Hannah ami Anna, who arc mni'i'ied; and Benjamin, wlui is vet on the
home farm.

The parents are members of the German Reformed church and in his political
views Mr. Sweers is a republican, having su])ported the party since becoming a
naturalized American citizen. He has never regretted his determination to seek
his fortune on this side of the Atlantic, for here he found the business opportunities
which he sought and in their utilization lie has workeil his wav upwai'd to success.

PETER HATTERSCHIED.

For a third of a century Peter Hatterschied fias been engaged in ihe grain
business in Gorwith, Hancock c<junty, and during that period has constantly held
to the highest standards in all his business dealings, gaining an enviable reputa-
tion for integrity as well as for enterprise and ability. He was born in Cologne,
Germany, January 28, 18.50, a son of Arnold and Margaret (Odeidiach) Hatter-
schied, also natives of the fatherland. The .fathei- was engaged in the lumber
business there and also hauled coal and ore from the mines by contract. From
1838 to 1842 he served in the (lerman army. Both parents passed away in Ger-
many.

Peter Hatterschied was reared and educated in his native city and in early
manhood was associated with his father in the lumber business. In 1868 he
entered the German army, becoming identified with the artillery, and he served
throughout the Franco-Prussian war. He took part in a great many battles,
including the most important engagements of the war, Metz, Sedan and Verdun.
On the 4th of October, 1871, he was discharged from service in the first line, but
was a member of the reserve corps until 1882. On the 19th of March of the latter
year he came to America to study conditions here with the view of emigrating to
this country. He traveled over twenty-one states and after carefully comparing
the opportunities offered selected the town of Corwdth in Hancock county, Iowa,
as the place that seemed to afford him the best chances for advancement. He
returned to Germany and later with his wife and children came to this country,
arriving at Corwith on the 6th of April, 1884. For some time he worked as a
section hand for the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad and also hunted and trapped
in order to add to his income. In 1887 he began buving liav and later in that

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 407

year leased the grain elevator at Corwith and took charge of the husiness. In
1889 he purcliased the elevator and continued in husiness there until 1914, when
he erected a fine elevator, modern in every particular, and with a much larger
Ftorage capacity than the old building. He enjoys the entire confidence of the
farmers of this section, as his dealings have always been straightforward, and his
annual trade has reached extensive proportions. He was vice president and owned
a controlling interest in the old First National Bank of Corwith, of which his son
Hugo was cashier, but at length he disposed of his interest therein and the insti-
tution was consolidated with the Farmers Savings Bank of Corwith.

Mr. Hatterschied was married in Cologne, Germany, June 6, 1875, to Miss
Charlotte Giesen, also a native of that city and a daughter of Karl and Jennie
(Trumpbeter) Giesen. To Mr. and Mrs. Hatterschied have been born ten chil-
dren, of whom eight survive, namely: Karl, who was born in Germany, is a
graduate of the Chicago Veterinary College and is now deputy state veterinary
.surgeon of Montana, with residence at Glendive ; Hugo, who was born in Germany
and is a banker of Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska; Mary, the wife of H. H. Mullin, a
grain dealer of Britt, Iowa, by whom she has two children, Charlotte and Kath-
erine ; ilax, who is a native of Germany and is associated with his father in the
grain business ; Kathryn, who was born in Corwith and is the wife of Dr. Fill-
more, of Corwith ; Lawrence, who was born in Corwith and is with his father in
business ; Anna, likewise a native of Corwith and now the wife of Harry Chapman,
of Fort Dodge, Iowa, a conductor on the Minneapolis & St. Louis Eailroad, by
whom she has one child, Cheryl; and Charlotte, who was bom at Corwith and is
at home. All the children have received good educations and all have more than
usual musical ability. They have developed into men and women of refinement
and force of character and are a credit to their parents.

