USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 31
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 31
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Mr. Severson is a stanch advocate of the republican party and its principles, for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government. He does not seek office, for he prefers to give his undivided time and attention to his business affairs, and in addition to his farming interests he is connected with the Kanawha Creamery and the Kanawha Elevator as a stockholder. Both he and his wife are members of the United Norwegian Lutheran church and their lives are guided by its teachings.
EDWARD PRICE.
Edward Price is successfully engaged in farming on one hundred and six acres of good land in Norway township adjoining Lake Mills and upon that place his birth occurred on the 25th of May, 1879. He is the only son of James and Caroline (Cuffel) Price, of Scotch-Irish and Scotch descent, respectively. The maternal grandmother was Rebecca Newton, a direct descendant of Isaac Newton, who came to America on the Mayflower. The father was born a short time after the emigration of his parents to the United States, on the 18th of May, 1836, at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. His father became a member of the regular army and was stationed at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, where he died. Subsequently the mother married George West and they removed to Mitchell county, Iowa, where she passed away. James Price was reared in Mitchell county and at the outbreak of the Civil war, in 1861, enlisted in the Fourteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and was in active service until the restoration of peace. He then returned to Iowa and, going to Lake Mills, purchased forty acres of land west of Lake Mills, but he subsequently sold this tract and bought eighty acres, also west of Lake Mills, and nine years later his son Edward purchased twenty-six acres adjoining, making a farm of one hundred and six aeres on which our subject still resides. The father cultivated this land for many years but at length retired and removed to Lake Mills, where he died on the 12th of April, 1913. He was buried in the Hinman Park cemetery. His wife still resides in Lake Mills. To them were born three children: Mrs. C. E. MeCaffree, of Lake Mills; Nettie, who is teach- ing in the schools of Lake Mills; and Edward.
The last named attended school in Lake Mills until he was sixteen years old and for five years thereafter worked for his father upon the home farm, but on attaining his majority became his father's partner in the operation of the place and so continued until 1907, when his parents removed to Lake Mills, leaving him
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in entire charge of the farm. He now owns the place, which is well improved and which is rendered more valuable because of its good location. He has erected a number of fine buildings of the most improved design and keeps everything upon the farm in excellent condition. Ile raises high grade stock and has met with gratifying success in that connection as well as in the growing of grain.
Mr. Price was married June 4, 1907, to Miss Mary Davis, a daughter of John W. and Kate (Oliver) Davis, the former a native of Wales and the latter of Scotland. After their removal to America they lived in various places in the United States but since 1903 have been residents of Lake Mills. To Mr. and Mrs. Price have been born two children, Shirley E. and Kathlyn M.
The religious faith of the parents is indicated by their connection with the Methodist Episcopal church, whose work profits by their keen interest therein. Mr. Price endorses the principles of the republican party but although loyal in the support of its candidates has never been an office seeker. He has concentrated his energies upon his farm work and in so doing has gained a competence and has also contributed to the agricultural development of his locality.
FRED A. SIEVERT.
Fred A. Sievert, living on section 30, Boone township, flancock county, is well known as a successful general farmer and stock raiser. The equipment of his farm is thoroughly modern and he has one hundred and seventy-one acres of rich and productive land in a high state of cultivation save that portion which is used for pasturage for his high grade stock. He was born in Germany, July 18, 1865, and is a son of William and Fredericka (Piehl) Sievert, who came to the new world in 1870 and settled in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Fred A. Sievert was at that time a little lad of five years. He acquired his education in the district schools, pursuing his studies to the age of fifteen years, when he went to Durand, Winnebago county, Illinois, where he resided for seven years, working as a farm hand during that period. He afterward engaged in farm work near Pecatonica, Illinois, until 1894, and in the meantime he was adding continuously to his savings, working diligently and persistently to acquire a sum that would enable him to purchase land and engage in farming inde- pendently. The year 1894 saw the fulfillment of his hopes, for at that time he became the owner of a farm of one hundred and seventy-one acres on section 30, Boone township, Hancock county, lowa. Through the intervening period of twenty-three years he has resided thereon and his labors have wrought marked change in the appearance of the place, which indicates his practical and progres- sive methods in its well tilled fields and its substantial buildings. Everything is kept in good repair and the latest improved machinery is used to facilitate the work of the fields. fle is also making a specialty of raising Chester White hogs and shorthorn cattle and his live stock interests constitute a substantial feature of his growing success.
Mr. Sievert has been married twice. Hle first wedded Emma Glawe, who passed away, and on the 29th of July, 1914, he married Minnie Miller, a daughter of Charles Miller and a native of Wisconsin. Ile has had three children: Mabel
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Maud, the wife of E. K. Greene, of Durand, Illinois; Laura Belle; and Orville H., who died in 1901.
