USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 19
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In November, 1908, Mr. Istad was united in marriage to Miss Clara Woldt, a daughter of Gottlieb and Julia ( Meyer ) Woldt. natives of Germany. The parents came to this country at an early day and the father engaged in farming in Win- neshiek county during the remainder of his life. His wife has also passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Istad became the parents of one daughter, Bertha Elizabeth, aged four. Mrs. Istad passed away in February, 1910.
Mr. Istad is a devout member of the Evangelical Lutheran church of Decorah. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and served for four years as township clerk and did excellent work as assessor for three years. He was for a similar period of time secretary of the school board and in 1913 was clected president of the board, the cause of education finding in him a loyal and practical supporter. A resident of Winneshiek county since he was seven years of age, Mr. Istad has become widely known in this part of lowa and his life has been such as to merit the confidence and regard which are generally accorded him.
ISAAC W. BRUNT.
Isaac W. Brunt, who has been a resident of Decorah for the past two decades, was for a number of years successfully engaged in the conduct of a drug store here but since January, 1911, has acted as secretary of the American Drug & Press Association, an association of druggists and newspaper men of the United States, which manufactures toilet articles and medicinal preparations. His birth occurred at Sigourney, Keokuk county, lowa, on the 19th of July, 1868, his parents being John M. and Mary A. ( Davis) Brunt, natives of Indiana. The family has been represented in this country for more than two centuries, the first of the name coming from the south of England. John M. Brunt removed to Keokuk county, this state, in an early day and was there engaged in general agricultural pursuits, operating a farm for some years and also teaching school. He eventually became an engineer and acted as United States deputy surveyor, his work in this connection covering California, Wyoming. Nevada, Oregon, Arizona and New Mexico. Since retiring from the active work of his profes- sion he has spent the winters in Kansas City and during the summer seasons resides with his son Isaac in Decorah. His wife passed away in 1907.
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Isaac W. Brunt obtained his early education at Sigourney, Iowa, and continued his studies at Grand Island, Nebraska, while subsequently the family home was established in Lincoln, Kansas, where he was graduated from the high school. He then took up the study of chemistry in the University of Kansas at Lawrence but before completing the course was enrolled as a student in the Northwestern University at Chicago, where he was graduated in pharmacy with the class of 1893. In that year he came to Decorah, Iowa, and took charge of the drug store of C. Rudolph, in whose service he remained for one month. At the end of that time, in association with E. J. Parman, he purchased the establishment of Mr. Rudolph and successfully conducted business as senior partner of the firm of Brunt & Parman until January, 1911, when he sold his interest to his partner. He then became secretary of the American Drug & Press Association and has held that important position continuously since, proving an able and valuable offi- cial. As above stated, this is an association of druggists and newspaper men of the United States and is carried on for the manufacture of toilet articles and medicinal preparations. Mr. Brunt is interested in several other enterprises of Decorah and has always been an active factor in the work of progress and development here.
On the 10th of June, 1898, Mr. Brunt was united in marriage to Miss Netta L. Merrill, her parents being M. H. and Sarah ( Hardiman) Merrill, natives of New York, who came to Decorah in an early day. Mr. Merrill first followed farming but later turned his attention to the lumber and grain business, being successfully engaged therein until 1903. The remainder of his life was spent in honorable retirement, his demise occurring in February, 1912. His wife was called to her final rest in 1893.
Mr. Brunt is a democrat in his political views and was one of the first demo- cratic presidential electors from his district since Franklin Pierce was chosen the chief executive of the nation. His fraternal relations are with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church, to which his wife also belongs. They own a commodious and attractive residence at No. 504 East Water street. In the field of commercial activity Mr. Brunt has made steady advance along substantial lines that has brought him success.
OLE SANDERSON.
