USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 40
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 40
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publie good. The large measure of financial success which he has gained is due in part to the excellent opportunities which this section affords and which led to his locating here, but it is due to a greater extent to his industry, business insight and perseverance, for without such qualities in the individual the most favorable chances are of little worth. His residence is thoroughly modern and is one of the most attractive homes in the town. There his friends often gather, for hospital- ity is one of his most marked characteristics. Ile is not only one of the pioneers of Corwith but is also one of its most highly esteemed citizens, and no history of Hancock county would be complete without a record of his life.
ARENT A. RAKE.
The life record of Arent A. Rake constitutes an important chapter in the devel- opment and upbuilding of Winnebago county, especially that section which is comprised within Lincoln township. Moreover, his history should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what may be accom- plished through persistent energy and indefatigable effort. He was born in Nor- way, November 3, 1858, and is a son of Arent and Malinda (Loen) Rake, who were also natives of the land of the midnight sun. The father was a farmer by occupation and died in Norway in 1897, having for more than a decade survived his wife, who passed away in 1885.
Arent A. Rake was reared and educated in Norway and remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of nineteen years, when he heard and heeded the call of the west. Bidding adieu to friends and native land, he sailed for the new world in 1878 and took up his abode at Wells, Minnesota. In that locality he worked by the month as a farm hand for two years, after which he felt that his experience and his age justified him in beginning business for himself. He then rented land, which he continued to cultivate for two years, and in 1882 he came to Winnebago county, Iowa, where he purchased land on section 16, Lincoln township. This he improved and operated until 1910, when he sold his farm, having in the meantime won a substantial measure of success by the use of prac- tical and progressive methods in tilling his fields and caring for his crops. In 1886 he had established a postoffice and around this clustered various homes and business interests leading to the gradual upbuilding of the town of Rake. Later he established a general merchandise store there and continued in the business for fifteen years. In 1907 he established a private bank under the name of the Rake Banking Company, of which he became president. He instituted a safe policy, tempering progressiveness by a wise conservatism, and his careful control of the interests of the bank led to its continuous growth. In 1914 it was reor- ganized into a state savings bank, of which he became the president and so served until 1915, when, desiring to retire from active business life. he sold his interest. He occupies an attractive residence in the west part of the town, surrounded by sixteen acres of land, which he cultivates, thus occupying his time, for indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and he would not be content without some occupation. He is also a stockholder in the Cooperative Creamery Company, of which he was one of the organizers. lle likewise aided in organizing the
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Farmers Elevator Company of Rake, of which he was president, but is not inter- ested financially therein at the present time. He is likewise a stockholder of the Bankers Trust Company of Des Moines, capitalized for one million dollars, and is a stockholder in the Twin City Insurance Company of Minneapolis.
In December, 1879, Mr. Rake was united in marriage to Miss Rande Elling- son and to them were born six children: Theodore, an automobile dealer of Rake; Mary ; Laura; Minnie; Josie: and Abbie.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Rake's position concerning the temperance question has led him to ally himself with the pro- hibition party. He has served as township clerk and as trustee of Lincoln town- ship. He has long been a member of the school board of his locality, was treas- urer at the time that the three townships were consolidated and is now president of the board. He has taken an active and helpful interest in church work and upon his farm built the Lutheran church, which was later removed to the town. Ilis aid and influence have always been on the side of right and progress, reform, truth and improvement, and his honorable and upright career has established him very high in public regard. His life work has indeed been a valuable element in the upbuilding of the section in which he lives.
THORVIL A. THORVILSON.
Thorvil A. Thorvilson is now occupying the homestead in Center township, Winnebago county, and ranks high both as a grain raiser and stock raiser. He was born upon that place on the 4th of November, 1868, of the marriage of Aslak and Ture (Gulbrandson) Thorvilson, who came to America from their native Norway in 1861 and located in Fillmore county, Minnesota. After farming there for five years they removed to Winnebago county, lowa, and the father purchased a relinquishment of one hundred and sixty acres on section 22, Center township, to which he subsequently added an adjoining eighty acres. He at once set about clearing and improving his place, which became in time one of the highly devel- oped farms of the county. IIe devoted his attention to its operation until his death, which occurred in March, 1895, when he was sixty-four years old. His wife survived him until January 1, 1913, passing away at the age of seventy-eight years.
