USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 10
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Mr. Hover is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has been honored by his fellow citizens by election to practically all the township offices, including township
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assessor and justice of the peace. He has been road superintendent and is at present school treasurer and he takes a great interest in the growth and progress of this section of the state, the development of which he has witnessed since the early days. He is well known and highly respected throughout his township, being reliable in business, loyal in citizenship and at all times public-spirited and progressive-a native son whose life record is a credit to a name held in high honor here since pioneer times.
MARTIN C. BERGAN.
Martin C. Bergan, who has spent his entire life on the farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he now operates on section 2, Springfield township, is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as a representative agriculturist and progressive citizen. His birth occurred on the 9th of May, 1868, his parents being Ole and Carric (Wegan) Bergan, both natives of Nor- way. In 1850 the father emigrated to the United States and located in Wiscon- sin but a short time later came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, purchasing land in Springfield township which he began to clear and improve. The operation of that place claimed his time and attention throughout the remainder of his life and his efforts as an agriculturist were attended with a gratifying measure of success. The farm is now in possession of our subject. Ole Bergan passed away in October, 1906, while his wife had been called to her final rest in Decem- ber, 1904. the community thus losing two of its most esteemed and honored pioneer settlers.
Martin C. Bergan was here reared and educated, pursuing his studies in the district schools. After putting aside his text-books he was associated with his father in the operation of the home farm and in 1896 purchased the property, comprising one hundred and sixty acres. He has since been active in its further cultivation and has improved the place to such an extent that it is now lacking in none of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. His farming interests have returned to him a gratifying annual income and he has long been numbered among the prosperous and respected citizens of his native county. He is a stockholder in the Nordness Creamery Company, the Nordness Telephone Company and the Farmers Hog Company of Decorah.
In June, 1896, Mr. Bergan was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Barlow, a daughter of Swen and Anna (Nelson) Barlow, both of whom were natives of Norway. They emigrated to the new world in an early day, locating first in Wisconsin and subsequently coming to Winneshiek county. The father pur- chased and improved a farm in Calmar township, operating the same success- fully and continuously until the time of his death, which occurred on the 10th of October, 1892. His widow still resides on the old home place and is now seventy-six years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bergan have been born ten chil- dren, as follows: twins who died in infancy; Agnes C., who is fifteen years of age; Myrtle E., who passed away in 1900; Eleanor M., eleven years old ; Orville S., Mervin Lester and Beatrice M., who are eight, five and three years of age
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respectively ; Mabel Violet, who is one year old ; and Mildred Viola, twin sister of Mabel, who died on the 29th of June, 1912.
Mr. Bergan gives his political allegiance to the republican party, casting his ballot in support of its men and measures. In religious faith he is a Lutheran. His entire life has been spent within the borders of Winneshiek county and he enjoys the respect and confidence of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.
CHARLES F. YARWOOD.
Charles F. Yarwood, owning and operating two hundred and forty acres of land on sections 18 and 19, Madison township, and numbered among the pro- gressive and substantial agriculturists of this locality, is a native of Winneshiek county, born in Calmar township, October 17, 1865. He is a son of George W. and Maria ( Lee) Yarwood, the former a native of England and the latter of Wisconsin. When the father came to America he settled first in New York and in 1855 moved to Winneshiek county where he purchased and improved a farm in Calmar township, operating this until his death in the fall of 1901. His wife survived him, dying November 28, 1908.
Charles F. Yarwood was reared upon his father's farm and acquired his education in the district schools of Calmar township. When he was twenty- three years of age he came to Madison township and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 19, setting himself with characteristic energy to the task of improving and developing this property. He later added to it the eighty adjoining acres lying on section 18 and now owns two hundred and forty acres of well cultivated and productive land. Upon it he has made substantial improvements from time to time, erecting a comfortable residence, good barns and outbuildings and neglecting nothing which would add to the attractive appear- ance or value of the place. The work of improvement has been carried forward steadily along practical lines and Mr. Yarwood stands today among the repre- sentative and progressive farmers of this vicinity.
