USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 33
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 33
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E. J. WESTERBERG.
E. J. Westerberg, living on section 5, Ellington township, Hancock county, was born in Sweden, although from the age of ten years he has been a resident of Iowa and through all the intervening period has been identified with agricul- tural interests, being now owner of the Lilac Stock Farm, a valuable property which constitutes one of the attractive features of this section of the state. His birth occurred on, the 21st of December, 1871, his parents being John and Anna (Hockinson) Westerberg, who are also natives of Sweden, where they remained until 1882, when they brought their family to the new world. They did not tarry on the Atlantic coast, but made their way at once across the country and are still residents of Winnebago county, Iowa, their home being now in Forest
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City. They became parents of two sons, the younger being Olaf, who is also living in Ellington township, Hancock county.
E. J. Westerberg was largely reared and educated in Winnebago county and his youthful experiences were those of the farm bred boy. He attended school in the winter months and through the summer seasons worked in the fields, remaining at home until he had attained his majority. He did not seek to change his occu- pation, finding in farm work a congenial pursuit, and as soon as possible he pur- chased property, becoming owner of what is known as the Lilac Stock Farm, a valuable tract of three hundred and twenty acres, which he has improved with fine buildings. Ile has an attractive residence, substantial barns and sheds and modern machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, raising the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate. He also makes a specialty of raising and feed- ing stock of all kinds and this branch of his business brings to him a very sub- stantial financial return annually.
In 1894 Mr. Westerberg was united in marriage to Miss Alice Johnson, a native of Sweden and a daughter of Martin and Carrie (Pearson) Johnson, who were also born in the same country, where the father still makes his home, but the mother has now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Westerberg have become the parents of six children: Adolph B., Nettie F., Mamie A., Rollie II., Harry A. and Violet E. Mr. Westerberg and his family are members of the Baptist church and guide their lives according to its teachings. His political endorsement is given to the republican party, and while never seeking office, he has served for several years as school director and is much interested in having in his community schools that will furnish an adequate preparation to the young for life's practical and responsible duties. He is a self-made man, for all that he possesses and enjoys has been acquired through his own efforts since he attained man's estate, assisted by his estimable wife, who has indeed been a helpmate to him. Diligence and persistency of purpose have constituted the foundation upon which he has builded his success.
ROBERT D. HOADLEY.
Robert D. Hoadley is living on section 23, Amsterdam township, Hancock county, where he is following agricultural pursuits according to the most modern and progressive methods. He was born in Earlville, Illinois, on the 2d of May, 1885, a son of George R. and Kate (Temple) Hoadley, the former a native of England and the latter of Scotland.
After pursuing his early education in the country schools, Robert D. Hoadley attended the high school at Earlville, Illinois, and later became a student in Brown's Business College at Ottawa, Illinois. His textbooks were put aside when he reached the age of eighteen years, after which he engaged in farming and for two years rented the old home place. Subsequently he cultivated rented land at Emmetsburg, Iowa, for two years and later he rented his mother's farm, but eventually his earnings were such that he was able to purchase property and invested in one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 23, Amsterdam township, Hancock county. Here he is farming with a modern tractor, and in
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fact he utilizes all the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and care for the harvests. He is a very progressive man, thoroughly up-to- date in everything that he does, and in addition to his farming interests he holds stock in the creamery at Kanawha.
On the 3d of October, 1902, Mr. Hoadley was married to Miss Anna Johnson, a daughter of August Johnson, a native of Norway. They now have two chil- dren. Virla M. and Howard C., both at home. Politically Mr. Hoadley is a republican and his religious faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. He has become well known during the period of his residence in Hancock county and that his has been a well spent life is indicated in the fact that all who know him speak of him in terms of warm regard.
FRANK QUIGLEY.
