USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 58
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In the district schools Andrew Swenson acquired a good education, while his father's farm was the training ground upon which he received his knowl- edge of agriculture. For several years he was in partnership with his brother, L. B. Swenson, in the operation of the homestead, but about ten years ago this relationship was dissolved, the brothers dividing the farm, Andrew Swenson receiving one hundred and forty acres as his share. This place, well improved by his father, has since been greatly enhanced both in value and appearance by
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the erection of a beautiful residence and good barns and outbuildings, and today the farm is one of the neatest and most attractive properties in Paint Creek township. Mr. Swenson engages in general farming and the progressive meth- ods which he has followed have made him one of the most prosperous and sub- stantial agriculturists of his section.
Mr. Swenson married Miss Torena Kolsrud, a native of Allamakee county and a daughter of Solve Kolsrud. Mrs. Swenson presides over the beautiful home erected by her husband in a very capable manner and is conceded to be an exceptionally good housekeeper. Both are members of the Lutheran church and occupy a prominent place in the community in which they reside. Mr. Swenson owns an automobile and finds pleasant recreation from his farm labor in motoring. He is one of the most modern and up-to-date farmers in the county and the success which he has attained ranks him among the men of affluence in this district.
J. F. CORRIGAN.
J. F. Corrigan is one of the influential and prosperous residents of Taylor township, Allamakee county, owing five hundred and forty acres of land, which constitutes one of the model farms of this section of Iowa. He was born on the farm of which he is now the owner, February 7, 1860, a son of James and Bridget (Fagan) Corrigan, both of whom were natives of Ireland, the latter born in County Kildare. The father acquired his education in his native land and there remained to the age of seventeen years, when, believing that he might enjoy better business opportunities in the new world, he accordingly set sail for America. Landing in New York, he there sought work and for eight years was employed by the proprietor of a hotel and livery barn. At the end of that time he worked his way farther west and for two years was employed at farm work in Ohio. In the meantime he had married and in 1851 he came with his family to Allamakee county, Iowa, locating on eighty acres of wild land on sec- tion 21, Taylor township. On this he built a log house, which is still standing, and he at once set about to clear his land and prepare it for the plow. He lived here in true pioneer style and endured all the hardships incident to the estab- lishment of a home in a new country. As time passed and he prospered in his undertakings he purchased an additional tract of eighty acres, one hundred and sixty acres then being included within the boundaries of his place. Mr. and Mrs. Corrigan reared two sons and two daughters: Thomas, who died in 1873; Mary, the widow of J. J. Fitzgerald, of Harper's Ferry; Katie, who was a Catholic nun, but is now deceased; and J. F., of this review. The father was a democrat and held the offices of township trustee and justice of the peace, while for twenty-seven years he served as secretary of the school board.
J. F. Corrigan was educated in the district school near his father's home. He was early trained to habits of industry and economy, which have proved of great benefit to him in his later life. It was on the home farm that he acquired his knowledge of agricultural pursuits, for he assisted his father in the work of the fields throughout the period of his youth and early manhood, and at
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his father's death he inherited the old homestead, to which he has since added, until his possessions now comprise five hundred and forty acres of finely im- proved land. His land is fertile and each year yields abundant harvests as a reward for the care and labor that Mr. Corrigan has bestowed upon it. He has erected a good house and outbuildings for the shelter of his grain and stock and altogether it is one of the model farms of Taylor township, for he takes a just pride in keeping everything about the place in good repair.
Mr. Corrigan established a home of his own by his marriage in 1891 to Miss Mary Hart, who was born in County Caven, Ireland. They have become the par- ents of nine children but only seven survive. They are James, Katie, Glenn, Mary, William, Donald and Dorothea. The eldest, Thomas, died in infancy ; and John, the eighth in order of birth, is also deceased.
Mr. Corrigan has supported the candidates of the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served on the school board for twelve years, but otherwise has not held public office. He is a communicant of the Catholic church. He has always been a hard-working man and has enjoyed the best of health, never having been ill a day in his life. He truly deserves the success that is today his, for it has come to him through honest dealing coupled with sound judgment and good business sense.
