USA > Iowa > Buena Vista County > Past and present of Buena Vista County, Iowa > Part 53
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GEORGE HIOBART.
George Hobart, who has met with a well merited degree of prosperity in his farming operations in Grant township, was born in Champaign county, Illinois, on the 24th of April, 1863. Isaac Ilobart, the father, who was a physician by profession, passed away when his son George was but six years of age, his remains being interred in Sugar Grove cemetery. Mrs. Hobart later married again and survived until 1904, her demise occurring in Danville. Illinois. The brothers and sisters of our subject are as follows: Esther, the wife of Leonard Slusher; Amy, who became the wife of William Wyman ; Charles, deceased; and Mathew, a resident of Oklahoma.
Following the death of his father George Hobart made his home with an unele in Ohio until fourteen years of age, when he started ont in life on his own account. When he had attained the age of nineteen years he secured employment as a farm hand and, carefully saving his earnings, was at length enabled to purchase a team. On the 4th of March, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Stella Moekbee, a native of Kentucky. Her father now makes his home in Danville, Illinois, but the mother has passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hobart have been born the following children, namely: Bertha, the wife of Elmer Pewsey; Charles, at home; Wanda, who is attending school ; Lena, who is also yet under the parental roof; Georgia Buena Vista, who was named in honor of this county; and Laura Belle and Mary Ellen, who are also at home.
Subseqeunt to his marriage Mr. Hobart began farming in Illinois and was thus successfully engaged until 1895, which year witnessed his arrival in Buena Vista county, lowa, where he has since been numbered among the progressive and prosperous agriculturists.
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In his political views Mr. Hobart is a stalwart republican and is capably serving in the office of school director. His wife is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal church. in the work of which she takes an active and helpful interest. Whatever success he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own labors and his life has been one of activity and usefulness.
OSCAR W. EATON.
Osear W. Eaton, who is successfully conducting business in Sioux Rapids under the firm name of the Oscar Eaton Grain Company, is one of the enter- prising men of this city. He was born in Green Lake county, Wiseonsin. April 9, 1863, a son of William and IIannah (Barrett) Eaton, natives of Cat- taraugus county, New York, the former born JJanuary 19, 1840, and the latter October 30, 1843. In 1877 the father removed with his family to a farm near Fonda, Iowa, where he continued to engage in agricultural pursuits until 1890, when he took up his abode in Fonda, where he has sinee made his home. IIe is a republican in his political views and takes a lively interest in all publie matters pertaining to state or national welfare. He is a member of Enter- prise Lodge, No. 332, I. O. O. F. at Fonda, while in religions faith he is a Scientist. His family numbered eleven children, of whom six still survive. The record is as follows: Freddie, who died in infancy; Frank, who wedded Maggie Olkger and resides in Fonda; Osear; Lucy. who became the wife of Frank Moulton, residing three miles north of Fonda, and passed away in 1888; Viola, who became the wife of Stephen Norton, residing on a farm seven miles from Fonda, and who died in 1896; Nettie, the wife of George Dixon, a resident of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Myrtle, the wife of Charles Cheney, a resident of Boone, lowa; Jennie, who is engaged in teaching in the public schools of Spokane, Washington; Eugene, who died in infancy; Albert, who is married and resides in Audubon, Iowa; and one who died in infancy.
Oscar W. Eaton, the third in order of birth began his early education in the public schools and completed the high-school course at Ripon, Wisconsin. After completing his education he returned to the home farm, for in the mean- time the family had taken up their abode in Pocahontas county, lowa. He assisted his father in the work of the fields until the time of his marriage, which occurred February 25, 1891, when he led to the marriage altar Miss Anna Olkger, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. P'. Olkger, natives of Denmark. In 1869 they emigrated to America and first settled in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where they spent one year but subsequently removed to Newell. this state, where the mother passed away. The father still survives and now makes his home in Oklahoma.
