USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 36
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 36
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MRS. JULIA WILSON.
Mrs. Julia Wilson is residing on seetion 29, Twin Lake township, Hancock county, where she owns an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres. She was born in New York, December 27, 1854, a daughter of John and Ann (Maloney) Maghum, who were natives of Ireland but in early life crossed the Atlantic to the new world. The father died when but twenty-two years of age, while the mother survived to the age of sixty-five years.
Mrs. Wilson was but two years of age when taken from New York to Rockford, Illinois, and much of her girlhood was spent in Independence, Iowa, where she pursued her education in the public schools. At the age of eighteen she went to Gentry county, Missouri, where on the 15th of April, 1874, she became the wife of Mark Wilson, a son of Timothy and Sarah ( Rhodes) Wilson, who were natives of England where they spent their entire lives.
For about fourteen years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wilson remained residents of Gentry county, Missouri, and then removed to Wright county, Iowa, where they lived for four years. On the expiration of that period they took up their abode in Hancock county and in 1891 purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, Twin Lake township, on which Mrs. Wilson still makes her home. By her marriage she became the mother of eleven children, ten of whom are yet living, the eldest son, George, having passed away. Those who still
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survive are Sarah, Julia Ann, Mary, Benjamin, Timothy, John, Daisy, Ellen, Lily, and William K. All are now married with the exception of John and William K.
The family circle was broken by the death of the husband and father in 1905. His death was deeply deplored for he had many friends. Ile was a member of the Church of England and he, gave his political support to the democratic party. Mrs. Wilson still occupies the old homestead on which she has now lived for twenty- six years. The farm was originally ditched with oxen and through all the inter- vening years the work has been carried on along progressive lines until the farm is now a very productive and valuable one, Mrs. Wilson deriving therefrom a sub- stantial income that keeps her in very comfortable circumstances.
HENRY I. MARTINSON.
Henry I. Martinson resides on section 27, Norway township, on the old family homestead on which his birth occurred January 9, 1870. He has always resided in Winnebago county and is a representative of one of its old and valued families. His parents were Ingebrit and Gertrude (Vegurn) Martinson, who were natives of Norway, where they were reared and married. Before they came to the United States two children were born to them : Ole, who is now living in Norway town- ship; and Carrie, the wife of John N. Dahle, living near Kiester, Minnesota. After crossing the Atlantic the parents had five children and all are still living in Winnebago county with the exception of Carrie and Anna, who is the wife of Gilbert Ilolstad and is a resident of Worth county, Iowa. On reaching the new world Ingebrit Martinson made his way to Wisconsin but after a brief period spent in that state came to Winnebago county, Iowa, where he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land on section 27, Norway township. Later he bought forty acres adjoining and upon that farm continued until his death, which occurred December 7, 1911. Ile had long been a resident of the county, where he was known as an energetic and progressive farmer. His widow still survives and makes her home with her son Henry, enjoying good health at the very advanced age of ninety-one years.
Henry I. Martinson was reared in Winnebago county when it was a frontier district and he pursued his education in the pioneer schools, continuing his studies to the age of sixteen years. His attention was afterward given in undvided manner to the work of the home farm and upon reaching the age of twenty-five years he rented the farm from his father and has since occupied and cultivated it. It is now a splendidly improved property and in its well kept appearance indicates his careful supervision.
In 1896 Mr. Martinson was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Holstad, her parents being John and Julia IIolstad, natives of Norway. After coming to the United States they established their home in Worth county, Iowa, where the father passed away, his remains being interred in the cemetery near Northwood. The mother is still living and makes her home in Northwood. Mr. and Mrs. Martinson have three children, Ingvald J., George and Gladys B., all at home.
The family attend the Synod Lutheran church, in which the parents hold membership. Mr. Martinson has voted with the republican party since age con-
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ferred upon him the right of franchise and keeps well informed concerning the questions and issues of the day. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquain- tance, recognize in him a reliable business man and substantial citizen. There have been no spectacular phases in his life record, but he has been loyal to duty in both public and private life and his chief characteristics are those which everywhere awaken confidence and regard.
