USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 59
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Mr. Dull was married on the 23d of January, 1913, to Mrs. Rebecca (Shil- son) Monty, who was born in Minnesota, near Winona, January 18, 1870, a daughter of Christian and Rosetta (Pomeroy) Shilson, the former a native of Germany, born about 1827, and the latter of Ohio, born May 3, 1847. The father, who spent his entire active life in farming, became a resident of Minnesota and there died in 1870. From that state he enlisted as a private in the Union army and served throughout the entire Civil war. After his death his widow mar- ried Thomas May and now resides in Minneapolis. Mrs. Dull had three chil- dren by her first marriage. Mabel, born February 23, 1891, is the wife of Henry Frye, who is engaged in the ice business in Postville. Orpha, whose birth oc- curred December 8, 1895. married Adolph Williams, in the automobile business in Hayward, Wisconsin. Leon, born July 17, 1897, makes his home with the subject of this review.
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Mr. Dull is a regular attendant at the Methodist church. He is a stock- holder in the Monona Creamery Company and in the Shipping Association of that city, where his ability is widely recognized. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and keeps well informed on questions and issues of the day, although he has no desire for political preferment. His energy, business ability and enterprising spirit have resulted in the attainment of a gratifying measure of success and he holds the respect and high regard of all who are in any way associated with him.
MATHIAS JOHNSON.
Mathias Johnson, a successful and progressive agriculturist of Allamakee county, is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 18, Paint Creek township. His birth occurred in Norway, on the 12th of November, 1855, his parents being John Rasmus and Helena Troneson, likewise natives of that country, where the father passed away. The mother subsequently emigrated to the United States and passed away in this county, at the home of her son Mathias. She had six children, as follows: Benedict, who resides with his brother Robert in Jefferson township, Allamakee county ; Mathias, of this review; Tolif, living in Waukon, Iowa; Robert, an agriculturist of Jefferson township; Ingeborg, the wife of John Geving, of Jefferson town- ship; and Mrs. Hannah Vold, a resident of Waukon, Iowa.
Mathias Johnson crossed the Atlantic to the United States when a young man of nineteen years and here attended school for two winter seasons in order to gain a practical knowledge of the English language. Securing employment as a farm hand in this county, he worked out by the month until his experience and capital justified the purchase of a farm of his own and he came into possession of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 18, Paint Creek township, which he has operated continuously and successfully since. It was the old Halverson place and was but poorly improved. As the years have gone by Mr. Johnson has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, and the many improvements on the property include a handsome residence, a substantial barn and good outbuildings. One of the oldest houses in Paint Creek township, once a store, still stands on his farm. The old McGregor road, over which goods were hauled from McGregor to supply this store, is still visible but has been long abandoned.
In Allamakee county Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Anna B. Geving, who was born in Norway in 1857, a daughter of Benjamin and Agnes Geving. The father is deceased, but the mother still survives and makes her home with a son in Jefferson township. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have nine children, as follows: Ida, who is the wife of Jens Lund, of Makee township; Bertha, the wife of Herman Olsen, of Jefferson township; John, who follows farming in Paint Creek township ; Albert, an agriculturist of Jefferson township, who wedded Miss Anna Larson; Melvin, at home; Bernhart, who resides with his brother John; Martina, who keeps house for her brother John; and Nora and Selma, both of whom are still under the parental roof. The family home
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is neat and attractive both inside and out, the mother and daughters being ex- cellent housekeepers and well versed in the domestic arts.
In politics Mr. Johnson is a stanch republican, supporting the men and meas- ures of that party at the polls. His religious faith is indicated by his member- ship in the West Paint Creek Norwegian church, to which his wife and chil- dren also belong. He has never regretted his determination to establish his home in the United States, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their wise utilization has gained a place among the substantial agricul- turists and esteemed citizens of his community. The period of his residence in Allamakee county covers about four decades and his acquaintance here is extensive.
PAT MOORE.