Mr. Yarwood has been twice married. On November 23, 1893, he wedded Miss Olive Smith, a daughter of John and Susan ( Lee) Smith, the former a native of New York and the latter of Wisconsin. The father came to Winne- shiek county at an early date and went from here to Allamakee county where he engaged in farming until his death. His wife survives him. By his first union Mr. Yarwood had five children: Harold: Lloyd; Grace; Bessie, who was born in 1894, and died September 21, of the same year; and one, who died in infancy. Mr. Yarwood's first wife passed away August 17. 1899, and on the 9th of March, 1904, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary P. Schrubbe. She was born in Decorah, September 14, 1876, and is a daughter of August and Caroline ( Hilliman) Schrubbe, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Canada. The father came to America with his - parents when he was fourteen years of age and located in Wisconsin. In 1865 he came to Decoralı, Iowa, and for a time worked as a farm laborer. He after- wards operated a soap factory for a number of years but eventually resumed
MR. AND MRS. CHARLES F. YARWOOD
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agricultural pursuits, renting and cultivating a fine farm. He died in October, 1902, at the age of sixty-three years, and is survived by his wife who makes her home in Decorah. Mr. and Mrs. Yarwood became the parents of four children : Leonard; Herbert ; Edward, who died in 1905; and one child, who died in infancy.
Mr. Yarwood is a member of the Methodist church. His fraternal rela- tions are with the Yeomen and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is at present director of his school district and the cause of educa- tion finds in him a stanch and intelligent supporter. He has lived in Madison township and upon his present farm for a quarter of a century and the years have brought him well deserved and substantial success.
HENRY LOMEN.
Almost half a century of continuous residence in one district is the record of Henry Lomen, for he was born in Decorah township, Winneshiek county. on the 15th of September. 1867, and the farm upon which his birth occurred continues to be his home. His parents, Erick E. and Olena ( Erickson) Lomen, were both born in Norway but came to America at an early day, locating in Wis- consin, where the father was employed in the pine woods for about two years. Later he came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, locating in Decorah township where he purchased eighty acres of land-a tract which formed the nucleus of the fine farm upon which his son Henry now resides. With characteristic energy he at once set about improving and developing the place and as the years passed and he prospered in his agricultural undertaking he purchased more land until even- tually he owned two hundred acres of fine farming property, eighty acres of which lie in Springfield township and the balance in Decorah township. He made farming his life work and was still actively engaged at that occupation at the time of his death, which occurred in 1906. His widow survives and, with her daughter, makes her home with her son Henry.
On the old homestead Henry Lomen was reared and at the usual age he became a pupil in the district schools. Later he supplemented the knowledge there gained by a course of study in the Decorah Institute, while his practical training was received on the home farm under the direction of his father. After the close of his school days he gave his attention entirely to the work of the fields and upon attaining his majority continued to remain at home, giving his father the benefit of his assistance until the latter's death, when he took complete charge of the home farm which he has since continued to operate. He has placed considerable improvements upon the property and its high state of devel- opment is in large measure due to his untiring efforts, his keen business sagacity and his progressive methods.
Mr. Lomen is a member of the Lutheran church while politically he votes with the republican party. He has never had time nor inclination for participa- tion in public affairs, although he is greatly interested in the welfare of the com- munity and supports any measures which have for their object the general improvement and progress. He is a stockholder in the Nordness Creamery Company and the Farmers Hog Company of Decorah, and has a reputation for
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unquestioned integrity in the business circles of Decorah township. A lifelong resident of this district, he is widely known throughout this section and the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
JOHN HARTER.
Since 1882 John Harter has devoted practically all of his time to the devel- opment of the Pleasant Ridge Fruit Farm on section 5. Pleasant township, whereon he is specializing in the raising of fine grades of native fruits, his scientific methods, unremitting industry and his thorough knowledge of the busi- ness combining to gain for him a success which places him among the most able fruit growers. He was born in Schwindratzheim, Alsace, Germany, March 28, 1859, and is a son of George and Mary ( Gross) Harter, also natives of that country, where the father engaged in farming and shoemaking for a number of years. He gave most of his time to the development of the old homestead, which has been in possession of members of his family for over three hundred years. Mr. and Mrs. George Harter became the parents of three children : George, who owns the old homestead in Germany: Mary, who also resides in the fatherland; and John, of this review.