Frank Quigley, living on section 24, Twin Lake township, Hancock county, is engaged in general agricultural pursuits, owning and occupying three hundred and twenty acres of land, which returns to him a substantial tribute for the care and labor he bestows upon his fields. Ilis life has been one of intense and well directed activity and he has already wrought substantial changes in his present farm since taking possession thereof in 1913. Mr. Quigley is of Irish birth, his parents being Francis and Mary ( Sherry) Quigley, who were natives of Ireland, where the father spent his entire life, passing away at the age of fifty-two years. His widow afterward came to the new world and died on this side the Atlantic at the advanced age of eighty-six years.
Frank Quigley, who was born on the 16th of March, 1842, remained a resident of the Emerald isle until 1886, when at the age of fourteen he came to the United States and began earning his living as a farm hand. He afterward rented land for fifteen years. but it was his earnest desire to own property and he saved his earnings until through diligence and determination he had acquired a sufficient sum to purchase a farm. Since 1913 he has been the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land on section 24, Twin Lake township. Hancock county, Iowa, which he purchased for one hundred and ten dollars per acre. Ile now culti- vates all kinds of cereals upon his place and also raises graded stock. He is likewise interested in a threshing outfit and he is justly accounted one of the enterprising business men of his section, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
On the 17th of February, 1901, Mr. Quigley was married to Miss Ellen Goffney. a daughter of Thomas and Anne (Brady) Goffney, both of whom were natives of Ireland. where they spent their entire lives, the father passing away at the age of seventy-five years, while the mother is now living at the age of sixty-five. Mr. and Mrs. Quigley have become parents of four children : Francis James, Thomas John, Gertrude Marie and Raymond Alloysius.
Politically Mr. Quigley is a democrat and has served as president of the town- ship board. He has also been school director and is interested in all those questions which have to do with the welfare and progress of his community. He holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Knights of
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Columbus and the latter association is an indication of the fact that he is a member of the Catholic church. IIe may truly be called a self-made man and as the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well.
NELS FRANDSEN.
For a third of a century Nels Frandsen has been a resident of Hancock county and has therefore witnessed much of its development and improvement. He has taken an active part in furthering its agricultural development and is now suc- cessfully engaged in general farming on section 3, Crystal township, where he has made his home since 1887. IIe was born in Denmark, August 3, 1850, a son of Franc J. and Christine (Nelson) Jensen, both of whom were natives of Denmark, where they spent their entire lives.
Nels Frandsen was reared and educated in his native country and in 1884 bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for the new world, hoping to benefit his financial condition on this side of the Atlantic. He at once made his way to Iowa, settling in Hancock county, and three years later, or in 1887, he became the owner of a farm of eighty acres on section 3, Crystal township, and in 1890 bought an additional eighty acres adjoining it. Ile has since resided upon that place and through all the intervening years he has carefully and systematically cultivated and improved it and now has a valuable farm which annually returns to him golden harvests, affording him a good yearly income.
Mr. Frandsen was married in Denmark to Miss Carrie L. Jergeson, and they became the parents of four children, Mary, Carrie, William and Clara, all yet at home. The son now operates the farm and gives much attention to the raising of stock. The wife and mother passed away in April, 1916, and was laid to rest in Crystal Lake cemetery, leaving a husband, four children and many friends to mourn her loss.
Mr. Frandsen exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He has served as school director and has ever been an advocate of a progressive school system that will qualify the young for life's practical and responsible duties. He is a self-made man, his success being won through his own efforts since coming to America. He has therefore never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world and has become more and more strongly attached to the land of his adoption as the years have passed.
JOHNSTON BROWN.