Following his marriage Mr. Eaton located in Fonda and engaged in the grain business, which he condneted successfully for six years. He then located in Laurens, this state, where he was employed by the Allen Land & Loan Company until 1896, when he came to Sioux Rapids, and for seven years he was associated with the firm of Wells, Hord & Company, and after sever-
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OSCAR W. EATON AND FAMILY
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ing his connection with that firm spent a time with the Alton Milling Company, Gifford & Manley and the Douglas Grain Company. In the summer of 1906 he engaged in business on his own account under the firm name of the Oscar Eaton Grain Company. He has a large and commodious elevator, well equipped for the handling of grain. IIe annually buys and sells a large amount of grain and his trade is gradually increasing from year to year, until now he is numbered among the successful and substantial business men of this eity.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Eaton has been blessed with six children, as follows: Gussie, who died when thirteen months old; Cecil, who was born August 16, 1893; Fay, born September 23, 1895; Ruth, horn February 4, 1902; Ross, who died at the age of one year; and Otis.
Mr. Eaton is a member of Buena Vista Lodge, No. 574, I. O. O. F., at Sioux Rapids, is a Mason, belonging to Enterprise Lodge, No. 332, A. F. & A. M., and also a member of the chapter, and he likewise belongs to the Yeomen, while both he and his wife are identified with the Rebekahs. Their religious faith is indicated by their membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they are liberal supporters. They have many friends in Sioux Rapids and are highly esteemed for their many good traits of character, while in busi- ness circles Mr. Eaton has also won the confidence and good will of all with whom he is brought in contaet. He has served as justice of the peace four years and has recently been reelected for two years more. Ile had a novel experience in October, 1908, when an old friend, P. F. Petty, ealled at his office and informed him that he had caught a chieken thief and wanted a war- rant for his arrest. Mr. Eaton promptly issued the same and instructed the marshal to go out and bring the culprit in, but Mr. Petty informed the officer that he and his son would bring the thief as they felt equal to any emergency that might arise. They returned to the farm and on the following day brought in for trial a Mr. Opossum, whom Mr. Eaton sentenced to immediate death after a short trial.
HON. HOLVER H. PETERSON.
IIon. Ilolver H. Peterson is one of the worthy and respected eiti- zens of the county, who since 1878 has lived within its borders. Ile has been connected with farming and merchandising here but is now living retired, for his well directed labors have brought to him a goodly measure of success. Ever straightforward in his dealings his worth constitutes an important fea- ture in the citizenship of this part of the state.
A native of Norway, Mr. Peterson was born March 21, 1831, and is a son of Holver Peterson, who was born, reared and married in the land of the mid- night sun, the lady of his chioce being Betsey denstigen. He followed farm- ing in Norway for several years or until after the birth of their five children and in 1839 emigrated with their family to the new world, taking ship at Guttenberg as passengers on the American brig. Bunyan, bound for Boston.
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They were eight weeks on the Atlantic and Holver H. Peterson is now the only living man who came from Norway to America in 1839. At that day voyages were never made across the water for pleasure, business interests prompted them at all times or the desire for religious or political liberty and it was the hope of having better opportunities in the new world that led Holver Peterson to bring his family to the United States. They first located at Jefferson Prairie in Rock county, Wisconsin, where they lived four years. The father then opened up a farm in that county. Upon that place he reared his family and both he and his wife died there. There home was in a frontier settlement when they located in Wisconsin. The land was largely unimproved and the forests uncut. The homes of the settlers were mostly built of logs and were heated with fire-places, while other furnishings were just as primitive.
Holver H. Peterson of this review met all of the hardships and priva- tions of pioneer life. He aided in the work of the farm when there was none of the modern machinery or implements to lighten the labors of the fields. IIe was energetic and industrious and the habits of perseverance and industry which he formed have been fruitful sources of his success in later years. His educational privileges were limited, but by reading, experience and observa- tion he has become a well informed man. When he had reached his majority he began learning the stone-mason's trade, which he followed for several years in his early manhood both before and after his marriage. He also car- ried on farming and in everything that he did displayed a spirit of enterprise and commendable determination.
