USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 34
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 34
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In the land of the midnight sun Gilbert Olson grew to manhood with the usual educational advantages of a farmer boy in that country and was twenty years of age when he determined to try his fortune in America, where he believed that better opportunities were afforded ambitious young men. On arriving here in 1868 he located in Wisconsin, where he worked as a farm hand for a few years, but in 1876 he came to Winnebago county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 23, Newton township, which he at once began to improve and cultivate. To this tract he later added eighty aeres and continued to operate that farm until the spring of 1917, when he rented the place and removed to Center township, having purchased the old Holland farm of eighty acres on section 30. Upon this place is one of the oldest log cabins in Winnebago county, it standing as a monument of pioneer days.
On the 8th of March, 1888, occurred the marriage of Mr. Olson and Miss Betsy Quam, a daughter of John and Betsy (Johan) Quam, natives of Norway, who came to the United States about 1867 and first located in Goodyear county, Minnesota, but afterward became early settlers of Newton township, Winnebago county, Iowa. Mr. Quam is deceased and his widow is living in Mount Valley
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township, Winnebago county, with her daughter, Mrs. John Haugen. To Mr. and Mrs. Olson have been born thirteen children, but Bertine died February 10, 1895, at the age of a year and a half. Those living are Otto, John, Carl, Bent, Mary, Genhart, Clara, Melvin, Tena, Albert, Elmer and Selma.
In religions faith Mr. and Mrs. Olson are Lutherans and in politics he is a staneh supporter of the republican party. He has been called to fill the offices of justice of the peace and trustee of Newton township, was also elected the first assessor of that township and served in that capacity for two terms. For the long period of twenty years he was also treasurer of his school district. He is a stockholder in the Lake Mills Creamery Company and the Leland Creamery Company and is a man in whom the people of the community have the utmost confidence.
JOSEPH R. LEWIS.
A life of industry and thrift has made Joseph R. Lewis one of the substantial farmers of Winnebago county, his home being on section 18, Mount Valley town- ship. He was born March 14, 1876, a son of Lars Pearson and Elten B. (Pearson) Lewis, both of whom were natives of Sweden. Coming to America in 1871, they established their home upon a farm in Winnebago county, Iowa, and throughout his remaining days the father gave his thoughtful and earnest attention to the development of his fields, winning a fair measure of success through his farm work. He passed away in 1910 and is still survived by his widow. They had a family of six children, five of whom are yet living.
At the usual age Joseph R. Lewis became a pupil in the public schools and therein mastered the branches of learning which qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. From early boyhood he aided in the work of the fields through the summer months and as his age and strength increased he worked more and more in that connection. Ile has never sought to change his occupation, believ- ing, as George Washington expressed it, that agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man. He saved his earnings until he was able to purchase one hundred and fifty aeres of land, which he seeured on section 18, Mount Valley township. In the intervening period he has given his attention to crop production and also to stoek raising, and both branches of his business are proving profitable sources of income.
In 1903 Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Mary Segerstrom, a native of Mitchell county, Iowa, and a daughter of Nels and Bengta (Swenson) Seger- strom, who were natives of Sweden and in the year, 1868 made the long voyage across the Atlantic to the new world. They first settled in Mitchell county, Iowa, and afterward established their home in Minnesota. In the year 1887 they became residents of Winnebago county, where the mother passed away, but the father is still living. They had a family of seven children, five of whom survive. Mrs. Lewis attended the high school of Forest City and for ten years she successfully Luella A., Lyle J., Russell M., Forest V. and Elsie Buetillie. The parents are members of the Baptist church, in which Mr. Lewis is serving as a steward. Ilis
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political endorsement is given to the republican party but he has never been ambi- tious to hold oflive. He is interested, however, in affairs of the community and is now serving as a school director. He lends his aid and cooperation to many move- inents for the general good and his influence is always on the side of progress.
CHRISTIAN ESCHIER.
Christian Escher established his residence in lowa in 1896 and was the owner of a good farm of one hundred and sixty aeres on section 19, Magor township, Hancock county, at the time of his death, which occurred May 5, 1901, Illinois elaimed him as a native son, as he was born in Tazewell county on the 11th of January, 1860. llis parents were John and Johannette Escher, natives of Germany.
