USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 12
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TORGER T. HOVE.
A finely improved and highly productive farm in Springfield township, Win- neshiek county, pays tribute to the well directed efforts and business sagacity of Torger T. Hove. Like many other of Winneshiek county's successful agri- culturists Mr. Hove came from the land of the midnight sun and possesses in large measure the sturdy qualities of character common to that nationality. Born in Norway on the 25th of April, 1851, he is a son of Thor and Mary P. (Boito) Torgerson, also natives of that land. The father brought his family to America in 1865. seeking the larger opportunities offered by the new world. and at once made his way to Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he resided for one year with his brother. He then purchased a farm in Springfield township and later purchased other property, operating two or three places in Winneshiek county and becoming a successful agriculturist. In 1879 he became the owner of the farm upon which his son Torger T. Hove now makes his home and that property he continued to operate until his death, which occurred in 1892, while his wife, who long survived him, died in 1910.
Torger T. Hove, who was a lad of fourteen years when brought to America by his parents, had begun his education in the schools of Norway and this was continued in the district schools of Winneshiek county. In the meantime he was also receiving practical lessons on his father's farm which should later serve him in good stead, and upon laying aside his text-books he worked out as a farm hand, so continuing until 1879. In that year he was able, through the careful saving of his earnings, to purchase eighty acres which he improved and operated for seventeen years, and at the end of that time he bought the home place from his brother, a tract consisting of one hundred and nineteen and a half acres located on section 12, Springfield township. He at once applied himself to its further development, making many improvements upon the place including the erection
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of a fine modern house and substantial outbuildings. His fields are in a high state of cultivation and his farm, neat and attractive in appearance, is one of the valuable farming properties in the township. Mr. Hove is well known in busi- ness circles in this district as a stockholder in the Nordness Creamery Company, the Nordness Telephone Company and the Farmers Hog Company.
On the 29th of August, 1879, occurred the marriage of Mr. Hove and Miss Mary M. Remen, a daughter of Nels M. and Mary P. (Egge) Remen, natives of Norway, and Mr. and Mrs. Hove became the parents of eleven children, of whom three, Mary, Nettie and Selma, are deceased. The surviving children are Theodore, Tilda, Selma, Nels, Mabel, Andrew, Paul and Becca. The Lutheran church of Decorah numbers Mr. Hove among its members while the candidates and measures of the republican party receive his stalwart support. He is inter- ested in all that pertains to the welfare of the community in which he lives and the state at large, and although his time is fully occupied by his business affairs he does all he can to promote the material, political and moral progress of his section.
EDGAR ARNESS.
That Winneshiek county is an attractive place of residence and that her fer- tile acres afford excellent agricultural opportunities is indicated by the fact that many of her native sons have remained within her borders, continuing to make this district the scene of their business activity. Among this number is Edgar Arness, whose birth occurred in Frankville township on the 2d of December, 1886, a son of Louis and Gundle ( Ramsey) Arness, natives of Frankville town- ship, this county. Both parents were reared and educated in Winneshiek county and in Frankville township the father has engaged in farming throughout his entire lifetime. He still remains in this occupation, having attained the age of fifty-three years, while his wife is fifty years of age.
Reared upon the farm which had been his parents' home for many years, Edgar Arness devoted the years of his boyhood and youth to the work of the fields and the acquirement of an education in the district schools. He remained at home, giving his father the benefit of his assistance in the cultivation of the home farm until 1908, when, having attained his majority, he took up agricul- tural pursuits on his own account, wisely choosing as his life work the occupa- tion to which he had been reared. He purchased what was known as the Henry Mess farm, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres of land located on sec- tion 36, Decorah township, and to its further development he has since given his attention. It is a well improved property, indicating in its neat appearance the thrift, industry and systematic methods of its owner.
Mr. Arness laid the foundation for a pleasant home life in his marriage, on the 2d of June, 1909, to Miss Ida Tashlow, a daughter of Hans and Synova Tashlow, natives of Norway and Winneshiek county, Iowa, respectively. The young couple hold membership in the Lutheran church while Mr. Arness' polit- ical affiliation is with the republican party. His life record covering but twenty- seven years, Mr. Arness is actuated by the ambition and enthusiasm of youth
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which urges him on toward the goal of success. He possesses in large meas- ure the spirit of progress which dominates the middle west and by persistent and well directed effort he has already attained a degree of prosperity which augurs well for future achievement. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Ile is well known in the district in which he has spent his entire life and has won many friends by reason of his upright manhood and character.
FRED W. CONOVER, D. D. S.