Mr. Hatterschied is a republican in politics, served as a member of the village
board of Corwith for three years and for three terms served on the school board,
during which time the new school building was erected. He belongs to Lodge
No. 306, B. P. 0. E.. of Fort Dodge, and is a member of the Kiiights of Colum-
bus at Algona, Iowa. He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church and is
generous in his contributions to its work. He gave liberally to the erection of
the new church edifice at Corwith and has contributed to many worthy movements
outside of the activities of the church. His broad-mindedness is indicated in the
helpful interest which he takes in the furtherance of all good works, and it is gen-
erally recognized that no legitimate appeal is made to him in vain. Throughout
his life the beneficial effects of the military training which he received in the
German army have been apparent in his self-control, in the system which he has
applied to all of his work and in his ability to cooperate with others. To his
service in the army he also attributes his erect carriage and fine bearing. A num-
ber of years after he had taken up his home in Iowa he received through the
German consul at Chicago medals awarded him by the imperial government in
recognition of his loyal and gallant service in the Franco-Prussian war. It is
needless to say that they are among the most cherished possessions of the family.
During the three decades and more of his residence in Hancock county he has been
an important factor in the life of his community and whether a private citizen or
an oflBce holder has without exception subordinated his private interests to the

408 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

public good. The large measure of financial success which he has gained is due in
part to the excellent opportunities which this section affords and which led to his
locating here, but it is due to a greater extent to his industry, business insight and
perseverance, for without such qualities in the individual the most favorable
chances are of little worth. His residence is thoroughly modern and is one of the
most attractive homes in the town. There his friends often gather, for hospital-
ity is one of his most marked characteristics. He is not only one of the pioneers
of Corwith but is also one of its most highly esteemed citizens, and no history of
Hancock county would be complete without a record of his life.

AKENT A. RAKE.

The life record of Arent \. Rake constitutes an important chapter in the devel-
opment and upbuilding of Winnebago county, especially that section which is
comprised within Lincoln township. Moreover, his history should serve as a
source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what may be accom-
plished through persistent energy and indefatigable ctlort. He was born in Nor-
way, November 3, LS.'iS, and is a son of Arent and Malinda (Loen) Rake, who
were also natives of the land of the midnight sun. Thefi\ther was a farmer by
occupation and died in Norway in 1S!)7, having for nioi-e than a decade survived
his wife, who passed away in 1885.

Arent A. Rake was reared and educated in Norway and remained under the
parental roof until he reached tlie age of nineteen years, when he heard and heeded
the call of the west. Bidding adieu to friends and native land, he sailed for the
new world in 1878 and took up his abode at Wells, Minnesota. In that locality
he worked by the month as a farm hand for two years, after which he felt that
his experience and his age justified him in beginning business for himself. He
then rented land, which he continued to cultivate for two years, and in 1882 he
came to Winnebago county, Iowa, where he ]nirchased land on section 16. Lincoln
township. This he itu])roved ami o|irrateil until lltlil, wlien he Sdld his farm,
having in the nu-antime won a substantial measure of success by the use of prac-
tical and progressive methods in tilling his fields and caring for his crops. In
1886 he had establislied a postothce and around this clustered various homes and
business interests leading to the gradual upbuilding of the town of Rake. Later
he established a general merchandise store there and continued in the business
for fifteen years. In 1007 he established a iirivate bank under the name of the
Rake Banking Company, of which he became president. He instituted a safe
policy, tempering progressiveness by a wise conservatism, and his careful control
of the interests of the bank led to its continuous growth. In 1914 it was reor-
ganized into a state savings bank, of which he became the president and so served
until 191. "i, when, desiring to retire from active business life, he sold his interest.
He occupies an attractive residence in the west jiart of the town, surrounded by
sixteen acres of land, which he cultivates, thus occupying his time, for indolence
and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and he would not be content without
some occupation. He is also a stockholder in the Cooperative Creamery Company,
of which he was one of the organizers. He likewise aided in organizing the

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 40!)

Fanners Elevator Company of Eake, of which he was president, but is not inter-
ested financially therein at the present time. He is likewise a stockholder of the
Bankers Trust Company of Des Moines, capitalized for one million dollars, and
is a stockholder in the Twin City Insurance Company of Minneapolis.

In December, ISTI), Mr. Rake was united in marriage to Miss Eande EUing-
son and to them were born six children: Theodore, an niitomobilo dealer of
Hake; Mary: Laura; Minnie; Josie; and Abbie.