Pat Moore, one of the progressive and successful farmers of Allamakee county, owning three hundred and thirty-seven acres on sections 28 and 27, Iowa township, was born in New York state in 1855, and is a son of Martin and Julia Moore. The parents, who were natives of Ireland, came to America in the late '40s, making the journey before their marriage, the father settling in Canada and the mother in New York. In the latter state their marriage occurred and they made their home there for a short period, coming in 1855 to Iowa and settling in Iowa township, Allamakee county. Martin Moore preempted here one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he later added from time to time, finally accumulating a valuable property, which he operated and devel- oped until his death in 1912. He had survived his wife one year. To their union were born eight children, of whom the subject of this review is the second in order of birth.
Pat Moore acquired a limited education in the public schools of Allamakee county, laying aside his books at the age of sixteen in order to begin his independent career. For a number of years thereafter he worked as a farm laborer, but when he was twenty-three years of age purchased land in Lansing township, upon which he resided for twenty-three years, becoming well known in the community as an upright and honorable business man and a successful farmer. At the end of that time he sold his holdings to his sons and pur- chased in Iowa township three hundred and thirty-seven acres, which he now operates. Two hundred and seventy acres are under cultivation, and upon this land he has steadily carried forward the work of development, owning today one of the finest farms in this vicinity as a result of his careful labor and practical methods.
Mr. Moore married, in 1879, Miss Mary E. O'Brien, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Michael and Catharine (Hogan) O'Brien. The eldest of three children, Mrs. Moore acquired her education in Allamakee county, and after completing it taught for seven years in the schools of this locality. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have six children: John G., who was born in 1880, and who is now residing on the homestead; Cornelius E., also on the homestead in Lansing township; M. W., Celia T. and Catherine, all of whom live at home; and
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MR. AND MRS. PAT MOORE
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Leonard F., a graduate of the grammar school. The family are devout mem- bers of the Roman Catholic church.
Mr. Moore. gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, but is independent in his views. He has served as township trustee and in other local offices and is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, although never an office seeker. Having resided in Allamakee county since his childhood, he is interested in all that pertains to the substantial improvement and develop- ment of the community and is generally regarded as a worthy and loyal citizen and a progressive and practical farmer.
MARTIN HALVORSEN.
Martin Halvorsen is the owner of a well improved tract of one hundred and eight acres on section 23, Makee township, which is devoted to farming, dairy- ing and stock-raising. He is classed with the pioneers of Allamakee county, for his residence here dates from June 24, 1857. He is a native of Norway, the date of his birth being August 13, 1844. His father, Halver Hansen, was born in Norway, June 14, 1809, and made his home in that country until 1857, when he emigrated to the new world with his family. He at once established his home on a farm in Makee township, and here gave his time and attention to the improvement and cultivation of his fields throughout a long period. He passed the century mark in life, having reached the age of one hundred and one years and eight months, when called to his last rest on the 6th of March, 1910. He had survived his wife for ten years, her death having occurred in 1900. In their family were four sons and one daughter, but two of the sons have passed away. Those who survive are: Martin, of this review ; Hans, who makes his home in South Dakota; and Martha, the wife of Andrew P. W. Vaslin, also of South Dakota.
Martin Halvorsen was a lad of thirteen years at the time the family emigrated to the new world. At an early age he began to assist in the work of developing the farm and he also worked as a farm laborer for others at various times until he reached the age of twenty-two years. During this time he had little opportu- nity for attending school, but spent his leisure hours at home in the evenings in study, so that he is almost wholly self-educated. He remained with his father until he was twenty-six years of age, at which time he was married. He then established his home on a farm which he purchased in Makee township. On this there were some improvements, but Mr. Halvorsen further improved the tract and there made his home for twenty years. He then disposed of that land and invested his money in his present place of one hundred and eight acres. situated on section 23, Makee township, which he purchased of his father. The land was only partially cleared and there was a small house on the place. Mr. Halvorsen at once set to work to further improve the land and he has also erected a substantial and modern house with a basement, and has built a barn with basement. He now has seventy acres under cultivation, while the remainder is devoted to pasture. In addition to raising grain he follows dairying and raises
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good grades of live stock. He is likewise a stockholder in the Farmers Coopera- tive Creamery Company at Waukon.