Christian Escher became a pupil in the district schools of his native county and therein pursued his studies between the ages of six and seventeen years. Then he and his brother bought one hundred and sixty acres in Ford county, Illinois, and farmed there for two years, after which the place was sold. He then rented land until 1896, when he removed to Iowa, and he was identifid with agricultural interests in Haneock county until his death in 1901. Since then his son, Louis, has operated the farm. He makes a specialty of raising Polled Angus cattle and has a good herd upon the place. Ile has added various substantial improvements to the farm, which is well equipped.
On the 2d of November. 1885, Mr. Escher was married to Miss Augusta Erp, a danghter of John and Mary Erp, natives of Germany, who came to America and located in Ford county, Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Escher were born six children, William John, Louis Walter, Joe Milo, Reuben, Laura E. and Erwin C. Of this number Reuben is deceased.
The religious faith of the family is that of the German Lutheran church. In his political belief Mr. Escher was a republican. He was interested in many matters pertaining to public progress and improvement and was numbered among the substantial and valued citizens of Magor township.
HIERMAN B. LAUEN.
Herman B. Lauen, a resident farmer of Avery township, Hancock county, living on section 23, was born in Germany on the 23d of February, 1866, his parents being Bert and Anna Lauen, who were also natives of that country, the mother born in 1830. They came to America with their family in 1884, but both have now passed away.
Herman B. Lauen was about eighteen years old when the family arrived in the United States and from the Atlantie seaboard they made their way westward to Wright county, Iowa, where he worked by the month as a farm hand for four or five years. He was ambitious, however, to engage in farming on his own account and at length rented land, which he cultivated for six years. During that
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period he carefully saved his earnings and at length was able to purchase one hundred and sixty aeres on section 23, Avery township. With characteristic energy he bent his efforts to the development of the place. Ile paid twenty-five dollars per acre for this land, which was then a wild tract. He broke the sod, harrowed the fields, put in his seed and in time gathered good crops. Since then he has care- fully, persistently and systematically cultivated his farm and has also engaged in raising cattle and hogs and on a limited scale has engaged in dairying.
On the 2d of December, 1903, Mr. Lauen was united in marriage to Mrs. Ida M. Pals, a daughter of John and Pauline Stadtlander, who are natives of Germany and are still living. Mr. Lauen is a republican in his political views and while he has never sought nor filled political offices, he has served as school director. He and his wife belong to the German Reformed Methodist Episcopal church and they are people of many substantial qualities. Mr. Lauen deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in a business way. for his success is due entirely to his own efforts, his diligence and perseverance enabling him to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles in his path and work his way upward to prosperity.
HENRY O. HARRISON.
Henry O. Harrison, who carries on general farming on section 11, Ellington township, has been a resident of Hancock county for more than thirty-seven years. He was born in Wisconsin, July 10, 1854, and was one of a family of seven children, although only two are now living. Their parents, Ole and Eva (Medbin) Harrison, were both natives of Norway and the former came to America when but ten years of age, at which time he became a resident of Wisconsin. There he was reared and married and in 1867 he removed with his family to Iowa and later went to Hartland, Minnesota, where eventually he passed away as the result of wounds sustained during his three years' service in the Civil war as a defender of the Union.
Henry O. Harrison was a youth of thirteen years when he came to Iowa. IIe acquired his education in the public schools and assisted in the development and cul- tivation of the home farm up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated in 1881, Miss Thonne Michalson becoming his wife. She was born in Iowa and is a daughter of Torger and Ingbyr (Qualley) Michalson, both natives of Norway, whence they came to the United States in the '60s. They established their home in Wisconsin but after two years removed to Decorah, Iowa, and later to Lake Mills, where both passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have become parents of nine children : Tillie A., and Albert T., both deceased ; Oscar, Eddie and Henry A., all at home ; Marie, the wife of L. V. Donahue; Ida A., at home ; Emma T., the wife of Thomas Rigmer; and Thelma A.
