History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 111

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 950

USA > Iowa > Kossuth County > History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 111
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 111
USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 111

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

CHAPTER XXI.

MOUNT VALLEY TOWNSHIP.

The township bearing the above name is located in the extreme southeast corner of the county, and comprises all of congres- sional township 98 north, of range 23. It is bounded on the east by Worth county, on the north by Center township, on the west by Forest township, and on the south by Hancock county. The general surface is quite rolling, but in places is quite rough and hilly. There are numerous mounds and valleys, hence its name- Mount Valley. The township was named by Peter Hanson, the first settler. The soil is very productive, yielding bounti- fully all kinds of grain, and furnishing rich pasturage forflocks and herds. Two small streams, Bear and Beaver creeks, flow through the township, furnishing good drainage. Bear creek rises in the

central part of the township, takes a southwesterly course and leaves the town- ship from section 31, flowing thence into Forest township. Beaver creek enters on section 1, flows almost directly south, leaving the township from section 36. The township is well supplied with tim ber, there being about two-thirds of its surface covered with a good growth of trees and under brush. The population of the township is mostly made up of foreigners, about two-thirds Norwegians and one-third Swedes, there being but one American, (William Higinbotham), liv- ing in the township.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first settler in the territory now embraced in Mount Valley township, was William Gilbert, who came in the spring

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IIISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

of 1855, locating on the northwest quar- ter of section 31. Hle built a log cabin and remained until about 1863, when he went to Dakota.

Charles Belt came to the township in 1865 and located on section 30. IIe did not remain long.

The same year came William Higin- botham, who located on seetion 30. Mr. Higinbotham was born near Wheeling, W. Va., and is the only American in the township. He came here from Illinois, and has since made this his home.

William Iliginbotham, one of the well- to-do farmers, and the only American in Mount Valley township, was born May 6, 1836, near Wheeling, W. Va. When seven years of age, his parents moved to Liek- ing Co., Ohio, where they remained about two years, then moved to Illinois, locating in Clark county. Ilis father purchased a farm, and William, the subject of this sketch, worked thereon until 1858, when he was married. Ile then worked for himself until the commencement of the Civil War, and in 1862 he enlisted for three years in company F, 79th Illinois Volunteers, at the end of which time he was honorably discharged, having partici- pated in the following battles: Stone River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, IIoov- er's Gap, Dalton, Resaca, Kenesaw Moun- tain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Columbia, Spring Hill and Franklin. At the latter place he was shot through the left shoulder, and has never fully recovered from the effects of the wound. In August, 1883, it having gathered on the inside, broke out afresh; at present he is somewhat better, but un- able to do any physical labor. In 1865, after his discharge from service in the

army, he returned to Illinois, and imme- diately moved to Iowa, locating on sec- tion 30, Mount Valley township, where he bought forty aeres of land. He has since bought forty acres more adjoining his first farm, and eighty acres in Forest township, west of Forest City. This land is all under cultivation, and valued at $25 per acre. When he arrived here on Sept. 20, 1865, the family were obliged to camp out in their wagons till he could build a house. At first he put together a small log house, but has sinee built a nice frame addition, making a comfortable one and a half story dwelling. On April 14, 1858, Mr. Higinbotham married Rachel A. Miller, of Clark Co., Ill. They have had eight children, six of whom are liv- ing-Mary A., Elmeretta, Margaret A., John S., Charles H. and Vietor M. He has always been a republican and still supports that ticket.

Edward Dubeau also came in 1865 and settled on the same section with Mr. Hig- inbotham. He remained about seven years, then went to Kansas.

Peter Hanson came in July, 1866, lo- cating on section 13, where he built a log cabin and lived for two years. He then moved to section 26, where he built the first frame house in the township. Mr. Ilanson has made that his home ever since.

Peter Hanson, one of the pioneers of Winnebago county, was born near Chris- tiana, Norway, Jan. 2, 1834, where he was reared on his father's farm. In 1853 he set sail for America, and after a perilous voyage of sixty-eight days landed at Que- bee, and pushed his way westward and settled in Iowa Co., Wis., where he took a homestead, and lived there until 1866.

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

He then came to Winnebago county and settled in Mount Valley township, on section 13, being the first settler in the township. Mr. Hanson was united in wedlock with Anna Erickson in 1855. By this union there were twelve children, six of whom are living-HI. P., Mary, mar- ried to P. K. Reveland, who lives in this township; Peter Jr., Anna, Amelia and Clara. Mr. Hanson came to the county in moderate circumstances, but by toil and industry has placed himself in good circumstances. He has 160 acres of fine farming land, forty acres of which is timber, valued at $30 per acre. They are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Hanson enlisted in the 11th Wisconsin, company E, and served six months. Ile belongs to the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, and is a staunch republican.

