USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 49
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 49
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
Ole Osmundson was only three years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Winnebago county, lowa. For a few years the family made their home in Mount Valley township but later removed to Linden township, where he received a limited education in the district schools. On putting aside his textbooks at the age of fifteen years he began work as a farm hand and was thus employed in this locality until he attained the age of twenty. During the following five years he spent much of his time upon the Pacific coast, working in various places, and then returned to Winnebago county, taking up his abode in Lake Mills. For two years he conducted a meat market and then turned his attention to the livery business, in which he was engaged for five years. On selling his livery stable he began dealing in real estate, which business claimed his attention for several years. In the meantime, however, he served as sheriff of Winnebago county. In 1906 he was appointed to that position to fill out an
504
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
unexpired term and the following year was elected for a two years' term. So acceptably did he till the office that he was reelected, serving in all five years. At the expiration of that time he returned to Lake Mills and resumed business as a real estate dealer.
In April, 1892, Mr. Osmundson was united in marriage to Miss Emma Anderson, a daughter of John A. and Betsy ( Berdahl) Anderson, who were early settlers of Center township, Winnebago county, but both are now deceased, their remains being interred in the Forest City cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Osmundson have one child, Edna O., at home.
The family occupy a nice home in Lake Mills, and besides this property Mr. Osmundson also owns the northeast quarter of section 19, Newton township. Success has come to him through untiring industry and good management of his affairs and he is now one of the substantial citizens of his town. In polities he is a stanch republican and has always exerted considerable influence in political affairs and has been honored with a number of official positions of trust and responsibility. For several terms he has served on the city council in Lake Mills and also filled the office of county supervisor for four years besides serving as sheriff of the county. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen and never withholds his support from any enterprise which he believes will promote the general welfare.
JOHN N. HOLMAN.
The contribution which Norway has made to the citizenship of Winnebago county is a most valuable one, for those who have come from the land of the midnight sun have, on the whole, been men of business ability, possessing the industry, determination and enterprise which characterize the Norwegian race. They have therefore contributed in a very large measure to the substantial devel- opment, progress and prosperity of this section.
John N. Holman, living on section 24, Eden township, was born near Drammen, in Modum, Norway, January 6, 1868, a son of Nels Anderson and Gunhild (Gaaserud) Holman, who were farming people. Their family numbered seven children, of whom four are yet living: Maren, who is still in Norway: Julia, the wife of Gregger Greggerson, of Norway; Andrew, living in Grand Forks county. North Dakota ; and John N. The father died when the last named was but four years of age and the mother afterward married Lars Erickson, by whom she had two children : Lewis, a resident of Polk county, Minnesota; and Gunda, the wife of Theodore Johnson, of Eden township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lars Erickson have now passed away. They came to the United States when Mr. Ilolman of this review was but twelve years of age, establishing their home in Eden township, Winnebago county, in 1880. There they lived for two years and then removed to Steele county, North Dakota, where Mr. Erickson took up a homestead. Later they returned to Winnebago county and took up their abode with Mr. Holman. Mrs. Erickson died at the home of her son and was laid to rest in Bethel cemetery. About two years before Mrs. Erickson died Mr. Erickson returned to Norway to visit his daughter and while there passed away.
1
505
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
John N. Holman is largely indebted to the pioneer schools of lowa and of Dakota for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. He continued his studies to the age of sixteen and afterward worked as a farm hand for others until he had passed the age of thirty years. He next rented a farm in Logan township upon which he lived for six years, and his energy and industry during that period brought to him the capital which enabled him at length to purchase land. He acquired one hundred and twenty acres on section 24, Eden township, upon which he placed excellent improvements, and upon that farm he has since made his home.
tn 1896 Mr. Hohnan was united in marriage to Miss Mary Engebretson, a daughter of Christian and Maren Engebretson, of Logan township, and they are the parents of seven living children: Nora, Gina, Mabel, James, George, Andrew and Melvin, all of whom are still under the parental roof. They also lost one son, Clarence, who died at the age of sixteen years.
