USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 16
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MR. AND MRS. GEORGE M. ANDERSON
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States the family spent about three months in Racine, Wisconsin, and in October, 1853, came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, settling in Frankville township. This district was then upon the frontier and few settlements had been made within the borders of the county. Much of the land was still in possession of the govern- ment and Magnus Anderson, or Linnevold, entered a claim constituting the farm upon which his son George now resides. He at once began to cultivate the land and in time brought it to a high state of cultivation, he and his wife spending their remaining days upon this place. The latter died September 5, 1866, at the age of fifty-eight years, while the father reached the venerable age of ninety- two years, passing away May 29, 1897. He had learned and followed the car- penter's trade in his native country and he also worked at carpentering in Iowa in connection with farming. He had one hundred and sixty acres in the old homestead, together with forty acres of timber in Glenwood township. His religious faith was that of the Lutheran church and his political belief that of the republican party, to which he gave stanch support after becoming a naturalized American citizen. Unto him and his wife were born seven children: Celia, the wife of Juul Skarie, of Fillmore county, Minnesota; George M .; Caroline, who is the widow of Ole Steen and resides at Forest City, Iowa; Andrew, who en- listed in Company G, Twelfth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war and was mortally wounded at the battle of Corinth, his death occurring a month later in a hospital at Keokuk, Iowa: Ingeborg, the wife of Martin Swen- son, of Fillmore county. Minnesota: Johanna, the wife of W. O. Hanson, of Forest City, Iowa ; and Ole, who for twenty-five years was a traveling salesman for a Chicago house, but died in Forest City in 1911.
George M. Anderson was a youth of about seventeen years when brought by his parents to the new world, and since that time he has resided continuously upon the farm on section 7. Frankville township, which is now his home. The only interruption to his activities as an agriculturist came at the time of the Civil war, when he enlisted in August, 1862. as a member of Company E, Thirty- Eighth lowa Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Henry Cleghorn. He served until the close of the war and was mustered out at Houston, Texas, on the 15th of August, 1865. He took part in all of the engagements with his com- pany, including a number of hotly contested battles. Going to the front as a corporal he returned as a sergeant and his military record was ever a most credit- able one.
After his return from the war Mr. Anderson resumed farming, which he followed until two years ago, when he suffered a fall, which injury caused him the loss of his eyesight. He is still the owner of the two hundred acre farm which his father owned and the place is devoted to general farming and stock- raising. It has been well improved by Mr. Anderson, who year by year care- fully tilled the fields and gathered good crops. On one occasion his home was destroyed by fire, but he immediately rebuilt, erecting a modern and attractive residence which is one of the fine homes of the township.
On the 23d of December, 1865, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Jacobson, who was born in Norway, August 14, 1842, and in 1853 came to the United States with her parents, Johannes and Olina Sivesseind, who re- mained residents of this county until called to their final rest, the father passing away in 1889 at the age of eighty-two years and the mother in 1895 at the age
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of seventy-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were the parents of eight chil- dren : Albert, who resides on part of his father's farm ; John, a preacher of the Lutheran church, now in Edgerton, Wisconsin; Ingeman, who for six years has served as county auditor of Winneshiek county, but expects soon to remove from Decorah to Fargo, North Dakota : Frederick Julius, who died at the age of seven months: Marie, the wife of George Ode, of Decorah ; William, who operates the farm for his father and occupies a part of the residence; Hannah, who died August 5, 1912, at the age of thirty-three years; and Elizabeth, the wife of Rev. Peter Kjorlang. a Lutheran minister at Warren, Minnesota.
In politics Mr. Anderson has been a life-long republican since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He has held all of the township offices-was justice of the peace for twelve years, assessor for twelve years, and has twice been United States census enumerator. His public duties have ever been most faithfully discharged and his record as a citizen is a most commendable one. That he is popular with his old army comrades is shown by the fact that he was elected president of the Thirty-eighth Iowa Infantry Re- union, held at Decorah in October, 1912, but owing to the fact that he lost his eyesight he has been unable to serve. IIe belongs to Colonel Hughes Post. No. 160, G. A. R., of Decorah, and is a demitted Mason. He and his family have held membership in the Lutheran church since 1853. He has been very active in church work, has held official positions in connection therewith, and at ali times his life has been an upright, honorable one, in harmony with his profes- sions. In this way he has gained the good-will and confidence of all. He is one of Winneshiek county's pioneer citizens, having been a witness of the greater part of the growth and progress of the county since he took up his abode here in 1853.