The parents are members of the Lutheran cliunh and Mr. Hake's position
concerning the temperance question has led him to ally himself with the pro-
hibition party. He has served as township clerk and as trustee of Lincoln town-
ship, lie has long been a member of the school board of his locality, was treas-
urer at the time that the three townships were consolidated and is now president
of the board. lie has taken an active and helpful interest in church work and
upon his farm built the Lutheran church, which was later removed to the town.
His aid and influence have always been on the side of right and progress, reform,
truth and improvement, and his honorable and upright career has established
him very high in public regard. ITis life work has indeed been a valuable element
in the upbuilding of the section in which he lives.

THOEVIL A. THOEVILSON.

Thorvil A. Thorvilson is now occupying the homestead in Center township,
Winnebago county, and ranks high both as a grain raiser and stock raiser. He
was born upon that place on the 4th of November, 1868, of the marriage of Aslak
and Ture (Gulbrandson) Thorvilson, who came to America from their native
Norway in 1861 and located in Fillmore county, ilinnesota. After farming there
for five years they removed to Winnebago county, Iowa, and the father purchased
a relinquishment of one hundred and sixty acres on section 22, Center township,
to which he subsequently added an adjoining eighty acres. He at once set about
clearing and improving his place, which became in time one of the highly devel-
oped farms of the county. He devoted his attention to its operation until his
death, which occurred in March, 180.T, when he was sixty-four years old. His
wife survived him until January 1. 101.3. passing away at the age of seventy-eight
years.

Thorvil A. Thorvilson was reared u])on the homestead and is indebted for his
education to the district schools. After attaining his majority he became his
father's partner in the operation of the farm, and this relationship was main-
tained until the death of Mr. Thorvilson, Sr. Later our subject bought the inter-
ests of the other heirs in one hundred and eighty acres of the home place and has
since farmed that property independently. He has placed unusually good im-
provements thereon and taken advantage of all inventions that simplify the work
of cultivating the fields. He not only grows large crops of grain annually 'but
also raises about sixty head of hogs a year. He is interested financially in the
Farmers Elevator Company at Lake Mills, in the Lake Mills Lumber Company and
in the Lake Mills Creamery Company.

On the 17th of March, 1903, Mr. Thorvilson was married to Miss Andrea

410 WINNEBA(iO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

Tweten, ii daughter of Ole 0. and Susanna Tweten, pioneers of Iowa, an account
of whose lives appears elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Thorvilson have
been born seven children, namely : Adolph 0., Stella, Bernice, Horace, Mabel,
'I'helma and Obert. The four oldest are attending school.

Mr. Thorvilson is a stanch republican in his ]Kilitieal belief and loyally sup-
pdi'ts the eanilidates and measures of that party at the polls. He is serving as
trustee of Center township, which office he has held for two years, and his efficiency
and devotion to the pulilic welfare are generally recognized by his constituents.
He holils menibersliip in the Lutheran church and the highest moral principles
ha\e guided his life in nil its relations.

HANS J. KNTJTSON.

Xo history <if the piuneer de\el()pmciit of Winnebago county would be com-
plete without mention of Hans J. Knutson. who in the period of earliest develop-
ment here established his home in Norway township and for many years thereafter
was closely associated with agricultural interests. He was a native of Norway
and liis parents never left that land. It was in the year 1853 that he crossed
the Atlantic and took up his abode in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he resided
for three years. During that period he was united in marriage to Miss Ingeborg
Dahl, who was also a native of Norway and came to America when about eighteen
years of age in company with her sister, Mrs. II. G. Emmons, who was a repre-
sentative of one of the first nine families to come to Winnebago county. It was
in 18.56 that these families left Dane county, Wisconsin, and with ox teams drove
across the country to this locality. Although they settled near each other, the
homes of some of the party were in Norway township, Winnebago county, while
the others were in Worth county, Iowa, and Freeborn county, Minnesota. They
were the families of Colben Larson, Hans J. Knutson, Ole Terum, Narve Grun-
hovd, Eric Braaton. H. G. Emmons, Hendrick Larson, Stengrim Jelle and Louis
Nelson.