The last named acquired his education in the public schools of Germany and remained upon the farm in his native province until 1882, assisting with its ope- ration and completing his term of service in the German army. In the latter year he crossed the Atlantic to America and settled immediately in Pleasant township, Winneshiek county, Iowa, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 5, whereon he has since resided. This he has developed along pro- gressive and modern lines, erecting substantial buildings and installing the neces- sary machinery until today Pleasant Ridge Fruit Farm is one of the finest prop- erties in this part of Iowa. For the past fifteen years Mr. Harter has given a great deal of his attention to making experiments in fruit growing and has developed a number of new and rare varieties, his efforts marking a distinct advance in methods of scientific fruit cultivation. He has perfected and recorded a number of varieties of hardy apples suited to this country and climate and besides this has the only nursery in Winneshiek county and one-sixth of an acre planted in grapes, this being the largest and best developed vineyard in this section of Iowa, The Harter's Red and Improved Briar Sweet are among the best known of his own varieties of apples and are so excellent in quality and taste that the Iowa State Horticultural Society in its report of 1912 speaks of them in terms of high praise, as it did in the report of 1910 of his other excellent apples. Mr. Harter has made a thorough and exhaustive study of the work to which he has devoted his life and is considered an expert in his special line, his work having received the commendation and approval of the state and United States pomologists who have examined his fruits. His attention is given over entirely to the development of his different varieties of fruits, to a study of con- ditions which improve or perfect them and to research on questions of grafting and transplanting. The general farming operations were in charge of his son George W., until the sudden death of the same on account of an accident which
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he met on the farm during his parents absence in Europe. He was a promising young man, devoting his entire time to his father's business, and much credit is due him for the excellent condition of the property. His death was a great blow to his parents and sisters and deep regret and sympathy were expressed on all sides, for he was popular and had many loyal friends.
In Pleasant township, in 1884, Mr. Harter was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hilleman, who was born here January 7, 1857, a daughter of William and Wilhelmina (Knoke) Hilleman, natives of Hanover, Germany, the former born October 24, 1831, and the latter January 9, 1829. Both went to Canada with their parents in their childhood and in the Dominion married in 1852. They afterward came to Pleasant township, Winneshiek county, Iowa, and here the father engaged in farming until his retirement, when he moved to Decorah, where his death occurred in March, 1904. His wife survived him only a few years, dying in April, 1909. The father was one of the first settlers in Pleasant township and hauled grain to Lansing at a time when the journey of thirty miles consumed two or three days. He and his wife had eight children: Caroline, the widow of August Schrubbe, of Decorah; Henry, who died at the age of twenty- one; Elizabeth, the wife of the subject of this review; William, a farmer in Winneshiek county ; Mary, who resides in Decorah ; Minnie, who married Albert Schippel, of Mankato, Minnesota; Julia, the widow of John Barth, of Decorah ; and August, who has passed away.
Mr. and Mrs. Harter have four children: Wilhelmina Maria, the wife of Alvin Kratz, of Grand Rapids, North Dakota; George W., a graduate of the Valder Business College and until his death on July 29, 1913, associated with his father in the operation of the fruit farm; Louise; and Julia. Mr. and Mrs. Harter have made two extended tours of Europe. He is a regular attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a progressive democrat in his political beliefs. He supports his convictions by intelligent and unaggressive argument and has written a number of articles on political subjects which have attracted widespread attention and approval. He has made distinct and substantial con- tributions to the development of a great industry in this section of Iowa, where he has resided for more than thirty years, and his upright and honorable life, which has been filled with definite and important accomplishments, has gained him widespread honor and esteem wherever he is known.
ANDREW T. BRANHAGEN.