Thorvil A. Thorvilson was reared upon the homestead and is indebted for his education to the district schools. After attaining his majority he became his father's partner in the operation of the farm, and this relationship was main- tained until the death of Mr. Thorvilson, Sr. Later our subject bought the inter- ests of the other heirs in one hundred and eighty acres of the home place and has since farmed that property independently. He has placed unusually good im- provements thereon and taken advantage of all inventions that simplify the work of cultivating the fields. IIe not only grows large crops of grain annually but also raises about sixty head of hogs a year. Ile is interested financially in the Farmers Elevator Company at Lake Mills, in the Lake Mills Lumber Company and in the Lake Mills Creamery Company.
On the 17th of March, 1903, Mr. Thorvilson was married to Miss Andrea
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Tweten, a daughter of Ole O. and Susanna Tweten, pioneers of Iowa, an account of whose lives appears elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Thorvilson have been born seven children, namely: Adolph O., Stella, Bernice, Horace, Mabel, Thelma and Obert. The four oldest are attending school.
Mr. Thorvilson is a stanch republican in his political belief and loyally sup- ports the candidates and measures of that party at the polls. He is serving as trustee of Center township, which office he has held for two years, and his efficiency and devotion to the public welfare are generally recognized by his constituents. He holds membership in the Lutheran church and the highest moral principles have guided his life in all its relations.
HANS J. KNUTSON.
No history of the pioneer development of Winnebago county would be com- plete without mention of Hans J. Knutson, who in the period of earliest develop- ment here established his home in Norway township and for many years thereafter was closely associated with agricultural interests. He was a native of Norway and his parents never left that land. It was in the year 1853 that he crossed the Atlantic and took up his abode in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he resided for three years. During that period he was united in marriage to Miss Ingeborg Dahl, who was also a native of Norway and came to America when about eighteen years of age in company with her sister, Mrs. II. G. Emmons, who was a repre- sentative of one of the first nine families to come to Winnebago county. It was in 1856 that these families left Dane county, Wisconsin, and with ox teams drove across the country to this locality. Although they settled near each other, the homes of some of the party were in Norway township, Winnebago county, while the others were in Worth county, Iowa, and Freeborn county, Minnesota. They were the families of Colben Larson, Hans J. Knutson, Ole Terum, Narve Grun- hovd, Eric Braaton, H. G. Emmons, Hendrick Larson, Stengrim Jelle and Louis Nelson.
Hans J. Knutson took up a homestead on the southwest quarter of section 10, Norway township, Winnebago county, which he cleared, drained and improved, and as time passed he added to this the southeast quarter of section 9 and the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 10, making three hundred and sixty acres in all. This he converted into a fine farm and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on the 4th of March, 1888. His wife survived him for a long period, passing away on the 5th of January, 1906, when she was laid to rest by his side in Lime Creek cemetery. This worthy couple were the parents of five sons and two daughters, of whom the eldest, K. II., died in 1916. The others were: Tina, who became the wife of Iver Lien and died in 1914; Mary, the wife of Veger Gulbrandson, living in Albert Lea, Minne- sota; Lewis II., who is still owner of the old homestead, which is now one of the best improved farms in Winnebago county; Ole, a resident of Emmons, Minne- sota ; and Magnus and Anton, who died in childhood.