During the ensuing two or three years quite a number came to the township to locate. Prominent among them may be mentioned: Nels and Harres Olson, Gun- der H. Onstadt, Nels Brones, E. Rulson, Halvor Paulson, Ole Bottleson, Ilans Rygmyr, Hans Johnson, Lewis Jacobson and T. K. Rusley, all of whom, excepting Rulson and Johnson, are still residents of the township.

Nels Olson came in the fall of 1866, lo- cating on section 25. He remained but a short time, then sold to Gunder Onstadt, who broke forty acres of the land and built a small log honse. Mr. Onstadt is still a resident of the township.

Halvor Paulson was born Sept. 10, 1836, in Rundal, Buskerud Amt, Nor- way. When twenty-five years of age he came to America and settled in Fillmore

Co., Minn. In 1861 he removed to Iowa, settling on section 9, Mount Valley town- ship, where he purchased 160 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation, excepting thirty aeres of young timber. Mr. Paulson has been married twice; first, in 1867, to Betsey Charleston. She dying, he was married on June 25, 1883,to Annie M. Ilanson. Mr. and Mrs. Paulson are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Paul- son's mother died many years ago. His father, Paul Reierson, who is eighty-three years of age, lives with him. The old gentleman used to work at the tinner and blacksmith trades.

H. H. Rygmyr is a native of Norway, born Sept. 24, 1826. When twenty-two years old he came to America, and located in La Salle Co., Ill. He lived there twelve years, when he removed to Dodge Co., Minn. He purchased forty acres of land in that place. After living there eight years he came to Iowa, settling in Mount Valley township, this county, where he now has 201 acres of land, on section 18. When Mr. Rygmyr came to this place he camped out in his wagons for over a month, until he built him a house. His land is fenced and all under cultivation, and is valued at $20 per aere. In 1852 he was married to Chris- tina Thompson, of La Salle Co., Ill. The result of this union was four children- Bertha Carolina, Thomas, Henry and Nels WV., all of whom are married except Nels W. Mr. and Mrs. Rygmyr have been members of the M. E. Church for the past twenty-eight years. He is a re- publican. lle uses his farm chiefly for raising stock, in which business he is get- ting quite rich. While in Minnesota he

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

ran a a threshing machine for a number of years.

The same fall Harres Olson settled on section 16, built a log house, and has since made that his home. He has a fine farm of 160 acres, and is in comfortable circumstances.

Harres Olson is a native of Norway, being born May 23, 1824. Mr. Olson lived at the home of his birth until twenty-five years old, when be came to America and settled in Dane Co., Wis., where he bought 120 acres of farming land. He remained there abont eight years, when he removed to Dodge Co., Minn., and bought 120 acres of land in that place. In 1865 he sold out and came to this State, and located on section 16, Mount Valley township, Winnebago coun- ty. He purchased 160 acres of land,all of which is under cultivation except ten aeres of timber. Mr. Olson has been married twice. Ile was married the first time to Turbur Halvorsen, of Dane Co., Wis., in 1853. Result of union, seven children, four of whom are living-Annie, Julia, Ole and Hulver. The second time he was married, in 1866, to Anna Gurgun- son, of Center township. Result of union, eleven children, seven of whom are living-Gurgun, Herman T., Tilda, Julia M., Tura A., Anna Helena and Te- man O. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. In polities he is a republican. Mr. Olson was among the first settlers in this township.

Nels Brones also came in 1866, locating on section 7, where he has since lived.

E. Rulson came to the township in 1867, settling on section 27, where he

lived about four years. His present resi- dence is not known.

Hans Johnson may be classed among the transients. He came in 1868, and re- mained but a short time.

T. K. Rusley came some time during the same year and settled on section 14, where he still lives. He has a fine farm of 160 acres, with forty acres of timber.

T. K. Rusley, one of the pioneers of Winnebago county, was born in Norway, Sept. 9, 1838, where he was raised on a farm. Ile came to America in 1861 and settled in Dane Co., Wis., where he lived three years working by the month. Ile then removed to Waupaca Co., Wis., remaining two years; thence to Freeborn Co., Minn., living there three years, and finally came to Winnebago county and settled on section 14, where he has 160 aeres of land valued at $30 per aere, and also has a good home. He was married in Dane Co., Wis., in July, 1861, to Saralı Olson. They are members of the Luther- an Church. Politically he is a republi- ean, and has held local offices of trust.