Mr. Peterson was married in Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1851. to Miss Carrie Michelson. a native of Norway. After his marriage he continued to reside in Wisconsin for several years, being engaged in farming and mason work. He became one of the prominent and influential residents of his locality and was a leading worker in the ranks of the republican party. He took an active part in the promotion of the party in Wisconsin and on its ticket was elected and served in a number of offices of honor and trust. Hle was a member of the town board for about fifteen years and was also super- visor of his county, The ability and fidelity which he displayed in local office led to his being nominated in 1871 as independent candidate for the legislature. lle spent but three day in electioncering and was elected against the regular party candidates. He served on some of the important committees and intro- duced a resolution in the house instructing the committee to report by bill on the question of appointing a commissioner to control both freight and pas- senger rates on all railroads of the state. This measure was very popular with the people but awoke the bitter opposition of the railroad companies. Though the question has been discussed throughout the nation since that time Mr. Peterson was the first to introduce a resolution for the framing of such a bill. He made a record for faithful, honest service in the legislature, win- ning the commendation of his constituency and the respect of even his political opponents.
Mr. Peterson continued to reside in Wisconsin until 1878, when he dis- posed of his business interests in that state and removed to fowa, settling in
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Buena Vista eounty. He purchased one hundred and sixty aeres in Elk town- ship and opened up a new farm, which he improved, making it an attractive place, well equipped with good buildings and the accessories of modern farm- ing life. Later he removed to Alta, where he engaged in merchandising and afterward sold his farm and rural interests. He continued to conduet the store for about five years when he sold out and now lives retired. He owns land in Minnesota, near Crookston, and his residence property in Alta.
In 1903 Mr. Peterson was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in that year. Seven of their children are yet living: Bessie, the wife of Harley Olson, of Alta; Henry, who is married and is clerking in this town; Mary, the wife of Warren MeBride, of Washington township; Sever, living at Crookston, Minnesota ; John, of Alta; Sarah. the wife of Paul Polson, a travel- ing man, living in Alta; Peter, now of Nebraska. Esther, now deceased, was at one time a teacher of this county. Carrie, who also engaged in teaching, has passed away, while another child, Knute, died at the age of eight years.
Mr. Peterson has long been recognized as a man of good business ability and of true integrity and worth. He has never been known to falter in any course that he has believed to be right, and his success is the result of careful management and honest achievement.
JOHN P. HULTGREN.
John P. Hultgren owns and operates one hundred acres of land on section 2. Nokomis township, which has been made a valuable property on account of the improvements which he has here made. Mr. Hultgren was born in Sweden, November 10, 1847, and acquired a good education in his native conn- try. He was a young man of nineteen years when, in 1867, the father with his family emigrated to the United States. They took passage on an ocean steamer at Guttenberg and after spending two weeks on the Atlantic arrived in New York on the 14th of May of the above year. The family at once made their way to Burlington, lowa, where lived an unele of our subjeet, and in Des Moines county the father located a farm. The entire family at onee began to study the English language and in due course of time had a fair knowledge of the language, manners and customs of American people.
Soon after coming to Fowa John P. Hultgren found employment with Nealley Brothers of Des Moines county, Iowa, who were extensive fruit grow- ers and nurserymen. He remained with the above firm for four years and subsequently spent five years as clerk in a store and in this way received a good business training. It was about this time in his life that Mr. Hultgren established a home of his own by his marriage on the 31st of December, 1875. to Miss Carrie Peterson, their wedding being celebrated in Burlington, lowa. Mrs. Hultgren, like her husband, is a native of Sweden, whence she emigrated to America in 1869.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hultgren removed to Henderson county, Illinois, where Mr. Hultgren was employed at farm labor for one year.