MILTON P. GALLOWAY.
Upon a farm on section 31, Boone township, Hancock county, comprising one hundred and seventy acres of land, resides Milton P. Galloway and the place con- stitutes one of the pleasing features of the landscape. There are great fields of corn, wide fields of clover and rich pasture lands on which are found grazing good grades of eattle. In a word, Mr. Galloway is practical and progressive in all that he undertakes and is winning merited success by his intelligently directed effort. He was born in Logan county, Illinois, June 16, 1867, and is a son of Joseph and Mary ( Moran) Galloway, who were natives of New York and Ohio respectively.
While spending his youthful days under the parental roof Milton P. Galloway acquired a common school education. Ile remained at home until he attained his majority, after which he engaged in the operation of a tile factory at Latham, Illi- nois, for two years. He later returned to the occupation to which he had been reared and for nineteen years cultivated rented land. On the expiration of that period, in 1912, he came to Hancock county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and seventy acres of land in Boone township, not far from Corwith. He also bought one hundred and sixty acres in Woodward county, Oklahoma. Upon his Iowa farm he is carefully cultivating corn, clover and other erops best adapted to soil and elimate and is raising graded cattle and Plymouth Rock chickens. The produets of his farm annually bring to him a good income, enabling him to live in comfort.
On the 26th of February, 1892, Mr. Galloway was united in marriage to Miss Tillie Sennett, who was born in Illinois on the 29th of July, 1872, her parents being Robert and Iseline (Allison) Sennett, also natives of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Galloway have three sons, Clarence E., Robert J. and Louis E., all at home.
Mr. Galloway is a supporter of republican principles but has never been an office seeker. In his life he exemplifies the beneficent teachings of the Masonie fraternity, of which he is a representative, and he attends the Methodist Episcopal church. His life has always been actuated by high and honorable principles and he has ever endeavored to do unto others as he would have them do unto him.
CHARLES A. HARTWIG.
Charles A. Ifartwig, who has won an enviable reputation as the best eorn grower in Hancock county, is today the owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres in Magor township, Hancock county, his home being on section 23. He was born on the 4th of October, 1861, in Germany, which was also the birthplace
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of his parents, Carl and Christina (Gundlach) Hartwig, who brought their family to America in 1870 and settled in Mitchell county, Iowa, and in 1880 came to Hancock county. By occupation the father was a farmer.
Charles A. Hartwig was about nine years of age when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world and in this state he grew to manhood with the usual educational advantages of the country boy of those days when schools were few and far apart. He began working as a section hand on the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad and was thus employed for two summers, after which he engaged in farming on rented land for three years. At the end of that time he was able to purchase one hundred and sixty acres on section 23, Magor township, Hancock county, where he has since resided, and besides this tract he now owns forty acres on section 26, the same township. This is a fertile farm under excellent cultivation and well adapted to the raising of corn, and in 1915 and 1916 Mr. Hartwig won the first prize, a silver cup, for the best corn grown in Hancock county at the Iowa Corn Growers Association. Ile is also interested in stock raising, making a specialty of Clydesdale horses, of which he has some fine specimens upon his farm.
On the 28th of August, 1895, Mr. Hartwig married Miss Paulina Zuehl, also a native of Germany and a daughter of Carl and Fredericka (Doring) Zuehl, who on coming to this country with their family located near Madison, Dane county, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Ilartwig have five children, namely: Clara Irene, Oscar Carl, Ella A., Emma Paulina and Lena F., all at home.
The family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Hartwig casts his ballot for the men and measures of the republican party. He is a stockholder in the Kanawha Elevator Company and is one of the representa- tive farmers and honored citizens of his community, held in high esteem by all who know him.
