USA > Iowa > Buena Vista County > Past and present of Buena Vista County, Iowa > Part 45
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Mr. Nitzke chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Angusta Porath, their marriage being celebrated on the 8th of December, 1904. Mrs. Nitzke is a daughter of Charles Porath, deceased, who was well known throughout Buena Vista county. The mother, however, still survives. Mr. and Mrs. Nitzke have a little son, Vietor L., horn October 22, 1906, who is the joy and light of the household.
Mr. Nitzke usually votes the republican ticket but does not consider him- self hound by party ties, giving his support to the men whom he deems best fitted for office. He is a member of the German Methodist church. He pos- sesses an alert and enterprising spirit, making good use of the opportunities which come to him, and if his present position is any criterion by which to judge, no doubt the future holds in store for him still greater success.
CORNELIUS CORNELIUSSEN.
Cornelius Cornelinssen is one of the thrifty and wide-awake farmers of Buena Vista county, owning an excellent tract of land of four hundred acres in Nokomis township. This is a well improved and valuable property and constitutes one of the attractive features of the landscape. Upon this farm Mr. Corneliussen resided until 1904, when he purchased a farm a half mile east of Alta, where he lived for two years, and then removed to the village. Six months later he went to California. He dates his residence in lowa from 1868, in which year he settled in Story county. but the following year came to Buena Vista eounty and through four decades has been a witness to the changes which have occurred transforming this part of the state from a pioneer region into one of the leading counties of the commonwealth.
As the name indicates, Mr. Corneliussen is of Norwegian birth, having first opened his eyes to the light of day in Bergen, in April, 1852. He remained in the land of the midnight sun until thirteen years of age, when he crossed the Atlantic for the United States. Friends who had already come to the new world had reported favorably concerning wages paid here and eon- ditions existing in business circles, and he believed that he might more rapidly develop in business lines than he could by remaining in his native country.
Mr. Corneliussen spent six months in Story county, Iowa, and in 1869 came to Buena Vista county, where his brother, S. R. Cornelinssen, had secured a claim of eighty acres. He helped to break the sod and improve the farm and eventually he purchased eighty acres of land from his brother. He then began farming on his own account and as the years have passed he has added to the property from time to time until he became the owner of over four hundred His extensive holdings are the visible evidence of his well direeted acres.
labor. He started out a poor man, having no assistance from friends or rela- tives, but he has builded his success upon the sure foundation of industry. determination and business integrity. Aside from his farming interests he is now in partnership with his brother in owning and condneting a general mer- cantile store in Alta.
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Mr. Corneliussen was married in Alta, in March. 1888, to Miss Ragna Ilolverson, who was born in Norway but was reared in Iowa. They have become parents of four children: Carl W., Cora. Hazel B. and Norman C. Since 1904 the family have resided in Alta.
Sinee becoming a naturalized citizen he has given continued support lo the republican party, but while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day he has never sought nor desired publie office. He has preferred to give his entire time and energy to his business affairs, and has led a useful and active life, during which time he has been closely iden- tified with the development and progress of this county. He has owned and improved a number of farms and in the conduct of his business affairs has won a competence which should crown earnest and honorable labor. He manifests publie-spirited devotion to the general good and his eooperation in many movements has made him an important factor in the progress and improvement of his portion of the county.
PETER O. OLSON.
Peter O. Olson is one of the worthy citizens that Norway has furnished to Buena Vista county. He is now numbered among the substantial farmers of this section of Iowa, owning two hundred and forty acres of land in Lee town- ship. As above stated Mr. Olson was born in Norway, the date of his birth being April 24, 1859. His parents, Ole and Martha Olson, spent their entire. lives in the land of the midnight sun and lived to old age, the father passing away at the age of ninety years, while the mother died at the age of eighty years.