Following his marriage Mr. Harrison purchased the farm upon which he has now continuously lived for thirty-six years. His tract of land comprises one hun- dred and sixty acres, which he has since brought to a high state of cultivation and to which he has added many substantial modern improvements. In addition to tilling the fields he is engaged in raising stock of all kinds and keeps good grades of stock. His business affairs are wisely and carefully conducted and economy and industry have been features of his growing prosperity. In addition to his agricul-
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tural interests he is a stockholder in the Farmers elevator at Ventura, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison owe their success entirely to their individual efforts. They are numbered among the prominent residents of Ellington township, where they have a large circle of warm friends. They hold membership in the Lutheran church and Mr. Harrison votes with the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as justice of the peace and as a member of the school board and has done everything in his power to further the interests which are cared for by the two offices. Those who know him esteem him highly because of a well spent life. He has lived to witness many changes in the county during the long years of his residence here and his progressive spirit has made him a well known factor in its agricultural development.
CHRISTIAN ENGEBRETSON.
Christian Engebretson, who is concentrating his time and attention on general farming on section 20, Logan township, Winnebago county, is a self-made man whose success is due entirely to his close application and persistent energy. He was born in Modmm, Norway, near Christiania, June 9, 1845. His parents were Engebret Olson and Mary Knutson. The father followed farming in his native land, where he passed away in 1867. In the family were eight children, of whom Christian is the eldest. Six of the number are yet living, and Mary and Anna are still in Norway. The others in America are: Hans Berg, of Logan town- ship, Winnebago county ; Ole, also of Logan township; and John, who is living in Polk county, Minnesota.
Christian Engebretson was twenty-four years of age when he came to the United States and made his way direct to Winnebago county, Iowa, in 1869, going to the home of his uncle, Hans Knutson, in Norway township. He worked for his uncle and for others for a short time and then settled on school land in Logan township before it was put up for sale. When thirty years of age he pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres on section 20, constituting the northwest quarter, and later he purchased the southwest quarter of the same section, having here a valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres. He broke the prairie land and put in his erops. He carried on the work of development and improve- ment steadily as the years went on and soon wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of his place. His mother afterward came to Winnebago county with her son IIans and lived with Christian Engebretson until her death, which occurred in 1909, her remains being interred in Bethel cemetery.
Mr. Engebretson was married, before coming to the United States, to Miss Maren Gurine Gaaserud, and they became parents of eight children. Maren Helene, who was born in Norway, November 14, 1867 became the wife of Herman Gulsrud, of Hubbard county, Minnesota, and died November 20, 1916. Inga, born October 13, 1870, is the wife of Tom Gavle, of Freeborn county, Minnesota. Maria, born January 1, 1873, is the wife of John Holman, of Eden township, Winnebago county. Johan ('., born July 20, 1875, is living in Logan township. Hans C., born May 20, 1877, also makes his home in Logan township. Carl C., born March 18, 1880, is a resident of Freeborn county, Minnesota. Albert C.,
MR. AND MRS. CHRISTIAN ENGEBRETSON
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born June 20, 1882, is assisting in the cultivation of the home farm. Gunda, born December 6, 1884, died November 24, 1908. The wife and mother passed away Jnne 13, 1913, and was laid to rest in Bethel cemetery.
Mr. Engebretson is still actively interested in farming and yet owns two hun- dred and sixty-seven acres on section 20, Logan township, together with the north half of the southwest quarter of section 16. IIe likewise has a third interest with his sons, J. C. and II. C., in the northwest quarter of section 34, and he has materially assisted his sons in acquiring their farms. He is a stock- holder in the Farmers Creamery at Vinje. ITis has been a life of diligence and determination, and he has carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken. His history shows what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do, for he started out in life empty handed and has worked his way steadily upward.
Mr. Engebretson holds membership in the United Lutheran church. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for a number of years he filled the office of township trustee. Ile has also been school director for a number of years and he is interested in all that pertains to the progress and welfare of his adopted land. In early manhood he chose to make this country his place of residence and he has always been loyal to the United States and her interests. Living under the protection of her laws, he has felt that he has owed her allegiance and at all times he has stood for those things which have contributed to public progress and improvement in the district in which he resides.
GEORGE M. CARSON, D. V. M.