It was in 1867 that Mr. Halvorsen was married to Miss Lena Johnson, of Waldon, and they lived happily together until they were separated by the death of the wife in 1907. A son and daughter were born of this union, but the latter, Isabella Caroline, died at the age of seventeen years. The son, H. M. Hal- vorsen, assists his father in carrying on the home farm. He was married in 1907 and has three children, Marcus L., Martha Adelia and Herbert Hillman
In his political belief Mr. Halvorsen is a republican, while his religious faith is that of the Norwegian Evangelical church, of which he is a devout member. For years he has been identified with the school board, having served as district clerk, while for the past two years he has been treasurer of the district. He was likewise township trustee for six years. Mr. Halvorsen has led an active and industrious life. Since coming to the new world he has practically cleared and improved two farms and his present valuable place is the reward of his labors. He is well known not only in the township which has long been his home but throughout the county as well and he is everywhere spoken of in terms of high praise and commendation.
FRANK RUSSELL.
Frank Russell is one of the wide-awake, energetic and progressive merchants of Allamakee county, conducting a store at Forest Mills. He is one of the county's native sons, his birth having occurred at Harden on the 25th of Janu- ary, 1880. His parents are James and Mary A. (French) Russell. The father came to this county in 1870 from Waukesha county, Wisconsin, and followed the occupation of farming. In the family were six children, four sons and two daughters, of whom Frank Russell is the second in order of birth.
Being a life-long resident of Allamakee county, Frank Russell has a wide acquaintance in that section in which he has always lived. He attended the Cherry Valley school during the period of his boyhood and youth, and his experiences were such as usually fall to the lot of the farmer's son who devotes his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. After putting aside his text-books he continued to follow farming until 1911, when he turned his attention to commercial pur- suits, purchasing the store that was formerly the property of his father-in-law, Albert D. Bender, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. He now has a well appointed establishment, carrying a carefully selected line of goods of modern manufacture. In connection with his commercial interests he is en- gaged in the contracting business with Albert D. Bender on road and bridge work. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful accomplish- ment, for he is determined and energetic and his persistency of purpose is winning him substantial reward.
On the 16th of September, 1901, Mr. Russell was united in marriage to Miss Edith M. Bender, also a native of Allamakee county and a pupil in the country
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schools through the period of her girlhood. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have two chil- dren, Clarence and Lawrence.
Mr. Russell is a young man of recognized moral courage, endowed by nature with strong intellectual force. He recognizes the opportunities which are before him and makes good use of them as the years go by, realizing also that success is, as it were, a tree that will grow in no other soil than that of industry, per- severance and honesty. During the course of his boyhood and active business career he has formed a wide acquaintance and warm regard is entertained for him by many friends.
G. A. GILBERTSON.
A prominent representative of the Norwegian race in Allamakee county and owner of a valuable farm of two hundred acres improved with splendid build- ings, G. A. Gilbertson is one of the foremost citizens of Paint Creek township and one of its most prosperous and progressive agriculturists. He was born in Nordre Land, Norway, January 16, 1848, a son of Osten Gilbertson, also a native of Norway, who emigrated to America in 1853. For two years the father worked in the pineries of Wisconsin, having a hard struggle to make a living as he came to this country empty in pocket, even owing his passage money. In 1855 he drove an ox team and covered wagon to Allamakee county and, having husbanded his savings while working in Wisconsin, was enabled to buy one hun- dred and sixty acres of wild land. He endured many hardships and difficul- ties and during his first summer lived in his covered wagon and a rail pen. He then built a small log house and as he cleared his land and brought his acres under cultivation gradually acquired the means which enabled him to supplant this primitive structure with a more substantial brick residence, which still stands today. The father died about four years ago on this farm, to the cultivation of which he had given his unwearied labor, the mother having passed away about fifteen or sixteen years before that time. Osten Gilbertson was married when he left his native land, having contracted a union there with Miss Isabelle Hanson, and to them two children were born in their native land: G. A., of this review ; and Martin, who died at the age of twenty years. A sister of our subject, Isabelle, born in Allamakee county, is now Mrs. J. P. Bakke, a resident of Center township.