When twenty-one years of age, Peter O. Olson, foreseeing that there was no future for him in his native country and having heard and read a great deal about the freedom and the opportunity for advancement in this country, decided to leave home. It was in 1880 that he emigrated to the new world and upon reaching New York made his way at once to Benton county, Iowa, where he resided for six or seven years, subsequent to which time he continued his journey to Buena Vista county and located on his present farm in Lee township. At first he rented land but as the years passed and he accumulated a competence, he invested in farm property and today owns two hundred and forty aeres, situated four miles from Sioux Rapids. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and is meeting with good suecess in his labors.
Mr. Olson was married in 1854 to Miss Mary Ann Ludvigson, a daughter of Johannes and Bertha Ludvigson, who emigrated to America in 1865, when their daughter was about a year old. Iler father died in Benton county, lowa, in 1881. and there her mother is still living. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Olson has been blessed with seven children: Orvie J., who assists his father on the home farm, was married in Minneapolis, Minnesota, December 10, 1908, to Miss Jenette Helena Larson, of Barnes township, this county. The
P. O. OLSON AND FAMILY
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other members of the family are Chrest E., Elma Maria, Nora MeCanna Hazel, Benia Louise, Mamie Pernelle and Ella Ruth.
Mr. Olson gives his political support to the republican party and he has been called upon to fill township offices. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. Coming to the new world a young man, without means and without friends, ignorant of the manners and cus- toms of American people, he deserves great credit for what he has accom- plished in a business way. All that he today possesses has been acquired through his energy, economy and well directed efforts, so that even the most envious cannot grudge him his success.
NELS C. KJARSGAARD.
Denmark has furnished to Buena Vista county a considerable portion of her enterprising successful citizens, who have done much for her upbuilding and development in agricultural lines. To this class belongs Nels C. Kjarsgaard, a resident farmer of Newell township, living on section 23. He is also one of the oldest settlers of the community and has therefore witnessed its development from the time when the county was largely an unimproved prairie. He has five hundred and forty acres of land, all of which is well improved and the fields annually give to him golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he is bestowing upon his place. He has almost reached the seventieth milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Denmark near Nibe, April 19, 1839. His parents were Christ and Mary (Winther) Peterson. ITis paternal grandfather was a gardener of Denmark and in that country reared a large family and died at an old age. The maternal grandparents were Ole and Christina (Anderson) Winther.
Christ Peterson followed the oeeupation of farming in Denmark through- out his entire life, and there died at the age of seventy-five years, while his wife passed away when seventy-eight years of age. Both were Intherans in religious faith and were people of genuine worth. The father served his country as a soldier of the regular army. Their family numbered four sons and one daughter: Ole, Peter, Nels C., Paul and Christina, the wife of Christ Jensen.
Nels C. Kjarsgaard was reared as a farmer boy in Denmark and after his marriage came to the United States in 1870. During the first summer sue- veeding his arrival he followed farming near Cedar Falls and on the expira- tion of that period he came to Buena Vista connty where he purchased one hundred and sixty aeres of land in Newell township. Later he sold sixty acres of that to Paul Winther, but has added to his holdings from time to time by additional purchases until he now has over three hundred aeres in Buena Vista county and one hundred and sixty acres in Pocahontas county. His farm property is valuable because of the many improvements he has placed npon it and by reason of the fact that he is untiring in his labors in tilling and eulti-
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vating the soil. He has resided in Newell township continuously since 1871 and is therefore one of its oldest settlers.