Hans J. Knutson took up a homestead on the southwest quarter of section 10,
Norway township, Winnebago county, which he cleared, drained and improved,
and as time passed he added to this the southeast quarter of section and the
southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 10. making three hundred
and sixty acres in all. This he converted into a fine farm and continued to engage
in agricultural pursuits until his death, wdiich occurred on the 4th of March, 1888.
His wife survived him for a long period, passing away on the 5th of January, 1906,
when she was laid to rest by his side in Lime Creek cemetery. This worthy
couple were the parents of five sons and two daughters, of whom the eldest, K. H.,
died in lOlG. The others were: Tina, who became the wife of Iver Lien and
died in 1914; Mary, the wife of Veger Gulbrandson, living in Albert Lea, Minne-
sota; Lewis H., who is still owner of the old homestead, which is now one of the
best improved farms in Winnebago county ; Ole, a resident of Emmons, Minne-
sota; and Magnus and Anton, who died in childhood.

Having deliberately chosen to become an American citizen, Hans J. Knutson
was always loyal to the interests of liis adopted land and proved his allegiance

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 411

by active service during the Civil war when he became one of the defenders oi' the
Union. Ilis regiment was attached to the army under the command of Genera!
Sherman, with whuni lie participated in various hotly contested campaigns as
w'ell as the march to the sea. When hostilities ceased he returned home, but
never completely regained his health. His political allegiance was given to the
re]niblican ])arty and he stood at all limes for what he believed to be the best
interests of the majority. He was an excellent farmer and through liis own
unaided efforts won prosperity. In the passing of Ifr. and Jlrs. Hans J. Knutson
the county lost two of its best known and most worthy pioneer settlers. In the
middle of the nineteeath century they had cast in their lot with the early resi-
dents of northern Iowa when the work of progress and improvement seemed scarcely
begun in all this region. There were great tracts of uncultivated prairie land
and the timber was uncut. Few roads had been made and it was a long distance
to market. The country offered no advantages save that land was to be had at a
very low figure. It ret|uired much strenuous effort, however, to convert it into
productive fields, but this did not deter the Knutsons and other substantial Nor-
wegian families that were here founded, and they should ever be remembered as
among those who laid bi'oad and tl(>ep the foundntioii for the present progress and
prosperity of the county.

KOSCOE W. WILES.

Eoscoe W. Wiles, living on section 19, Avery tow'nship, is a well known repre-
sentative of agricultural interests in Hancock county. He was born on the 31st
of May, 1887, a son of Martin L. and Janet (Christie) Wiles. The father was
born in Jefferson county, Ohio, May 2, 1840, and when twenty-six years of age
removed to Hancock county, Iowa, locating on section 17, Avery township. The
mother is a native of Canada and of Scotch parentage. In early life she accom-
panied her parents on their removal to Wisconsin, where she resided for two years,
and in May, 1861, came to Hancock county, Iowa, becoming one of the pioneer
school teachers of this locality. She is still living on the old home farm in Avery
township, at the age of eighty-seven years, but her husband has passed away. They
were married on the 13th of February, 1877. Mr. Wiles took quite a prominent
part in local affairs and efficiently served as township secretary, clerk, trustee and
school director.

Eoscoe W. W'iles was a pupil in the district schools of Avery township until
he reached the age of fourteen years, when he began farming for himself. Although
but a boy, he was ambitious to earn something, and he planted sixteen acres to
corn, from which he gathered seventy bushels to the acre. He continued upon
the old homestead until 1912 and then purchased eighty acres of land on section
20, Avery township. He also received sixty acres through inheritance and today
has a good tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which he is carefully and sys-
tematically cultivating. That his labors are practical is shown in the good results
achieved, for he annually gathers substantial harvests which bring to him a gratify-
ing yearly income.

On the 12th of June, 1912, Mr. Wiles was married to Miss Flora Schuldt, a
daughter of Henry and Flora (Avenger) Schuldt, who were natives of Germany

412 WlNNP]Bx\(}() AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

and of Iowa respectively. JIi'. and Mrs. Wiles now liave tliree children, Oliver R.,
Wilbcr and Eunice J.

Mr. Wiles votes w'itli the republican party, which he has always supported
since attaining his majority, and his religious faith is indicated in his member-
ship in the United I>rethron church. A lifelong resident of this section of the
state, he is well known an<l is spoken of in terms of warm regard by reason of his
enterprise and reliability in business, his loyalty and progressiveiiess in citizenship
and his faithfulness to anv trust roiiosed in him.

CHAKLE8 ROLIN WOOD.