G. A. Gilbertson was reared under the parental roof and amid the primitive conditions of pioneer life learned endurance and the value of industry and hon- esty. His education was but limited and, such as it was, received in the dis- trict schools of the neighborhood, but he has since acquired much valuable knowl- edge in the school of life. He remained with his parents, assisting his father in the work of the farm and learning the value of thorough methods, the proper processes of cultivation and the details of stock-raising. He later came into possession of the old homestead, to which he has since added forty acres, his farm now comprising two hundred acres. What buildings were on the place he has greatly improved since taking charge and his property presents a pleasing aspect of prosperity. He follows general farming, giving attention to grain
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raising and live stock. As the years have passed he has became recognized as one of the most substantial men of his district and his labors have not only brought him prosperity but have been a factor in raising the agricultural stand- ards in Allamakee county.
Mr. Gilbertson was married to Miss Isabelle Gilbertson, a native of Norway and a daughter of Andrew and Caroline Gilbertson, who came to Allamakee county about 1865. They were farming people of Makee township, where the father died several years ago. The mother subsequently made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Gilbertson of this review and passed away upon their farm in 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbertson have seven children, Melia, Ida, Augusta, Oscar, Carl, George and Marcus. Of these George is married and follows agricultural pursuits in Paint Creek township.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilbertson are members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. He gives his political alle- giance to the republican party and has held official positions such as township trustee, in which capacity he served for one term, and has also done efficient work as a member of the school board. Although nearing his sixty-sixth birth- day, Mr. Gilbertson is still actively looking after his varied interests and occupies himself with the operation of his farm. He is highly respected and esteemed in his township, not only for what he has achieved but also on account of his high qualities of mind and character which have made possible his success.
E. M. BUSNESS.
E. M. Busness is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Allamakee county. He was born in Paint Creek township, October 9, 1870, a son of Ole O. and Martha (Djonne) Busness, both of whom were natives of the province of Hardanger, Norway. The family home was established in Allamakee county in 1859, and here the father engaged in farming throughout his active business career and passed away here in 1908, when he lacked but a few days of having reached the eightieth anniversary of his birth. The mother departed this life in the same year. In their family were seven children, as follows: Olena, a native of Norway and now the wife of Harold Hanson, of Paint Creek township: Julia, who was also born in Norway and is now the wife of O. N. Hegg, of Lansing, this county; Caroline, who was born in Allamakee county and is the wife of Bernt Michelson, of Clear Lake, South Dakota; H. J., who is engaged in farming in Paint Creek township; Nels, who resides in Fort Dodge, lowa; Mrs. J. M. Anderson, also of Paint Creek town- ship; and E. M., of this review.
E. M. Busness acquired his education in the district school near his home and during the periods of vacation he was trained to the work of the farm. He re- mained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty years, when he spent two years in Pipestone, Minnesota. He subsequently returned to Allamakee county, working for two years for his brother on the old home- stead. He then farmed for himself, renting land for several years, but about six years ago, in partnership with his brother-in-law, O. N. Hegg, of Lansing,
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he purchased one hundred and forty acres of well improved land on section 13, Paint Creek township, which was known as the old Peter Pederson farm. Here he has since been engaged in general farming and is meeting with well deserved success in his undertakings.
Mr. Busness was married in this county April 15, 1895, the lady of his choice being Miss Matilda Anderson, a daughter of Martin Anderson, who is men- tioned elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Busness was born in Jefferson township, this county, and by her marriage has become the mother of six children, Alice. Esther, Elmer, Clarence, Gladys and Lester.
