USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 52
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 52
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Christ Christenson attended the public schools between the ages of six and sixteen years and then concentrated his entire attention upon farm work, with which he had already become familiar while assisting his father in the develop- ment and improvement of the old homestead. For a time he engaged in culti- vating his father's farm on the shares and in 1915 he purchased from his father one hundred and twenty aeres of land on section 23, Eden township, where he
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now makes his home. This is a good farm, carefully cultivated and well improved, and everything about the place indicates the progressive spirit and practical methods of the owner.
Mr. Christenson belongs to the United Lutheran church and his political endorsement is given to the republican party, but he has neither time nor inelina- tion to seek office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and his energies upon his business interests. All that he possesses has been acquired through his own labor. He has carefully formulated his plans and the desire to own a farm led him to practice economy as well as industry until he had acquired enough to make the purchase. The years as they go by chronicle his growing success and he is now numbered among the substantial agriculturists of his community.
ERICK OLSEN KOBBERVIG.
Erick Olsen Kobbervig, living on section 31, Norway township, has been a resident of Winnebago county for forty-one years and throughout the greater part of this period has carried on general farming. He is a self-made man, his sue- cess being attributable entirely to his own efforts, and he is today the owner of two hundred and forty-three acres of rich and valuable Hand. He was born in Nordre Valders, Norway, September 25, 1846, a son of Ole O. and Margaret O. (Brager) Kobbervig, who were farming people of the land of the midnight sun, where they remained until 1852, when they crossed the Atlantie and made their way to Dane county, Wisconsin. They took passage on a sailing vessel which was thirteen weeks in crossing the Atlantic. The father took up farming in Dane county and there he and his wife spent their remaining days, both having now passed away. Three of their children were born in Norway, namely: Isabel, now the widow of Tostin Spaanem, of Mount Vernon, Wiseonsin; Erick O .; and Arney, of Lake Mills. After coming to the United States, five others were added to the family: Martin, now living on the old homestead in Dane county; Maria, the wife of O. S. Olson, of Lake Mills; Mrs. Anna Nelson, a widow residing in Minneapolis; Mattie, the wife of George Nelson, of Van Metre, South Dakota; and Ole, whose home is in Kalispell, Montana.
Erick O. Kobbervig was a little lad of but five and one-half years when brought by his parents to the new world and in Dane county he acquired a com- mon school education. When he was a youth of sixteen he put aside his textbooks to earn his living as a farm hand, and was thus employed until he reached the age of twenty-two. He then felt his age and experience were sufficient to enable him to engage in farming on his own account and from 1869 until 1876 he engaged in cultivating rented land in Dane county. On the 18th of January of the latter year he came with his family to Lake Mills, lowa, and there resided for a few years, during which he engaged in the implement business. He next bought an eighty-three aere farm in Center township and has since added to his original purchase by acquiring the southeast quarter of section 31, Norway town- ship, just across the road from his first tract. He has put all the improvements upon his place and his labors have converted it into a good farm which is the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. IIe is a stock-
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holder in the Scarville Creamery Company, the Farmers elevators at Scarville and Lake Mills and the Savage Mail Order Company at St. Paul.
When twenty-five years of age, in January, 1872, Mr. Kobbervig was married to Miss Julia Olson, of Dane county, Wisconsin, whose parents were among the pioneer settlers there. One child born to this union died in infancy, while the others are still living, namely: Malina, who is the wife of T. J. Moe, of Lake Mills; Caroline, at home: Mattie, who is the wife of Henry Dakken, of Lake Mills; Otis, residing in Glasgow, Montana; Sarah, who gave her hand in mar- riage to Chris Willardson, of Albert Lea, Minnesota; Ella, at home; Agard, living in St. Paul, Minnesota ; Leonard, at home; Wilford, who enlisted in the United States cavalry from Des Moines and is now stationed at Fort Logan, Texas; and Alpha, at home. The wife and mother passed away in September, 1910, and was laid to rest in North cemetery at Lake Mills. She had been devoted to her family and was a consistent member of the United Lutheran church, to which Mr. Kobbervig also belongs. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party, but he has never sought nor desired office. He served, however, on the school board at Lake Mills and as judge of elections several times, and he has ever been interested in those forces and movements which tend to promote public progress and improvement. Ilis life has been an exposition of that indus- try and perseverance which characterize the Norwegian people and his activities have contributed much to the agricultural progress and development of Winne- bago county. lle has lived to witness many changes here, for he took up his abode within its borders in pioneer times and he aided in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the present progress and prosperity of the distriet.