PAUL E. TOPEL.
The career of Paul E. Topel is another proof of the fact that this rich country supplies opportunities for all who seek them out. A foreign born citizen, Mr. Topel came to America at the age of sixteen practically empty in pocket but rich in determination and fired with the ambition to succeed. Combining German thoroughness with American enterprise, he succeeded and today owns one of the most valuable farms in Post township, Allamakee county, a property comprising one hundred and seventy-five acres of land, improved with fine buildings, having its own water system and its own electric light plant, and in its completeness and modern equipment being a monument to Mr. Topel's thorough methods and his industry and energy. However, while he has given much of his time and attention to the improvement of this splendid farm, he has found time to devote to other causes and is especially prominent in his church, in the upbuilding of which he has taken an interest which has produced moral and intellectual advancement.
Born in Pomerania, Germany, November 7, 1868, his parents were August and Wilhelmina ( Kamin) Topel, both natives of that German province. The father was born January 2, 1829, and the mother March 9, 1830. He was a carpenter and contractor by trade and gained a livelihood as a builder, following this occupation from his early manhood until his demise. Both parents spent their entire lives in Germany. The father served the regular term in the army and this was practically the only time that he was absent from his business. Mr. and Mrs. Topel had four children, of whom Paul E. is the youngest.
Growing up under parental care in a systematic German household, Paul E. Topel was early taught by his parents the advantage of honesty, industry and
MR. AND MRS. PAUL E. TOPEL
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thrift. These three cardinal characteristics have never left him and have been the foundation upon which his American success rests. When old enough Mr. Topel entered school and received his education in Germany, which country remained his home until he attained the age of sixteen years. To the imagination of a growing lad the opportunities of America loomed large and he decided to emigrate. Crossing the ocean and making his way inland, he went direct to Chicago, where for one year he worked in the stock yards, thence removing to lowa and engaging as a farm hand. For four years he was so occupied, rendering good service to his employers and saving his earnings. He then married and after that event brought forty acres of land, which forms the nucleus of his present holdings and which he began to clear and cultivate. His labors brought results and as his means increased he added to his place small tracts until he now owns one hundred and seventy-five acres, highly improved with modern buildings which are among the finest in Post township. His land is brought to a high state of cultivation by fertilization and the scientific rotation of crops and its yearly yield is at a maximum. In 1912 Mr. Topel erected a modern barn thirty- six by eighty feet which adds value to his farm and takes care of his increasing live-stock interests. The latest equipment and machinery are installed upon his place which by its appearance proves the thorough and up-to-date methods employed and the resultant prosperity to the owner of the property. Mr. Topel has installed his own water system and also an electric light plant which furnishes not only illumination but power to machinery.
On January 31, 1890, Mr. Topel was united in marriage to Miss Tillie Kamin, who was born in Pomerania, Germany, September 13, 1869, a daughter of Henry and Augusta (Schroeder) Kamin, the former born July 2, 1825, and the latter September 17, 1831, in the same province. The father remained in Germany until he was forty-six years of age, when both he and his wife went to Chicago, Illinois, where they made their home for nine years. They then came to Allama- kee county, locating in Post township on a part of Mr. Topel's present farm, where they continued until their deaths, spending their later years in retirement, and making their home with Mr. and Mrs. Topel. The father died July 29, 1909, and the mother, March 28, 1911. In their family were three children, of whom Mrs. Topel is the youngest. Mr. and Mrs. Topel have four children : Rosetta Clara, born February 12, 1891, who is the wife of Fred Hilmer, an agriculturist of Ludlow township; Clara Bessie, born May 27, 1898, who resides at home ; Arthur Walter, born August 29, 1899; and Ralph Herman, whose natal day was October 19, 1906.