The religious faith of the family is that of the United Lutheran church, while in political belief Mr. Holman is a republican, and his fellow townsmen, appre- ciative of his worth and ability, have called him to various publie offices in which he has capably served. For three terms he was township assessor, was for four years township trustee and from June to November, 1912, was a member of the board of county supervisors. He has also been a precinct committeeman of the republican party and he does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party in Winnebago county. He keeps abreast with modern political thought and is able to support his position by intelligent argument. He is today the owner of a fine farm, and while he started out empty handed, he is now numbered among the men of affluence of his district.
NELS GUNDERSON OPSAHL.
Nels Gunderson Opsahl, who was long well known as an active, enterprising and highly respected farmer of Norway township, devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits on section 32, and Winnebago county claimed him as one of its representative citizens. He was born in Norway in 1839 and resided in his native land until he reached young manhood. His parents never came to the United States, but he determined to try his fortune on this side the Atlantic and made his way to the new world, settling in Worth county, Iowa, where he was employed as a farm hand up to the time of his marriage, which occurred when he was twenty-nine years of age. Ile then bought eighty aeres of land in Worth county which he cultivated for a few years. He next removed to North Dakota, taking up a elaim near Park River, after which he proved up on the property and secured title thereto. He then returned to Worth county, where he engaged in the cultivation of rented land until 1897. In that year he removed to Winnebago county and purchased one hundred and sixty aeres, comprising the northwest quarter of section 32, Norway township. That tract still remains the home place of his family. He bent his energies to the further development and improvement of the farm and made it one of the excellent properties of the neighborhood, bringing the fields to a high state of cultivation.
506
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
When twenty-nine years of age Mr. Opsahl was married to Miss Ingeberg Brua, a daughter of Nels Torkelson and Anna Brua, who were natives of Norway. They were married, however, in Wisconsin, of which state Mrs. Opsahl is a native. On leaving Wisconsin her parents took up their abode in Winneshiek county, lowa, and afterward established their home in Freeborn county, Minnesota, where the father continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits until his demise. His life was ever an upright, honorable one, being guided by the teachings of the Lutheran church, in which he held membership, and he was laid to rest in the Lutheran cemetery just over the state line in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Opsahl became the parents of eight children, of whom one died in infancy, the others being: Gustinus, who is assisting in the cultivation of the home farm; Nikolai, also on the home place: Albert, who is living at Albert Lea, Minnesota; Lars, at home: Ida, the wife of Carl Qualle, of Norway township, Winnebago county ; Bernard, whose home is at Twin Lakes, Minnesota ; and Johan, upon the home place.
Mr. Opsahl continued to carry on the farm work until his death, which occurred in March, 1915. when he was seventy-six years of age. Ilis was an active and useful life, and those who knew him entertained for him warm regard, because of his many sterling traits of character and his reliability in business affairs. He was laid to rest in the Lutheran cemetery at. Scarville. He had long been a member of the Lutheran church and in his political views he was a republican. Mrs. Opsahl still resides upon the home farm with her sons and is one of the highly esteemed ladies of the neighborhood. She has carefully reared her family and hy her wise management of the household affairs contributed in no small measure to her husband's success.
OSMUND O. FELLE.
When Osmund O. Felle purchased his present farm on section 3, Center town- ship, Winnebago county, it was covered with timber which had to be cleared before the land could be placed under cultivation. This fact indicates that he is one of the pioneer settlers of the county, and during the many years of his residence here he has ranked as a capable farmer and a public-spirited citizen. His birth occurred in Norway on the 1st of January, 1843, and his parents were Ole and Karie (Jorgensen) Felle, who passed their entire lives in that country.