SIVERT RASMUSON.
Norway's contribution to the citizenship of Winnebago county ineludes Sivert Rasmuson, who is living on section 14, King township. He was born February 2, 1864, and is a son of Sivert and Delia (Hendrickson) Rasmuson, who were natives of Norway, where the father followed the occupation of farming until 1884, when he determined to try his fortune in America and brought his family to the new world, settling first in De Kalb county, Illinois, where he was employed at farm labor for three years. He then removed to Shelby county, lowa, where he rented land and continued its cultivation for seven years. He next went to Madison county, Nebraska, where he cultivated a rented farm for five years. On the expiration of that period he retired from active business and removed to the town of Newman's Grove, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in September, 1912. ITis widow still survives.
Mr. Rasmuson of this review was reared and educated in Norway, being twenty years of age when he came with his parents to the United States. The financial resources of the family were such that it was necessary that he imme- diately secure employment and he worked as a farm hand in Illinois for a time. He later began farming on his own account in Shelby county, Iowa, where he remained for two years, and then removed to Madison county, Nebraska, where
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he purchased land which he cultivated for three years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Shelby county, lowa, and bought eighty acres, which he cultivated for three years. He afterward rented a farm for eleven years and in 1907 he came to Winnebago county, where he bought one hundred and eighty-three acres in Eden township. This he cultivated for six years, when he sold that property and became the owner of his present place of eighty acres on section 14, King township. He has wronght notable changes in the appearance of the place during his ownership, converting it into rich and productive fields divided into tracts of convenient size by well kept fences. He is making a specialty of raising pure bred Duroe hogs and high grade Holstein cattle. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Rake.
In December, 1887, Mr. Rasmuson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Benson and they have become the parents of six children, Sander, Lillie, Tillie, Gena, Selina and Sylvia. The family attend the Lutheran church, in which Mr. and Mrs. Rasmuson hold membership. His political views are in accord with the teachings and principles of the republican party, and he does not lightly hold the duties and obligations of citizenship, but is loyal to the best interests of the community and manifests a love and allegiance for his adopted land equal to that of many of its native born citizens. He realizes the fact that it has been through business conditions here that he has been enabled to work his way upward. Suc- cess is not to be won in a day nor without effort, a fact which Mr. Rasmuson thoroughly understood, and therefore he has wisely used his chances day by day and his persistent labor has gained him place among the representative farmers of King township.
CARL L. SUBY.
In the death of Carl L. Suby, Winnebago county lost one of its valued and substantial citizens, a man whose sterling worth was manifest in every relation and who by reason of his splendid characteristics commanded the fullest confidence and regard of all who knew him. He was born in Dodge county, Minnesota, July 16, 1870, a son of Leauf and Martha Suby, who were natives of Norway but in early life came to the United States and were married in Dodge county, where the father engaged in farming until 1886. He then removed to Mount Valley township, Winnebago county, łowa, where he engaged in farming for a long period, but in his later years he retired from active business life and removed to Lake Mills, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest, having acquired a competence that was sufficient to supply him with all of the necessities and comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He died September 5, 1913, while his wife survived only until the 5th of June, 1914, and they were laid to rest in the church cemetery on the farm of Fred Suby in Mount Valley township.
