USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 11
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53
Anthony Bernatz was three years of age when brought by his parents to the United States and a little lad of six when the family home was established in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where he acquired his education. After leaving school he began working for his father, with whom he remained in partnership until the latter sold out to him and his brother George. When their mill at Fort Atkinson had burned the two brothers purchased the Ames flour mill at that place and operated the same for two years. At the end of that time they sold out and came to Decorah, Iowa, here purchasing the Ice Cave and Hivly flour and feed mills, which they operated together for about two years or until
MRS. ANTHONY BERNATZ
ANTHONY BERNATZ
123
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
George Bernatz disposed of his interest to his brother Anthony, who continued operating the mills until 1903. In that year the latter retired and turned over the business to his sons, who have since operated the two flour mills under the same name-A. Bernatz & Sons. The Ice Cave mill has a capacity of two hundred barrels, while the other mill is largely utilized in the handling of feed of all kinds and rye flour. Their output includes the White Lily and Oneota brands of flour. The three sons engaged in the conduct of the business are Charles, who has charge of the Ice Cave mill; William, who has charge of the Stone mill; and John, who has general supervision and also goes on the road to dispose of their products. They are men of enterprise and good business ability who are following in the footsteps of their father and grandfather and are meeting with similar success.
On the 5th of August, 1866, Mr. Bernatz was united in marriage to Miss Cassie A. Minert, her parents being John and Amy (Dennis) Minert, the former a native of Holland and the latter of Ohio. John Minert, an agriculturist by occupation, emigrated to the United States, locating on the Wabash river in Indiana in an early day, and there he carried on farming for some time. Remov- ing to Wisconsin, he purchased a tract of land which he cultivated for several years and then took up his abode in Postville, Allamakee county, Iowa, helping to organize the county. He entered and improved a tract of land and culti- vated the same until 1867, when he met a tragic end, being killed with an ax by a drunken neighbor. His wife passed away in 1851. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bernatz were born nine children, as follows: Charles, William and John, who are engaged in the milling business at Decorah; Emily, the wife of Lewis Marsh, of Decorah, Iowa; Hallie M., whose demise occurred on the 26th of June, 1898; and Bertha, Archie Dennis, Blanche and Hazel, all at home.
Mr. Bernatz owns a handsome, modern residence at No. 300 East Decorah avenue, which stands in the center of ten city lots or one block. In political circles he is known as a Bryan democrat and for one term served as a member of the city council. He is now seventy years of age and by reason of a well spent life is enabled to spend his declining years in ease and comfort. The circle of his friends is a wide one, for he has won the warm regard and esteem of all with whom he has been associated in business or social relations.
EDWARD J. CURTIN.
One of the foremost business men of Decorah and since January, 1904, presi- dent of the Citizens Savings Bank, Edward J. Curtin has for nearly thirty years been connected with that institution, in which he began his career as bookkeeper, advancing step by step to the position of chief executive officer of the bank, having done during that time probably more than any other man to make it one of the strongest and foremost banking houses of this part of the state. Moreover, Mr. Curtin has extensive banking interests in North Dakota, in which state he is presi- dent of a number of banks which he has been instrumental in founding.
A son of John and Mary P. (Powers) Curtin, he was born in Decorah, Iowa, June 2, 1865, his parents being natives of Ireland, coming with their respective Vol. II-6
124
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
parents to this country when children. It was in May, 1857, that the father came to Winneshiek county and engaged in the livery business, conducting an estab- lishment of that kind until 1886, when he disposed of his interests and retired, still making his home here at the age of seventy-six years, his wife being sixty-nine years of age and both enjoying the esteem and respect of many friends.