Charles Rolin Wood, a successful attorney of Corwith, practicing in both the
state and federal courts, is also known for the large share which he has had in
the upbuilding of liis town. He was born in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county,
New York, February 1.3, 1851. His father, Charles R. Wood, was born in that
county, April 26. 181!-!, and was there reared and educated. In 1854 he took up
his residence on a farm near Yorkville, Kendall county, Illinois, and there he
followed agricultural pursuits until his death in 1884 at the age of si.\ty-six
years, lie was married in St. Lawrence county. New Ybr^, to Miss Mary A.
tJilbert, who was born and educated in New Britain, Connecticut. She passed
away in Onarga, Illinois. To them were born eight children, of whom but
three survive: Harriet A., the wife of Rev. 0. \N. Van Opdel, D. D., pastor of
the Wealthy Avenue Ba]itist church of (irand Rapids, Michigan; Charles Rolin;
and Herbert E., who is a stocknum living at Yorkville, Illinois. The eldest son,
Edgar H. Wood, enlisted at Aurora, Illinois, August 10, 1862, in the Eighty-
ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in battle near Dallas, Georgia,
May 27, 1.S64. Another son, .lames S. Wood, enlisted at Aurora, Illinois, March
10, 1863, in the Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, which regiment was sub-
sequently converted into the Tenth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. He contracted
a disease which resulted in his death in January, 1865. His widow and two
daughters live at Rock Island, Illinois.

Charles R. Wood received his early education in the district schools of Ken-
dall county, Illinois, and in the schools of Yorkville, that state, and he began
the study of law in Aledo, Mercer county. He was admitted to the bar at
Ottawa, Illinois, Sejilcnibcr 23. 1S7S, and tor a time practiced at Aledo ami Rock
Island, but in 1881 removed to Ottawa, Kansas, and was admitted to the Kansas
bar November 14, 1884. On the 2d of January. 1891, he became a resident
of Corwith, Hancock county. Iowa, and on the 4th of October, 1894, became a
member of the Iowa bar. He has since licen admitted to practice in the federal
as well as the state courts and his clientage is both large and representative.
He is careful in the preparation of his cases, neglecting no point that might
have a bearing upon the outcome of the trial, and in presenting his evidence is
logical and forceful, and his record of cases won compares favorably with that
of any other attorney in the district. There is only one man who outranks him
in length of practice in the county and he is held in the highest esteem by his
professional brethren as well as by the general public. He was elected county

(JHAKLKS i;. WOOD

ASTO,t;.;.v.voX-AND
TILDF.N KOU.VDATrONS
L

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 415

attorney in 1.S94 and was reelected in 1896 and in 1910 and in 1912 was again
chosen for that position, serving in all for four terms of two years each and
making a record in that capacity that was an honor to himself and to the county.

Jlr. Wood was married at Aledo, Illinois, on the 9th of July, 1878, to Miss
Linnie R. Houk. She is a daughter of Rufus Cowden and Lydia A. Ilouk,
natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a veteran of the Civil war and in all
relations of life measured up to high standards of manhood. Both he and his
wife have passed away. Mrs. Wood was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but accom-
panied her parents on their removal to Aledo, Illinois, and was there reared and
educated. She has become the mother of four children : Charles Eolin, Jr., who
was born in Rock Island, Illinois, is a graduate of the Iowa State College at
Ames and is a civil engineer residing at Cerro Gordo; Helen II., who was born
at Corwath and is at home; and two who are deceased.

Mr. Wood is a stalwart republican in politics and gives careful study to the
questions and issues of the day. He is a charter member of Paradise Lodge,
'No. 5.53, A. F. & A. M., of Corwith, in which he has held all of the chairs;
has taken the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Consistory No. 2 at
Cedar Rapids, Iowa; is a past worthy patron of the Order of the Eastern Star,
and is also a member of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, No. 1. at Cedar Rapids.
His wife is a past worthy nuitron of the Eastern Star and is likewise a member
of the White Shrine. His frateriuU connections also include membership in the
Ancient Order of LTnited Workmen at Emporia, Kansas. He and his wife are
very active members of the Baptist church, of which he is clerk and treasurer,
and his son is also a prominent church worker. He belongs to the Iowa Bar
Association and has a wide acquaintance among the lawyers of the state. For
the past twenty-five years he has been prominently identified, with all move-
ments for the improvement of Corwith and Hancock county, and is conceded to
have done much for the advancement of the town. A man of strong character
and quiet dignity, it is hut natural that he should have gained a position of leader-
ship, and another side of his personality is evidenced in the number and strength
of his friendships.