Politically Mr. Topel reserves an independent judgment, giving his support to the most efficient candidate without regard to party lines. Although he has never aspired to public office, he has consented to accept the position of treasurer of the school board of his district, being guided by his deep interest in the cause of education and administering the affairs under his charge in a highly satisfactory way. He is a member of the Presbyterian church of Frankville and shows his interest in its work by serving as elder for twenty years. He is also prominently connected with Sunday-school work, being a member of the executive committee of the Iowa State Sunday School Association. Fraternally
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Mr. Topel is a member of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, being connected with Frankville lodge. Having started out in life with no particular advantages, Mr. Topel has attained to a position which solicits respect and esteem, both of which are given him freely. While he has attained personal prosperity he has been a valuable unit in promoting agricultural development in Allamakee county and has done much toward raising agricultural standards by instituting and fol- lowing the latest known farming methods. His career must be classed as entirely successful as he has not only gained financial independence but has made many friends and enjoys the confidence of all who know him.
T. B. HERMANSON.
T. B. Hermanson, who died upon his farm on section 2, Paint Creek town- ship. in 1909, was one of the progressive, prosperous and highly respected agri- culturists of this district. He was born in Hallingdal, Norway, April 25, 1840, and was a son of Buerden Hermanson, who was also a native of Norway. When the son was but six years old he was brought to America by his parents, who settled first in Rock county, Wisconsin, but in 1850 came to Allamakee county, Iowa, locating on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Paint Creek township. They were among the earliest settlers in this county and the land of which the father became the owner was wild and undeveloped when it came into his possession. The first home of the family was a dugout which was later supplanted by the pioneer log house, and the family experienced many of the difficulties and hardships incident to frontier life. The parents both passed away on this farm, after which T. B. Hermanson took charge of it, continuing in its operation throughout his remaining years. Systematic and methodical, industrious and enterprising, he applied himself with characteristic zeal to his agricultural pursuits and as the years passed his well directed efforts were re- sultant of a most gratifying success.
He was married in 1865 to Miss Ragna O. Ellefson, a native of Norway and a daughter of Ole and Ingeborg ( Halverson) Ellefson, by whom she was brought to America in early life. Her parents were early settlers of Allamakee county and after a residence of many years here went to South Dakota to visit a daughter, during which visit both passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Her- manson were born twelve children, as follows: Rachel, the deceased wife of John Ralsdon ; Louis, of Waukon, Iowa ; Inger, the wife of G. S. Kolsrud; Ben, residing in Glenburn, North Dakota; Herman, of Maddock, North Dakota ; Henry, of Paint Creek township; Halvor; John, deceased; Sophia, who married Leonard Tysland, of South Dakota ; Halvor, deceased; Helma, clerk for Spinner Brothers, of Waterville, Iowa; and Tolmine, a nurse, who resides at home.
Mr. Hermanson passed away on the home farm on the 27th of April, 1909, in the faith of the Lutheran church, to which his wife, who still survives, also belongs. He was a republican in politics and a public-spirited citizen who had the interests of the community deeply at heart. His honorable principles and upright life won him many friends in Allamakee county, and with his passing the
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district lost one of its most honored and respected residents. His widow still resides on the homestead farm.
Halvor Hermanson, who succeeded his father in the ownership of the farm, was educated in the district schools near his home and also attended business college at Waukon in the pursuit of a commercial course. He now carries on general farming on the home place, which is in excellent condition, having been highly improved and brought under a good state of cultivation. Young and progressive, he is bending his efforts to its further development, and its attractive and well kept appearance is a credit to his well directed labors. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, and, like his father, he supports the principles and candidates of the republican party, feeling that the platform of that political organization is most conducive to good government. High pur- poses have ever governed his life and he is proving himself a worthy son of an honored father.
GEORGE E. HANCOCK.