ORGANIC.

Mount Valley township was established in 1878, and the following officers were elected: Justices,S. K. Revland and B. K. Solverson; constable, G. H. Onstadt; trus- tees, William Higinbotham, Ole Bottleson, and Thomas L. Fellen.

The officers in 1883 were: Justices, Ole Grasley and S. K. Revland; consta- bles, John Peterson and Peter Brones; trustees, William Higinbotham and Peter Brones and Thomas L. Fellen.

ITEMS OF INTEREST.

The first child born in the township was John Higinbotham, son of William

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

and Rachel Higinbotham. He was born Nov. 29, 1865.

The first death occurred sometime in 1866 and carried away Mrs. Turbur Olson, wife of Harres Olson.

The first school was taught by Amelia Steadman, in 1866, at the house of Isaac Mercer.

The first school house was built in what is now district No. 9, in 1866, and the first teacher was Richard Keeler.

Rev. Mr. Torgeson, of Worth county, this State, preached the first sermon in a school house which stood on section 26, in 1868.

The first marriage was celebrated in 1867, Rev. Torgeson officiating. The con- tracting parties were Harres Olson and Anna T. Cleaven.

The first breaking was done by Peter Hanson, in 1866. Mr. Hanson also sowed the first grain in 1867, and from five acres harvested 100 bushels of wheat.

EDUCATIONAL.

In 1883 there were six school districts in Mount Valley township, each district having a school house, the aggregate value of which was $2,210; with $165 worth of school apparatus. During the school year ending September, 1883, there were thirty- six months of school taught, which kept twelve teachers employed-seven males and five females, the former at a monthly salary of $28.80; the latter, $24.50. In the township there were 323 persons of school age-166 males and 157 females; number enrolled in all the schools, 225.

MOUNT VALLEY POSTOFFICE.

Mount Valley postoffice was established in 1877, with G. H. Onstadt as postmaster. Mr. Onstadt served two years and was

succeeded by Miss Wingland, who held for three years. Oley Grasley, the present postmaster, took the office Oct. 13, 1882.

Oley Grasley, postmaster of Mount Val- ley postoffice, was born Feb. 4, 1830, in Trondhjem stift, South Trondhjem Amt Norway. In 1857 he came to America, and settled in Chippewa Co., Wis. On the 10th day of July, 1861, he enlisted as a private for three years in company A, 7th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer In- fantry, served his country faithfully, and was honorably discharged. On Feb. 18, 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer; on Feb. 29, 1864, was honorably dis- charged from service at Culpepper, Va., by reason of being commissioned 2d lieu- tenant of company A, 7th Wisconsin Vet- eran Volunteers. He was twice sunstruck at the battle of Laurel Hill, Va., May 8,1864, and two days afterwards he was wounded at the same place, and removed to Semin- ary Hospital, Georgetown, D. C. Ile was promoted to the office of 1st lieutenant of his company on July 20, 1864, and on the 4th of November, same year, was dis- charged from the United States service on account of physical disability, received from wounds while in action. In a short time he was again mustered in as Ist lieu- tenant in his old company, was promoted to captain Dec. 13, 1864, in which capacity he served till the close of the war, being finally discharged from service July 3, 1865, at Jeffersonville, Ind. After the war, he returned to Wisconsin, but imme- diately left for Minnesota, where he trav- eled for an insurance company. In the spring of 1866, he moved to Winnebago Co., Iowa, andlocated near Benson Grove, where he bought 120 acres of land. He

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

remained there till 1872, when he moved to Forest City and engaged in selling agricultural implements. Mr. Grasley has property in Forest City, valued at $1,500. In 1881 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 26, Mount Valley township, where he has been postmaster since Oct. 13, 1882, has also been justice of the peace nearly ever since coming to this county. He has been a life long republi- can. Dec. 31, 1865, Mr. Grasley was mar- ried to Hclen Gilbert. They have four children-Mary S., Andrew O., Julia H- and Gilbert J. A. Mr. and Mrs. Grasley are members of the Lutheran Church. The following testimonial, received at date of discharge, speaks for itself and needs no comment :

"Capt. Oley Grasley, company A, of this regiment, has risen from the ranks upon true merit. He is a good officer and a brave man ; his services in the cause of the land of his adoption entitle him to the kind consideration of a grateful people.

HI. RICHARDSON, Lieut. Col. Com'd'g 7th Wis. Vet. Vol.

