USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 21
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 21
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
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
221
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
and his family are members of the 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 1. 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, lowa, 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 1893 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 land 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 seetion 12, Forest township. lle 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 stoek 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. lle 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 O. Indvik now survive. Mr. and Mrs. Severson have become the parents of four children, Elsworth S., Orlie M., Merrill O. 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
ii-11
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
brought in contact. Mr. Severson 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 O. INDVIK.
No history of agricultural development of Winnebago county would be com- plete without mention of the Indvik family of which Oscar O. 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 O. 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 of Norway and for many years a representative farmer of this district.
Reared under the parental roof Osear O. Indvik acquired a publie school edneation, mastering the branches of learning which fitted him for life's praetieal and responsible duties. Ile 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 planting and harvesting, while the winter months were given to school work. In connection with his sister, Mrs. Ed Severson, he owns four hundred and eighty acres of land on sections 23, 24 and 25, Linden township. This property 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.
tsaae 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 oceupation 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. He 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
225
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
A. C. Ripley, under the firm style of A. C. Ripley & Company, for the conduct of a real estate and abstract business. Mr. Ripley was a lawyer and Mr. Sweigard largely had charge of the business. In 1887 his fellow townsmen, having recog- nized his worth and ability, called him to public office, electing him elerk 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 he has since been associated.
In 1872 Mr. Sweigard was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Layman, who was born 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 Methodist 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 energetie 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 HALVORSON 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 H. Brekke, who is the fourth child and the oldest of four sons, obtained a common school education in Norway and devoted some time to military training. Ile 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 Atlantic 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 that
226
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
place, which he made one of the model farms of his locality, and his hard work, progressive spirit and good management made him in time financially independent. In 1911 he retired from active life and built a fine home in Lake Mills, where he has since resided. He was a director of the Lake Mills Stock Yards for some time and also of the Lake Mills Creamery Company.
On the 5th of September, 1870, Mr. Brekke was united in marriage to Miss Liv Tullockson, a daughter of Tullock and Ture (Toresdatter) Tullockson, 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: Helene, the wife of Lawrence Lintvet, of Becker county, Minnesota; Anna S., who is the widow of Herman Jeneer and resides in Becker county, Minnesota ; Gunild T., the wife of Andrew Branstad, of Forest City ; Susanna O., who married Knudt K. Tveten, of Comstock, Clay county, lowa: Gunild Andrea, the wife of Ellsworth 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. fle served on the school board a number of years and was also for some time township trustee and gave to the discharge of his official duties the same careful attention that characterized his management of his farming interests. He holds membership 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 efforts to win advancement.
JOIIN LUNDBERG.
Business enterprise in Forest City finds a worthy representative in John Lundberg, now a successful dealer in wood, coal and jee. He is numbered among the pioner residents of Winnebago county, where he has resided for forty-six years, an interested witness of the development of this section of the state and an active participant in many plans and projects for the publie good. He was born in Denmark, July 3, 1857, a son of James and Mary ( Anderson) Lundberg, who came to the United States in 1862, 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, 1871, they heeame residents of Winnebago county, lowa, and the father, who had hitherto followed the tailor's trade, here turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, pur- chasing a small farm of forty aeres. He afterward sold that property and bought eighty acres in Hancock county. five miles east of Garner. Three years later he sold out and returned to Winnebago county, buying forty aeres adjoining Forest ('ity. Upon that farm he lived until his death, which occurred in August, 1916. His widow yet survives and still occupies the old home place.
John Lundberg attended the district schools, but his educational opportunities were limited, for he was the eldest child and his parents were in straitened finan- cial circumstances, so that his labors were needed in the further development of
227
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
the home farm. He worked in the fields from carly youth and soon became 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. Plummer. He 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 firm name of Gardner & Lundberg. That association was maintained for two years and in 1897 Mr. Lundberg bought ont 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 handle wood and coal, for in the meantime he had extended the scope of his activities to include the sale of fuel. Ile 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 have contributed to public 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. Charlson, of Goldfield, Iowa : and Zylpy Jane and J. Harmon, both at home. Politically Mr. Lundberg 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 City. Any plan or measure for the upbuilding of the community is sure to receive his endorsement and cooperation and his work has long been an effective element in advancing the welfare of city and county.
ARNE E. DAHL.
