USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 17
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 17
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ABNER JAMES PETERS.
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. Ile 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 with 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
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his fields to a high state of cultivation, producing large crops annually. He also makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock. Ile is now the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land on sections 12 and 24, 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 landscape 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. Ilis 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.
JOSEPII 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 Hlaugo- Conley Land Agency and he held the office of postmaster for several years, resigning that position in February, 1917. His birth occurred in Roek county, Wisconsin, on the 1st of July, 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. lle 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. Ile 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. IIe 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 Hango-Conley Land Ageney. 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 20th 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
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with his successful and honorable carcer 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, lowa, 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. IIe 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
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his life by its teachings. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is ever loyal to a cause which he espouses. His 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 seetion 25, 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. ITis 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 the 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. Hle acquired his education in the schools of Sweden which he attended to the age of fourteen years, when he accompanied his parents to the United States. and from that time forward he has been dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood. Ile 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 he became the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 25, Linden township, Winnebago county, on which he now resides. Ile 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. Ile 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. Ilis attention is largely concentrated upon his business affairs 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. LUNDSTRUM.
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 son 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 oeeurred to vary the rontine of life for A. N. Lundstrum during his boyhood and youth. Ile learned the blacksmith's trade in Sweden and that gave him the privilege of taking any name desired. Accordingly
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he took the name of Lundstrum, which his brother also chose. Thinking to find better opportunities in the new world, 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. Ile 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 fonndry 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. IIe 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. Ile 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 the 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. ITis life has been one of unremitting industry and his per- severance and energy have constituted the foundation upon which 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- ont 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. Ilis 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. IIe devoted several years to farming in Worth county, but at length removed to Lake Mills
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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 which 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 his invest- ments. His death occurred on the 2d of January, 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, 1895, 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 account 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 infancy, 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 Methodist 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 warm 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 ITaneock counties since 1862 or for a period of fifty-five years. His birth occurred in Noble county, Indiana, November 12, 1854, his parents being Jesse and Martha Ann (Gray) Bonar, the former 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 1855 the father came to Iowa and filed on both a homestead and a timber claim in Winnebago county. Ilis brothers, Matthew and James Bonar, accompanied him and they, too, homesteaded, the former securing land in Winnebago and the latter in IIancock 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 1862 that he took up his abode in Iowa and in the meantime his homestead claim had been jumped, but he succeeded in holding the timber claim. The summer of that year was spent in Hancock county and the following falt he removed to Forest City, buying a farm that is now within the city limits, being the 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.
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David Bonar 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- stanees 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 farming on his own account, cultivating a tract of land in Hancock county, and the second year he began farm- ing in Winnebago county. For seven years he cultivated rented land, but carefully saved his earnings, and during the third year of his renting he 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 fruits 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 Germany, 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; Ruth, the wife of Elmer Yohn, of Klemme, ITancock county, lowa; and Mary Edith, who gave her hand in marriage to Henry Meyer, of Garner, Iowa.
Mr. Bonar exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has served in various township 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 will 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. THOMPSON.
Thomas A. Thompson, residing on section 29, Center township, is one of the substantial farmers of Winnebago county, now owning and operating a valuable traet 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 farming for about three years, and then came to Winnebago county, Iowa. Ile 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
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he spent the remainder of his life. Ile 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. Ile remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age and later purchased one hundred and forty acres of the home farm on sec- tion 9, Center township, whereon he has since resided, following farming and stoek raising with good results. Ile 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. Ile raises pure bred Hereford cattle and is a stockholder in the Farmers' 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. O. and Signa (Sunderland) Haugland, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume. To this union were born eleven children, of whom Cornelia died in infancy and Conrad died at the age of two years. Those living are Russell, 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 polities Mr. Thompson is a demo- erat.
N. K. ANDERSON.
N. K. Anderson, who follows farming on section 27, 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 public 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. Ile 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 aeres on section 27, King
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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 Mount 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 trustce 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 with whom he is brought in contact.
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