Edward J. Curtin was reared under the parental roof and acquired his edu- cation in the public schools and Bayless Business College of Dubuque, from which he graduated in 1883. Previous to this time, in 1881, he had received a certificate of graduation from the Decorah high school. Deciding upon a commercial career as the most congenial, Mr. Curtin, in 1881, entered the employ of the Citizens Savings Bank upon its organization and with this institution he has ever since con- tinued, holding every position in the bank from bookkeeper to president, in the latter of which he has served since January 1, 1904, on which date he acquired the interests of C. W. Burdick. The present prosperous condition of the bank must be largely ascribed to the incessant efforts and thorough business ability of Mr. Curtin, who in the course of a long career has become acquainted with every phase of the banking business and has never considered the smallest detail too unimportant to give it his closest attention. The bank today is one of the fore- most in this part of the state and its business is extensive and profitable. He has done everything to make it worthy of patronage and its deposits are safeguarded in such a way as to merit the confidence of its patrons. As his means have in- creased from year to year Mr. Curtin has extended his efforts to other fields and for the past six years has served as president of the Sentinel Butte State Bank of Butte, North Dakota, president of the First National Bank of Beach, that state, and president of the Sterling State Bank of Sterling, also of North Dakota, in all of which institutions he is a heavy stockholder. He also is a director of the Calmar Savings Bank of Calmar. Winneshiek county, and owns bank stock in financial institutions of the state of Oregon. Another enterprise which has bene- fited by his labors is the Winneshiek Hotel Company, of which he is the efficient secretary.
In November, 1897, Mr. Curtin was united in marriage to Miss Mellie Marsh, a daughter of N. S. and Gertrude Marsh, natives of Massachusetts. The father was one of the pioneers in Winneshiek county, where he was engaged in the black- smithing business, conducting a shop until the time of his demise, while the mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Curtin have one daughter, Louise, who at the age of fourteen is attending school.
Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Curtin has always taken a deep interest in the advancement of his native city, which he has served efficiently as city treasurer. His political convictions are progressive republican and, while he is not a politician in the sense commonly ascribed to that word, he is well informed upon all issues of the day as they affect the state and nation, and every move- ment undertaken for the improvement of conditions finds in him a ready sup- porter. In 1911 and 1912 he served in the important position of president of the Iowa Bankers Association, this being evidence of the important position he holds in financial circles of the state and in recognition of his ability along banking lines. He is also a member of the state board of agriculture and has done valuable work in this connection in promoting the farming interests of the state. The family home is at No. 614 West Water street and there Mr. and Mrs. Curtin
125
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
often entertain their many friends, who delight to gather at their hospitable fire- side. A man of unflagging industry, undoubted ability and unshakable honesty, Mr. Curtin has risen to one of the foremost positions in the life of Decorah, where he has become a forceful element in commercial and financial circles and is highly honored and respected for what he has achieved and for those qualities of his character which have made possible his success.
EDWIN NORDHEIM.
Among the most active and successful farmers of Pleasant township and among the most deservedly esteemed and respected of Winneshiek county's native sons is numbered Edwin Nordheim, who owns and operates a fine tract of two hundred acres on section 15. This property is located one and one half miles from where he was born on the 18th of September, 1875. his parents being Knut G. and Martha (Bidne) Nordheim, natives of Norway, the former born September 30, 1835, and the latter, June 20, 1837. About the year 1854 the parents came separately to America and were married in this country, after- ward settling in Winneshiek county and spending the remainder of their lives on a farm in Pleasant township. The father was numbered among the earliest pioneers in this section. He was very poor when he located here, his energy, industry and ability, however, bringing him well deserved prosperity. He accu- mulated extensive landed holdings, owning one farm of one hundred and sixty- two acres and another of two hundred acres, both of which formed portions of his estate when he passed away. He was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and a republican in his political beliefs, holding various township offices and rendering the community excellent and faithful service. In his family were six children. Albert is operating the home farm. Josephine is the wife of Hol- sten Stoen, of Highland township. William passed away in California on the 25th of October, 1907. Previous to removing to that state he was agent for the North- western Mutual Life Insurance Company in Winneshiek county and was well known in public life in this section, serving as deputy treasurer and later as county treasurer. He is survived by a wife and four children. Caroline became the wife of Peter Gavle, of Madison township. Edwin is the subject of this review. Anna Marie, who completes the family, was for some time a teacher of shorthand and penmanship at the Breckenridge Institute in Decorah. She married Professor William McDaniels, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Edwin Nordheim was reared upon the homestead and acquired his education in the district schools of Pleasant township. When not engaged with his books he aided his father with the operation of the farm, becoming thus thoroughly? familiar with the best agricultural methods. This knowledge and experience has been invaluable to him in later life, for when he began his independent career he naturally turned his attention to the occupation to which he had been reared and agricultural pursuits have engaged his energies since that time. He now owns two hundred acres of land lying on section 15, Pleasant township, a tract which formed a portion of his father's estate, and he has improved and
126
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
developed this along practical and modern lines, making it today one of the finest properties in this vicinity.