Johnston Brown, who is residing on section 28, Garfield township, Hancock county, is one of the pioneers of that section and remembers well when there were no railroads in the county and when the conditions of life were those of a fron- tier district. He was born in Jefferson county, New York, October 11, 1843, of the marriage of John and Sarah (Stahl) Brown. His boyhood was spent upon
ii-17
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" the home farm in the Empire state, and his educational opportunities were meager, as there were but few schools in that section at the time and those that were in existence afforded but a rudimentary course of instruction. In his early manhood he removed to Aurora, Illinois, and engaged in farming in that locality until 1886, when he came to Hancock county, Iowa. He only remained here for a short time, after which he returned to Illinois, but in 1888 he located permanently in Garfield township, Ilancock county. At that time there were no railroads in the county and there were only two stores in the town of Garner. Ile devoted his attention to farming and stock raising and brought his land to a high state of development. Ile has met with a gratifying measure of prosperity and now holds title to two hundred and fifty-two acres of land in Hancock county, his residence being ou section 28, Garfield township, and one hundred and sixty acres in Todd county, Minnesota.
On the 11th of February, 1868, Mr. Brown was married in Kankakee, Illinois, to Miss Caroline Farr, a daughter of Alfred and Margery (Rush) Farr. Her father was a native of England, where his parents, Thomas and Mary (Smith) Farr, spent their entire lives. When a boy of fifteen years he came to America on a sailing vessel and it was six months from the time he took passage until he landed in the new world, as the ship was wrecked and the passengers cast on an island. Margery Rush and her twin brother were the first white children born in Elkhart county, Indiana, but when she was five years old the family removed to Kankakee county, Illinois. Her uncle was the founder of Rush Medical Col- lege in Chicago. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born three daughters and one son, as follows: Milo, who married Mary Chipman and lives at Burt, Iowa; Mona, who married John Lowe, of Hayfield, Iowa; Emma, the wife of John Davison, of Long Prairie, Minnesota; and Myra, now Mrs. John Tythcott, of Sioux City, Iowa.
Mr. Brown is an advocate of republican principles and has supported the candidates of that party at the polls with the exception of the 1916 election, when he voted for Woodrow Wilson. He has always taken the interest of a good citizen in public affairs, but has held only one office, having served as township trustee for two years. In 1864 he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Thomas Lamport, for one hundred days' service. He has a wide acquaintance in Hancock county and his dominant qualities are such that all who have been brought in contact with him hold him in high esteem.
ANDREW A. JOHNSON.
Andrew A. Johnson, living on section 30, Twin Lake township, Hancock county, has practically spent his entire life in Iowa, although he was born in Indiana on the 15th of January, 1858, his parents being Benjamin and Hen- rietta (Thomas) Johnson, who were natives of New Jersey and Indiana respect- ively. They became residents of Hardin county, Iowa, during the pioneer epoch in its development, and assisted in the work of progress and improvement there, but both are now deceased.
ANDREW A. JOHNSON
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Andrew A. Johnson was but an infant when brought by his parents to Iowa, so that he was reared in Hardin county, where he acquired a district school education. His textbooks were put aside when he had reached the age of seven- teen years, after which he worked with his father on the old homestead until he attained his majority. Later he spent three years at farm work in the employ of others and on the expiration of that period he rented land which he cultivated for three years. He afterward bought sixty-five acres on section 30, paying one thousand dollars for this tract. In 1886 he bought eighty-five acres ou section 30, Twin Lake township, for which he paid two thousand dollars and for an addi- tional eighty acres on the same section he gave three thousand two hundred dollars. Throughout all the intervening years he has concentrated his efforts and attention upon farming and stock raising. He carries forward to successful com- pletion whatever he undertakes. He is energetic and has never been afraid of hard work. He tills the soil, rotating his crops so as to keep his land productive and not impoverish his fields. He also makes a specialty of raising Poland China hogs, handling pure bred stock, and this branch of his business adds materially to his income.
On the 14th of February, 1884, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Lizzie Ott, a daughter of Matthias and Elizabeth Ott, who were natives of Germany, and on coming to Iowa in 1858 settled at Northwood. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have become the parents of four children of whom two are married. Flossie May is now the wife of Henry Hanson, who lives in Amsterdam township. Alice Marie is the wife of Harold Stotts, and they make their home in Minnesota. The other children are Ora A. and Ruth M., yet at home.