Having deliberately chosen to become an American citizen, Hans J. Knutson was always loyal to the interests of his adopted land and proved his allegiance
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by active service during the Civil war when he became one of the defenders of the Union. His regiment was attached to the army under the command of General Sherman, with whom he participated in various hotly contested campaigns as well as the march to the sea. When hostilities ceased he returned home, but never completely regained his health. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he stood at all times for what he believed to be the best interests of the majority. He was an excellent farmer and through his own unaided etforts won prosperity. In the passing of Mr. and Mrs. Hans J. Knutson the county lost two of its best known and most worthy pioneer settlers. In the middle of the nineteenth century they had cast in their lot with the early resi- dents of northern lowa when the work of progress and improvement seemed scarcely begun in all this region. There were great traets of uncultivated prairie land and the timber was uncut. Few roads had been made and it was a long distance to market. The country offered no advantages save that land was to be had at a very low figure. It required much strenuous effort, however, to convert it into productive fields, but this did not deter the Knutsons and other substantial Nor- wegian families that were here founded, and they should ever be remembered as among those who laid broad and deep the foundation for the present progress and prosperity of the county.
ROSCOE W. WILLES.
Roseoe W. Wiles, living on section 19, Avery township, is a well known repre- sentative of agricultural interests in Hancock county. He was born on the 31st of May, 1882, a son of Martin L. and Janet (Christie) Wiles. The father was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, May 2, 1840, and when twenty-six years of age removed to Hancock county, lowa, locating on section 17, Avery township. The mother is a native of Canada and of Scotch parentage. In early life she accom- panied her parents on their removal to Wisconsin, where she resided for two years, and in May, 1861, came to Hancock county, lowa, becoming one of the pioneer school teachers of this locality. She is still living on the old home farm in Avery township, at the age of eighty-seven years, but her husband has passed away. They were married on the 13th of February, 1877. Mr. Wiles took quite a prominent part in local affairs and efficiently served as township secretary, clerk, trustee and school director.
Roscoe W. Wiles was a pupil in the district schools of Avery township until he reached the age of fourteen years, when he began farming for himself. Although but a boy, he was ambitious to earn something, and he planted sixteen acres to corn, from which he gathered seventy bushels to the acre. He continued upon the old homestead until 1912 and then purchased eighty acres of land on section 20, Avery township. He also received sixty aeres through inheritance and today has a good tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which he is carefully and sys- tematically cultivating. That his labors are practical is shown in the good results achieved, for he annually gathers substantial harvests which bring to him a gratify- ing yearly income.
On the 12th of June, 1912, Mr. Wiles was married to Miss Flora Schuldt, a daughter of Henry and Flora (Avenger) Schuldt, who were natives of Germany
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and of Iowa respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Wiles now have three children, Oliver R., Wilber and Eunice J.
Mr. Wiles votes with the republican party, which he has always supported since attaining his majority, and his religious faith is indicated in his member- ship in the United Brethren church. A lifelong resident of this section of the state, he is well known and is spoken of in terms of warm regard by reason of his enterprise and reliability in business, his loyalty and progressiveness in citizenship and his faithfulness to any trust reposed in him.
CHARLES ROLIN WOOD.
Charles Rolin Wood, a successful attorney of Corwith, practicing in both the state and federal courts, is also known for the large share which he has had in the upbuilding of his town. He was born in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county, New York, February 15, 1851. Ilis father, Charles R. Wood, was born in that county, April 26, 1818, and was there reared and educated. In 1854 he took np his residence on a farm near Yorkville, Kendall county, Illinois, and there he followed agricultural pursuits until his death in 1884 at the age of sixty-six years. lle was married in St. Lawrence county, New York, to Miss Mary A. Gilbert, who was born and educated in New Britain, Connecticut. She passed away in Onarga, Illinois. To them were born eight children, of whom but three survive: Harriet A., the wife of Rev. O. W. Van Opdel, D. D., pastor of the Wealthy Avenue Baptist church of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Charles Rolin ; and Herbert E., who is a stockman living at Yorkville, Illinois. The eldest son, Edgar II. Wood, enlisted at Aurora, Illinois, August 10, 1862, in the Eighty- ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in battle near Dallas, Georgia, May 27, 1864. Another son, James S. Wood, enlisted at Aurora, Illinois, March 10, 1863, in the Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, which regiment was sub- sequently converted into the Tenth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. He contracted a disease which resulted in his death in January, 1865. His widow and two daughters live at Rock Island, Illinois.