WILLIS & NESS.
The leading furniture and undertaking firm of Decorah is that of Willis & Ness, who have a modernly equipped, up-to-date store on East Water street, in its appointments and stock rivaling any metropolitan establishment. The firm is composed of two young, progressive business men of modern policies, who have attracted to them a large and profitable trade.
Peter J. Ness, member of the firm of Willis & Ness, was born in Highland township, Winneshiek county, November 9, 1877, a son of John O. and Jarend (Holverson) Ness, natives of Norway. The father was a farmer in his native country, coming in 1870 to the United States, making settlement at Highlands- ville, Winneshiek county, where he purchased land and engaged in farming. As the years passed his labors brought results and in December, 1912, he retired to Decorah, where he and his wife now live in well earned retirement.
Peter J. Ness attended school in Highland township and assisted his father in the farm work until nineteen years of age, when he came to Decorah to accept the position of clerk with his brother, O. J. Ness, who conducted a grocery store here. In this relation he remained for seven years, being then enabled to establish a bakery shop which was located one door west of his
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present place, and for six years successfully conducted a bakery, selling out at that time. After a short vacation he formed, in July, 1911, a partnership with Mr. Willis, as a result of which their present furniture and undertaking busi- ness was established.
Mr. Ness was married on May 30, 1900, to Miss Isabella Caroline Peterson, a daughter of Ingebret and Carrie Peterson. The father was an agriculturist of Canoe township, Winneshiek county, and passed away before the birth of the wife of our subject. Mrs. Peterson has also passed away, her death occurring in the home of Mr. Ness in Decorah in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Ness have one child, Ruby Idella, born on Christmas day, 1901. She attends the parochial school of the Norwegian Lutheran church of Decorah. Mr. and Mrs. Ness are both devoted members of the United Lutheran church of Decorah, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest.
To attain the highest degree of efficiency in the undertaking business Mr. Ness recently attended the Hohenschuh & Carpenter College, of Des Moines, Iowa, where he took a course in embalming and upon graduation received his diploma in 1912. Socially he is connected with the Norske Selskab Society of Decorah. A public-spirited and progressive man, he takes a deep interest in all movements affecting the welfare of his community, and can always be found in the front rank of those who advocate measures for improvement and bet- terment.
Lawrence B. Willis, the other member of the firm, was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, on November 16, 1875, a son of John and Elizabeth (Jones) Willis. The father is a native of Yorkshire, England, coming to the United States in 1844 and locating near Racine, Wisconsin. He is a carpenter and cabinet-maker by trade and there he followed this occupation. He and his wife, who is also a native of the mother country, are living today at Boscobel, Wis- consin. The marriage of the parents took place in Wisconsin on October 6, 1869. In their family were five children, of whom four are now living as fol- lows: Lawrence B., of this review; J. R., of Muscoda, Wisconsin; Mrs. Erma Remington, of Excelsior, Wisconsin; and Mrs. J. T. Tuffey, of Chicago, Illinois.
Mr. Willis of this review attended school in Boscobel, Wisconsin, and sub- sequently assisted his father in the carpenter and cabinet-making business. He later worked with his brother, John R., who was a wagonmaker by trade. In these connections he laid the foundation to the success which later was his in the furniture business. He next entered the grocery line, being so engaged for five years. In 1900 he was employed by J. R. Muffley & Sons, of Boscobel, Wisconsin, who were engaged in the undertaking and furniture business, there remaining for four years. He took a course in embalming in the Hohenschuh & Carpenter College of Des Moines, Iowa, graduating in 1911. In 1910 Mr. Willis came to Decorah, buying and conducting a bakery, but shortly thereafter, in July, 1911, entered into partnership with Mr. Ness in the operation of a furniture establishment.