Mr. Busness had always given his political support to the republican party and he and his family are members of the East Paint Creek Synod church. He is an honest and industrious man and fully merits the esteem which is ac- corded him by his neighbors and friends.
MICHAEL CLARK.
Michael Clark has been a resident of Allamakee county since 1853 and is numbered among the oldest men in this part of Iowa, being among the very ear- liest settlers. He has witnessed practically the entire growth of the county, for few settlements had been made within its borders at the time of his arrival, and all the evidences of frontier life were to be seen, while the hardships and trials incident to pioneer existence were to be met. Mr. Clark was born Sep- tember 22, 1819, and has therefore almost reached the ninety-fourth milestone on life's journey. His career has been characterized by unfaltering determina- tion and well directed labor, and his fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres is the visible evidence of his lifelong industry and thrift.
Michael Clark is a native of County Monahon, Ireland, and was born in the same year which witnessed the birth of Queen Victoria and in 1844 he crossed the Atlantic to America, settling first in Canada, where he remained for four years. At the end of that time he removed to Livingston county, New York, and from there to Allamakee county, Iowa, in 1853. For sev- eral years he engaged in getting out wood to supply to steamers on the Mis- sissippi river, and he lived during that time at Johnsonport. Soon after his arrival here he bought one hundred and sixty acres of wild land on section 29. Taylor township, and several years later located on the property, where he has since continued to reside, bearing an active and honorable part in the work of upbuilding which has transformed this part of the state from a frontier wilderness into a prosperous and growing county. With characteristic energy he began developing his farm, clearing the timber and erecting upon it substantial buildings. He has today a well improved property, which is under the management of his son, and which in its neat and attractive appearance indicates the many years of careful supervision which the owner has bestowed upon it.
Mr. Clark has been twice married. In Canada he married Miss Mary Brady and by her had two children, one of whom, Mrs. Mary Murril, resides in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Mr. Clark's second wife was in her maidenhood
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Miss Bridget Marn, and she passed away February 15, 1902, leaving four chil- dren: Eva, the wife of John Hart, of Waterville, Iowa; John, who operates his father's farm ; Anna, who lives at home; and Nell, the wife of Amos Damon, of Harper's Ferry, Iowa.
Mr. Clark is a member of the Roman Catholic church and guides his honor- able and upright life by the principles in which he believes. He has been at all times interested in the welfare of the county and has given active cooperation to many movements for the public good. Living in Allamakee county for fifty years, he is one of the best known citizens of his locality, being widely recog- nized as a man of tried integrity and worth, of business enterprise and unfalter- ing diligence.
FRED BEUTLER.
Fred Beutler owns and operates a fine farm of eighty acres in Fairview town- ship and is classed among the progressive farmers and public-spirited citizens of his locality. He was born in Berne, Switzerland, August 2, 1852, and is a son of John and Susanna ( Gemppelar ) Beutler, the former a native of Buchholter- berg and the latter of Wimmis. The father engaged in farming in his native country, working in the employ of others, and he and his wife never came to America.
Fred Beutler acquired his education in the public schools of Switzerland and at the age of seventeen years began earning his own livelihood, working during two summers as a farm hand in the employ of his uncle. He afterward obtained a position in an embroidery factory and retained that until 1874, when he purchased his father's farm, which he operated for some years, also working on a telegraph line. In May, 1884, he crossed the Atlantic to America and set- tled first in Monroe, Wisconsin, where he spent seven years as a cheese-maker. From there he removed to Dubuque, Jowa, and obtained a position in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, retaining it two years and purchasing in the meantime a house and lot in Waukon Junction. When he sold this he pur- chased an eighty acre farm in Fairview township, this county, and upon this property he still resides, giving practically all of his attention to its improve- ment and development with the result that it is today a valuable place equipped with substantial buildings and labor-saving machinery. Mr. Beutler engages in general farming and has also important stock-raising interests. In addition to his own farm he also operates a tract of land adjoining which belongs to his son.
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