Osmund O. Folle was reared and educated in his native land, remaining there until 1820, when he came to the United States. Ile at once made his way to Winnebago county, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres on section 3, Center township. He immediately set about clearing his place of timber and as soon as possible planted the usual crops. As the years have passed he has erected good buildings and otherwise improved his farm, and he derives from his land a gratifying annual income. lle actively engaged in its operation for many years, but is now living practically retired, leaving the farm work to others. He owns stock in the Lake Mills Creamery Company and derives from that investment a good return.
On the 4th of February, 1876, Mr. Felle was united in marriage to Miss
507
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
Susanna Osmund, and to them were born two sons, Osmund and Ole, both of whom, however, died in infancy. They have an adopted son, Frank R., who was born December 31, 1881, and is now operating the home place, though he formerly engaged in railroading.
Mr. Felle supports the republican party by his ballot, but has never been an aspirant for office. In religious faith he is a Lutheran. The competence which he enjoys is the direct result of his industry and good management, and his many admirable personal qualities have gained for him the respect of all with whom he has come in contact.
HENRY H. STERRENBERG.
Henry H. Sterrenberg, living on section 1, King township, is the owner of one of the valuable and attractive farms of Winnebago county and is prominently known as one of the leading stock raisers, making a specialty of handling thorough- bred Aberdeen-Angus cattle. He was born in Germany, March 20, 1857, and is a son of W. and Kuna (Haupmann) Sterrenberg, who were also natives of that country, where the father followed the occupation of farming throughout his entire life. Ile passed away in 1911, having long survived his wife, whose death occurred in 1862.
In his youthful days Henry H. Sterrenberg assisted his father in farm work in Germany, there remaining until 1881, when, attracted by the reports which he had heard concerning the opportunities of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic when a young man of twenty-four years. He located in Hardin county, Iowa, and during the second year of his residence at Abbott he engaged in general mer- chandising, which he followed for seventeen years. He next came to Winnebago county, Iowa, and moved upon a farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 1, King township, which he had previously purchased. To this he has added, extending the boundaries of his farm until it now comprises four hundred and sixteen acres of splendidly improved land. He has continuously and successfully operated his farm and has recently completed one of the finest residences in the county. IIis farm work has been carried on with notable skill and efficiency, and everything about his place indicates his careful supervision and his practical and progressive methods. His farm is cross-fenced, dividing it into forty acre fields, and it is all tiled, the drainage making his fields very productive. He practices the rotation of crops and utilizes many modern scientific methods of improving his farm. He makes a specialty of handling pure bred Aberdeen- Angus cattle, keeps a herd of one hundred and twenty-five head on hand and feeds and ships about two carloads of cattle annually. He also is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company and in the Cooperative Creamery Company of Thompson.
In 1885 Mr. Sterrenberg was united in marriage to Miss Anna Albertus, and to them have been born four children, John, William, Kuna and Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Sterrenberg hold to the Lutheran faith and are generous supporters of the church. His political endorsement is given to the republican party, and while he has never sought nor desired public office, he has served for a number of years
C
508
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
as a member of the school board and the cause of education finds in him a stal- wart champion. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to try his fortune on this side the Atlantic. He felt that his efforts would not be as ham- pered in this country as in his native land and he was ambitious to make the best possible use of his time and talents. Gradually he has worked his way upward and each year has marked his advancement in a business way until he now stands as one of the foremost representatives of the farming and stock raising interests of Winnebago county. Ile enjoys, moreover, the high regard and respect of all with whom he has come in contact, for his business methods have been reliable and he has never taken advantage of the necessity of a fellowman in any commercial transaction.
ROBERT CLARK PLUMMER.
With the development of the financial interests of Forest City the name of Plummer is prominently connected and throughout the period of his business activity Robert Clark Plummer has been connected with the First National Bank. He has also taken a prominent part in promoting public interests. Hle was appointed postmaster in March, 1914, but resigned in 1947. Forest City claims him as a native son. lle was born November 4, 1871, a son of Brookins A. and Margaret Jane ( Brentner) Phunmer, the former a native of New York and the latter of lowa. Further mention of them appears elsewhere in this work.