On February 13, 1899, Mr. Willis was united in marriage to Miss Edna Hammond of Boscobel, Wisconsin, a daughter of Monteville Hammond, who died when Mrs. Willis was but a year old. Mr. and Mrs. Willis have one daughter, Kittie, born May 18, 1904, who attends public school in Decorah, Mr.
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Willis is a republican in his political affiliations, and both he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which they give their moral and material support. Fraternally Mr. Willis is prominent, being a member of the lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Decorah, belonging also to the Rebekahs and Encampment of Boscobel, and is also a member of Decorah Lodge No. 443, B. P. O. E .; the Modern Woodmen of Boscobel, Wis- consin ; and the Woodmen of the World, of Decorah. Mrs. Willis belongs to the Rebekahs and Royal Neighbors.
The furniture store of Willis & Ness is excellently appointed and they carry a large and complete stock, being able to fill any demands made upon them by their patrons. The line of goods they handle is so extensive that a storage annex is needed, which is situated across the street from their store. They have built up a reputation for a straightforward policy, honest dealing and honest goods at honest prices, which has brought them a gratifying and steadily increas- ing patronage. Both young men devote their entire attention to the manage- ment of their etablishment, which not only is bringing them a gratifying income but is an important factor in the commercial development of Decorah and Winneshiek county.
THEODORE THOMPSON.
Theodore Thompson, who for many years has been associated in an influ- ential way with farming and stock-raising interests of Winneshiek, his native county, was born March 5, 1876, and is a sou of Ole and Rhoda ( Johnson) Thompson, natives of Norway. The father came to America when he was but ten years of age and with his parents located in Decorah in 1855. He learned the blacksmith's trade and followed it for twelve years after beginning his in- dependent career, later turning his attention to farming on shares. After one year he came to Springfield township and here purchased forty acres on section 13. developing this from a raw and unimproved tract into a productive and valuable property. Upon this he made his home until his death. which occurred in April, 1897, he having survived his wife since 1885. In this family were seven children : Henry A., deceased : Henry A., second of the name, who has also passed away; a child, who died in infancy: Andrew Albert, a resident of Decorah ; Matilda, who has passed away; Bertha ; and Theodore, of this review.
Theodore Thompson was reared upon his father's farm in Springfield town- ship and acquired his education in the district schools of this section. He became a practical and able agriculturist and aided with the operation of the homestead until after his father's death, when he purchased the property which he has oper- ated along practical and modern lines since that time. His farm is highly im- proved and in excellent condition, being provided with a comfortable dwelling. barns. outbuildings and the machinery necessary to facilitate the work of the fields. He has met with excellent success in his farming and stock-raising oper- ations and although still a young man has attained a handsome competence through his intelligently directed labor.
THEODORE THOMPSON
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Mr. Thompson makes his home with his sister Bertha and both are well known and highly respected in the community. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a devout member of the Lutheran church. His atten- tion is practically centered upon the development of his farm but a great many of his leisure hours are spent in motoring in the fine Overland touring car which he has recently purchased. Although still a young man Mr. Thompson has already attained success and has taken his place among the prominent farmers and enter- prising and progressive citizens of his native county.
JOHN O. ANDERSON.
John O. Anderson is a worthy representative of the farming interests of Winneshiek county, owning and operating a well improved property of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on sections 17 and 20, Madison township. Mr. Anderson claims Illinois as the state of his nativity, being born in Boone county. October 15, 1852, a son of Ole and Ellen ( Olson) Anderson, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father emigrated with his family to America, locating on a farm in Boone county, Illinois, in 1843. He gave his entire time and atten- tion to the cultivation of the place during the subsequent twelve years, when, disposing of that property, he came to Winneshiek county, the year of his arrival here being 1855. His stay here was brief, however, for he passed away within a few weeks after his arrival. The mother afterward purchased a farm in Glenwood township and with the assistance of her sons operated the place until the time of her death, which occurred in April, 1896.