A native of Lincoln township, Winneshiek county, Ole Sanderson has here attained to success and now owns a valuable place of one hundred and twenty acres on section 27, to the cultivation of which he gives his entire attention, He was born May 28, 1861, and is a son of Kettle and Levina ( Brenhofson) Sander- son, natives of Norway, who came to America about 1851, locating in Wisconsin for one year and then making their home in Glenwood township for an equal period of time before coming to Lincoln township, where they settled on sec- tion 22. The father was a successful agriculturist, gradually winning financial independence, and his death occurred on Christmas day, 1911. The mother sur- vives him and now makes her home with a brother, being over eighty years of
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age. The father made a creditable military record during the Civil war, serving for three years with Company K, Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. To their union were born seven children: John, of Willow City, North Dakota ; Christina, who married Alf Alfson, of Cyrus, Minnesota; Annie, deceased ; Austin, of Willow City, North Dakota; Ole, of this review; Benjamin, of Lin- coln township; and Louisa, the wife of Arthur Bradley, of Ambrose, North Dakota.
Ole Sanderson grew to manhood upon the home farm attending the schools of the neighborhood and devoting his leisure hours to the work of the fields. After becoming of age he rented the homestead for four years and then bought it but later traded the same for his present farm, comprising one hundred and twenty acres on section 27. His improvements are substantial, his buildings kept in good repair and his equipment is up-to-date and in every way sufficient for his needs. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, deriving a gratifying income from these pursuits.
On November 30. 1884, Mr. Sanderson married Miss Lena Johnson and to this union were born ten children : Carl, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota ; Anton, deceased : Nettie, of Devon, Montana; and Roy, Ethel, Sarah, Fred, Thelma, Verna and Alton, at home. In his political associations Mr. Sanderson is a republican, stanehly upholding the principles of his party at the polls and giving his support to its candidates. That he enjoys the esteem of his fellow citizens is evident in his election to the offices of township trustee and school clerk, both of which he now holds. He is an active and helpful member of the Lutheran church, in the work of which he takes a great interest.
G. E. SOLAND.
Among the prominent and progressive farmers and substantial business men of Winneshiek county is numbered G. E. Soland, owner of a fine prop- erty of five hundred and eighty acres lying partly in Frankville and partly in Springfield townships. He is connected also with a number of representative financial and commercial enterprises in Decorah and Nordness and by constant application and unremitting industry has surrounded himself with an enviable degree of prosperity. He was born in Springfield township, Winneshick county, on the 15th of July. 1854, and is a son of Engebret and Helene (Clement) Gulbranson Soland, natives of Norway. The parents came to America and settled in Winneshiek county, lowa, in pioneer times, the father buying land in Frankville township, which he continued to develop and improve for sev- eral years. After he sold it he came to Springfield township and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw land, which he set about clearing and improving. later adding to his holdings from time to time until he owned five hundred and sixty acres, all in a high state of cultivation. This fine farm he developed for the remainder of his life, becoming known as one of the repre- sentative and successful agriculturists of this region. He died December 6, 1900, having survived his wife since 1880.
G. E. SOLAND AND FAMILY
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G. E. Soland was reared and educated in Springfield township, attending district school and afterward the Breckenridge Institute at Decorah. He learned farming by practical work upon his father's homestead and after the latter's death the estate was divided, each son receiving two hundred and eighty acres of fine land. Mr. Soland has since added to his holdings, owning now five hundred and eighty-eight acres, half of which lies in Frankville township and the remainder in Springfield township. Mr. Soland has not feared earnest and persistent labor, continuing the work of developing his property along modern lines and making upon it substantial improvements, the farm being today one of the finest in this section. The buildings are all upon the land lying on section 12, Springfield township, and the latest improved farm machinery has been installed to facilitate the work of the fields. In addition to his farming operations Mr. Soland is also vice president and a director of the Decorah State Bank and a stockholder in the Nordness Creamery Company and the Nordness Telephone Company, and his business interests are managed in a farsighted, able and progressive way.