Dentistry may be said to be almost unique among occupations, as it is at once a profession, a trade and a business. Such being the case, it follows that in order to attain the highest success in it one must be thoroughly conversant with the theory of the art, must be expert with the many instruments and appliances incidental to the practice of modern dentistry and must possess business quali- fications adequate to dealing with the financial side of the profession. In all of these particulars, Dr. Fred W. Conover is well qualified and therefore has at- tained prestige among the able representatives of dentistry in Decorah and throughout the state. His birth occurred in Allamakee county, Iowa, on the 16th of November. 1859, his parents being Firman and Mary ( Bigelow ) Conover, who are natives of New York and Connecticut respectively. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, came to this state in 1856, settling in Allamakee county, where he operated a rented farm and also taught school. Failing health caused him to return to New York, but he soon retraced his way back to Alla- makee county, Iowa, and resumed farming. Again broken in health, he went back to his native state, disposing of his Iowa property, and embarked in the butchering business at Daynesville. Lewis county, New York, remaining there until the spring of 1871. He then came to Winneshiek county, where he bought a farm, which he operated until 1895. when he disposed of the same. removing to Frankville, where he lived until 1906. He then put aside the active work of the fields, taking up his abode in Decorah, where he lived retired until death claimed him, at the ripe old age of eighty-three years. His wife is still living at the age of seventy-two.
Fred W. Conover obtained his early education in the schools of Allamakee county, Iowa, Connecticut, New York, and Winneshiek county, Iowa, accom- panying his parents on their various removals. Subsequently he entered the Upper Iowa University at Fayette and later attended Breckenridge Institute at Decorah. Afterwards he followed the profession of school teaching for nine years, spending the last two years of that time as principal of West Decorah schools. Determining to become a practitioner of dentistry, he entered the Phil- adelphia Dental College and was graduated from that institution in 1890. He first opened an office for practice in Decorah but at the end of six months dis- posed of his interests here and removed to Sioux City, where he remained for fourteen months. On selling out there he returned to Decorah and has here practiced his profession continuously since. He enjoys an extensive and lucrative patronage that is indeed well merited. While teaching school he also learned telegraphy and for one year worked as extra man. For the past fifteen years
FRED W. CONOVER
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he has been a stockholder and director in the Citizens Savings Bank and is like- wise a stockholder in several other banks, while of the Building & Loan Asso- ciation he has acted as vice president and director for twelve years. His is a handsomely equipped office and he also owns a fine residence at No. 412 West Broadway.
On the 12th of November, 1891, Dr. Conover was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary R. Heivly, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Sheets) Heivly, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father, a miller by trade, came to Decorah and here purchased a flour mill which he operated for some years, being at the same time engaged in the mercantile business. He passed away in 1901 but is survived by his widow, who has now attained the age of eighty-three years and resides with our subject. Dr. and Mrs. Conover have one son, Harry W., who is in the service of a lumber concern.
In politics Dr. Conover is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. He has ably served as a member of the city council. He is prom- inent fraternally, being a past noble grand of the Odd Fellows lodge and a past exalted ruler of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, serving twice in the latter capacity and also as representative to the grand lodge. Dr. Conover is also prominent in Masonry, having attained the thirty-second degree in that organization. He is a past master of the blue lodge, a past high priest of King Solomon's Chapter, and eminent commander of Beausant Commandery, as well as a member of the Shrine. In the Knights of Pythias he is a past chancellor and is likewise identified with the Brotherhood of Yeomen. His friends find him always a genial, courteous gentleman, who has true appreciation for the social amenities of life, and while never too busy to be courteous, is not too courteous to be busy.
OLE H. ORVELLA.
A well improved and highly cultivated farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Springfield township, Winneshiek county, is the visible evidence of modern methods and persistent effort on the part of its owner, Ole H. Orvella, who as a stockholder in several well known business enterprises of this county, is also a prominent figure in business circles in this district. Winneshiek county claims him as one of her native sons, his birth having occurred in Springfield township, December 20, 1861, his parents being Hans and Ingeborg ( Brown) Orvella, both natives of Norway. The father came to America in the '50s, and. making his way directly to Winneshiek county, Iowa, was numbered among the pioneer set- tlers of this district. He purchased land in Springfield township which he cleared and transformed into fertile fields, and to the cultivation of that farm he devoted his remaining days, passing away there in January, 1911. His wife had preceded him in death, her demise occurring in 1901.