S. O. SOLOMONSON.
S. O. Solomonson, who is successfully engaged in farming on section 34, Logan township, Winnebago county, was born on the 24th of June, 1865, in the stift of Bergen, Norway, but was only a year old when brought to the United States by his parents, Ole and Carrie Solomonson. The family first located in Allamakee county, Iowa, where they spent one year, and then removed to Winneshiek county, this state, which was their home for nine years. At the end of that period they came to Winnebago county and the father purchased a farm in Newton township, which he continued to operate until his death on the 5th of April, 1909. His remains were interred in the North Prairie church cemetery. The mother is still living and resides with her son Oscar. In the family were seven children, five of whom survive, namely : S. O., of this review; Louis, a resident of Newton township, Winnehago county ; Malena, the wife of O. B. Jenson, of Lake Mills; Anna, who is living with her brother Oscar, the youngest of the family and a resident of Newton township.
S. O. Solomonson was reared to agricultural pursuits and early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of a farmer. His literary education was
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obtained in the district schools. Ile remained under the parental roof until 1892, when he purchased the southwest quarter of section 34, Logan township, Winne- bago county, and has since devoted his time and attention to its improvement and cultivation. Ile is a stockholder in the Farmers elevators at Searville and Lake Mills, the Lake Mills Lumber Company and the cooperative creameries at Scarville and Lake Mills.
On January 28, 1900, Mr. Solomonson was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah (Martinson ) Twito, the widow of John Twito, of Lake Mills, and a daughter of Ingebrit and Gertrude Martinson, of Norway township, Winnebago county, both now deceased. By her first marriage Mrs. Solomonson has four children : Helmer, now a resident of Lorraine, North Dakota; Emlet, who married Lillian Albertson and is now operating the farm which belonged to the father of Mr. Solomonson in Newton township: Isabel, the wife of Swan Green, of Logan township; and Archer, at home. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Solomonson : Catherine, Carroll, Evelyn, John F., and Milford. The family are connected with the Synod Lutheran church and are highly esteemed by all who know them. By his ballot Mr. Solomonson supports the men and measures of the republican party and he has been called upon to fill the offices of township assessor and school director, the duties of which he has most capably discharged. He is one of the representative citizens of his community.
ISAAC O. FLORENCE.
Since starting out in life for himself Isaac O. Florence has been interested in the dredging business and now carries on operations under the firm name of I. O. Florence & Company with headquarters at Thompson, Iowa, where he has made his home since 1905. He was born in Wood county, West Virginia, on the 16th of February, 1876, and that state was also the birthplace of his parents, Marshall O. and Patience A. (Boice) Florence. In 1884 the family removed to Ohio, where the father engaged in farming and contracting, and he continued to reside in the Buckeye state until called to his final rest in November, 1910. The mother is still living.
Isaac O. Florence was eight years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, where he grew to manhood, in the meantime acquiring a good common school education. At the age of twenty years he left the parental roof and began to make his own way in the world. He entered the employ of the dredging firm of A. V. Wills & Sons, of Pittsfield, Illinois, at a salary of twenty dollars per month, and remained with that company for five years. The following two years he was with C. H. Sternberg & Sons of Chicago and has since engaged in the dredging business on his own account, starting in business for himself in Indiana in 1904 under the name of the Indiana Drainage Company. The follow- ing year he came to Thompson, Iowa, but continued to carry on operations under the name of the Indiana Drainage Company until 1910, when the name was changed to I. O. Florence & Company. Ile has built up a good business, which is constantly increasing, and he has become widely and favorably known through-
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out this section of the state. His work now takes him all over Iowa and Min- nesota.
On the 4th of July, 1898, Mr. Florence married Miss Maude A. IIatten, and they have become the parents of five children, the first three born in Indiana and the others in Iowa, namely: Oral, born February 12, 1900; Dale Chadwick, February 13, 1902; Fairy Fairbanks, May 19, 1904; Glee, December 20, 1909; and Marshall O., October 12, 1914.
In religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Florence are Methodists, and he is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a republican and is now efficiently serving as a member of the Thompson school board. During his residence here he has made a host of warm friends and wherever known is held in high regard.
JOHNNIE RAKE.