On the 25th of April, 1878, Mr. Soland was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Egge, a daughter of Erick and Helena Egge, natives of Norway. Mr. Soland's first wife passed away in 1885, leaving one daughter, Ella, who married Olaus Viste, a farmer in Decorah township. On the 3d of April, 1888, Mr. Soland was again married, his second wife being Miss Bertha Brod- land, a daughter of Hans Brodland, a native of Norway, who never came to America. To this union have been born eight children: Lena, the wife of George Wefflin, who is developing one of his father-in-law's farms; Amelia ; Marie ; Engebret : Clara ; Hans : Etta ; and one child who died in infancy.
Mr. Soland is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party, having rendered the township excellent service as trustee for six years. While his life has been quietly passed, it con- tains nevertheless lessons of value, for it shows what can be accomplished by a determined and persistent spirit and honorable dealings. He now occupies a position among the prosperous citizens of Winneshiek county and the most envious cannot grudge him his success-so worthily has it been won.
CARL L. LARSON.
One of the foremost industries of Decorah, Iowa, is the Lutheran Publish- ing Company, and one of the oldest, most faithful and most capable employes of that large institution is Carl L. Larson, foreman of the extensive bookbinding department of this publishing house. Born in Christiania, the beautiful capital of the kingdom of Norway, November 25, 1847, he is a son of Christian and Mary ( Hanson) Larson, natives of the northland. The father was a musician, an art which he always followed in the old country, where he passed away in 1872, his wife surviving until 1878.
Carl L. Larson was reared in his native land and received his education in the excellent schools of his native country. He there subsequently learned the book- binder's trade, and when in 1868 he came to America he located at Madison, Vol. 11-10
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Wisconsin, where he followed his vocation for two years, at the end of which period he returned to Norway, there remaining two years. In 1873. however, he returned to America, seeking the large opportunities held out by the middle west, and located in Decorah, where he entered the employ of a Mr. Isberg, with whom he remained for four years, his employer selling his interests to the Lutheran Publishing Company in 1877 and Mr. Larson remaining with the new concern. For thirty-six years he has faithfully fulfilled his various duties and has gradually risen to the position of foreman of the large bookbinding depart- ment of this important publishing house, having charge of a large number of em- ployes and directing the many operations of the department.
In August, 1867. Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Pederson, a daughter of Lucas and Anna Pederson, both natives of Norway, where they spent their entire lives. Mr. and Mrs. Larson were the parents of ten children : Frank : Louis; William: Iljalmar : Sophia, the wife of William B. Ingvoldstad, of whom more extended mention is made in another part of this work; Carl; Herman; and three, who died in infancy. Mrs. Larson passed away in 1887 and in 1891 Mr. Larson wedded again, his second union being with Miss Paulina Pederson, a sister of his first wife. She also passed away in 1910.
Politically Mr. Larson is a republican and his religious adherence is given to the Lutheran church. At one time he owned residential property in Decorah, but of late has disposed of his holding and now makes his home with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Ingvoldstad. He is well known and popular in Decorah, where he has made his home for many years, and where he is highly esteemed and respected for his sterling traits of character.
OLE O. HOVE.
One of Winneshiek county's most able, progressive and successful farmers is Ole O. Hove, whose fine property of three hundred and twenty acres lies on sec- tions 26 and 27. Madison township, and is one of the best improved and best managed farms in this vicinity. Mr. Hove was born in Norway, on the 17th of March, 1853, and is a son of Ole and Barbara ( Hedalen ) Hove, also natives of that country. The parents came to America in June, 1866, and located at once in Winneshiek county, lowa, the father purchasing land in Madison township. To the development and improvement of this property he turned his attention, but he was unfortunate enough to take up his residence here at the time of the great failure of the wheat crops and he was forced to abandon his farming operations. Afterward he made his home with his children until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1892. Ile had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1869.