Mr. Sievert holds membership in the English Lutheran church and guides his life by its teachings. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he has served as township trustee for ten years, making a most creditable record in that position. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. There have been no unusual or spectacular phases in his life record. Ilis is the story of honest industry and thrift. It is a well known fact that progress is a cumulative process, and that where there is no advancement there has been no effort. Mr. Sievert has ever worked diligently and persistently and his energy has brought to him the success which he now enjoys.
E. E. BRANSTAD.
E. E. Branstad is the owner of four hundred and forty acres of valuable land in Winnebago county and from his holdings he derives a substantial annual income by reason of the practical and progressive methods which he follows in the con- duct of his farming interests. He was born in Norway on the 5th of June, 1866, a son of Endre and Dorde (Gryttnes) Branstad, who are mentioned in connection with the sketch of their son, Andrew E. Branstad, on another page of this work.
"It was in 1873 that the family crossed the Atlantic to the new world, at which time E. E. Branstad was a little lad of but seven summers. His education was acquired in the common schools of this country and about the time he attained his majority he began farming on his own account, bringing to this work the knowledge and ability which he had gained from practical experience in his youthful years. He rented the old homestead for three years and afterward culti- vated other land for a year. In 1892, with capital acquired through his industry and economy, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Newton township, on which he took up his abode, there continuing his residence until 1904, when he removed to his present home farm of eighty acres. He now owns two farms of one hundred and sixty acres each in Newton township and another tract of forty acres in the same township, so that his holdings now embrace four hundred and forty acres of rich and valuable land that responds readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. His place is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and he has the latest improved farm machinery and equipments upon his place.
Mr. Branstad's whole life is dominated by the spirit of serving his community. This is shown by the brave step taken in the critical time of 1900. Centralizers were then trying to induce the people to ship their cream. Against this course, he set to work, heart and soul, fighting for the preservation of local creameries in its stead. His efforts were not in vain and the creamery was reorganized at Thompson, Iowa. The success of his earnest labors is marked by the growth of the band of patrons from fifty, with more than half of the people shipping their cream, to three hundred and seventy in the course of four years of his management, with not a single man shipping. His field of serving was not lim- ited to this alone, as he was one of the organizers of one of. the first farmers'
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elevators organized in Winnebago county and a member of the first board of directors of this elevator at Thompson. When the bill was passed providing for the free mail delivery, he gave his time that the people of his community might enjoy this privilege, and he succeeded in getting two routes from his home town of Leland, a small place of less than one hundred and seventy inhabitants. Mr. Branstad is still a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Leland and is a stockholder and the secretary and manager of the Farmers Cooperative Cream- ery Company. fle was the dominant factor in the organization of both of these, his efforts being largely instrumental in bringing the two companies into exist- enee.
On the 3d of May, 1887, Mr. Branstad was united in marriage to Mrs. Della O. (Olson) Hage, the widow of Lars Hage, of Fertile, Worth county, Iowa. Her parents emigrated to the United States from Norway and took up their abode among the early pioneers of Winnebago county, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Branstad have been born eight children, seven of whom survive, as follows: Philip is a graduate of Waldorf College and cultivates one of his father's farms. David, who is a carpenter by trade, lives at home. Daisy, a graduate of Waldorf College, is now the wife of II. P. Lien of Newton township, Winnebago county. Rudolph has completed a course in violin at the Siegel-Myers School of Music and also a course in C. A. Coey's School of Motoring and is now assisting his father in operating the home farm. Esther and Ellen are students in Waldorf College at Forest City. Ruth is attending school in Leland. Nels Ilage, a son of Mrs. Branstad by her first husband, operates one of his stepfather's farms.
Mr. Branstad exereises his right of franchise in support of the men and meas- ures of the democratic party and has been especially honored in being chosen for many positions in this organization, such as chairman of county conventions, member of the county central committee and delegate to various other conven- tions. He was twice nominated as state representative from Winnebago county without opposition and at the primaries June 5, 1916, on the fiftieth anniversary of his birth, he was nominated as state senator from the forty-first senatorial dis- triet. This was a very special honor, being the first one the democratic party of this district had ever nominated for this office. Although he made no active cam- paign and in spite of the fact that the district is strongly republican, seventeen hundred votes were cast at the polls for the democratic candidate. Mr. Branstad is a member of the United Lutheran church and a stockholder in the Waldorf College Association. He is a believer in all those forces which work for the uplift of the individual and the betterment of mankind, and his aid and influence are given to the side of progress and improvement as related to the development of his county in many ways.
JOHN C. ENGEBRETSON.