Rev. Andrew Person was born in the southern portion of Sweden, Feb. 8, 1851. He was raised on a farm and received a common school education. In 1872 he emigrated to America, spending his first year in Minnesota. He became deeply interested in the subject of religion, and in 1873 removed to Chicago, where he attended the Baptist Union Theological Seminary, and in 1875 was ordained. The same year he visited his native country, remaining two years, when he again re- turned and continued the ministry in Minnesota. In 1881 he removed to Kos-

suth county. In July, 1883, he again re- moved to Winnebago county, where he has since resided. He was married in Princeton, Ill., to Selma Lungrin, July 12, 1879, by whom he has had one child- Reuben C. He is a man of rare worth in the community and Church, and his social characteristics are those of a pleasant, genial companion, and a warm friend.

P. K. Revland was born in Norway, Dec. 30, 1850. When he was between three and four years of age his father em- igrated to America, and located in Dane Co., Wis. In 1861 Mr. Revland came to Iowa and settled in Mount Valley town- ship, which at that time was called Iowa township. His father purchased 160 acres of land on section 3. In 1880, the subject of this sketch purchased 160 acres on sec- tion 9, which is all under cultivation except about twenty acresof timber. In Decem- ber, 1877, Mr. Revland married Mary Hanna, of Mount Valley township. They have been blessed with two children- Johnnie Cornelius and Clara Maria. Mr. Revland is a republican.

Hans Holtan, one of the oldest farmers in this county, was born Aug. 19, 1834, in Norway. When twenty-cight years of age he came to America and located in Ohn- sted Co., Minn. After remaining there about four years, he moved to Iowa, set- tling in Mount Valley township, Winne- bago county, where in 1866, on section 16, he purchased 160 acres of land. In the spring of 1883, he bought cighty aeres more on the same section. His land is all under cultivation. For the past five years he has owned and run a threshing machine in partnership with his nephew, H. B. Lovick. Mr. Iloltan was married in 1858

IHISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 917

to Margit Torgerson, of Norway. They have ten children-Halver, Thomas, Ole, Elsie, Albert, Henry, Martin, Sarah, Gil- bert and Theodore. He and his wife have been members of the Lutheran Church for many years. Mr. Holtan has always voted with the republican party, and has held the offices of school director, road com- missioner, school treasurer and assessor, which office he holds at the present time.

P. P. Pederson was born in Norway, July 15, 1829. When twenty-eight years old he emigrated to America and located in Fillmore Co., Minn., where he bought eighty aeres of land. In 1864 he enlisted in the 7th Minnesota regiment, company G, and served to the end of the war. He then returned to Minnesota, and in 1866 removed to Iowa and located on section 4, Mount Valley township, where he pur- chased eighty acres of good land. This land is all under cultivation and valued at $25 per acre. In 1856 he was married to Isabel Jacobs, of Norway. They have had nine children, six of whom are living -Betsy, John, Lena, Annie, Peter and Ellen Panlina. Mr. and Mrs. Pederson belong to the Lutheran Church of the Synod. He is a republican politically.

Clement Thompson was born in Nor- way in 1830. When twenty yearsof age, he came to America and sailed on the lakes for about three years, and then he went into the Wisconsin pineries for about three years. At the beginning of the war he enlisted in the 14th Wisconsin, com- pany B, and served four and a half years. In 1863 he was married to Christina Jan- sen. They have had six children, five of whom are living-John Thomas, Anna Elizabeth, Ole T., Emma Christina and

Julia Matilda. Julia married O. Charles- ton and lives in Mount Valley township. After the war Mr. Thompson lived in Wis- consin about six months, when he came to Winnebago county and purchased a quarter section of land in Mount Valley township, seetion 9. Politically, he is a republican. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson be- long to the M. E. Church, of Forest City.

Bertus Pederson was born in Norway on the 4th day of June, 1836. He lived with his parents in the old country, until they came to America in 1864. They lo- cated in Dodge Co., Minn. Mr. Pederson came to Iowa in 1868, and purchased sixty- two acres of land on section 19, Mount Valley township, this county. He has since added twenty-eight acres to his first farm. In 1861 Mr. Pederson was married to Elsie Matteson. They have had twelve children, eight of whom are living-Peter, Frederick, Anna, Edward, Bent, Emelia, Ole and Albert: Bent and Emelia are twins. Mr. and Mrs. Pederson belong to the Methodist Church in Forest City. Po- litically, he is a republican. When living in the old country, Mr. Pederson followed fishing for a living. Ilis father, Peter Alson, and mother, Dorotha (Bersven) Alson, make their home with him. Ilis father was born in 1800, and his mother in 1802. Mrs. Pederson's father is yet living in the old country, but her mother is dead.