Reared under the parental roof, Robert (. Plummer acquired a public school education supplemented by a business course, and when his textbooks were put aside he entered the First National Bank, beoming an active assistant of his father. Ile has since been connected with the business and has made an excellent record as a financier and progressive business man. In 1914 he was called to the office of postmaster through appointment of President Wilson in March of that year and resigned March 1, 1917.
In 1891 Mr. Plummer was uniled in marriage to Miss Ella A. Sweigard, of Garner, lowa, and they have two children, Ruth and Lehman. The parents are widely and favorably known in the social circles of the city and the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. The interests of life are with Mr. Plummer well balanced. He gives due time and attention to business and to his public duties and as a man and citizen his life measures up to high standards.
SEVERT L. HAMERSLAND.
Norway has furnished to Winnebago county many of its substantial and valued citizens and this number includes Severt L. Hamersland, who resides on section 32, Forest township. He was born January 2, 1874, in the land of the midnight sun, his parents being Barney and Belle ( Bouge) Hamersland, who were also natives of Norway. They came to America in 1877 and first settled in Lee
509
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
county, Illinois, where the mother passed away, after which the father came to Iowa, establishing his home in Story county, where he is still living. In the family were six children and fonr of the number still survive.
Severt L. Hamersland was a little lad of but three summers when brought to the new world and much of his boyhood and youth was passed in Story county, Iowa, where he attended the public schools and through the summer months worked upon the home farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He remained at home until he attained his majority and then rented a farm in Story county, upon which he lived for a decade. In 1910 he purchased the farm upon which he now resides on section 32, Forest township, Winnebago connty, comprising a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land which is naturally rich and productive and which responds readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon it, producing excellent crops of corn, wheat and other cereals. He is at once practical and progressive in his methods and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates his careful supervision. Hle is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Forest City.
On December 14, 1900, Mr. Ilamersland was married to Miss Anna Boyd, a native of Illinois, and they have become the parents of six children: Beatrice, Annette, Earl, Knute, Willard and Hazel. The parents are consistent and faithful members of the Lutheran church and their many sterling traits of character have won for them the confidence and goodwill of all with whom they have been brought in contact. Mr. Hamersland is a self-made man, for he started out empty handed to earn his living and from that point has steadily progressed, reaching the position which he now occupies as one of the substantial and respected citizens of Winnebago county.
SIMON ELLINGSON STENE.
Business enterprise and determination finds expression in the life work of Simon Ellingson Stene, who for almost half a century has lived in Norway town- ship, Winnebago county. He was born August 30, 1845, in Norway, his parents being Ellings Simonson and Martha (Oinm) Stene, who were farming people and reared a family of three children. They never came to the United States, spending their entire lives in the land of the midnight sun. The father was born in Aurland, Sogn, and the mother in Vestre Slire, Valders, Norway.
Simon E. Stene remained in his native country until he had attained his majority and then crossed the Atlantic, becoming a resident of Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he worked at farm labor. In 1868, however, he crossed the border into Iowa and purchased a tract of land on section 11, Norway township, Winnebago county. This he has continuously cultivated since 1870, and he has purchased other land on section 7, Norway township, and one hundred and twenty acres on section 18 of the same township. Hle has thus become the owner of valuable farm property. llis labors have made the soil rich and productive, so that he annually garners substantial harvests. He has worked diligently and persistently to bring about this result and his life record is an illustration of what may be accomplished through industry and effort.