Among those names in Winnebago county which are synonymous with progress along agricultural lines and also with good citizenship is that of John C. Enge- bretson, a representative of one of the pioneer families of northern Iowa. He was born in Logan township, upon his father's farm, July 20, 1875, and is a son of
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JOHN C. ENGEBRETSON AND FAMILY
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Christian Engebretson, mentioned elsewhere in this work. At the usual age he became a pupil in the early schools, where he mastered such branches of learning as then constituted the public school curriculum. At the age of eighteen he went to Decorah, Iowa, and for two terms was a pupil in Breckenridge College, thus becoming well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He then re- turned to Winnebago county and took up the profession of teaching, which he successfully followed for ten terms in Logan township, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. When twenty-five years of age he started farming on his own account on the northeast quarter of section 19, Logan township. He began putting fine improvements upon it and from time to time he purchased a part of the farm until he had become owner of the entire tract. He is also interested with his father and brother in the ownership of one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, Logan township.
On the 4th of July, 1900, Mr. Engebretson was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Hylland, a daughter of Nels O. and Anna Hylland, formerly of Logan township, but now residents of Woonsocket, South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Enge- bretson became the parents of five children, but two of the number, Matilda and Gehard, died in infancy. The others, Clarence J., Nora Amanda and Matilda, are all at home. Mr. Engebretson and his family are members of the United Lutheran church. He votes with the republican party and is one of its acknowl- edged leaders in Winnebago county. He has been called upon to fill various local positions, serving as township clerk for ten years, as assessor for four years, as road superintendent for seven years and as a member of the school board for two years. His duties are always discharged with promptness and fidelity and over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil. His entire life has been passed in Logan township and that his career has been an honorable and upright one is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
HARVEY A. SWEIGARD.
IIarvey A. Sweigard, postmaster of Garner and well known in business and political circles of Hancock county, was born in Carroll county, Illinois, Novem- ber 29, 1872, a son of Isaac Sweigard, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. With the removal of the family to this state his education was acquired in the public schools of Iowa and his initial business training came to him under the direction of his father, a well known banker of Garner, with whom he con- tinued in the bank until January, 1914, when he was appointed postmaster. His training in the bank was thorough and for some time he was connected with the State Savings Bank at Goodell, Iowa, there serving in the capacity of cashier from 1896 until 1902. In the latter year he organized the State Savings Bank at Klemme, Iowa, where he continued as cashier until 1907, after which he was associated with the Farmers National Bank of Garner, of which his father is the president. There he remained until called to his present position by presidential appointment.
On the 22d of August, 1914, Mr. Sweigard was united in marriage to Miss
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Caroline V. Noble, of New Hampton, Iowa, a daughter of Joseph E. Noble. They are members of the Congregational church and in social circles of Garner they occupy an enviable position. Mr. Sweigard votes with the democratic party and is a stalwart champion of its interests. Fraternally he is connected with Bethel Lodge, No. 319, A. F. & A. M., Bethel Chapter, No. 116, R. A. M., of which he is a past master, Bethel Council, R. & S. M., Chivalric Lodge, No. 82, K. P., and the Woodmen of the World. His interests are broad and as a citizen he stands for all those measures and projects which work for the betterment of the community and for the upholding of high civic standards.
THOMAS BEECHIER.
Thomas Beecher, who for more than thirty years has resided on his present farm on section 6, Magor township, Hancock county, was born on the 1st of January, 1866, in the state of New York, a son of John and Emily (Kirschner) Beecher, both of whom were natives of Germany. In the district schools of the Empire state Thomas Beecher pursued his education until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he started out to earn his own living, being employed as a farm hand. Ile afterward rented land for six years and in that way gained a sum sufficient to enable him to purchase property. He has been a resident of Hancock county since 1885 and in 1886 his father purchased the farm on section 6, Magor township. Since his death our subject and his brother have continued operating the place, devoting their time and energies to the further cultivation and development of this farm, which is now a rich and productive tract of land, annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which is bestowed upon it.
Mr. Beecher of this review is a member of the Catholic church and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, but has never sought nor desired office as a reward for party fealty, preferring rather to give his undivided atten- tion to his business affairs. Ilis life has been one of unfaltering activity and his success is well deserved.
JAMES W. SLOAN.
James W. Sloan is well known as a representative farmer and substantial business man of Magor township, Hancock county, his home being on section 9. He has lived in this county continuously since 1899 and is widely and favorably known. He was born at Dwight, Livingston county, Illinois, April 9, 1875, a son of James and Jane (Thomson) Sloan, who were natives of Scotland, but about 1864 crossed the Atlantic to the new world and established their home in Illinois.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for James W. Sloan during the period of his boyhood and youth. He worked in the fields and in the winter months attended the country schools, pursuing his education until he attained his majority. He afterward was employed upon the
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home farm until he reached the age of twenty-two, after which he cultivated land in Livingston county, which he rented from his father. He is a brother of John M. Sloan, mentioned elsewhere in this work. The two have been most closely associated. They attended school together and have been connected in all their business interests since that time. They came to Hancock county together in 1899 and purchased two hundred and forty acres of land on section 9, Magor township. With characteristic energy they began the further develop- ment and improvement of this property and had no separate interests until 1911, when John M. Sloan purchased eighty acres more on section 9, Magor township. They have continuously and successfully engaged in general farming and also in stocking calves, which they keep until feeding time and then sell for feeding purposes.