Ole O. Hove was thirteen years of age when he came to America and he had practically completed his education in the public schools of Norway, having at- tended district school in Winneshiek county only five days. He afterward went out to work as a farm hand for three years, and he worked in the employ of others and for his father and brothers until he was twenty-four years of age, when he rented land and turned his attention to its operation. For a number of
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years thereafter he continued thus but he finally purchased eighty acres on sec- tion 22, Madison township. This formed the nucleus of his present fine property, for to it he afterward added one hundred and sixty acres lying on sections 26 and 27 and eighty acres on section 15, his holdings now comprising three hun- dred and twenty acres of well improved and valuable land. In its cultivation he follows the most practical and progressive methods, and his labors have been rewarded by a gratifying degree of success, which places him in the front rank of progressive and able agriculturists.
In 1875 Mr. Hove was united in marriage to Miss Anna Greinstvet, a daughter of Aslak and Susanna (Tvedt) Greinstvet, natives of Norway, who came to America about 1870 and located in Wisconsin, where they spent one year. At the end of that time they came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and here the father farmed for a number of years, later moving into Worth county, where he spent the remainder of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Hove have become the parents of two children : Ole, who lives at home; and Albert, a farmer in Madison township.
Mr. Hove is a stockholder in the Farmers Creamery Company and the Farmers Cooperative Hog Buying Company of Decorah. He is a member of the Lutheran church and is a republican in his political beliefs, interested in the growth and progress of the community where he has so long resided but not active as an office seeker. He is a man of sterling qualities of character, in- dustrious and enterprising and, well known throughout the township for his uprightness and honesty, he enjoys the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends.
LUTHER O. REED.
Luther O. Reed, the proprietor of an up-to-date livery stable at No. 110 Washington street in Decorah, is one of the enterprising and prosperous young business men of the city and is likewise well known in fraternal circles. His birth occurred in Burr Oak, Winneshiek county, on the 29th of September, 1877, his parents being Luther and Celia L. (Kellam) Reed, the former a native of Allamakee county, Iowa, and the latter of Winneshiek county, this state. Luther Reed, Sr., came to this county with his parents when a lad of eleven years and as soon as his age permitted began farming on a farm of three hundred acres near Burr Oak, which he improved and operated until 1901. During the past twelve years he has lived in honorable retirement at Decorah. In 1906 he was elected constable and has since served in that capacity, discharging the duties devolving upon him in a highly commendable and conscientious manner. His wife was called to her final rest in the year 1901.
Luther O. Reed was reared and educated in this county, attending the district schools and also the public schools of Decorah. Subsequently he entered the State University at Iowa City and in that institution pursued the scientific and law course. Returning home, he worked on his father's farm for two years and subsequently spent a year writing insurance policies. He then embarked in the implement business in association with F. N. May, the enterprise being conducted under the firm style of Reed & May for four years, at the end of which
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period the establishment was destroyed by fire. It was at that time that Mr. Reed purchased of Robert Simpson the livery stable and stock at No. 110 Washington street and, taking charge of the business, has since conducted the same with gratifying success. The stable is a two-story brick structure and contains some of the finest vehicles in Decorah, its proprietor being accorded an extensive and well merited patronage.
On the 30th of December, 1903, Mr. Reed was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Updegraff. a daughter of William and Lydia ( Shear) Updegraff, the former a native of Mount Pleasant, Ohio, and the latter of Columbia county, New York. William Updegraff came to Winneshiek county in an early day and accumulated considerable property, owning six farms near Decorah. His demise occurred in 1900 but his widow still resides here. Our subject and his wife have one daughter, Edith, who is now seven years of age. The family home is on West Broadway.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Reed has supported the men and measures of the republican party. He is a valued member of the city fire department. Fraternally he is identified with the Yeomen, the Home- steaders, the Elks and the Masons, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter, com- mandery and shrine. On July 7, 1912, at Portland, Oregon, he was appointed district deputy grand exalted ruler of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and has since been made an honorary life member. He has always made his home in Winneshiek county and is widely and favorably known within its bor- ders, the circle of his friends being almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
GEORGE D. VINE.