Ole H. Orvella acquired his education in the district schools near his parents' home and at an early age took his place in the fields, his father's farm being the training ground upon which he received his preparatory knowledge of the prac- tical duties of life. On laying aside his text-books he gave his entire attention
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to the work of the farm and remained with his father until he had attained the age of twenty-four, when, ambitious to engage in agricultural pursuits on his own account, he purchased forty acres of land on section 13. Springfield township, which he operated until 1906, in which year he sold that tract and purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 14, Springfield township. This farm has been developed year by year, as his progressive ideas have taken on material form, and today it is one of the valuable and highly improved prop- erties of the township,-a visible evidence of his persistent purpose and well directed efforts. Success is his in large measure and as he has prospered he has become financially connected with several of the important business enterprises of the county, being a stockholder in the Nordness Creamery Company, the Nord- ness Telephone Company, the Farmers Hog Company of Decorah and the Ossian Produce Company of Ossian, Iowa, all of which are sources of a substantial annual income.
Mr. Orvella was married in November, 1885, to Miss Gunnild Tovson, a daughter of Tov and Signe (Vinlus) Tovson, both natives of Norway, who at first came to Wisconsin but after a few weeks went to Ossian, Winneshiek county. Of this union have been born five children, namely : Selma, aged twenty- six years, who is the wife of Ole Anderson, a farmer residing near Ossian ; Hilda, aged twenty-four years, who lives at home: and Clara, Helmer and Grant, aged respectively twenty-two, nincteen and eleven, who are also under the parental roof. In his religious faith Mr. Orvella is a Lutheran while in his political allegiance he supports the progressive party. Progress has ever been the watch- word of his life and has actuated him in the pursuit of his chosen life work with the result that today he ranks among the prosperous and successful agriculturists and business men of his native county.
OLE RUSTAD.
A native of Norway, Ole Rustad came to America in 1880 and 1881 marks his advent in Winneshiek county, where for many years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Highland township, but is now located in Springfield township, where for the past four years he has conducted the only mercantile establishment in Nordness, enjoying a large and profitable patronage. For the past two years he has also served as station agent for the Rock Island Railroad here. Born in the Norseland on July 12, 1857. Ole Rustad is a son of Martin and Lizzie ( Gulbrandson ) Rustad, natives of Norway. The father, who had been engaged as an agriculturist in his native land, came to America in his later years and located in Wisconsin in 1883, where he remained one year before coming to Winneshiek county. He has made his home with his son Ole ever since and is still enjoying good health at the remarkable age of ninety years. His wife passed away in 1859 when our subject was but two years of age.
Ole Rustad was reared and educated in Norway and in 1880 came to America, making his way inland to Wisconsin, where he remained one year before coming to Winneshiek county. Here he hired out for some time by the month, carefully husbanding his earnings and subsequently acquiring title to a farm of one hun-
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dred and sixty acres in Highland township. He immediately set himself to work to clear and improve this property and in the course of seventeen years made it one of the most valuable in his section, all of his land being put to good use and the substantial buildings bespeaking the prosperity of the enterprise. He then sold out and came to Nordness, where he engaged in the mercantile business, acquiring a complete stock and convenient building, and he has since operated his store with ever increasing success. He enjoys a large patronage and as he has the only store in Nordness does a most profitable business. He carries in stock practically everything that might be demanded by his customers, and by his obliging ways and fair methods has made numerous friends for his business.
In January, 1886, Mr. Rustad was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Sherven, a daughter of Jens and Bertha Sherven, natives of Norway. To Mr. and Mrs. Rustad were born four children: Lizzie, the wife of Charles M. Nelson, an agriculturist of Pleasant township, this county; Mabel, who married Hans Hal- verson, who also farms in that township; Abraham, who follows the same occu- pation ; and Mary, at home.
During the last two years Mr. Rustad has added to his multitudinous duties that of station agent for the Rock Island Railroad, being efficient in the dis- charge of his duties and pleasing the railroad officials as much by his work as the general public, who appreciate the careful and expeditious manner in which he handles the railroad work for them. His religious faith is that of the Meth- odist church, and politically he is a republican, always keeping well informed upon public questions, although he has never cared to actively participate in polit- ical affairs of his district. The life record of Mr. Rustad is highly commend- able, for it demonstrates what can be accomplished if industry and energy lead the way, and it may well serve as an example to the younger generations. He is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him in a business as well as in a social way and enjoys the confidence and good-will of his many friends.
CHARLES C. MARLOW.