In 1870 Mr. Kjarsgaard was married to Miss Anna Kathrina Larson, a daughter of Nels and Anna (Patria) Larson. Nine children were born of this marriage: Lonis, who died at the age of one year; Louis, the second of the name, who is operating his father's farm in Pocahontas county and who married Christina Jensen, by whom he has two children, Katherine Sylvia and Harold Jensen; Anna, Bertha, Ottilia and Henry, all at home; Albert, who died at the age of eighteen years; ITenry, who died when seven and one-half years old; and Mary, who died when fourteen years of age. The mother of these children passed away August 13, 1904, when fifty-five years of age. She was a Baptist in religious faith, while Mr. Kjarsgaard is a Lutheran. He served his country as a soldier in the navy and participated in the war of 1864 against Prussia and Austria. Since coming to America he has studied the political questions and issues of the day and has always given his political support to the republican party. for he believes that its principles best conserve good government. He is most loyal in his attachment to his adopted land and Buena Vista connty numbers him among her progressive citizens. He came to the county when comparatively few settlements had been made within its borders. As the years have gone by, he has lived to witness remarkable changes as the county has become thiekly settled by a prosperous and con- tented class of people, who. carrying on various business interests have pro. moted the agricultural, commercial and industrial growth of the county and made it one of the leading counties of this great commonwealth.
PETER LARSON.
A well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on seetion 29. Maple Valley township, stands as a monument to the thrift and energy of Peter Larson, who came as a youth of eighteen years to Ameriea from his native country. Sweden, where he was born on the 18th of July. 1851, a son of Lars JJohnson and Svenborg Swenson, who became the parents of fonr children. The mother had four children by a previous marriage. Mr. Johnson was a farmer by occupation.
Peter Larson acquired his edneation in the schools of his native country and was there reared to the age of eighteen years, when, foreseeing that there was no Future for him there and having learned of the opportunities to be enjoyed in the new world. in 1869 he emigrated to the United States. He made his way to Ogle county, Ilinois, where he was employed at farm labor for eight years. During this time he also attended school in order to acquaint himself with the English language. With the aim ever before him of some day possessing a farm, he carefully saved his earnings and in 1879 came to Buena Vista county and purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty aeres on section 29. Maple Valley township. He has made many improvements here. has laid tile, and he built a house, barn and outbuildings,
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which not only add to the attractive appearance of the place but to its value as well. He is engaged in raising wheat, corn and oats and also raises Poland China and Duroe Jersey hogs and good grades of horses, feeding all his grain to his stock. He has been very successful in life and deserves great credit for what he has accomplished since taking up his residence in lowa.
Mr. Larson chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Ida Johnson, who was likewise born in Sweden, a daughter of John Johnson. Their marriage occurred December 24, 1883, and they are the parents of three living children: Clare Victor, who is on the home farm; Limea Cynthia and Uno Severin, also at home. They also lost an infant daughter.
Mr. Larson is an independent republican and while he keeps in touch with the progress that is being made along political lines, he has never sought nor desired publie office. He is a member of the Lutheran church at Alta. in the work of which he takes an active and helpful part. He is well known among the substantial residents of Iowa and commands the respect and esteem of all with whom he is brought in contact.
B. O. CHRISTENSON.
B. O. Christenson. a furniture dealer and cabinetmaker of Sioux Rapids, belongs to that class of enterprising. thrifty and progressive men that Norway has furnished to the new world and which constitutes an important element in our citizenship. He was born in Norway, September 1, 1831, the son of Christian Swanson and Anna (Olsen) Christenson, who were natives of Nor- way, where they were reared and afterward spent their entire lives. The father died in 1855 at the age of seventy-four years.
B. O. Christenson was reared in his native country and came to America in 1869, arriving on the 4th of July, when the country was engaged in the cele- bration of the establishment of the republic. For about one and one-half years he was located in Chicago and was afterward in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company in their new shops at Aurora, Illinois. there spending eighteen months.
In 1872 he arrived in Buena Vista county, Iowa, reaching Sioux Rapids on the 29th of October, since which time he has made his home here. Soon after his arrival he secured a location which he believed would be suitable for a furniture store and had the foundation laid for the building. but there was some delay in beginning the structure as lumber had to be hauled from Newell, lowa. Finally the store was built. Mr. Christenson had admitted O. K. Hogen to a partnership but by the time the building was completed their capital was almost exhausted so that they had little left with which to buy goods. Mr. Christenson's possessions did not amount to more than five hundred dollars, while his partner had about three hundred and fifty dollars, and almost the entire amount was used in paying for the building and ground. They managed, however, to put about one hundred dollars into furniture and
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started in business. Difficulties and hardships awaited them for there was little money in the country and they were obliged to take payment for their goods in black walnut lumber, which at that time brought a very low price on the market. The finest quality of black walnut sold for only four cents per foot for dry and three cents for green lumber. Then came the financial panie of 1873; furthermore the country suffered from grasshopper scourge for several years and the outlook was very discouraging for the new settlers. Many who came to this section of the state were forced to go elsewhere in order to earn a living, for crops could not be raised and in consequence there was little market for any kind of merchandise.