On the 14th of September, 1898, Mr. Nordheim was united in marriage to Miss Clara Helena Hover, who was born in Pleasant township on June 19, 1872, a daughter of Edwin and Bertha M. (Christian) Hover, natives of Norway, who came at an early date to Winneshiek county, settling in Pleasant township, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Nordheim have five children, Victor Ervin, Beatrice Meredith, Wallace Mondell, Gladys Lucille and Esther Clarine.
Mr. Nordheim gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is at all times interested in the growth and development of his native section and active in his cooperation in movements to promote its progress, although he never seeks public office. He is a man of many sterling traits of character, capable in business, progressive in citizenship and at all times trustworthy and honorable.
OLE O. MOE.
Norway has contributed largely to the citizenship of Winneshiek county, Iowa, and among her native sons who are winning success in the state of their adoption is Ole O. Moe, owner of a valuable farm in Springfield township, this county, and stockholder in various important business enterprises of this district. He was born in Norway on the 16th of September, 1840, a son of Ole and Jane Moe, who were also natives of that country but came to America in 1857. Upon arriving in the United States the parents made their way direct to Wisconsin where they resided for three years, after which they came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, locating in Glenwood township upon a tract of land which the father had to clear ere he could convert it into productive fields. His remaining days were devoted to the improvement of that farm, and there he passed away in 1888. His wife's demise occurred two years later, in 1890.
Ole O. Moe did not accompany his parents on their removal to the new world, but remained in his native land until twenty-two years of age before making the journey across the Atlantic. Arriving in this country in 1862, he came to Winneshiek county, lowa, and during his first four years here worked out as a farm hand. At the expiration of that period, however, as the result of industry, thrift and enterprise, he was able to invest in land and began farming on his own account on a tract of eighty acres which he purchased in Glenwood township. To the improvement of that farm he devoted the succeeding twenty years, at the expiration of which he sold out and bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Frankville township which he continued to operate for thir- teen years. Again he sold out and, removing to Springfield township, invested in another one hundred and sixty acre farm, located on section 11, upon which he yet makes his home. He engages in general farming, following up-to- date, progressive methods, and the neat and attractive appearance of his farm bespeaks a life of industry, enterprise and perseverance on his part. The annual yield of his fields is most gratifying, returning to him a substantial income, and he is numbered among the successful and prosperous agriculturists of his section. Although his time and attention are fully occupied by the careful
127
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
supervision of his farm he yet has other interests and is a stockholder in the Nordness Creamery Company, the Nordness Telephone Company and the Farm- ers Hog Company of Decorah.
Mr. Moe was married, on the 4th of March, 1865, to Miss Esther Munson, a native of Norway, and to this union have been born eleven children, as fol- lows: John, filling the office of postmaster at Ossian, Winneshiek county ; Julius, a merchant of Chester, Iowa; Andrew, who is farming on his father's place ; Nicholas, a buttermaker in the creamery at Ossian; Charles, living at home ; Ole, a resident of Decorah; Caroline, who married Andrew Anderson, a farmer of Frankville township; Mary, the wife of Svenung Tovson, an agriculturist of Springfield township; Emma, who married Peter Guttebo, who is engaged in farming in this township; Amelia, living at home with her father; and Ella, the wife of Carl Hanson, a professor in a school at Roland, Iowa. The wife and mother passed away very suddenly in August, 1899, after only one day of illness, and her death was greatly mourned not only by the immediate members of her family but by many friends who held her in high esteem. Mr. Moe's religious faith is that of the Lutheran church while his political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party. High ideals of manhood and the sense of honor and integrity which govern all of his dealings with his fellowmen have won Mr. Moe the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in con- tact and during his residence in Winneshiek county he has gained many warm friends.