George D). Vine is one of the youngest representatives of farming interests in Winneshiek county, owning a tract of eighty acres, located on section 36. Madison township. Ile was born on the farm, of which he is now the owner, June 24. 1871, a son of John and Anna ( Johnson ) Vine, the former a native of England, while the latter claimed Norway as the place of her nativity. John Vine emi- grated to the new world in the '50s, first locating in New York, where he re- mained for several years. He finally continued his journey westward, purchas- ing a farm in Madison township, paying the usual government price for the same. His remaining years were devoted to the cultivation and improvement of this tract, and here his death occurred in February, 1898. The mother sur- vived for many years, passing away in March, 1910.
George D. Vine was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, working in the fields during the spring and summer months, while in the winter seasons he pursued his education in the district schools near his father's home. He has always lived under the parental roof, with the exception of three summers, when he was employed by others at farm labor. Subsequent to his mother's death, he purchased the home farm and has since made some improvements. He is practical and progressive in his methods of labor and is classed with the enter-
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prising and industrious agriculturists of this section of Iowa. He is a stock- holder in the Farmers Hog Buying Company of Decorah.
Mr. Vine is a republican in his political views, while in religious faith he is a Lutheran. His fraternal relations are with the Maccabees. He has a wide acquaintance in Winneshiek county, where he has spent his entire life, and he is admired by all for his sterling traits of character and his honesty in all business dealings.
FRANK J. HELWIG.
Frank J. Helwig is a successful representative of industrial interests in Decorah as the proprietor of a cigar factory at No. 218 East Water street, which he has conducted for the past sixteen years. His birth occurred at Festina, Winneshiek county, on the 30th of September. 1863, his parents being Conrad and Crycinthia (Welte) Helwig, the former a native of Prussia and the latter of Austria. Conrad Helwig emigrated to the United States about 1857, locat- ing in Missouri, where he remained for three years. On the expiration of that period lie removed to Guttenberg, Iowa, and at the end of a year came to Festina, WVinneshiek county, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, until 1866. In that year he embarked in business for himself but in 1873 disposed of his interests and spent the remainder of his life in honorable retirement at Ossian, passing away in 1893. The period of his residence in this county covered almost a third of a century and he enjoyed an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its borders. His widow now makes her home with a son and three daughters at Ossian, Winneshiek county.
Frank J. Helwig obtained his education in the public and Catholic schools of Ossian and after putting aside his text-books learned the cigar maker's trade, mastering the same at the early age of thirteen. He was employed at that trade until the fall of 1891 and then went to Pipestone, Minnesota, where he con- ducted a cigar factory until 1895. In that year he removed to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and operated a cigar factory in partnership with N. C. Goedel until 1897. when he sold out and came to Decorah, Iowa, here opening the factory . which he has conducted continuously since. He has made a specialty of the cigar called the Lincoln and manufactured and sold two hundred and eighty- five thousand of this brand in one year-a record which will be broken during the present year. Four people are employed in the conduct of the business. Mr. Helwig is also a talented musician, has gained an enviable reputation as a violin- ist and is the director of an orchestra which is in demand at all of the local dances and theatrical performances.
In September, 1889. Mr. Helwig was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hovey. her parents being John and Bernice ( Wangsness) Hovey, natives of Norway. Emigrating to the United States. John Hovey located in Wisconsin and subsequently in Winneshiek county, Iowa, settling here before the railroad was built to Calmar. He operated a farm until 1896 and then purchased a home in Colmar, where he lived retired until called to his final rest in 1899. His wife passed away in 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Helwig have two children, namely: Freda
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C., who is twenty-three years of age and follows the profession of school teach- ing at Clarksville, Iowa ; and Ruth B., aged twenty-one, who, like her sister, is a graduate of the Decorah high school. The latter is studying the violin at the Conservatory of Music in Indianapolis, Indiana, and graduated in June of this year.
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