Arne E. Dahl, who passed away in 1900, 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 1872 that he came to the United States and during the succeeding five years he resided in Rock county, Wisconsin. In 1877, however, he rented land in Linden township, Winne- bago county, lowa, which he farmed for five years, at the end of which time be purchased forty acres, to which he added at different times an adjoining tract of
228
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
similar size and an eighty are traet, becoming the owner of the northeast quarter of section J, Linden township. Hle devoted his time and energy to the raising of the usual grains and to the breeding of stock and both phases of his business proved profitable. He also had other interests as he owned stock in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of Leland until the plant burned and later was a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery of Thompson. He passed away on the 1st of August, 1900, mourned by his many friends.
Mr. Dahl was married in Norway to Miss Mary Olson, who survives and still Jives upon the home farm. To 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 : Ole, also engaged in farming in Cavalier county, North Dakota ; Lewis, residing in Thomp- son, Winnebago county : Mary, the wife of Edward Thorland, of Eden township. Winnebago county : Betsy, the wife of Oscar Lund, residing in Mckenzie county, North Dakota; Albert, who is operating the home farm ; and llelmer, a resident of MeKenzie county, North Dakota.
Mr. Dahl was a republican in his political views and took the interest of a good eitizen in public affairs but was never an otlice 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 membership in the Lutheran Synod and conforms her life to its teachings.
GISLE 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 Martha (Venaass) Lee, natives of Norway. When sixteen years old the father accom- panied his parents to the 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 brought 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 Koshkonong church cemetery.
Gisle M. Lee attended the common schools and Jater Luther College at Decorah, Iowa, while his professional education was received in Rush Medical College at Chicago, 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 previously, and was the first physician and surgeon to locate here. He has since continuously engaged in practice 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 of modern practice and he has been very successful in the treatment of disease.
Dr. Lee was married in 1895 to Miss Jessie Seversen, of Cambridge, Wiscon- sin, and they have four children : Gisle J., who is editor of a newspaper at Sher- burn, Minnesota ; and Melvin, Evelyn and Mabel, all at home.
Dr. Lee supports 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
229
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
years and having also served as mayor of Thompson for one term and as secretary of the school board for eight years. Ile belongs to the Lutheran church and furthers its work in every way possible. He has thoroughly identitied himself with the interests of his community and is deservedly held in high esteem by all who know him.
JOHN I. OFSTEDAIHI ..
Norway has made valuable contribution to the citizenship of Winnebago county. Many of her citizens have come from the land of the midnight sun and their love for that country was manifest in the fact that Norway township was named in honor of their old home. They have, however, been 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, 1857, a son of Iver and Gertie (Olson) (Bursly) Ofstedahl, who were farming people. They had a family of six children, of whom John I. is the eklest. In 1864 they brought their family to the United States and for six months lived with a brother of the father in Olmsted county, Minnesota. They then took up their abode in Mansfieldl township, Freeborn county, Minnesota, where Mr. Ofstedahl secured a homestead claim and developed the farin 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 far 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 and Albert, who are residents of Freeborn county, Minnesota; Iner, whose home is in Saskatchewan, Canada ; and Agnes, the wife of Jacob Aldal, oľ 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 he reached the age of eighteen years. He then concentrated his attention upon farm work for his father until twenty-six years of age, when he began farming on his own account. During the next two years he farmed with his father on shares and in March, 1887, when thirty 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. lle immediately 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 had 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 purchase there was a log cabin and straw stables upon the place. Ile 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 a stockholder in the Lake Mills Creamery Company and in the Farmers Elevator Company.
Mr. Ofstedahl was married to Miss Karen Saxerud, a daughter of Amon and Panella Saxerud, of Norway, who passed away in their native land, never coming to the United States, Mr. and Mrs. Ofstedah! are the parents of five children, as follows: Tina, who is now the wife of Ed. Torvold, of Worth county, lowa : Oscar, a resident of Minneapolis; Isaac, who assists in the operation of the home farm ; C'lara, who gave her hand in marriage to Harry Adams, of Hayfiekl, Ilan- cock county, towa : and Alfred, at home.
The parents are members of the Synod Lutheran church and in its teachings find the guiding spirit of their lives. Mr. Ofstedahil is a republican but not an office seeker, yet he is not remiss in the duties of citizenship and delights in the progress that is being 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 CHIARLSON.
Nels and Ellen Charlson, 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. Charlson purchased a farm which he im- proved and cultivated until 1866, when he homesteaded in Center township, Winno- bago county, lowa, removing here with his family in that year and thereby be- coming one of the pioneers of this section. Mr. Charlson continued agricultural pursuits in this county until his demise, which occurred March 1, 1904. Hle had survived his wife several years, as she passed away April 1, 1898. Both are buried in a cemetery on the home farm. They were pioneer settlers of this section of the state, took an active part in advancing general interests contributing to the publie 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.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.