On the 17th of June, 1907, Mr. Sloan was married to Miss Lizzie Krauss, a daughter of George and Sophia (Hotz) Krauss, who were natives of Germany. Two children have been born of their union, Margaret I. and Marvin J.
The parents are members of the German Lutheran church and in politics Mr. Sloan is a republican, having supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance in Hancock county, esteem him as a man of business ability and of sterling personal worth and both he and his brother enjoy the warm regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact.
JOHN J. BYE.
John J. Bye, deceased, was one of the substantial farmers and honored citi- zens of Norway township, Winnebago county, his home being on section 8, where his widow now resides. He came from the land of the midnight sun, being born in Norway, February 18, 1851, and in that country his parents continued to reside throughout life. He was nineteen years of age when he crossed the ocean and located in Lyle, Minnesota, where he spent one year, but in 1871 came to Iowa, being employed as a farm hand near Plymouth, Cerro Gordo county, for two years. Coming to Winnebago county in 1873, Mr. Bye purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres of land on section 8, Norway township, and at once began to improve and cultivate his farm. As time passed he prospered in his labors and was able to add to his holdings, owning at the time of his death the south half of section 8 and one hundred and sixty acres on the south half of section 17, Norway township. Upon his place he erected good and substantial buildings and the fields were made to produce abundant harvests.
In April, 1873, Mr. Bye was married in Norway township to Miss Julia Saue, a daughter of Lars and Sigtrue Saue, who were early settlers of Winnebago county, but later removed to Polk county, Minnesota, and spent their last days in Reynolds, North Dakota, where both died and were buried. To Mr. and Mrs. Bye were born ten children, as follows: Thea, is the wife of John Jordre, living near Eckman, North Dakota, and their children are Anna, James, Mattie, Cora, Julia and Elizabeth. Sarah died at the age of seven years. John married Sarah Erickson and resides in Glenburn. North Dakota. Lena is the wife of
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B. J. Butler, living near Kensett, Iowa, and their children are Elvina, Margaret, Ingeborg, Lawrence and Agnes. Matilda, deceased, was the wife of I. Opdahl of Polk county, Minnesota. Selmer, living in Norway township, Winne- bago county, Iowa, is married and has three children, Orlando, Bernice and Mel- borne. Sarah is the wife of Corbit Adams of Joice, Iowa. Louis married Bur- lette Iverson and has one child, Juleta. Emil and Jennette are both at home. Louis and Emil are operating the home farm.
After a useful and well spent life Mr. Bye passed away June 6, 1914, and was laid to rest in Lime Creek cemetery. Ile served as school director in his distriet for a number of years and also filled the office of road supervisor. In polities he was a republican. His success in life was due entirely to his own well directed efforts and he certainly merited the prosperity that came to him.
JOIIN CARSON.
Johan Carson, mayor of Forest City, is making an excellent record in office, his course showing an even balance between that conservatism which precludes useless expenditure and that progressiveness which looks ever to the upbuilding and furtherance of public interests. lle was born in Cook county, Illinois, December 12, 1857, a son of John and Elizabeth Carson, both of whom were natives of Scotland. They came to the United States in the early '40s and, settling in Cook county, Illinois, were there identified with farming interests, both passing away in that county.
John Carson acquired a public school education at Arlington Heights and in the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Chicago. Ilis early training was that of the farm bred boy and through the periods of vacation he assisted with the work of the farm and also after his text-books were put aside gave his atten- tion to the work of the fields for a considerable period. In 1887, however, he came to Winnebago county and settled in Forest township, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land. With characteristic energy he took up the work of further developing and improving his farm, which he cultivated until 1891, when he leased the property and removed to a farm of eighty acres which he purchased a mile and a half from Forest City. His attention was chiefly given to the work of the fields there until 1910, when he retired from agricultural life and took up his abode in the county seat. Since then he has lived retired from active business cares but still retains the ownership of his farm property, from which he derives a gratifying annual income. His life has been a busy and useful one fraught with success that now permits the leisure which enables him to give most of his attention to public service.
In February, 1888, Mr. Carson was married to Miss Clara A. Cooley, a native of Cook county, Illinois, and a daughter of Charles and Clara Cooley. They have but one son, Carroll, who is farming the old home place. He wedded Vera Hiekok and has one son, David Hickok Carson.
Mr. and Mrs. Carson are members of the Congregational church, to the sup- port of which they make liberal contribution, while of its teachings they are loyal adherents. In polities he has been an earnest republican sinee age eon-
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