The early advantages of Carl L. Suby were somewhat limited. He enjoyed such educational opportunities as the pioneer schools of Minnesota afforded until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he felt that he must provide for his own support and began working for others. Later he took up the occupation
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of farming on his own account on rented land and when he had saved from his earnings a sufficient sum he purchased eighty acres in Mount Valley township, upon which he carried on general agricultural pursuits until he reached the age of twenty-four. From the time when he started out he displayed the utmost persisteney of purpose, combined with indefatigable energy, and utilized every possible opportunity for advancement. At length he determined to try some other pursuit than that to which he was reared and when twenty-four years of age he entered the employ of the clothing firm of Stadhem & Larson at Lake Mills, remaining with them until 1903. In that year he removed to Searville and became cashier of the Bank of Scarville, with Ole Scar as the president and Joseph Keeler as vice president. The bank was organized in that year and the original officers continued in their respective positions until 1911 with the addition, in 1907, of George Throntveit as assistant eashier. In 1911 Mr. Suby purchased all the stock of the bank, becoming sole owner and its president, with George Throntveit as cashier. The latter served in that position until 1913, when he was succeeded by L. R. Lunoe, who remained as cashier until January, 1914. At that time A. Melvin Larson became cashier and is still serving. The bank was conducted as a private institution until a recent date, when it was incorporated, and is now operating as a savings bank under the laws of Iowa with a capital stock of fifteen thousand dollars. Mr. Suby remained as the president of the bank until his death, which ocenrred on the 14th of April, 1917. The present officers are: T. A. Kingland, president; Dr. J. I. Suby, vice president; and A. Melvin Larson, cashier, and in connection with these three on the board of directors are George Throntveit and Mrs. C. L. Suby. In 1916 Dr. J. I. Suby purchased an interest in the bank and was then chosen vice president. This bank largely stands as a monument to the enterprise, good business ability and sound judgment of Carl L. Suby, who directed its policies from the beginning and whose adminis- trative power and executive control placed it upon a safe footing, making it one of the substantial financial concerns of the county. In addition to his banking interests Mr. Suby was treasurer of the Cooperative Creamery, the elevator and the telephone companies of Scarville, and his life record was an exemplification of that progressive spirit which has been manifest in the organization of interests for the benefit of the many.
On the 24th of January, 1900, Mr. Suby was married to Miss Gunda Thront- veit, a daughter of Jorgen and Gunhild (Olson) Throntveit, who were natives of Norway, where they were reared and married, and there the father died. Mrs. Suby came to the United States when a young lady of twenty years and prior to her marriage lived in Albert Lea, Minnesota. In 1910 the mother came to America and is now living with her son, George Throntveit, in Scarville. Mr. and Mrs. Suby became the parents of six children, namely, Myrtle G., John L., Luther, Carl Gustav, Le Roy M., who died May 7, 1915, and Paul J.
The family occupy a fine residence in Scarville, Mr. Suby having left his family in very comfortable financial circumstances. He was most devoted to the welfare of his wife and children and counted no personal effort or sacrifice on his part too great if it would enhance their happiness. His life was ever honor- able and upright and was guided by the teachings of the Synod Lutheran church, of which he was a devoted member. In polities he was a republican and for
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twelve years served as mayor of Scarville, while during the last year of his life he was treasurer of the town. His long incumbency in the office of chief executive indicated his marked fidelity and the ability with which he discharged his duties, his administration being characterized by various needed reforms and improve- ments. As a business man, as a citizen and as a husband and father he ranked high and he left to his family not only the substantial rewards of his labor but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
EDWARD GRIFFIN.