Dr. George M. Carson, of Lake Mills, Iowa, is one of the busiest and most up- to-date veterinarians of this part of the state. A native of of Cook county, Illinois, he was born August 23, 1884, of the marriage of Mathew and Lizzie (Crego) Carson, the former also a native of the Prairie state. In 1888 the family removed to Winnebago county, Iowa, and the father purchased land here, which he has since farmed. The mother also survives.
Dr. George M. Carson received his education in the schools of Thompson and Milford, Iowa, graduating from the high school of the latter place with the class of 1903. From that time until he was twenty-three years of age he worked upon the home farm, after which for three years he rented a farm belonging to his father. He next entered the McKillip Veterinary College of Chicago and upon the completion of the course there was graduated in 1912 with the degree of D. V. M. He at once located for practice at Lake Mills, where he still resides. He pur- chased property on Main street and converted it into a veterinary hospital, which has been of great value to the stock raisers of the county. His practice extends into a number of counties in Iowa and Minnesota and his professional standing is enviable. He has never ceased to be a student of his profession and keeps in close touch with the newest methods for the treatment of the diseases of animals. He owns stock in the Farmers Elevator Company of Lake Mills and has already gained a competence.
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Dr. Carson was married in June, 1907, to Miss Ethel V. Dannatt, by whom he has two children: Venetta V., who was born October 2, 1908: and Arlo Bruce, born April 11, 1914. The Doctor is a strong republican in his political views, belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Homesteaders lodges and holds membership in the Congregational church. He is one of the leading citizens of Lake Mills, and his salient qualities of character are such that he is most highly esteemed by those who know him most intimately.
SEVERT M. JACOBSON.
Severt M. Jacobson, who follows farming on section 14, Amsterdam township, Hancock county, has an excellent traet of land of one hundred and sixty acres which he carefully and systematically cultivates and in addition he is also engaged in the buying and selling of horses. He was born on the 18th of August, 1877, in Story City, Iowa, a son of Jacob and Josephine ( Olson) Jacobson, who were natives of Norway. His education was acquired in the district schools of Story county, Iowa, his time being divided between his school work and the labors of the fields until he attained his majority. He then quit school and for a time engaged in work as a farm hand, but was desirous of making his efforts of more direet benefit to himself and for thirteen years he cultivated a rented farm. The money which he earned in that way enabled him to purchase one hundred and sixty aeres on section 14, Amsterdam township, Hancock county, in March, 1914, and he has since carried on the work of the farm, cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also winning a considerable measure of profit through his activity as a horse buyer.
On the 22d of January, 1902, Mr. Jacobson was married to Miss Ragnel Nearam, a daughter of Knute Nearam, a native of Norway, and they now have four children, Arthur J., Jeannette M., Clara Elmira and Selma R. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Jacobson has been a stalwart advocate of the repub- liean party, while his religious faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. He is widely and favorably known in Amsterdam township, where he has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
OSCAR THOMPSON.
Oscar Thompson, who is engaged in farming on section 16, Center township. Winnebago county, was born in that township on the 1st of May, 1886, a son of John and Sarah (Thorvaldson) Thompson, natives respectively of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The father settled in Winnebago county in its pioneer days and after renting land for a few years purchased a quarter section in Center township, which he operated successfully until the spring of 1907, when he retired from active life and took up his residence in Lake Mills, where he is now living. The mother also survives.
Oscar Thompson was reared upon the home farm and in the acquirement of his education attended the district schools and also schools at Lake Mills and Forest
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City. After attaining his majority he rented land and began farming for himself, his experience in agricultural work, gained through assisting his father, well fitting him for his chosen life work. He is now operating one hundred and sixty aeres on section 16, Center township, belonging to an uncle, and his well directed labors are rewarded by large erops. He also raises some stoek and finds that likewise profit- able. He is financially interested in the Farmers Elevator Company at Lake Mills and in the Lake Mills Creamery Company, and owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Divide county, North Dakota. On the 2d of June, 1914, Mr. Thompson married Miss Emma Kvalsrud, a daughter of Tostin and Ausee Kvalsrud, who were born in Norway but located in Worth county, Iowa, many years ago. They are now living upon a farm in the vicinity of Joice. Mr. Thompson is a republi- ean in his political allegianee and has served for three years as assessor of Center township, in which connection he has made a highly ereditable record. Through his membership in the Lutheran church he has identified himself with those forces making for righteousness, and his many excellent qualities have gained him the unqualified respect of those who have known him since boyhood.