George E. Hancock is numbered among Allamakee county's most progres- sive and successful agriculturists and his fine farm of three hundred and twenty- five acres on section 1, Franklin township, is a visible evidence of his life of in- dustry and thrift. He was born in Linton township, this county, March 20, 1868, and is a son of Thomas J. and Mary (Shroder) Hancock, natives of In- diana, the former born July 16, 1841, and the latter July 1, 1848. The father came from Indiana to Iowa about the year 1851 and located with his parents near Hardin, where his father entered a small tract of government land. After residing upon it for a short time he sold the property and located on Suttle creek, where he made his home for many years, his residence being known as the Linton Hotel. Afterward the family moved to the farm upon which George E. Hancock resides today and there Thomas J. Hancock continued to live for some time, making his home there until 1893, when he retired from active life and removed into Rossville, where he now resides. In early times he used to drive the stage from McGregor to Waukon, leaving his farm in charge of his sons. At the beginning of the Civil war he enlisted in Company A, Sixteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Sixteenth Battalion, and served for three years with credit and distinction. He was shot through the left shoulder in battle and was taken to the hospital but five days afterward rode over two hundred miles on a box car. His wound was not dressed for more than twenty-four hours after he received it and it was only his unusually strong constitution which saved his life. Returning from the war, he worked in the employ of others for two years and then took up his residence on a rented farm, afterward buying the property, upon which the greater part of his active life was spent. He is today one of the respected and honored residents of Rossville and although not an officeseeker, takes a commendable interest in public affairs.
George E. Hancock was reared at home and acquired a very limited educa- tion by attending for two terms district school No. 9, in Bear Hollow. At twenty-one he began working as a farm hand, grubbing up stumps, but he con-
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tinted to reside with his parents until his marriage. At that time he purchased land on section 1, Franklin township, and to this he has since added, owning today three hundred and twenty-five acres all under a high state of cultivation. Upon this property Mr. Hancock has made modern and substantial improve- ments and here he engages in general farming and stock-raising, specializing in the breeding of shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs and pure bred Shropshire sheep. He also keeps high-grade horses and he has made his stock-raising a valuable source of income to him.
On the 30th of November, 1893, Mr. Hancock was united in marriage to Miss Laura M. Stull, who was born in Jefferson township, near Rossville, a daughter of William T. and Mary ( Rowan) Stull, natives of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, the former born August 30, 1819, and the latter May 17, 1830. They came from that state to lowa in the spring of 1852 and located first just south of Rossville, in Paint Creek township, taking up government land. This they sold after a number of years and located on a farm southwest of Ross- ville, in Jefferson township, upon which both passed away, the father dying August 20, 1901, and the mother February 10, 1889. During the Civil war William T. Stull served as a member of Company I, Twenty-seventh Iowa Vol- unteers, and saw a great deal of active service, but was never wounded nor confined in a hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Hancock have become the parents of five children : Charles Irving, who was born October 14, 1894; Mary S., born August 17, 1896; Iva Aleta, born August 8, 1898; Harry Harold, born September 7, 1900; and Dorothy M., born September 20, 1905.
Mr. Hancock is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is a stockholder in the Monona Farmers Shipping Association. His political al- legiance is given to the republican party and he has rendered his township ex- cellent service as a director of the school board. He is truly a self-made man and one whose labors have been effective forces in his own prosperity and in the advancement of community interests. He is today one of the substantial and representative citizens of Franklin township and his upright and honorable life has commanded the respect and confidence of all who have come in contact with him.
GEORGE THOMPSON.
George Thompson, the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and ninety-two acres on section 18, Paint Creek township, is a wide-awake and, progressive young man who has won gratifying success in his labors as an agri- culturist. During the past year, however, he has leased his land and now de- votes his attention to the care of the telephone line, of which he was one of the promoters. His birth occurred on the farm where he resides, his natal day being April 25, 1868.
I-Jis father, Thomas Guttornson, was a native of Hallingdal, Norway, and there wedded Miss Mary Nelson, likewise born in that country. In 1852 they emigrated to the United States and made their way to Allamakee county, Iowa, Mr. Guttornson here purchasing the tract of one hundred and ninety-two acres
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which is now in possession of his son George. The land was wild and demanded much arduous labor before it was ready for the plow. Mr. Guttornson erected a log house on the property and subsequently built a frame dwelling which is still standing and in use. Here he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life, passing away about 1895, at the age of sixty years. The period of his residence in this county covered more than four decades and he was well known and highly esteemed as one of its pioneer settlers and representative farmers. His wife was also fifty years of age when called to her final rest. They had four children, as follows: Margaret, the wife of E. H. Sando, of Paint Creek township; Bertha, who gave her hand in mar- riage to C. O. Leikvold, of Paint Creek township; George, of this review ; and Nels, who is deceased.
