USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 24
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 24
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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,
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who died July 24, 1914. Mr. Griesemer gives his political indorsement to the democratie party but he has never been ambitions for office, preferring to coneen- trate his time and attention upon his business affairs, which have been carefully managed and have, therefore, won him success. Ile has been dependent upon his own resources from the age of fourteen years and may be termed a self-made man.
OLE HELGESON.
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. Ile was born in Norway, June 4, 1857, a son of Helge and Chaste IIelgeson, 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 Winneshiek 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.
Reared under the parental roof, Ole IFelgeson attended such schools as were to be found in Winneshiek county in pioneer times, pursuing his studies until he reached the age of sixteen. ITis 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 twenty-five years of age he took up his abode in Norway township, Winne- bago county, purchasing the southeast quarter of section 14, upon which Hendrick Larson had taken up his abode in 1856, 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.
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On January 28, 1882, about the time that he removed to this farm, Mr. Helge- son married Miss Margaret Vrolson, a daughter of Jens and Tonie Vrolson, who were natives of Norway and came to the United States in 1869. 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 tinal rest. The father was by occupation a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Ilelge- son have become the parents of ten children, namely: Clara A., who is the wife of Edward Ansen, of Freeborn county, Minnesota; Henry C., who died at the age of twenty-one years and was buried in Lime Creek cemetery; John O., who married Gertrude Nelson and resides at Thompson, Winnebago county ; Til- ford O., who married Lonise llonsey and makes his home in Norway township; Oscar M., Clarence E., Myrtle V., Gilma T. and James A., all of whom are still under the parental roof ; and Mamie, who died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Ilelgeson is a republican and has held a number of the township olliees, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. Ile 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. Ilis entire career has measured up to advanced standards of manhood and of citizenship.
THEODORE E. ISAACSON.
Theodore E. Isaacson, cashier of the First National Bank of Thompson, lowa, was born in Forest township, Winnebago county, in June, 1897, a son of Nels 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 to Winnebago county, Iowa, and the father purchased land 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, 1916, 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. lle then served as assistant cashier in the Farmers & Drovers Bank at Buffalo Center for three years and in 1909 eame 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 business and the soundness of his judgment are recognized by all who have had dealings with him. lle owns stock in that institution and also in the Farmers Elevator Company, the Farmers Creamery Company and the Tele- phone Company, all prosperous Jocal concerns. In addition he holds title to farm land in Winnebago county.
Mr. Isaacson was married in July, 1903, to Miss Nellie Johnson, of Belmond, lowa, and to them was born a daughter, Lola, E., whose birth occurred in May, 1906. The wife and mother passed away after a few days' illness in January, 1910.
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In February, 1912, Mr. Isaacson was married to Mrs. Louise Thurston, and they have a son, Leslie R.
Mr. Isaacson is a stanch republican in politics and has served on the town council, but gives the greater part of his time and attention to his duties at the bank. In religions faith he is a United Lutheran and the teachings of that church govern his conduct in all the relations of life. Ile has a wide acquaintance throughout the county and it is indisputable testimony to his sterling worth that those who have known him intimately since boyhood are his stanchest friends.
C. II. RYGMYR.
C. H. Rygmyr, proprietor of a restaurant at Forest City, was born in Winne- bago county, March 12, 1891, a son of N. U. and Bertha E. (Spilda ) Rygmyr. both of whom were brought to Winnebago county when children and both of whom are living in Forest City. Hle 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 own 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 publie.
On the 14th of June, 1915, 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 home, but the mother has now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Rygmyr attend the Methodist Episcopal church and his political allegiance is given to the republican party, but he does not seek nor desire the honors and emoluments of publie office. Ile 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- sisteney of purpose enabling him to work his 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 which state they were reared and married. Subsequently they removed to Indiana and abont 1861 eame to Iowa, locating in Jones county, where the father continued to make his home until his death, which occurred about 1900.
In the lloosier 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
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his parents to lowa and he remained with them until 1875, in which year he went to the Pacific coast. For two and 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. Streeper came to Hancock county and the following year was united in marriage to Miss Wealthy Smith, a daughter of Thomas Smith, who in 1825 had removed with his family to this county from Winneshiek county, lowa. For two years after his marriage Mr. Streeper continued to cultivate rented land and in 1884 bought his present home farm on section 27, Ellington township, consisting of one hundred and sixty aeres, but 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 home farm : Lulu L., the wife of J. L. Thompkins, 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 polities Mr. Streeper is a republican. Ile 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. Ile is a wide-awake, progressive farmer and is meeting with good success in his operations.
HELMER T. MYRE.
Ilelmer T. Myre, who carries on general farming on section 26, Linden town- ship, has spent his entire life in Winnebago county and from the age of thirteen has been dependent upon his own resources. Ile was very young to face life's responsibilities and duties unaided, but he bravely took up the task which con- fronted him and in the intervening years has provided for his own support. Hle was born March 1, 1890, his parents being T. C. and Goodnell ( Baken) Myre, both of whom were natives of lowa 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 lehner 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 ereditable position in the business world. In 1912 he began farming on the old homestead, where he now resides on seetion 26, Linden township, and the evidence of his labor is seen in the neat and thrifty appearance of his place. 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
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with the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Ile 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 Osear Martinson, of 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, lowa. flere 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, Oscar, Selma, Clara, Gilma, Nettie, Alice, Melvin and William,
Carl Osear Martinson passed the days of his boyhood and youth upon the homestead and obtained his early education in the district schools. Subsequently 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 his 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 O. T. Gordon under the style of Gordon & Martinson and they have since been agents for the Ford and Buick ears. They do a large business, the number of their annual sales being limited only by 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 them. 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 llans 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 Il., born July 12, 1911 : Laurence, who was born in July, 1913; and C. Eldon, born in March, 1915.