JAMES McMULLEN.
Almost sixty years have come and gone since James McMullen took up his abode in Canoe township, and throughout the greater part of the period he has been closely associated with agricultural interests, now owning and cultivating eighty acres on section 18. He was a youth of but ten years when he arrived , in Canoe township, his birth having occurred in McHenry county, Illinois, December 21, 1843, his parents being Robert and Martha (Twynen ) McMullen, both of whom were natives of County Armagh, Ireland, where they were mar- ried. In 1840 they started for the United States, settling in McHenry county, Illinois, where they resided until 1854, when they came with their family to Winneshiek county, Iowa, taking up their abode in Canoe township on the 28th of May of that year. Both spent their last days on the farm on which they settled in pioneer times. The father died January 10, 1878, at the age of sixty- five years, his birth having occurred in 1813, and the mother passed away Feb- ruary 14, 1895, when more than seventy years of age. He had been a lifelong farmer and was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of rich and pro- ductive land on section 19, Canoe township. He had been reared in the Presbyterian church and was always recognized as a man of moral worth. In the family were eight children who reached adult age, while several died in infancy. The record includes: John, deceased; James; William, who has passed away; Samuel, of Canoe township; Lizzie, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Sarah, the wife of John Clark, of Colorado; Emma, the wife of H. A. Perose, of Wyoming; and Tillie, the wife of George Headington, of Colorado.
1
128
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
Since accompanying his parents to lowa when a lad of ten years, James MeMullen has continuously resided in Canoe township and has been an inter- ested witness of the changes which have occurred throughout all that period to the present time. He was trained to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. He was married in 1866 to Miss Clara Wilson, who was born in Winnebago county, Illinois, November 1. 1846, and came with her parents to Iowa in 1850, since which time she has lived in Canoe township. She is a daughter of Justice and Lucinda Wilson, the former a native of Canada and of Welsh descent. He passed away in 1857 at the age of forty-one years, while his wife, who was born in County Donegal, Ireland, December 18, 1825, is now a resident of Everly, Iowa. Mr and Mrs. McMullen are the parents of six children: Robert, who is living in Alberta, Canada; Lucy, the wife of Thomas Gillman, of Decorah ; Letitia, the wife of Albert Christian, of Decorah; Roy, of Decorah; Bessie, the wife of Pearle Bradrich, of Decoral; and Mattie, the wife of B. Schanck, of Wenatchee, Washington. The family still occupy the farm on section 18, Canoe township, which was once a part of his father-in-law's property and was secured as a claim from the government. Mr. McMullen has always made farming his life work and his carefully directed labors have been the basis of his growing and substantial success. He is well known in the county in which the greater part of his life has been passed and is classed among its worthy and representative pioneers, for he has not only witnessed the changes which have occurred, but has also taken part in the work of public progress and improve- ment.
EDWIN HOVER.
It is the enterprise and character of the citizen that enrich ard ennoble the commonwealth and lowa is indebted in large degree to men of the type of Edwin Hover for her stability and prosperity. He is one of Norway's native sons, his birth having occurred in Valdres, on the 5th of February, 1845, a son of Hover Evenson and Bertha ( Larson) Hoyme. The parents were also natives of the land of the midnight sun, the father having been born on the 15th of June, 1818, and the mother on the 14th of March, 1822. They were married in their native country about 1843 and in 1848 came to the new world, locating near Cambridge, Dane county. Wisconsin. There the father engaged in the black- smithing trade, which he had learned in the city of Bergen, Norway, his time being thus occupied for three years. The year 1851 witnessed the arrival of the family in Iowa, the father settling on a farm on section 5. Pleasant township, Winneshiek county, where he spent his remaining days. In addition to general farming which he carried on during the daytime, he engaged at his trade in the evening hours, being the first blacksmith in the northern half of Winneshiek county. For a number of years the settlers of that district depended entirely upon him for all of their blacksmithing. At the time the family made settle- ment in Iowa, Winneshiek county was largely a frontier district and the family were confronted with many pioneer conditions. The father made all of the shoes and clothes for the family and it was a matter of two or three days' drive
N
MR. AND MRS. EDWIN HOVER
131
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
with ox teams to Lansing, the nearest trading post, which was thirty miles away. As he prospered he became the owner of three hundred and seventy-eight and a half acres which he brought to a high state of cultivation. He was a progres- sive man and was one of the first to purchase a threshing machine, which he hauled from McGregor. For a number of years he carried on threshing profit- ably and won success in his various undertakings, becoming one of the prominent and substantial residents of Winneshiek county. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party and held a number of township offices. He was one of the organizers and builders of the Methodist Episcopal church and was a liberal supporter and a faithful member thereof. He passed away on the home- stead farm on the 17th of April, 1882, and his wife died on the HIth of October, 1892. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom five are now living, namely : Edwin, of this review : Sarah, the wife of J. J. Kessey, of Forest City, Iowa; Isabella, who married J. J. Shervin, of Pleasant township; Lewis H., of Wadena, Minnesota; and Henry A., of Pleasant township.