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He then rented a tract of land which he operated for ten or eleven years. In 1889 he returned to Towa, this time loeating in Buena Vista county. He rented a farm in Nokomis township, which he operated for several years, but eventually purchased his present farm property in 1899, to which he removed the following year, having for one year rented the place to other parties. Ho has built a good house, two barns and sheds for the eare of his stock. Three good wells on the farm furnish an ample supply of water for stock and house- hold purposes and everything about the place presents a neat and thrifty appearance, indicating the progressive methods of the owner. In addition to general farming, Mr. Hultgren raises shorthorn cattle, having a pure blooded male at the head of his herd and he also raises Poland China hogs. He is a stockholder and a director in the Alta creamery.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hultgren has been blessed with three ehil- dren. George W. C. is married and has two children. Pearl and Curtis. He follows farming in Nokomis township. Horace R. E. is also married and is engaged in farming in this township. Esther A. C. is the wife of Robert Peterson, a farmer of Seott township. They have three children, Grace, Earl and Russel. Mr. Hultgren is a staneh supporter of republican principles and for two years served as justice of the peace of Nokomis township and for fifteen years he has been identified with the school board, of which he is at present the secretary. The parents are members of the Swedish Lutheran church at Alta. Mr. Hultgren is known for his industry, honesty and integ- rity and has thereby won the confidence and esteem of all with whom he is brought in contaet, either in business or social relations.
CHARLES F. OLSON.
Charles F. Olson is a worthy representative of the farming and stoek- raising interests of Coon township, where he operates a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which is under a high state of cultivation. He was born in Black Hawk county, lowa, February 21, 1878, a son of Rev. Fred and Hannah (Jacobson) Olson, both of whom were natives of Denmark. The father was a soldier in the Danish army and also served two years in the Ger- man army, during which time he received a gun-shot wound in the head. He came with a company of emigrants to America, believing that he might better provide for his family in the new world. Finding employment here, he returned to the old country for his family, and upon once more reaching American shores made a permanent location in Black Hawk county, lowa. For a time he followed the carpenter's trade and also engaged in farming. In 1902 he came to Buena Vista county and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he later sold and invested his money in one hundred and sixty acres in Grant township. The father spent his last years as a traveling missionary for the Baptist church and his work in this connection was of far- reaching benefit and influence. Crowned with honors and years he was called to his final rest January 14, 1908, when he had reached the age of seventy
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years. His widow still survives and yet makes her home on the farm in Grant township. The family of Rev. and Mrs. Fred Olson numbers six chil- dren, as follows: Lena, the wife of Andrew Jeansen; Minnie, the wife of Valentine Nelson; Mary, the wife of Charles Hansen; Charles F., of this review ; and William and Walter, who follow farming in Grant township.
Charles F. Olson, whose name introduces this record, attended the dis- triet schools of Black Hawk county to the age of fourteen years. His boy- hood and youth were spent on the home farm, during which time he assisted his father in the work of the fields. When he had attained his majority he started out upon an independent career and was employed as fireman by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company. After a time, however, he once more returned to the home farm and assumed its management, being thus engaged until the time of his marriage.
Mr. Olson gives his time and attention to the operation of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Coon township, this property being well improved, while the land has been placed under a high state of cultivation. He raises the eer- eals best adapted to soil and climate and each year harvests abundant erops as a reward for the eare and labor which he bestows upon the fields. Ile also raises good grades of stock and this branch of his business is proving a profit- able source of revenue.
Mr. Olson was married September 14, 1904, the lady of his choice being Miss Meta Jensen, who was born in Denmark and whose parents are farming people of Coon township. 3 The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Olson was blessed with one daughter, Edna. Mr. Olson gives his political support to the republi- ean party but has never been active as an office seeker HIe is a member of the Baptist church and is highly esteemed in the community in which he has so long made his home.
JOHN PAULSON.
John Paulson owns and operates a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty aeres situated on section 11, Nokomis township, which has been in his pos- session sinee 1884, and until recent years masonry has been the major portion of his labors, the foundation for nearly every building in Alta having been laid by him. Mr. Paulson was born in Denmark. September 1, 1842. He there learned the mason's trade and made his home in his native country until he had reached the age of twenty-seven years. En 1869 he emigrated to the new world and for a time made his home in Chicago, Ilinois. Hle then went to Texas and was employed on the construction of a railroad there for three years.