Not only is Andrew T. Branhagen one of the most substantial agriculturists of Springfield township, Winneshiek county, but he has the distinction of being the only old soldier of his locality, having rendered valuable service in the Civil war, and in times of peace has demonstrated his public spirit by efficiently filling important positions. Born in Norway. October 28, 1844, his parents were Tosten and Annie (Sevelrud) Branhagen, natives of that country. They came to America in 1861 and making their way inland located in Winneshiek county, where the father purchased one hundred acres of land on section II, Spring- field township. He gave his whole attention to clearing and improving this
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property, and as his crops brought him financial returns increased his holdings until he owned one hundred and sixty acres, to the cultivation of which he de- voted himself for the remainder of his life, his demise occurring in 1883. His wife survived about three years, passing away in 1886.
Andrew T. Branhagen was about sixteen years of age when he came with his parents to this country. He received his education largely in his native land, but also attended district school in Springfield township and Breckenridge Insti- tute at Decorah, in order to perfect his English learning. In January, 1864, Mr. Branhagen enlisted in Company E. Thirty-eighth Iowa Infantry, and faith- fully served until August, 1865, when he was mustered out with honorable dis- charge. He then returned to the home farm and subsequently learned the stone- mason's trade, at which he worked for six years with such gratifying success that he was enabled to acquire the home farm by purchase. He has since improved the place remarkably, has erected substantial buildings and has placed his acres under high cultivation. His harvests are large and of good quality and his farm products bring him a handsome annual income. Mr. Branhagen has the distinction of being the only participant of the Civil war now residing in Springfield township, and the present generation is honoring him for taking up the cause of the flag at a time when the union of our nation was in its greatest danger.
On Independence day, in 1884. Mr. Branhagen was united in marriage to Miss Oleanna Ronglien, a daughter of Hans and Bertha (Grassten) Ronglien, both natives of the Norseland. Mr. and Mrs. Branhagen have three children, William A., Annie and Idella.
Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Branhagen has always taken a deep interest in the community's welfare and efficiently served as township clerk of Springfield township, while he also rendered valuable service as school treasurer, giving evidence of his interest in the cause of education. He is politically affiliated with the republican party and upholds its candidates at the polls. As prosperity has come to him he has made judicious investments and is a stock- holder in the Nordness Creamery Company, the Nordness Telephone Company and the Farmers Hog Company of Decorah. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. Mr. Branhagen is highly respected and esteemed for what he has accomplished and has become a valued and useful citizen of his locality. He has not only attained individual success but has been a valuable factor in promoting agricultural growth and contributing toward the upbuilding of his community.
T. O. STORLA.
Among men who did much for the growth and improvement of Winneshiek county, and particularly Decorah township, was T. O. Storla, whose death on February 1, 1912, was an occasion of deep and widespread regret, for it took from an active and useful life one who had made many friends and who had proven his value by the high qualities of his mind and character. For twenty years he was actively engaged in the operation of his fine farm on section 36,
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Decorah- township, and he did much toward improving agricultural standards in this section. A native of Allamakee county, Iowa, he was born in Paint Creek township on January 25, 1860, a son of Ole and Thora (Lee) Storla, both of whom were born at Hallingdal, Norway. The parents at an early date came from their native country to America and located at Rock Prairie. Wisconsin, in 1850, for a short time before going to Allamakee county, where they purchased land in Paint Creek township. This the father operated with ever increasing success during the remainder of his life, passing away in August, 1886, standing high in the estimation of the general public. His wife died about five years later, her demise occurring in March, 1891.
T. O. Storla was reared under the parental roof and educated in the district schools of Allamakee county and later at Luther College of Decorah. He was confirmed by the Rev. O. J. Hjort, at Paint Creek. He later attended Breckenridge Institute at Decorah and then returned home, well prepared for life's work. He assisted his father and remained with his parents until his mar- riage, when he rented the home place, in the cultivation of which he continued for two years. His father-in-law then purchased for him a farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 36, Decorah township, to the improvement and cultivation of which Mr. Storla devoted his attention. He brought his land to a high state of productivity, erected modern and substantial buildings and in every way improved the value of his property, being so occupied for the remainder of his life.