Mr. Martinson is a stanch republican but has confined his publie activity to the exereise of his right of franchise. lle is a communicant of the Lutheran church and is heartily in sympathy with its work. Although a young man he
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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 E. Clauson, junior partner in the firm of Thompson & Clauson, general merchants of Forest City, has thus been identified with the business interests of the town since 1908 and has concentrated his attention and efforts upon the develop- ment and extension of his trade. He was here born December 20, 1889, a son of Nels C. and Hannah C. Clauson, both of whom were natives of Sweden. Coming to America, they settled in Forest City in 1886 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. Clauson acquired a public school education which he completed by graduation from the high school. He was a young man when in 1908 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 enterprise of the young man and they have made a strong firm, occupying an enviable position in the business circles of their city.
On the 31st of December, 1911, Mr. Clauson was married. to Miss Mabel Ells- worth, of Forest City, a daughter of H. T. and Emogene (Lewis) Ellsworth. They ocenpy an enviable social position and the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
Mr. Clauson is independent in politics, while religiously he is connected with the Baptist church. His life has been guided by high and honorable principles and he is neglectful of none of the duties of citizenship but on the contrary cooperates in many well devised plans and measures for the public good.
MICHAEL J. STEDJE.
Although born in Dane county, Wisconsin, April 5, 1864, Michael J. Stedje has been a resident of Winnebago county, lowa, since his first year and since reaching manhood has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Center township, owning and operating a good farm on section 30. His parents, Jens 1. and Annie ( Michaelson) Stedje, were born and reared in Norway, whence they emigrated to America in April, 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 Stoughton, which he cultivated until coming to Winnebago county, lowa. in 1875. Here he bought one hundred aeres on section 30, Center township, and at once began its improvement and development, making his home thereon until his death. which occurred on the 2d of April, 1903. His widow is still living at the
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ripe old age of eighty-one years and makes her home with her son Michael, who is the youngest of the family. Lewis, the older son, died July 29, 1909. Susan, the only daughter, is the wife of John Lund, of Flaxton, North 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 place. 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 snceess in the operation of his farm. Ile also owns a section of land at Oslo, Ilansford county, Texas, 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 2, 1909; Mary, January 19, 1912; and Gordon, October 29, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Stedje are faithful and consistent members of the Lutheran church and are most estimable people. Politieally he is identified with the republican party.
OLE T. GROE.
Ole T. Groe, president and manager of the local creamery company and also of the Lake Mills Telephone Company and secretary of the Lake Mills Lumber Com- pany, was born in Worth county, lowa, on the 12th of May, 1859. His parents. Tostin O. and Carrie ( Mellen) Groe, were natives of Norway but settled in the western part of Worth county, lowa, when it was still a frontier district. There the father purchased land which he operated until his death in 1895. Ile is buried in the Silver Lake cemetery in Worth county, as is his wife, who died in 1897. 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. Upon 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- tinuonsly 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 manager, 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. Ilis official connection with these prosperons corporations indicates the high estimate placed upon his executive ability by the representative business men of the city.
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On June 13, 1881, Mr. Groe was united in marriage to Miss Anna Simmons, a daughter of John and Gertrude ( Troc) Simmons, who removed from Norway to Worth county, lowa, when their daughter Anna was nine years old. Both are deceased and are buried in the Silver Lake cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Groc have been born eight children: Thomas, who is a graduate of the Capital City Com- mercial College and is now assistant cashier of the First National Bank at North- wood, lowa: Clara J., who died when seven years old and is buried in the Silver Lake cemetery in Worth county : Gina B., who was graduated from the State Uni- versity of łowa in 1910 and is now the wife of E. J. Hickox, of Colorado Springs, Colorado : Clarence, a resident of Lake Mills, lowa : Josephine, at home; Alvin ( .. who died when seven years old and is buried in the Silver Lake cemetery : Roy G., who is attending the Lake Mills high school : and Orin K., who is a student in the graded schools.
Mr. Groo supports the republican party at the polls and while a resident of Worth county was for several years a member of the school board, of which he was for some time secretary, was justice of the peace and for two years held the office of township assessor. He was also cily assessor of Lake Mills for two years and for two terms, or six years, served on the school board at Lake Mills and he is a member of the Lake Mills Improvement Association. He holds membership in the United Lutheran church, which indicates the principles which have governed his conduct. His sound judgment and energy have enabled him to carry to successful completion whatever he has undertaken and he is recognized as a leader in his community.
AUGUSTUS F. LACKORE.
One of the earliest pioneers of Winnebago county now living is Augustus F. Lackore, of Forest City, who about 1856 or 1857 was brought to the county. He 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 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Lackore were married in New York and eight children were born to them there. About 1854 they removed to Ilinois and in that state Augustus F. and Jesse Lackore were added to the family. In 1856 or 1854 a removal was made to Winnebago county, lowa, where the father had pre- viously purchased seven hundred acres of land. He settled at Forest City, build- ing the first good frame residence in the town and becoming one of the pioneer settlers of this part of the state. Soon after his arrival he purchased a sawmill which he operated for a number of years, but eventually he sold that property and concentrated his energies upon farming, which he continued to follow until his demise in 1886. Ilis wife survived him for more than a decade, passing away on the 12th of April, 1897.
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