John O. Anderson was but two and a half years of age when he was brought by his parents from Illinois to Winneshiek county, so that practically his entire life has here been passed. At the usual age he entered the district schools, wherein he acquired the knowledge that fitted him for a practical business career. As soon as he was old enough he began assisting in the lighter tasks of the home farm and as he grew in strength and years he assumed the larger responsibilities in connection with carrying on work on the homestead. He remained with his mother until he had reached the age of thirty-five, when he rented a farm and began operating it on his own account. He was thus engaged for five years, but at the expiration of that period, his wife having died in the meantime, he abandoned farming and removed to Willow City, North Dakota, in 1893. and there engaged in the livery business. He there remained until 1897, when he disposed of his interests and returned to Winneshiek county, locating on a farin of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 17 and 20. Madison township. He has since been engaged in the cultivation and improvement of this place and now has one of the model and well improved farms of this part of the county.
Mr. Anderson has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Maria Peterson, whom he wedded on the 15th of October. 1882. Her parents, Peter and Caroline Peterson, both natives of Norway, came to America in an early day and the father engaged in farming throughout his life. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson became the parents of two daughters: Clara, the wife of Julian Kjos, a farmer of Madison township; and
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Alena, the wife of Gust G. Haugen, proprietor of a restaurant in Decorah. After a long illness the wife and mother departed this life in May, 1891, and Mr. Anderson was again married in the fall of 1897 to Sylvia Hopperstad, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hopperstad, who were likewise natives of Norway and were farming people of Lincoln township, this county. Five children have been born of Mr. Anderson's second marriage, Ernest, Stella, Angeline, Leon and John.
Mr. Anderson is a stockholder in the Farmers Creamery Company of Ridge- way. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He has spent practically his entire life in Winneshiek county and is therefore well known in this section of the state. He is a successful farmer who is held in high esteem by his neighbors and friends.
HENRY F. KORNMEYER.
Among the foremost horsemen of Decorah and Winneshiek county is Henry F. Kornmeyer, who conducts one of the leading liveries in that city. He was born October 8, 1869, a son of Bernard and Mary ( Dannelfelser ) Kornmeyer, the father a native of Germany and a descendant of an old and substantial family of that country. He was a brickmaker by trade and when a young man came to America, about fifty years ago, locating in Decorah in pursuance of his occupation. The father started his first brickyard on the site where the Luther College stands today and manufactured in his yard the brick for the first build- ings of that institution. He also engaged for some years in freighting from Decorah to McGregor, taking grain to McGregor and bringing back provisions before the era of the railroad. He became the owner of a valuable farm south- west of the city and adjoining the same and was cultivating the soil there when he passed away in 1900. His wife was also a native of Germany and their marriage occurred in Pennsylvania, they coming west shortly after that event to Decorah. She is still residing on the home farm, having passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey in March, 1913. In their family were seven children : Charles, a brick manufacturer of Decorah ; Louisa, the wife of Charles Linken- heil, of Le Mars, Iowa ; Henry F., of this review; Emma, the wife of Frank Iless, of Decorah; Bernard, a brickmaker of Decorah: Mamie, the wife of Harry McCusker, a real-estate dealer of Wahpeton, North Dakota; and Rosa, the wife of Al Callander, of Ocheyedan, Iowa.
Henry F. Kornmeyer attended the Decorah public schools and while growing to manhood developed a great love for horses. For years he followed racing, driving and training these noble animals, and breaking and conditioning them for a period of sixteen years. During that time he was connected with such well known people as M. E. MeKendrie, J. Scott McCoy, Fred Robar and Colonel Robert Neales among other noted horsemen. In October, 1911, Mr. Kornmeyer purchased the Reed stables in Decorah and has since been engaged in the livery business with steadily increasing success. His are among the best stables in the city and enjoy a large and representative patronage. He conducts
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a livery and also a feed and sale stable, buying and selling horses, although he does no shipping.