Charles R. Wood received his early education in the district schools of Ken- dall county, Illinois, and in the schools of Yorkville, that state, and he began the study of law in Aledo, Mercer county. He was admitted to the bar at Ottawa, Illinois, September 23, 1878, and for a time practiced at Aledo and Rock Island, but in 1881 removed to Ottawa, Kansas, and was admitted to the Kansas bar November 14, 1884. On the 2d of January, 1891, he became a resident of Corwith, Hancock county, Iowa, and on the 4th of October. 1894, became a member of the lowa bar. He has since been admitted to practice in the federal as well as the state courts and his clientage is both large and representative. He is careful in the preparation of his cases, neglecting no point that might have a bearing upon the outcome of the trial, and in presenting his evidence is logieal and forceful, and his record of cases won compares favorably with that of any other attorney in the district. There is only one man who outranks him in length of practice in the county and he is held in the highest esteem by his professional brethren as well as by the general public. He was elected county
CHARLES R. WOOD
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attorney in 1894 and was reelected in 1896 and in 1910 and in 1912 was again chosen for that position, serving in all for four terms of two years each and making a record in that capacity that was an honor to himself and to the county.
Mr. Wood was married at Aledo, Illinois, on the 9th of July, 1878, to Miss Linnie R. Houk. She is a daughter of Rufus Cowden and Lydia A. Houk, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a veteran of the Civil war and in all relations of life measured up to high standards of manhood. Both he and his wife have passed away. Mrs. Wood was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but accom- panied her parents on their removal to Aledo, Illinois, and was there reared and educated. She has become the mother of four children: Charles Rolin, Jr., who was born in Rock Island, Illinois, is a graduate of the lowa State College at Ames and is a civil engineer residing at Cerro Gordo; Helen 11., who was born at Corwith and is at home; and two who are deceased.
Mr. Wood is a stalwart republican in polities and gives careful study to the questions and issues of the day. He is a charter member of Paradise Lodge, No. 553, A. F. & A. M., of Corwith, in which he has held all of the chairs ; has taken the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Consistory No. 2 at Cedar Rapids, lowa ; is a past worthy patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, and is also a member of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, No. 1, at Cedar Rapids. His wife is a past worthy matron of the Eastern Star and is likewise a member of the White Shrine. His fraternal connections also include membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Emporia, Kansas. He and his wife are very active members of the Baptist church, of which he is elerk and treasurer, and his son is also a prominent church worker. He belongs to the lowa Bar Association and has a wide acquaintance among the lawyers of the state. For the past twenty-five years he has been prominently identified. with all move- ments for the improvement of Corwith and Hancock county, and is conceded to have done much for the advancement of the town. A man of strong character and quiet dignity, it is but natural that he should have gained a position of leader- ship, and another side of his personality is evidenced in the number and strength of his friendships.
GEORGE T. GEIBEL.
George T. Geibel, who is engaged in general farming on section 9, Boone town- ship, Hancock county, was born in Germany on the 23d of July, 1852, his parents being George and Mary (Geibel) Geibel. The father died in Germany, but the mother came to America in 1872. George T. Geibel acquired his edneation in his native country, attending the schools of that land until he reached the age of fourteen years, and he also had to attend Sunday school until he reached the age of eighteen. For eight years he studied music in Germany, possessing the love of that art so characteristic of the German people. At length he determined to try his fortune in the United States and crossed the Atlantic to the new world, making his way to Iowa, where he became identified with farming interests, work- ing as a farm hand and also renting land. In this way he earned the money with which to purchase property. In 1900 he made investment in one hundred
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and sixty acres on section 9, Boone township, Hancock county, and has since occupied that place. It was a wet tract and many would have thought it impos- sible to convert it into a productive farm, but Mr. Geibel systematically under- took the task and tiled and ditched his land. the drainage converting it into productive fields. The soil is naturally rich and when the farm was drained it soon brought forth good erops in return for his plowing and planting. His work is always systematically and carefully managed and his energy and persistency of purpose have constituted the basis of his growing success.