Edward Griffin, engaged in farming on section 2, German township, Hancock county, is also actively interested in public affairs of his community and has filled a number of the local offices. He was born in Germany, September 1, 1854, a son of Ludwig and Charlotte ( Horsman) Griffin, who were also natives of that country and have now departed this life. It was in July, 1880, that Edward Griffin came to America, being then a young man of twenty-six years. He made his way to Clayton, lowa, where he secured work on a farm through the summer, while in the winter he engaged in chopping cord wood. Two years were thus passed, after which he was married and established his home in German town- ship, purchasing two hundred and sixteen acres of land on section 2 for twenty- three dollars per acre. He afterward purchased a traet of eighty acres on the same section and afterward another tract of one hundred and twenty acres. His next purchase made him owner of one hundred and sixty aeres on section 29 in the same township and thus he has become one of the extensive landowners of the county. His holdings are all well improved and he is one of the progressive and representative farmers of his section of the state. Great changes have occurred as the years have passed on. Ile had no money with which to buy horses, but oxen soll at a low price and for a considerable time he used an ox and one horse. Great improvements have been made in farm machinery, too, and he has kept pace with the changes that time and man have wrought. The Rock Island Rail- road has been built into this section since his arrival and the work of development has been carried steadily forward. Mr. Griffin bearing his part in the advance- ment of the agricultural interests of this section, which have been the basis of all the prosperity and upbuilding of Hancock county. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Griffin is a stockholder in the Cooperative Creamery of Garner.
On the 25th of November, 1881, Mr. Griffin was married to Mrs. Mary Lange, a daughter of Frederick and Christina (Sexsaur) Arnold, who were natives of Germany and came to the new world in 1851, settling in Clayton county, Iowa, where the father purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Both he and his wife are now deceased. By a former marriage Mrs. Griffin had three chil- dren : . Emaline A. Lange, now the wife of George Beavers, who is farming near Algona, lowa: Alvina T. Lange, the wife of Fred Chase, who follows farming in Avery township, Hancock county ; and Albert J. Lange, who married Maggie Hammond and is engaged in farming on section 28, German township. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Griffin. John A., who married Lillian Able, is living on the old homestead on section 2, German township. Louis Il.,
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who wedded Emma Schlawein, resides on section 28, German township. Alice F., who married Rudolph Upmeyer, devotes his attention to general agricultural pur- snits on section 2, German township. Nettie M. is the wife of Benjamin Greiman, living on section 15, German township.
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Politically Mr. Griffin is a republican, having given stalwart support to the party since becoming a naturalized American citizen. He is now serving as town- ship trustee and he has been called upon to fill a number of local offices by his fellow townsmen, who have recognized his worth and ability. For ten years he was school treasurer and for eighteen years a member of the school board, while for twelve years he has been road boss. His duties have ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity and his has been a creditable record in office. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Methodist Episcopal church. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world. Ile voluntarily made choice of America as a place of residence and has over felt that he owes his allegiance to the land of his adoption. He has, therefore, labored to further the welfare of the community in which he lives and has stood loyally by the democratic principles of the government.
CHRISTIAN N. CHARLSON.
Christian N. Charlson, living on section 18, Center township, has always devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits and his labors have won for him a creditable position among the substantial farmers of Winnebago county. He now owns four hundred acres of rich and valuable land which is the visible evi- dence of his life of well directed energy and thrift, and, moreover, his is one of the finest improved places of the county. Mr. Charlson is a native of Wisconsin. He was born in Dane county on the 8th of November, 1855, and is a son of Nels and Ellen Charlson, who are mentioned on another page of this work.
Reared in his native county to the age of ten years, Christian N. Charlson then accompanied his parents to Iowa and has since made his home in Winnebago county. His education, begun in the schools of Wisconsin, was continued in this state and in the school of experience he has also learned many valuable lessons. Through the period of his boyhood and youth he worked with his father upon the home farm, remaining with his parents until he attained his majority, after which he started out independently, renting land for a year. Ile was ambitious, however, to own land and engage in farming on his own account, so carefully saving his earnings, he was after a year able to purchase forty acres of his present place, to which he has added from time to time as his financial resources have increased until he is now the owner of four hundred acres, of which two hundred and forty acres is situated on sections 7 and 18, Center township, the buildings being on the latter section. Ile also has one hundred and sixty acres on section 13, Newton township, also a highly improved tract which adjoins the two hundred and forty acres on the west. There are three sets of buildings upon his farm. He has a thoroughly up-to-date farm supplied with all modern equipments, con- veniences and accessories, no feature of the model farm of the twentieth century being lacking. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Charlson is a stockholder of the Farmers Elevator Company, of the Lake Mills Lumber Company and the
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Lake Mills Creamery Company and of the first two he is a director. He is much interested in dairy farming and he now milks twenty-two cows.