Johnnie Rake, a well known, highly respected and popular resident of Rake, is cashier of the State Savings Bank. He was born in Nordfjord, Norway, July 3, 1890, a son of Cornelius and Malina Rake. The father was a farmer of Norway, where he is still living, but the mother passed away there in 1890.
At the age of six years Johnnie Rake came to America with his uncle, A. A. Rake, who had resided for a time in Minnesota and who in 1882 came to Winnebago county, finally taking up his abode on land adjoining the present site of Rake, which town was named in his honor. He cultivated his farm in Lincoln town- ship for many years and also turned his attention to general merchandising, opening a store in Rake which he owned and successfully managed for a number of years. At length his establishment was destroyed by fire. He then organized the Rake Banking Company and devoted his entire attention to the banking busi- ness until he retired from active life. While the establishment had been organized as a private bank, it was converted into a state savings bank in 1914 with a capital stock of fifteen thousand dollars. Today the bank has over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars on deposit and there is a surplus of two thousand dollars. The company erected one of the most modern bank buildings in the county in 1916. On retiring from business Arent A. Rake was succeeded as president of the bank, by A. Christopherson, with S. C. Jenswold as vice president and Johnnie Rake as cashier.
The last named was reared and educated in Lincoln township and made his initial step in the business world as assistant cashier in his uncle's bank. He thoroughly acquainted himself with the duties of the position and his developing ability secured for him the position of cashier in September, 1915. He is also a stockholder in the bank and his activity and efforts are contributing much to its continued success. In a word, he is actuated by a spirit of enterprise and progress and it is his habit to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. The State Savings Bank of Rake has one of the finest bank buildings in Iowa, thoroughly equipped in every way, and the policy of the bank is one which will bear the closest investigation and serntiny. In addition to his connection there- with Mr. Rake is treasurer of the Lineoln Cooperative Creamery Company.
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In his political belief Mr. Rake is a republican and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. For more than a year he has been city clerk of Rake and is also school treasurer. Ile takes a deep interest in all community affairs, giving his aid and influence on the side of progress and improvement, and is a most public-spirited citizen.
THOMAS HOLTAN.
For many years Thomas Holtan has been prominently identified with the agri- cultural and business interests of Winnebago county and has been an important factor in the development of this region along various lines. He resides upon the old homestead on section 16, Mount Valley township, which his father purchased on coming to this county in 1866, and is successfully engaged in its operation. He is also interested in a number of business enterprises that have an important bearing upon the prosperity of the locality.
Mr. Holtan was born in Olmsted county, Minnesota, on the 3d of January, 1866, and is a son of Hans and Margit (Torgerson ) Holtan, who came to the United States from Norway in 1862 and located in Ohnsted county, Minnesota, but after residing there for four years came to Winnebago county, Iowa. The father pur- chased a quarter section of land on section 16, Mount Valley township, but did not locate there until the spring of 1867, the family spending the winter with Harris Olson. Mr. Holtan began the erection of a log house upon his farm but only com- pleted about a third of it at that time. Into this the family moved and continued to live about five years before the entire building was roofed and finished. In 1885 Mr. Holtan bought an adjoining eighty acres but the following year went to McLean county, North Dakota, where he took up a homestead and continued to reside until his death, which occurred on the 3d of October, 1915. llis wife had passed away July 6, 1906. As a republican he took a very active and prominent part in local politics in early days and filled a number of offices, including those of road commissioner, school director, school treasurer and assessor. Both he and his wife were faithful members of the United Lutheran church and were most estimable people. He became a large land owner having at one time nine hundred and sixty acres in MeLean county, North Dakota, and three hundred and twenty acres in Montana.
It was during his infancy that Thomas Holtan was brought to Winnebago county, where he was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farmer boys at that time. When his father went to North Dakota, he took charge of the home farm here, which he operated alone for two years and later in partnership with his brother Halvor, but a year after his marriage this business connection was dissolved and Halvor removed to his own farm. Thomas Holtan continued to rent the old homestead for the following four years and operated it independently. In 1896 he purchased the place and has since made many improvements thereon, including the erection of good modern farm buildings, so that it is now one of the best improved farms of the locality. Mr. Holtan has not confined his attention solely to agricultural pursuits but is now serving as president of the Citizens Mutual Telephone Company, is a stockholder and director of the Forest City Cooperative
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Creamery Company ; a stockholder of the Lake Mills Lumber Company; and of both the Leland and Forest City Farmers Elevator Companies.