Mr. Johnson votes with the republican party, which he has supported since attaining his majority, and for six years he has capably filled the office of township trustee. lfe has likewise served as school director and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend. Religiously he is identified with the United Brethren church and he displays many admirable characteristics which have won for him the respect, confidence and goodwill of all with whom he has been brought in contact. He is numbered among Iowa's pioneer settlers, having for almost sixty years resided within the borders of the state, during which period he has witnessed a marvelous transformation, for the wild prairie land has been converted into fine farms, dotted here and there with thriving towns and villages, and there is no feature of modern civilization nor of progressive business life that is not found in the state.
THOMAS BERHOW.
The home farm of Thomas Berhow is situated on section 4, Amsterdam township, Hancock county, and comprises three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land upon which he is extensively engaged in sheep raising. He was born on the 29th of March, 1875, in Story county, Iowa, a son of Ole and Bertha (Eide) Berhow, who were natives of Norway. They reared their family, however, in Iowa and Thomas Berhow pursued his education in the public schools of Polk
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county, this state, dividing his time between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the labors of the fields until he reached the age of sixteen. His time thereafter was concentrated upon assisting his father in the further development and cultivation of the home farm until he attained his majority. He then started out in life independently, beginning work as a farm hand, his labors in that way continuing until he reached the age of twenty-four years. He afterward rented land for three years and his first purchase made him owner of ninety-four aeres in Story county, Iowa, which he cultivated for seven years. He then came to Hancock county, establishing his home on section 26, Amsterdam township, where he followed general farming for a time, but at length he disposed of that place and purchased three hundred and twenty acres on section 4. Amsterdam township, where he now resides. His farm is equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories. There are good buildings upon the place and fences, which are always kept in a state of good repair, divide the farm into fields and pastures of convenient size. He is making a specialty of sheep raising, handling high grade Shropshires, and he finds this a profitable source of income. He is also connected with the Kanawha Creamery, and he stands for progressiveness in all that pertains to the life of the agriculturist.
On the 14th of March, 1899, Mr. Berhow was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Fatland, her parents being John II. and Sarah (Heggen) Fatland, the former a native of the United States and the latter of Norway. To Mr. and Mrs. Berhow have been born four children, namely: Floyd William, Edgar Orvin, Byron LeRoy and Sidney J. The parents hold membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church and are interested in its upbuilding, doing all in their power to promote its growth and extend its influence. Mr. Berhow votes with the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His has been a life of marked activity, intelligently directed, and though he started out in life empty handed, he is today one of the substantial citizens of his part of the state.
HALVOR O. KVAMBECK.
Halvor O. Kvambeck, who is devoting his time and energies to general farming on section 35, Norway township, has spent almost his entire life in Winnebago county and throughout the entire period has devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. He was horn in Norway, January 3, 1864, a son of Ole S. and Ingeborg (Halvorson) Kvambeck, who were farming people there. They came to the United States when their son Halvor was but two and one-half years old and for a year resided near Northwood, in Worth county, Iowa, where the father had a brother who was engaged in farming. The next year, however, they removed to Winnebago county and Mr. Kvambeck purchased the north half of the northeast quarter of section 35, Norway township. It was then a tract of raw land, but he immediately began to develop and improve the place, in which he soon wrought a marked transformation. He also bought the north half of the northwest quarter adjoining section 35 and likewise purchased thirty-seven and one-half acres on the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 36, Norway township, and devoted his remaining days to the cultivation of his farm. In the fall of 1906 he suffered
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serious injuries through the attack of a bull, which caused his death on the 2d of November. His widow survived him for about four years, passing away October 11, 1910, and both were laid to rest in the United Lutheran cemetery at Lake Mills. In his political views Mr. Kvambeck was a republican and always supported the party from the time that he became a naturalized American citizen. His success was the direct result of his own labors. He worked diligently and persistently and as the years passed on won a substantial measure of prosperity. To him and his wife were born five children, one of whom died when but three years of age. Those still living are Simon O. and Halvor O., who are farming together; Christina; and John, who is also upon the old homestead. The three brothers are associated in the work of the farm, while the sister manages the household affairs.