Mr. Christenson and his partner struggled along, however, doing the best they could and finally in 1880 the Northwestern Railroad was built through Sioux Rapids and gave impetus to the growth and improvement of the little town. The farmers, too, had better crops, seenred higher priees and with nearer markets times began to improve. Mr. Christenson continned in the furniture business for about ten years, when another firm came into the field with a large stock of goods and the competition became so strong that the firm of Christenson & Hogen sold out to the new concern.
Mr. Christenson then opened a shop for cabinet and repair work and has continued in this line to the present time. He learned his trade in the old country and is a skilled workman, having served an apprenticeship of five years, during which time he had to labor incessantly from early morning until late evening hours. Ile had to be np every morning at five o'clock and his employers supplied him with but a seant allowance of food. He practically had no wages and as his master possessed a eruel disposition Mr. Christenson had to endure many beatings and other harsh treatment. However, he man- aged to gain a good knowledge of cabinetmaking and this is proving to him a substantial source of revenue at the present time. He has always led a busy, active and useful life and still remains an energetic worker although he has now passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. ITis record is a creditable one for in all of his dealings he has been honorable and straight- forward. He votes with the republican party and his religious faith is indi- vated by his membership in the Lutheran church. He believes that he has had better opportunities in the new world than he could have had in Norway and is very loyal in his allegiance to the stars and stripes.
SAMUEL L. NITZKE.
That the agriculturist finds in the rich and productive land of Buena Vista county ample opportunity for the scope of his energies is indicated by the fact that so many of the native born sons remain within her borders. This is true of Samuel L. Nitzke, who was born here June 4. 1877. a son of Mr. and Mrs. C. II. Nitzko, now living retired in Storm Lake. The father was born in Ger- many and for many years was prominently identified with the farming inter- ests of Buena Vista county, being numbered among its most substantial
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residents. More extended mention of him is made on another page of this work. ITis family numbers ten children, the brothers and sisters of our sub- jeet being: Mary, the wife of Ed Hanke, who follows farming; Annie, the wife of Will Ahntholz, who also follows farming; Martha, the wife of Henry Ahntholz, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits ; Lilly, Alfred, Benjamin and Andrew. all of whom are still under the parental roof; J. Louis, who is a farmer and is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; and Edward J., who is also represented in this work.
Samuel L. Nitzke pursued his studies in district school No. 7, attending to the age of nineteen years, when, putting aside his text-books, he gave his time and attention to work on the home farm. He later worked for three years in the employ of others. In 1905, however, feeling justified in purchas- ing land of his own, he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, sitnated in Coon township. On the place stands a nice country home, in the rear of which are found good and substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, while the land has been made very productive through the care and labor which Mr. Nitzke has bestowed upon it.
Mr. Nitzke was married to Miss Ida Zemke, who was born in Wansau, Wis- consin, July 9, 1884, and who presides with gracious hospitality over her home. By her marriage she has become the mother of a son and daughter: Clarence, born March 17, 1903; and Viloa, who was born March 27, 1905. The parents are faithful and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Nitzke is independent in his political views and affiliations, voting for the man whom he regards as best fitted for political preferment, regardless of parts ties. His success has been by no means the result of fortunate circumstances but it has come to him through energy, labor and perseverance, directed by an evenly balanced mind and by honorable business principles. In manner he is quiet and straightforward and his word has become a synonym for busi- ness integrity.