Edwin Hover, the eldest in his father's family, was the only child born in Norway and was a little lad of three years when brought to the United States by his parents. His boyhood days were spent amid the pioneer conditions of a frontier district and consequently his opportunities for an education were limited. His practical training, however, was thorough, for at an early age he began work- ing in the fields. Upon attaining his majority he wisely chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared and has since given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of two hundred and thirty-seven acres lying on sections 5 and 8, Pleasant township, a portion of this farm belong- ing to the old family homestead upon which his father located after his arrival in this county. It is in excellent condition, due to the well directed efforts of father and son, and is given over to general farming and stock-raising purposes. in both of which branches Mr. Hover is meeting with excellent success.
In 1868 Mr. Hover was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Maria Christian, who was born in Norway on the 17th of January, 1846. She was brought to the United States in 1857 by her parents, Christian and Anna Marie (Larson) Christianson, natives of Vardal, Norway, the father's birth occurring on the 20th of August, 1817, and the mother's on the 8th of January, 1821. The father was a farmer by occupation and was thus engaged until the time of his death, on the 6th of March, 1900. His wife survived until the 30th of July, 1905. In their family were eight children, two sons and six daughters. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hover were born nine children, as follows: Matilda, who was born Feb- ruary 5, 1870, and is now the wife of Edwin Quisel, a resident of Toronto, South Dakota ; Clara Helena, born June 19, 1872, who is the wife of Edwin Nord- heim, of Pleasant township; Amanda Elizabeth, who passed away in infancy ; Edward H., who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Charles Elmer, born June 24, 1878, a resident of Newburg, Minnesota; Alice Sophia, born June 17, ISSI, who is the widow of Albert Lodahl and with her daughter, Aletta Bernice, makes her home with her father ; Lily Amanda, whose death occurred at the age of ten months; Idella Malvina, born February 14, 1886, who is a music teacher ; and Alma Henrietta, who was born May 11, 1889, and engages in school teaching.
A man of much public spirit, Mr. Hover has never allowed personal affairs to monopolize his time and attention to the exclusion of participation in matters
132
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
relating to the public welfare, and his efforts in behalf of general progress have been potent factors in the growth and development of the community. He is a stanch supporter of the republican party and by reason of his personal worth has been called by his fellowmen to fill various positions of trust. For eight terms or sixteen years he served as township assessor, acted as trustee and also as justice of the peace for a number of years and also served as school director for some time. He was county supervisor for one term of three years and during his term of office the new courthouse was built. He readily cooperates in all movements and projects instituted for the betterment of his locality and the county at large, and his public-spirited course has won him a place of prom- inence and influence among his fellow citizens. Reared in the Methodist Epis- copal faith, he is an active member and one of the pillars of that church, doing all in his power to further its influence. Mr. Hover inherited as a birthright many of the strong characteristics of the Norwegian race, and it is these sterling qualities that have brought him the well merited success which he now enjoys. while upright manhood and honorable principles have won in large measure the confidence and high regard of his fellowmen.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.