On the expiration of that time he went to Fargo, North Dakota, and was there employed at railroad builling for one year. He then returned to Chieago and found plenty of work at his trade, for this was after the great fire in 1871 and there was much building being done. After a Few years spent in that city, Mr. Paulson came to Buena Vista county, lowa. and in connection with a brother purchased land, which he improved and cultivated for a time.
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Ile then spent five years in AAlta, working at his trade, and for three years was engaged in the implement business here, while for several years he gave his attention to buying and shipping stock. Tle followed the mason's trade to a greater or less extent until 1905, sinee which date he has given his entire time and attention to operating his home farm. On his place may be seen a good house, barns and other outbuildings for the care of stock, for he raises and feeds from one to two carloads of stock each year. In addition to his farm he also owns property in Alta and is a stockholder in the creamery and the elevator in this village.
Mr. Paulson was married in May, 1882, 10 Miss Mary Hanson, a native of Denmark, and a daughter of Hans Hanson. By her marriage Mrs. Paulson has become the mother of six children: Anne, the wife of Murphy Langlett, a farmer of Elk township: Henry, who wedded Lillie Lindlief, a resident of Nokomis township; and Bert, Lydia, Rebecca and. David, all under the paren- tal roof.
Politieally Mr. Paulson is a democrat with strong prohibition tendencies. He has never songhi to figure in public life, for his private business affairs have made full claim upon his time and attention. He is a devoted member of the Free Mission church of Alta. He has never regretted coming to America, for here he has found the opportunities he sought and making use of these as they have presented, he has gradually worked his way upward until his standing today is that of a substantial, progressive citizen, who commands the good will and confidence of neighbors and friends.
GEORGE T. HOLLINGSWORTH.
George T. Hollingsworth has for a long period been connected with the industrial life of Alta, giving his time and attention to the stonemason's irade, in which he has become an expert mechanic. He was born near Fort Plain, New York. May 12, 1848, a son of John and Mary (Spring) Hollingsworth, both of whom were natives of England, where they were married ere emigrat- ing to the new world. The father had learned the stonemason's trade in his native country and after coming to the new world followed that as a means of support for himself and family. Locating in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hollingsworth there remained until after the birth of their two eldest chil- dren when, in 1859, they made their way westward, first locating in Madison county, lowa, where they made their home for a decade. On the expiration of that period they came to Buena Vista county, where Mr. Hollingsworth homesteaded eighty acres of land in Maple Valley township, and the son also took up a claim of eighty acres adjoining. Locating thereon, by the com- bined efforts of father and son, they, in due course of time, made it a well improved traci, and Mr. Hollingsworth then spent the remaining years of his active business career in farming. His last years, however, were spent in Alta, his death there occurring in 1894. His wife survived him for abont ten years and passed away in 1904. Thus the community lost two of its most
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worthy and highly respected pioneer settlers, people who had used their influence in the betterment of this community.
George T. Hollingsworth was a lad of eleven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal from his native state to lowa. In his early youth he learned the stonemason's trade under the direction of his father. and later learned the briekmason's and plasterer's trades. For about ten years he fol- followed his trades in connection with general farming and, although he still owns his traet of land, which he rents, he now makes his home in Alta and gives his time exclusively to stone and brick work. and he also contracts for building cement sidewalks. Ile has laid the foundation for a number of houses in Alta and his patronage also extends to the surrounding towns and villages. He is always found prompt in the execution of a contract and his prices are reasonable, and in this manner he has won the confidence and good will of all with whom he has business dealings.
Mr. Hollingsworth was married in Storm Lake. September 24. 1873, to Miss Emerett Burdick, who was born and reared in Clinton, lowa. Following their marriage they made their home on the farm for ten years but, as above stated, they are now residing in Alta. Their marriage has been blessed with three daughters and a son : Minta, the eldest. is the wife of Ed Evans, who is connected with the stockyards at Sioux City. They have three chlidren, Lydia, Edna and Elda. Zada is the wife of Elmer Benson, of Alta. John is engaged in the harness business at Alta and Sylvia is a student in the schools at Sioux City.
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