JOIIN W. WART.
Buena Vista county has few settlers whose residence here antedates that of John W. Wart, who arrived in 1869. Ahnost forty years have sinee come and gone and no longer does one see broad tracts of unbroken and uneultivated prairie for the visitor here looks out across richly cultivated fields from which are annually garnered extensive erops of corn and other cereals. Stoek-rais- ing, too, has become an important industry here, while the thriving cities and villages have a due proportion of commercial and industrial interests. Mr. Wart has always borne his share in the work of agricultural development and still follows farming on section 24. Newell township.
He was born in Oswego county, New York, June 17, 1854, his parents being William and Grace (Ash) Wart, who were natives of New York. They have but two children, the younger son, Frank, being now deceased. The father was a son of Adam Wart, who was likewise born in the Empire state but was
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of Holland Dutch deseent. Ile devoted his life to general agricultural pur- suits. Both he and his wife lived to an advanced age and reared a family of two sons and two daughters : Mary Ann, who was the wife of John W. Daggett ; Warner; William ; and Catherine, who became the wife of Hiram Fox.
Of this family William Wart was a native of New York and in early life followed the occupation of farming while later he became a merchant of Phoenix, New York. He afterward followed boat building and boating and in 1869 he removed westward to lowa. where he secured a homestead claim of eighty aeres, which served as the nucleus round which he gathered his exten- sive farm, becoming eventually the owner of six hundred and forty aeres of valuable and prodnetive land. He resided on this farm on seetion 24. Newell township, Buena Vista county, for nearly thirty years and, while thus con- neeted with agricultural pursuits, he also engaged in the practice of law, and for three years engaged in general merchandising. At the time of the Civil war he became a member of the Home Guards. He was always interested and active in matters of public progress and cooperated in many movements that were of essential benefit in the county's development and upbuilding, serving as supervisor for a time.
William Wart married Miss Grace Ash. a daughter of John Ash, a native of England, who came to America and settled in the state of New York, where he Followed the occupation of farming until his life's labors were ended in death when he had reached an advanced age. Unto him and his wife, Mrs. Mary Ash, were born the following children: Ambrose : John : Mary, who was the wife of John Lawton; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Peter Lawton; Grace : Susan, the deceased wife of John R. Hamill : Harriet, who became the wife of John R. Hamill after her sister's death; Jennie, the wife of Henry Redfield. of Nevada, lowa ; and William. Of this family Grace Ash became the wife of William Wart and still survives her husband, making her home in Nowell. Mr. Wart was formerly married and had three children by the first union. Ento his second marriage were born but two children. At his death he was laid to rest in the Newell cemetery.
John W. Wart was reared in Oswego. New York, to the age of fourteen years and acquired his education in the schools there. He then came to lowa with his parents and was reared to manhood on his father's farm here so that he had broad practical experience when he started out in life on his own account. After attaining his majority he operated his father's farm on shares and eventually purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 24, Newell township, where he has since made his home. This is today a splendidly improved tract of land and he uses the best machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, while everything about his place is indicative of his careful super- vision and practical, energetic methods.
Mr. Wart has been married twice. lle first wedded Miss Marilla Moore, a daughter of Solomon and Harriet (Perrin) Moore. They became parents of two children : Jennie, who died at the age of fourteen years; and Maude, living at home. The wife and mother died in 1888 and Mr. Wart has since married Miss Annie Bishop, a daughter of Charles Bishop. There is one child of this union, Myrtle.
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Mr. Wart belongs to Royal Lodge, No. 428. A. F. & A. M., also to Newell Lodge, No. 232, I. O. O. F., the Rebekah degree of that order and the Knights of Pythias. Politically he is a republican and for eight years has served as school director. The cause of education has found in him a warm and stal- wart friend and all matters of progressive citizenship received his endorsement and cooperation. He desires the best interests of the community and his aid is given to many measures for the public good. Wherever known he is held in high esteem. His good qualities always insure him high regard, confidence and good will.
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