On February 13, 1877, Mr. Charlson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Jensen, a daughter of Jens and Mary Jenson, who are mentioned in connection with the sketch of L. A. Jensen, an attorney of Forest City, on another page of this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Charlson have been born eleven children, as follows: Jens (., who married Miss Mattie Twito; Nels C., who wedded Miss Sarah Tistel; Martin, who married Miss Ada Twito; Chris, who married Miss Emma J. Olson ; Samuel, who wedded Miss Esther Meyer: Ole; Richard ; Lester ; Ella, who became the wife of Oscar Dahlen and passed away in September. 1907; Clara, who gave her hand in marriage to Gilbert Thompson, an agriculturist residing near Leland ; and Wilma.
Mr. Charlson votes with the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He and his family are connected with the United Lutheran church and his religious beliefs guide him in all life's relations, making him a man whom to know is to esteem and honor. He has many sterling qualities and everywhere is spoken of in terms of high regard.
ELLING FLUGUM.
Elling Flugum is a representative farmer of King township and one who takes an active and helpful interest in publie affairs, doing all in his power to advance general progress and improvement. He was born in Norway in September, 1863, a son of Elling and Ingeborg Flugum, who were likewise natives of that country. The father was a blacksmith by trade and followed the occupation of farming in Norway throughout his entire life. He there passed away in 1915, having attained the remarkable old age of ninety-eight years, and his widow is still living in Nor- way at the age of ninety years.
Elling Flugum was a young man of twenty-two years when he determined to come to the new world. Bidding adieu to friends and native land, he sailed for the United States in 1885, and after reaching an American port made his way across the country to Dane county, Wisconsin, where many of his fellow country- men had previously located. There he worked as a farm hand for eleven years, after which he came with his brother to Winnebago county and bought one hun- dred and sixty acres of land on section 14, King township, thus investing the money which he had previously acquired as the reward of his industry. In this purchase he was a partner of his brother and together they operated the tract for two years, after which they divided the farm, Elling Flugum taking the west half of the quarter. Ile has since made splendid improvements upon it, and through the intervening years has continuously owned and cultivated it. His Jabors find visible evidence in the substantial buildings, the well kept fields and the good stock upon his place. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company and in the Cooperative Creamery Company of Thompson, thus showing his sym- pathy with those plans of organization and cooperation which are are for mutual benefit among the farmers.
In January, 1895, Mr. Flugum was married to Martha Boyum Olson and they
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became the parents of seven children, Rose, Elmer, Ida, Gertrude, Jeannette, Norma and Margaret. In religious faith the family are Lutherans and loyally adhere to the teachings of the church. Mr. Flugum votes with the republican party but has never sought nor filled political office, although for three years he served as a member of the school board. He is interested in matters of publie moment as well as in private business affairs and has helpfully supported many measures for the general good.
CHRISTIAN NELSON.
Christian Nelson, well known as a representative and respected farmer of Eden township, Winnebago county, living on section 27, was born near Stavanger, in the county of Vegedal, Norway, February 2, 1848, his parents being Nels and Mary (Olson) Nelson. In the family were eleven children, four of whom are yet living: Christian : Severt, who still makes his home in Norway; Ada, the wife of Nels Walle, of Norway; and Mrs. Elizabeth Hanson, of that country. The parents never came to the United States, the father always following farming in the land of the midnight sun.
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