G. O. Saxie is a native of Norway, born Dec. 11, 1835. When twenty-one years old, he came to America and located in Rock Co., Wis. After living there one year, he went to Meeker Co., Minn., and lived in that place and two or three coun- ties adjoining for six years. In 1863 while

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

in Kandiyohi county, the Sioux Indians made a raid on the settlement and massa- ered fourteen of the settlers. Mr. Saxie and a few others escaped after hard fight- ing. Then he moved to Rice Co., Minn., and lived there five years, thence to Win- nebago Co., Iowa, where he located in Mount Valley township, and bought forty acres of land on section 8. Mr. Saxie has been married twice. The first time, in 1859, to Anna Christina, of Meeker Co., Minn. The result of this union, was five children, three of whom are living-Anna Maria, Lena and Bertina Sophia. His second marriage occurred Feb. 21, 1874, to Mary Goodman, of Mount Valley town- ship. They have had two children, both of whom are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Saxie are members of the Lutheran Church. In polities, he is a republican.

Nels M. Munson was born in Norway, in the month of February, 1831. lived in Norway until 1861, when he emi- grated to America. He settled in Wau- paca Co., Wis., where he lived about one year; then he removed to Dane county, same State. He lived there about five years, when he removed to Dodge Co., Minn. In that place he remained one year; then he came to Iowa and located in Center township, Winnebago county, where he bought eighty acres of land on section 33. Ile lived there about five years, when he sold out and moved on some land belonging to speculators, in Mount Valley township. After living on this land about four years he bought eighty acres of land in Mount Valley township, section 20, afterward selling forty aeres. This land is all under enlti- vation. The subject of this sketeh was

married in the old country, in 1860, to Mrs. Martha Thompson. The result of this union is seven children-Ann Eliza- beth, Caroline, Thomas Martin, Hans Theodore, Nellie Melinda, Anna Christi- na and Clarence John. Mr. and Mrs. Munson belong to the Lutheran Church of the Synod. Mr. Munson is a repub- lican.

Ole Gudmanson was born in Norway, Jan. 2, 1838. He came to America in 1859, and settled in Dane Co., Wis., near Stoughton, where he worked by the month on a farm for two years, then rented land and remained there seven years; then removing to Dodge Co., Minn., where he intended to remain, but not being pleased with the country, came to Winnebago county and settled in Mount Valley township, on section 15, where he has eighty acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. He was married in Mil- ton, Rock Co., Wis., June 6, 1863, to Bet- sey Christopherson. By this union there are seven children living-Nellie S., Betsey L., Gilbert C., Anna M. and Julia S., twins, Emma J. and Olena B. They are members of the Lutheran Church. In polities he is a republican, and has held local offices of trust.

Knud E. Onstab was born in Norway, Ang. 25, 1841, where he was raised on a farm. In 1868 he came to America and settled in Winnebago county, Mount Val- ley township, on section 26, where he has a very comfortable home and fine farm. Ile was married in Norway to Sophia H. Onstab, June 9, 1867. By this union there were six children, three of whom are living-Anna A., Cina H. and Ed- ward G. They are members of the

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

Lutheran Church. In politics he is a re- publican.

Ole Knudson Moen, a substantial farm- er of Mount Valley township, was born in Norway, the 2d day of February, 1831. He came to America in 1865 and settled in Winneshiek Co., Iowa. Mr. Moen lived in Winneshiek county about one year, when he removed to Mower Co., Minu. After living in that place three years he came back to Iowa, settling in Forest City, Winnebago connty. He then bought eighty acres of land on section 12, Forest township. He lived in Forest City three years, when he bought forty acres of land in Mount Valley township, section 28, and moved his family thereon. This land is all under cultivation. In 1865 Mr. Moen was married. Having no children of their own, they took two children to raise; one of whom is named John Wil- liam Peterson, the other, Theodore Olson. Mr. and Mrs. Moen belong to the Luther- an Church. He is republican in politics. For fourteen years, in the old country, Mr. Moen followed the shoemaking busi- ness. He is also a stone mason, and while not at work on the farm works at his trade in this county.

T A. Sogard was born in Norway in 1828. He was married to Maren Hoye, by whom he had eight children, seven sons and one daughter. In 1867 he emigrated to America and located in Racine Co., Wis. He remained there until 1870, when he removed to Winnebago Co., Iowa, and settled in Forest City, where he subsequently resided for many years. He died July 28, 1881, leaving a wife and six children to mourn his loss. He was a good Christian, a member of the Lutheran

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History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 111

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 950

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 950