ROLLIN S. FILLMORE, JR., M. D.
The large practice with Dr. Rollin S. Fillmore, Jr., of Corwith, has built up in the comparatively short time that he has been a resident of the town is evidence that the publie recognizes his ability and devotion to his profession. He received his training in a thorough medical college and in up-to-date hospitals and gives his patients the benefit of the latest discoveries in the field of medicine.
The Doctor was born in Ble Rapids, Kansas, on the 22d of December, 1888, a son of Dr. Rollin S. and Ada Louise (Burns) Fillmore. The father, who was born on the 22d of December, 1854, in Minnesota, devoted his life to the practice of medicine and thus followed in the footsteps of his father, who was a successful physician. Rollin S. Fillmore, Sr., was graduated from the medical department of the University of Washington at St. Louis in 1882 and in the same year opened an office for practice in Blue Rapids, Kansas, where he is still located. He is one of the prominent physicians and surgeons of his section of the state and has also served as mayor of Blue Rapids, his eleetion to that offiee indicating the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens. His wife was born in Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada, on the 22d of December, 1853, and rececived her education and grew to womanhood in the Dominion. In 1884 she went on a visit to Blue Rapids, Kansas, and there met Dr. Fillmore, her future husband. They have three chil- dren : Louise, the wife of Dr. R. E. Weston, a physician practicing at Tillsonburg, Canada ; Rollin S .; and Benjamin De Witt, who was a student at the University of Kansas but left college to enter the aviation corps of the British army and is now serving in Egypt.
Rollin S. Fillmore, Jr., completed the high school course at Blue Rapids, Kansas, and in 1908 entered the medical college of Washington University at St. Louis, the school from which his father graduated, receiving the degree of M. D. from that institution in 1912. For one year he was interne in St. Luke's Hospital at St. Louis and for six months held a similar position in the Iron Mountain Rail-
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road Hospital at Little Rock, Arkansas. Subsequently he was physician at a lumber camp at Bigelow, Arkansas, but in 1914 removed to Corwith, Iowa, where he has since remained. In his practice here he has adopted the methods in use in the most up-to-date hospitals and has been most successful in the treatment of disease. He belongs to the Winnebago & Hancock Counties Medical Society, the lowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and through the proceedings of those organizations, through individual study and through wide pro- fessional reading he keeps thoroughly informed as to the work of the leading physicians and surgeons of the country.
Dr. Fillmore is a republican in politics, but although he feels the concern of a good citizen for the welfare of his community he has not taken an active part in public affairs, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his practice. He belongs to Paradise Lodge, No. 553, A. F. & A. M., of Corwith, and to Lodge No. 29, B. P. O. E., at Little Rock, Arkansas. He is held in the highest esteem throughout Hancock county not only professionally but also personally.
SAM THRONSON.
Sam Thronson, who is engaged in general farming on -section 30, Norway township, Winnebago county, has always devoted his life to the tilling of the soil and his energy and determination have brought to him success. Ile was born on his father's farm in Norway township, December 25, 1885, a son of Thron and Inger (Nelson) Throuson, who were natives of Norway, where they were reared and married. Before leaving that country one child was born to them, Lena, who is now the wife of H. W. Johnson, of Ennons, Minnesota. On coming to the United States in 1879 they made their way at once to Norway township, Winnebago county, and the following year the father purchased the east half of the northeast quarter of section 30. To his original purchase he added from time to time as his financial resources permitted, acquiring the entire northeast quarter of section 30 and also purchasing eighty acres on section 19 of the same township, so that his farm covered two hundred and forty acres. This he carefully and systematically cultivated and improved throughout his remaining days and became recognized as one of the substantial and valued farmers of his community. He deserved much credit for his success, which was attributable entirely to his persistent effort. Becoming a naturalized American citizen, he gave loyal support to movements and interests for the benefit of the community and he voted with the republican party. Ile held membership in the Lutheran church and when called to his final rest on the 16th of January, 1916, his remains were interred in the Lutheran cemetery at Scarville. He had the following children: Lena, Nellie, Thomas, Sam and Inga.
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