On January 9, 1907, Mr. Kornmeyer was united in marriage to Miss Theresa Benkert, of Cincinnati, Ohio, in which city the ceremony was performed. The following children were born to this union: Leonard, born October 24, 1907, who attends kindergarten in the Decorah public schools; Odelia, born October 4, 1909 ; and Ritta, born May 14, 1912.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic church, of which they are devout communicants. Politically Mr. Kornmeyer is a democrat, keeping well informed upon all public issues and questions although he cares not for public office. He is also well known in fraternal circles, being a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. A public-spirited man, Mr. Kornmeyer stands for all that is going to make Decorah a greater and better city, giving his warm-hearted support to any worthy public enterprise. He is well and favorably known in the city and highly respected and esteemed on account of his many high qualities of mind and character.
JOHN J. ALBERS.
Among the native sons of Winneshiek county who have gained well deserved success in agricultural pursuits is John J. Albers, who since 1909 has carried on general farming upon the old Albers homestead. He was born, June 24, 1870, in Canoe township and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth ( Herr) Albers, natives of Germany and early settlers in Winneshiek county, where the father spent practically his entire life engaged in farming. He was well known in this part of Iowa and served for several years as road supervisor. His death occurred in Cresco, February 1, 1910. His wife survives him, making her home in that city. To their union were born eleven children: George, of Lake Benton, Minnesota ; Anna, the wife of Albert Reinhardt, of Howard county, Iowa ; Ida, who became the wife of John Bender and is now deceased; Henry J., engaged in farming in Lincoln township; John J., of this review; Clara, the wife of John Kuntz, of Luck, Wisconsin; Emma R., who married Frank Blackburn, of Lincoln township, this county; Albert, of Cresco; Fred W., a resident of the same locality; a child, who died in infancy; and Edward R., of Cresco.
John J. Albers was reared at home and from his early childhood has been familiar with farm operation, having spent a great deal of time aiding his father with the work of the homestead. After beginning his independent career he worked at farm labor for ten years and then rented one hundred and twenty acres of land in Lincoln township. After one year upon this property he began working by the day but eventually rented the homestead, operating this for three years thereafter. At the end of that time he rented another farm of one hundred acres and after one year rented an eighty-acre tract, upon which he continued to make his home for three years. He then returned to the home- stead and has now been renting this property for four years, carrying on gen-
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eral farming and stock-raising and meeting with that success which always follows earnest and persistent labor.
On the 26th of November, 1902, Mr. Albers was united in marriage to Miss Emma Gerber, a daughter of John and Elizabeth ( Bach) Gerber, natives of Switzerland. Mr. and Mrs. Alber's became the parents of two children: a son who died in infancy; and Louise Ilerminia Alma. Mr. Albers is a republican in his political beliefs and fraternally is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a devout member of the Methodist church and is a man of exemplary character, known in his business dealings for reliability and integrity and holding the esteem and confidence of all who are associated with him.
TÖNNES T. BRINGSJORD.
A member of the Norwegian colony of Winneshiek county, Tonnes T. Bringsjord has done valuable work in promoting agricultural interests in Decorah township, where until recently he owned a fertile farm of one hundred and ninety acres, located on section 24. As a boy of fifteen, he came to America, empty in pocket but rich in determination, and that he has succeeded thereof his present prosperity is the best proof. Born at Syngdal, Norway, March 22, 1873, his parents were Tobias and Gesena ( Sellen ) Bringsjord, natives of that country. The father during practically his entire active life followed agricul- tural pursuits in Norway and there passed away in 1902, the mother preceding him in death by one year.
Tonnes T. Bringsjord was reared under the parental roof and had early instilled into his youthful conscience lessons on the value of thrift, diligence and honesty. He attended school in his native country, discontinuing his lessons early in boyhood in order to assist his father with the farm work. Remaining at home until fifteen years of age, he then came to America and making his way inland located in Winneshiek county, where for four or five years he made his livelihood as a farm hand. Carefully husbanding his savings, he had acquired sufficient means to rent a farm, which he operated until 1906 with such good success that at the end of that time he was enabled to acquire by purchase one hundred and ninety acres on section 24, Decorah township. There he devoted his sole attention to the cultivation of his land, making valuable improvements on the buildings and installing modern, labor-saving machinery. In the spring of 1913 Mr. Bringsjord disposed of this property to good advantage, although he still makes his home on the place and intends in the near future to buy other agricultural property.
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