GEORGE T. GEIBEL.

George T. Geibel, who is engaged in general farming on section 9, Boone town-
ship, Hancock county, was born in Germany on the 23d of July, 18.52, his parents
being George and Mary (Geibel) Geibel. The father died in Germany, but the
mother came to America in 1872. George T. Geibel acquired his education in
his native country, attending the schools of that land until he reached the age
of fourteen years, and he also had to attend Sunday school until he reached the
age of eighteen. For eight years he studied music in Germany, possessing the
love of that art so characteristic of the German people. x\t length he determined
to try his fortune in the United States and crossed the Atlantic to the new world,_
making his way to Iowa, where he became identified with farming interests, work-
ing as a farm hand and also renting land. In this way he earned the money
with which to purchase property. In 1900 he made investment in one hundred

416 WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES

iuid ?ixt_> acres on section Si, Boone township, Hancock county, and has since
ocrupied that place. Tt was a wet tract and many woidd have thought it impos-
sible to convert it iiitu a productive farm, but Mr. (ieiliel systematically under-
took the task and tiled and ditched his laiiil. the drainage converting it into
productive fields. The soil is naturally rich and when the farm was drained it
soon brought forth good crops in return for his plowing and planting. His work
is always systematically and carefully managed and his energy and persistency
of purpose have constituted the basis of his growing success.

On the 9th of Xovend:)er, 1881, ^Ir. Geibel was married to Miss Lizzie Moschel,
a native of Illinois and a daughter of Christian and Marie (Sandneyer) Moschel,
who were natives of Germany. At an early day they crossed the Atlantic to the
new world ami became residents of Washburn, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Geibel are
the parents of four cliildieii. (Meorge H., Mary E., John S. and Joseph C. The
first two and the last named id' this family are married, while John resides upon
the home farm.

The religious faith of the family is that of the German Lutheran church, and
to its teachings ]\rr. and Mrs. Geibel give their loyal adherence. He votes with
the republican party, but does not seek nor desire office. Coming to America, he
found here the business opportunities which he sought. He has enjoyed the
advantages here offered, the protection of the laws of the land jnd the benefit of its
business conditions and in return he renders to it loyal allegiance.

A. W. JOHNSON.

Notably energetic, prompt and reliable, A. AV. Johnson has made an excellent
record as a representative of commercial interests at Garner, where he located in
March, 101."), to engage in the sale of boots, shoes, furnishings and ready-to-wear
clothing. Iowa claims him as a native son. for he was born in Dubuque, July 9,
1876, his parents being J. E. and Elizabeth (O'Shay) Johnson. The father, a
native of Lakeland, Minnesota, was employed for a long period as a sawyer by
the KnapStout Lundier Company.

A. W. Johnson is indebted to the public school system of Rockwell, Iowa, for
the early educational opportunities which he enjoyed and which were supple-
mented by a two years' course at Grinnell College. He then became connected
with the clothing business in the capacity of clerk and in 1898 went to Mason
City, Iowa, where he engaged in clerking for ^Mitchell Brothers and also for the
Ensign Company. In 1906 he endjarked in business on his own account in con-
nection with C. H. Barber, but after conducting the store for five years sold out.
He then became head salesnutn for Gildner Brothers, of Mason City, and in
March, lOl.'i, came to (iarner, where he purchased an interest in the branch store
of Gildner Brothers. Here he has since been engaged in dealing in boots, shoes,
furnishings anil i-eailv-io-wear rlothing, occupying a one story and liasement build-
ing twenty-two by seventy-five feet, having two clerks and a manager. Under his
guidance the business has steadily grown and he puts forth every legitimate effort
to extend its trade connections.

In 1903 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Kate A. Barber, of

WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES 417

ilason City, Iowa, and thry have a wiile acijiiaintaiice in (ianicr ami this section
of the state. Fraternally Mr. Johnson is a Mason and in politics is a republican.
He was one of the organizers of the Booster Cl