On October 17, 1883, Mr. Storla was united in marriage to Miss Carolina Bakke, a daughter of Erick and Gunhilda ( Ramsey) Bakke, natives of Norway. Her father was one of the first settlers of Winneshiek county, having come to America in IS51, first locating in Koshkonong, Dane county, Wisconsin, whence after a short time he came to Frankville township, Winneshiek county, where he operated a farm until the death of his wife, which took place March 10, 1903, when he retired from active labors and made his home with his youngest daughter. Mrs. T. O. Storla. He was born April 1. 1824, and passed away January 29, 1908, having reached the age of eighty-three years, nine months and twenty-nine days. The mother was eighty-five years of age at the time of her death. Mr. and Mrs. Storla became the parents of seven children : Isabella Olivia, Erick Olaf, Theodore Clarence. Norman Alexander, Sevat Alfred, Theresa Gunhilda, and one child. who died in infancy. It was on the ist of Feb- ruary, 1912, that the family circle was broken by death, when the demise of Mr. Storla occurred after two weeks of severe illness. Not only was his going a deep loss to his immediate family, but caused widespread regret among all who knew him and esteemed him as a worthy man of high principles. Mr. Storla, who was politically a republican, was active along that line in the interests of his closer locality. serving as a trustee of Decorah township. His religion was that of the Lutheran church and he ever gave his faithful adherence to that organiza- tion. He kept alive in him the spirit of his ancestors as a member of the Norske Selskab Club, in which he had many friends and was popular. As prosperity had come to him Mr. Storla had made judicious investments and was a stock- holder and a director of the Decorah State Bank, of which he was one of the organizers. His life record is an example of what may be attained when indus- try and energy lead the way. and the high esteem and confidence that was con-
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ceded him on every hand was but justly bestowed upon him. He was as con- siderate of the community's welfare as of his own interests. and there was never undertaken any worthy enterprise along public lines of which he was not an ardent supporter.
ANTHONY BERNATZ.
Anthony Bernatz, who has lived in honorable retirement at Decorah during the past decade, was for a number of years prominently identified with milling interests here but has turned over his business to his sons, who operate two flour mills under the firm style of A. Bernatz & Sons. His birth occurred in Bavaria, Germany, in August, 1843, his parents being Michael and Martha Bernatz, the former born in the kingdom of Bavaria, on the river Rhine, on the 4th of October, 1815. Michael Bernatz learned the baker's trade in that country and in 1846 crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Rochester, New York, where he worked at his trade until 1849. In that year he went to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and there conducted a bakery until 1854, when his wife died. He then moved across the Mississippi river to McGregor, Iowa, where he built the fifth house in the town and opened a bakery which he conducted until 1857. In that year he erected the White Springs brewery but did not find the business congenial and disposed of his interests in 1859. He then started for Texas but, being threatened by yellow fever, then raging in Galveston, turned back after journeying as far as New Orleans. In 1860 he purchased the Smithfield flouring mills at Smithfield, Iowa, and in 1865 bought the Eagle flouring mills in Winneshiek county, east of Decorah, operating them for three years. On the expiration of that period they sold out and purchased the Riceford flour mill at Riceford, Houston county, Minnesota, which Michael Bernatz operated in association with his two sons, George and Anthony. In 1868 Michael Bernatz also built a mill at Newburg, Minnesota, and two years later went to Chaska, that state, erecting a water power mill near Minneapolis. He operated his three mills until 1874 and in that year returned to Iowa because of impaired health, purchasing the Ever- green flour mill at Fort Atkinson, Winneshiek county, in partnership with his two sons. At the end of about fifteen years he retired and sold out to his sons, who continued the operation of the mill for about four years longer or until it was destroyed by fire. His demise occurred at Fort Atkinson, in 1886, and thus the community lost one of its most substantial and respected citizens.
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