George Thompson attended the district schools in the acquirement of his early education and later pursued a course of study in the Upper Iowa Univer- sity at Fayette. After putting aside his text-books he was engaged in the drug business at Nashua, Towa, for two years, on the expiration of which period he returned to the home farm, subsequently coming into possession of the prop- erty. The place comprises one hundred and ninety-two acres of rich and pro- ductive land, and many substantial improvements enhance its value and at- tractiveness. Mr. Thompson was busily engaged in general agricultural pur- suits until a year ago, when he leased his land and has since given his attention to the care of the telephone line, of which he was one of the promoters. He has made a study of telephones for a number of years and possesses expert knowl- edge in that direction, now conducting a shop on his farm and being employed by the month to keep the telephone line in repair.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Thompson chose Miss Lena Hendrickson, a daughter of Solva Hendrickson, who was one of the early settlers of this region and passed away in the winter of 1912-13. Our sub- ject and his wife have one child, Carl Odin. In politics Mr. Thompson is a stanch republican, exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the West Paint Creek church. Industry and progress seem to be the salient feat- ures in his career and have been potent elements in the acquirement of a success which, however, speaks not only in terms of material gain but in the regard and high esteem of his fellowmen.
WILLIAM E. DULL.
William E. Dull owns and operates two hundred acres of land located on the line between Clayton and Allamakee counties, three miles from Monona, and the success which has attended his efforts in its cultivation places him among the most able and substantial agriculturists of Franklin township. He was born in the locality where he now resides November 11, 1867, and is a son of Simon B. and Eva (Miller) Dull, the former born in Virginia, May 20, 1834, and the latter in Pennsylvania, February 23, 1838. The father came from his native state to fowa in pioneer times and, locating in Franklin township, Allamakee
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county, purchased government land, which he improved and developed for a number of years. He later moved to a farm in the extreme eastern part of that township, which he cleared, developed and improved, residing upon it until the early '8os, when he sold out and purchased land in Clayton county, near Mo- nona. He and his wife now make their home upon that property. He is a veteran of the Civil war, having served for two years as a private in an Iowa regiment, seeing a great deal of active service and being confined for some time in a hospital.
William E. Dull is the fifth in a family of eleven children. He acquired his education in the Walnut Grove district school situated on the county line and at the age of twenty went to Brown county, Nebraska, where he purchased land, operating it for one year thereafter. At the end of that time he became con- nected with the Burlington railroad and after eighteen months in that position became an overseer in a nursery in Nebraska, serving for two years. Upon the expiration of that period he returned to Iowa and purchased two hundred acres on section 34, Franklin township, the land lying on the county line be- tween Clayton and Allamakee counties. This was at that time an entirely un- improved tract, but with characteristic energy Mr. Dull set about the work of developing it and he has here evolved a model and productive farm, equipped with substantial buildings and reflecting everywhere his careful supervision and competent management.
Mr. Dull has been twice married. He wedded first, in 1887, Miss Lucy L. Wymore, who was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, near Rose Hill, October 4, 1871, a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Griffith) Wymore. Her parents, who were natives of Indiana, went as early settlers to Mahaska county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming. He later removed to Nebraska on account of failing health and settled in Wymore, that state, where his death occurred about the year 1888. His wife now makes her home in California. Mrs. Lucy L. Dull passed away August 15, 1911, leaving ten children : Elsie, born March 23, 1888, who is the wife of Alfred Ferguson, a farmer of Clayton county ; Grace, born November 8, 1890, who married Herbert Ferguson, also a farmer of Clayton county ; Ross, whose birth occurred May 10, 1894; Edna, born in Decem- ber, 1896; Page and Dave, twins, whose birth occurred March 23, 1898; Lucy, born in 1902; William and Winifred, twins, who were born March 13, 1907; and Albert Arthur, born in March, 1910.
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