Halvor O. Kvambeck spent his youthful days under the parental roof and his experiences were those which usually fall to the lot of the farm bred boy. He attended the early schools of the county until he reached the age of sixteen years and afterward worked for his father until the latter's death. He and his brothers have continued upon the home place and he now owns the southwest quarter of section 36, Norway township. He is financially interested in the Farmers Elevator, the Farmers Lumber Yard at Lake Mills, and the Lake Mills Creamery Company. He has led a life of diligence and thrift and his energy and industry are the basic principles of the success which has come to him. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party. He is now town clerk and served for three or four terms on the school board.
HENRY AFRICA.
Henry Africa, the well known and popular postmaster of Kanawha, Iowa, was born on the 1st of June, 1869, in Center county, Pennsylvania, of which state his parents, Samuel and Louisa (Dunlap) Africa, were also natives. In 1875 the family came to Iowa and located in Grinnell, where our subject's maternal grand- parents had previously settled. The father, who was a miller by trade, subsequently obtained employment in a gristmill at Newton, Iowa, where he made his home until 1885, and then removed to Hancock county, being employed as a miller in the old Amsterdam mill. Later he became a resident of Goodell, where his death occurred in 1893, but the mother of our subject is still living and continues to make her home in Goodell.
After coming with the family to Iowa in 1875, Henry Africa lived with his maternal grandparents on a farm near Grinnell for a number of years and obtained his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. As early as his thirteenth year, however, he became a wage earner, working at farming or anything by which he could earn an honest dollar. In the spring of 1885 he joined his parents, who were then living in Webster City, Iowa, and came with them to Hancock county, where he has since made his home most of the time, though he conducted a barber shop at Belmond for a few years. On selling his business there in the spring of 1901, he removed to Kanawha, where he purchased a hotel and engaged in the hotel and restaurant business with good success. His establishment was run on a high plane of efficiency and his table became famed among the traveling men
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AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
visiting this part of the state. In 1915 he traded his hotel property for a farm of eighty acres five and a half miles southwest of Kanawha and has since given his undivided attention to the duties of the postoffice, having been appointed postmaster in 1913.
In 1896 Mr. Africa married Miss Franke K. Duryea, of Hancock county, a sister of the noted baseball pitcher, Cy Duryea (Cyclone Duryea). By this union four sons and one daughter have been born, namely : George Arold, Guy K., Esther, Henry Jr., and James.
Mr. and Mrs. Africa hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and he is also prominently identified with a number of fraternal orders, being a member of Corwith Lodge, No. 535, A. F. & A. M .; Bethel Chapter, No. 116, R. A. M., of Garner ; Bethel Council, No. 33, R. & S. M. ; and Mount Lebanon Commandery, No. 61, K. T., of Clarion, Iowa. He also belongs to Kanawha Lodge, No. 667, I. O. O. F., the Rebekahs, the Modern Woodman of America and the American Yeomen, while his wife is a member of Corwith Chapter, O. E. S. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the democratic party and besides serving as postmaster he has filled the office of town clerk four or five years. He has always been found true to any trust reposed in him and well merits the confidence and esteem which his fellow citizens so freely accord him.
GILBERT OLSON.
Gilbert Olson, now successfully engaged in farming on section 30, Center town- ship, has been a resident of Winnebago county since 1876, but his early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in Norway on the 29th of August, 1848. His parents, Ole and Karie (Helliekson) Olson, were likewise natives of Norway, in which country the father followed farming until called to his final rest in 1851. The mother subsequently came to the new world and lived with her children until she too passed away in 1899.
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