Comparatively few American people spend their entire lives in a single locality. We have been called a transitory people because the great majority go from place to place seeking more favorable opportunities than they believe can be secured in districts where they have already resided for a greater or less period. Charles C. Marlow, however, proves an exception to the rule, for he was born upon the farm which is still his home and has always resided here. His natal day was November 15, 1865, and his parents were Edward G. and Martha Anna (Clark) Marlow. His grandparents were John and Elizabeth ( Heading- ton) Marlow, who were natives of Ohio and spent the greater part of their lives there, but their last days were spent in Canoe township. The father was born in Knox county, Ohio, June 1, 1826, and came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, in 1857. His wife was a native of Wyandotte, Ohio, and they were married in the Buckeye state. Following their removal to the west, they took up their abode in Canoe township and their remaining days were here passed. The mother
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died here in 1800 and later Mr. Marlow retired from active business. taking up his abode in Decorah four or five years prior to his death, which here occurred in August, 1905. His entire life had been devoted to farming and he was the owner of three hundred and fifty-five acres of rich and arable land on sections 21 and 28. Canoe township. He built a large brick residence here and carefully tilled the fields and cultivated his crops, converting his place into a valuable property. He took an active interest in politics and gave his support to the democratic party, but did not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty. Unto him and his wife were born five children: Chauncy and John S., both of whom died in childhood; Josie L., who passed away in 1911: Nora, living in Decorah ; and Charles C.
The last named was reared to the occupation of farming, dividing his time during the period of his boyhood and youth between the work of the fields, the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground. He became familiar with the most practical and effective methods of tilling the soil and so was well qualified to carry on farming on his own account when he started out in life independently. He has always resided upon what is known as the old Marlow homestead and is the owner of one hundred and fifty-five acres of his father's estate and also secured eighty acres which had belonged to his sister, recently deceased. This farm was well improved by Edward G. Marlow and the further work of development has been conducted by his son, Charles C., who today ranks with the leading and energetic agriculturists of the community.
In 1801 Mr. Alarlow was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Brichner, who was born in Decorah, December 20, 1869, a daughter of Henry I. and Julia ( Shank) Brichner. The father was born in York, Pennsylvania. January 17, 1832, and the mother's birth occurred in Berkeley county. West Virginia, June 28. 1834. They were married there and in 1858 arrived in lowa, residing in Decorah until 1871. when they took up their abode on the farm in Canoe town- ship which was their place of residence for twenty-five years. They then returned to Decorah in 1896 and Mr. Brichner passed away there February 17. 1907. The widow still resides in Decorah. The father was a carpenter, builder and farmer. He served for three years as a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting from this county as a member of Company E, Thirty-Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. In days of peace he was equally loyal to his country and was faithful to every cause which he espoused. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and he gave his political support to the republican party. Unto him and his wife were born nine children: Virginia, who is the widow of William McKraney and resides in Dubuque; John Henry, a ranch- man of Nebraska; Edward G., a mail clerk of St. Paul; Hattie, who became the wife of H. S. Smith and died in 1911 : Mrs. Marlow : Anna, the wife of John Beucher, living in Lincoln township; Sidney E., a resident farmer of Glenwood township: Grace Ruth, the wife of F. A. Ruth, a resident farmer of Canoe township; and Clement R., a lineman of Sparta. Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Marlow have become the parents of seven children, Clifford. Ina. Leon, Blanche, Grace. Dorothy and Charlie, all of whom are living with the exception of Grace, who died at the age of six years. The fact that Charles C. Marlow has been a lifelong resident of Winneshiek county indicates the attractiveness and opportun- ities of this section of the state, for he is an ambitious and energetic man and
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would have sought opportunity and success elsewhere if it could not have been won in this district. He has, however, through the exercise of his industry and perseverance, intelligently directed, won a place among the substantial farmers of the community, and he has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
GEORGE BERNATZ.
George Bernatz, a well known and influential resident of Decorah, is suc- cessfully engaged in the grocery business at the corner of Mill and Water streets and enjoys a most gratifying patronage in this connection. His birth occurred in Rochester. New York, in March, 1847, his parents being Michael and Martha Bernatz, the former born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, 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 Mc- Gregor, 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 Brew- ery but did not find the business congenial and disposed of his interests in 1859. He then started for Texas but yellow fever then raging in that state, he turned back after journeying as far as New Orleans. In 1860 he purchased the Smith- field flouring mills at Smithfield, Iowa, and in 1865 bought the Eagle flouring mills in Winneshiek county, Iowa, east of Decorah, operating them for three years. On the expiration of that period they sold out and purchased the Rice- ford flour mill at Riceford, Houston county, Minnesota, which Michael Bernatz operated in association with his two sons, George and Anthony. Anthony Ber- natz now operates a flour mill in Decorah, Iowa. In 1868 Michael Bernatz 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 Evergreen 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.
George Bernatz obtained his education largely at McGregor, Iowa. After putting aside his text-books he began working for his father and remained his associate until the latter retired and turned over his interests to him and his brother Anthony. 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 George Bernatz sold out and came to Decorah, Iowa, here purchasing the Ice Cave and Hivly flour and feed mills, which he operated for about three years. On the expiration of that period he disposed
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