On the 3d of June, 1891, Mr. IFoltan was united in marriage to Miss Esther Thorvildson, a daughter of Aslag Thorvildson, who came to the United States from Norway about 1861 and settled in Fillmore county, Minnesota, but in 1865 became a resident of Center township, Winnebago county, lowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Holtan have been born nine children, all of whom are still living, namely: Tilda A., at home; Mabel H., the wife of Theodore Fjelstad, of Center township; Edwin C .; Sarah A .; the wife of Peter Itaugen, a farmer residing near Leland ; and Ella H., Agnes B., Hilda G., Hans O. and Bertha K., all at home.
Since attaining his majority Mr. IFoltan has affiliated with the republican party and he is now serving his third term as township trustee. He has filled the office of school treasurer for twenty years and has always taken an active and commend- able interest in public affairs. Ife and his family hold membership in the United Lutheran church and are people of prominence in the community where they reside.
KNUT M. LARSEN.
Knut M. Larsen is a self-made man who has won success through indefatigable effort and persistency of purpose. He resides on section 19, Norway township, Winnebago county, where he has a valuable farm property, and he is also officially and financially connected with several business enterprises of this section of the state. He was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, June 10, 1864, a son of Michael and Martha (Knutson) Larsen, who were natives of Norway but were married in the United States. They had a family of five children: Louis, who is living in Stockholm, South Dakota; Mrs. Betsey Peck, a resident of Salem, Oregon; Knut M., of this review; Lena, the wife of Andrew Lunda, whose home is near Parker, South Dakota; and Martha, the wife of M. O. Sletten, of Norway township.
In the year of his birth Knut M. Larsen was taken by his parents to Worth county, Iowa, where the father purchased a small farm, and there both he and his wife passed away when their son, Knut M. Larsen, was but seven years ago, their remains being interred in Silver Lake cemetery. The boy, thus left an orphan, afterward lived with his uncle, Itans Ingebritson, an early settler of Norway township, Winnebago county, with whom he remained until he reached the age of fourteen years. Ile then started out to earn his living by working as a farmi hand and was employed in that way until he reached the age of twenty-nine years, when he was married and began farming on his own account. IIe purchased the northeast quarter of section 19 and the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of the same section in Norway township and thus became the owner of two hundred acres of rich and productive land which he has since owned and occupied. His labors are manifest in the highly cultivated fields and in the good improvements which he has put upon the property. Almost his entire time is devoted to its further development and improvement and annually he gathers good crops which are the reward of his industry and perseverance. He has had other business inter- ests and connections. He is now a trustee and was formerly the manager of the Scarville Creamery. He acted as manager for eight years and at the present
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time is vice president of the company. He is also a director and the vice president of the Farmers Elevator at Scarville and is a director of the Lake Mills Lumber Company.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Larsen chose Miss Betsey Bakken, her parents being Harry and Tilda Bakken, of Winneshiek county, who are now deceased and lie buried in that county. Mr. and Mrs. Larsen have eight children, namely: A. Melvin, Harry O., John C., Tilda, George A., Benja- min, Kalmer L., and Clifford L.
Mr. and Mrs. Larsen hold membership in the United Lutheran church and he votes with the republican party. For one term he served as township clerk and for eight years he filled the office of school director. He stands for all that is beneficial to the community and heartily cooperates in many plans and movements for the general good. At the same time he has carefully managed his business affairs and energy and reliability have brought him success. While he started out empty- handed, he is now in the possession of a comfortable competence. His home place is a highly improved farm in the midst of which stands a fine modern residence, indicating that he is now able to surround himself with all of life's comforts and some of its luxuries.
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