On the 9th of November. 1881, Mr. Geibel was married to Miss Lizzie Moschel, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Christian and Marie ( Sandneyer) Moschel, who were natives of Germany. At an early day they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and became residents of Washburn, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Geibel are the parents of four children, George II., Mary E., John S. and Joseph C. The first two and the last named of this family are married. while John resides upon the home farm.
The religious faith of the family is that of the German Lutheran church, and to its teachings Mr. and Mrs. Geibel give their loyal adherence. Hle votes with the republican party, but does not seek nor desire office. Coming to America, he found here the business opportunities which he sought. Ile has enjoyed the advantages here offered, the protection of the laws of the land and the benefit of its business conditions and in return he renders to it loyal allegiance.
A. W. JOHNSON.
Notably energetic, prompt and reliable, A. W. Johnson has made an excellent record as a representative of commercial interests at Garner, where he located in March, 1915, to engage in the sale of boots, shoes, furnishings and ready-to-wear clothing. Iowa claims him as a native son, for he was born in Dubuque, July 9, 1876, his parents being J. E. and Elizabeth (O'Shay) Johnson. The father, a native of Lakeland, Minnesota, was employed for a long period as a sawyer by the KnapStout Lumber Company.
A. W. Johnson is indebted to the public school system of Rockwell, Iowa, for the early educational opportunities which he enjoyed and which were supple- mented by a two years' course at Grinnell College. He then became connected with the elothing business in the capacity of clerk and in 1898 went to Mason City, Iowa, where he engaged in clerking for Mitchell Brothers and also for the Ensign Company. In 1906 he embarked in business on his own account in con- nection with C. H. Barber, but after conducting the store for five years sold out. He then became head salesman for Gildner Brothers, of Mason City, and in March, 1915, came to Garner, where he purchased an interest in the branch store of Gildner Brothers. Here he has since been engaged in dealing in boots, shoes, furnishings and ready-to-wear clothing, occupying a one story and basement build- ing twenty-two by seventy-five feet, having two clerks and a manager. Under his guidance the business has steadily grown and he puts forth every legitimate effort to extend its trade connections.
In 1903 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Kate A. Barber, of
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Mason City, Iowa, and they have a wide acquaintance in Garner and this section of the state. Fraternally Mr. Johnson is a Mason and in polities is a republican. Ile was one of the organizers of the Booster (Inb of Garner and became its first president. The club has between seventy-five and one hundred members and has raised over thirty-five hundred dollars during the past year for public improve- ments. It was through its agency that the electric street lighting was established. The club also opened up a new street for the town, maintains the rest room at the public library and makes it possible to have the library open five and a half hours per day, when previously it was open only eight hours per week. The club holds monthly banquets, when good speakers address its members upon live questions of the day. Mr. Johnson, as the president, is agitating the question of paving on Main street and in all that he has undertaken has been actuated by a most commendable public spirit. Ile never stops short of successful accomplishment in what he undertakes, his carefully formulated plans being carried forward to completion.
C. N. ANDERSON.
C. N. Anderson, living on section 17, Twin Lake township, Hancock county, belongs to that class of substantial citizens that Norway has furnished to Iowa. He was born in the land of the midnight sun May 20, 1867. a son of Nels and Bertha Anderson, who were also natives of that country. It was in 1871 that the father came to the United States, reaching Chicago about the time of the great fire. He had been a resident of this country about two years when he was joined by his family, for he had determined to make America his permanent place of abode. From 1874 until 1880 they were residents of Mitchell county, Iowa, and when six years had passed they came to Hancock county in 1880. Here the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land situated on section 17, Twin Lake township. and bent his energies to the development and improvement of the farm.
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