il-25
510
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
On February 12, 1872, Mr. Stene was united in marriage to Miss Betsey Nelson, a daughter of Nels and Ragnild Knutson, who were natives of Norway. After coming to the new world they established their home near Adams, Minne- sota, where the father now lies buried. In the later years of her life Mrs. Knutson lived with her daughter, Mrs. Stene, and when called to her final rest her remains were interred in Lime Creek cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Stene were born nine children, as follows: Rachel, who is the wife of M. T. Nelson, of Norway town- ship, Winnebago county : Martin, who operates the home farm ; Elling, a resident of Emmons, Minnesota ; Martha, who gave her hand in marriage to Nels Stephens, of Scarville, Winnebago county : Ingeborg, at home; Nellie, who is the wife of Oliver Honsey, of Norway township, Winnebago county; Sarah, at home; one who died in infancy; and Carl E., who passed away at the age of twenty-five years and was buried in Lime Creek cemetery. The death of Mrs. Stene occurred February 10, 1914. She left behind her many warm friends who esteemed her highly because of her many admirable qualities. She was a devoted wife and mother and her careful management of household affairs contributed in no small measure to her husband's success.
Mr. Stone holds membership in the Synod Lutheran church, of which he is a faithful representative. Ile votes with the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has no ambition to hold office, preferring to concentrate his energies and attention upon his business affairs. Starting out in life empty handed, he is now in the possession of a sub- stantial competence. Moreover, he has for many years been connected with Winnebago county and has seen the changes which have occurred and the results which have been wrought as men have reclaimed the distriet for the purposes of civilization and developed here the homes of a prosperous and contented people.
LEE NICHOLS.
Lee Nichols, living on section 25, King township, Winnebago county, was born in Bloomington, Illinois, on the 22nd of January, 1865, a son of Jomm and Comfort (Nichols) Nichols, who were natives of Kentucky and of Illinois respec- tively. The father was a farmer by occupation and in early life went to Illinois, where he engaged in farming throughout his remaining days, his death occurring in 1867. His widow still survives and is now a resident of Bloomington, Illinois.
Lee Nichols spent his youthful days under the parental roof at Heyworth, Illinois, and his educational opportunities were those afforded by the district schools. lle was only twelve years of age. however, when he began to provide for his own support by working as a farm hand at twelve dollars per month. Ile was employed in that way for twenty years, after which he rented land in Dallas county, Iowa, and continued its cultivation for about five years. He then pur- chased the farm upon which he was living and further developed and improved it for thirteen years. On the expiration of that period he came to Winnebago county and in 1913 bought two hundred and twenty-one and three-fourths acres of land on sections 7 and 18, Linden township. For four years he has cultivated and improved this place, which is now a valuable property. The buildings are
MR. AND MRS. LEE NICHOLS
513
WINNEBAGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
insured for over five thousand dollars and the improvements upon it make it a model farm property. At length, however, he rented that place and removed to King township, since which time he has cultivated a tract of one hundred and fifty-four aeres on section 25, which he purchased. He today has a nicely improved place, pleasantly and conveniently located about two miles from Thompson. He is a wide-awake and progressive farmer, carrying on his work according to pro- gressive methods, and his labors bring good results. Ile is engaged in the raising of thoroughbred Hampshire hogs and for years made a business of feeding stock but does not carry on that work at the present time, concentrating his energies upon the raising of hogs and upon the general development of his farm.
On the 28th of February, 1901, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Alchie Cole, a daughter of John and Mary (Lucas) Cole, who were natives of Indiana. The father was a farmer and followed that occupation in Indiana for a few years, after which he drove across the country to Dallas county, Iowa, in 1855, before the era of railroad building through this section of the middle west. He became one of the pioneer settlers of Dallas county, where he purchased govern- ment land at a dollar and a quarter per acre. Ile at once began to develop and improve that tract and continued its cultivation throughout his remaining days, his death occurring May 8, 1899. His wife survived for only a brief period, passing away September 14, 1902.
Fraternally Mr. Nichols is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is true to the teachings and purposes of the organization. He is also a loyal and helpful member of the Methodist church and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. While a believer in its principles, he does not seek nor desire office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his farm work, which is now carefully and successfully managed.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.