USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 21
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Mr. Mikkelson gives his political allegiance to the progressive party and is interested in public affairs, being now in the third year of his able service as
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school director. As a citizen and a business man he stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens and the success that has come to him is but the just reward of his earnest and persistent efforts.
HOWARD F. BARTHELL.
Howard F. Barthell, who has been successfully engaged in the practice of law at Decorah for almost two decades, also acts as justice of the peace, having been elected to that office in 1894. His birth occurred in Troy, New York, on the 30th of October, 1860. his parents being John G. and Sophia W. ( Miller ) Barthell, both of whom were natives of Germany. After emigrating to the United States the father became a mechanic and manufacturer of roofing in New York. In 1875 he came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and continued to reside here until 1911, becoming a well known capitalist of the community. Going to his summer home at Ocean Grove, New Jersey, he there passed away on the 15th of October. 1912, at the age of ninety-one years, two months and twenty days. John G. Barthell was a veteran of the Mexican war, enlisting in a New York company and doing valuable service as a blacksmith and mechanic. llis widow, who has attained the age of eighty-four years, makes her home in New York.
Howard F. Barthell, who was a little lad of six years when brought to Winneshiek county by his parents, obtained his early education in the public schools here and also attended the Breckenridge Institute, being graduated there- from with the class of 1889. Subsequently he pursued a course in the Slack Business College and in 1891 went to lowa City, where he began the study of law in the State University, being graduated from that institution in June, 1893. Making his way to Montgomery, Minnesota, he there practiced law for a period of nine months and then removed to Necedah, Wisconsin, where he followed his profession until October, 1894. At that time he returned to Decorah and has here remained continuously since, enjoying an enviable and lucrative clientage. He has a splendidly equipped office and good law library. His practice is extensive and of an important character. He is remarkable among lawyers for the wide research and provident care with which he pre- pares his cases. At no time has his reading ever been confined to the limitation of the questions at issue. It has gone beyond and compassed every con- tingency and provided not alone for the expected but for the unexpected.
On the 20th of June, 1907, Mr. Barthell was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Asseln. Her father, John Asseln, a native of Germany, crossed the Atlantic to the United States and located at Decorah, lowa, in the '50s, being here engaged in the shoe business for about twenty years. He is now living retired, in West Decorah, with his wife, who also survives. Mr. and Mrs. Barthell reside in a handsome home on Riverside avenue, which they own.
In his political views Mr. Barthell is a stanch republican. In 1894 he was elected justice of the peace and has served in that capacity continuously since, his decisions having been at all times fair and impartial. He is well known in Masonic circles, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish
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Rite and being also a Shriner. His name is likewise on the membership rolls of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In religious faith he is a Unitarian. His acquaintance is wide, and he has a host of friends whose high regard he has gained through his pro- fessional ability, his deference to the opinions of others, his genial manner and unfailing courtesy.
JOHN K. HOVDEN.
For twenty-nine years John K. Hovden has lived upon his present farm on section 8, Madison township, and by constantly following the most progressive and practical methods in its cultivation has surrounded himself with a com- fortable degree of prosperity. During the years he has become known not only as a substantial agriculturist and a farsighted business man, but also as a loyal and public-spirited citizen whose contributions to the general improve- ment and advancement have been many and substantial.
Mr. Hovden was born in Minnesota, November 11, 1857, and is a son of Knut and Carrie (Spelug) Hovden, natives of Norway. When the father came to America he settled first at Rock Prairie, Wisconsin, whence after two years he moved to Minnesota where his marriage occurred. He and his wife moved to Winneshiek county, Iowa, after one year, and the father bought two hundred acres of land on sections 17 and IS, Madison township. This land he set about clearing and improving and his efforts were rewarded by substantial success, the place becoming one of the finest and most productive in this vicinity. The father continued to operate it for many years and died upon his holdings May 25, 1905. His wife survives him and resides upon the homestead.
John K. Hovden was yet an infant when his parents moved to Winneshiek county and he was here reared and educated, attending district school and afterward Breckenridge Institute at Decorah. In his youth he assisted his father with the work of the farm and continued to reside with his parents until 1884, when he purchased eighty-three acres of the homestead and began farming independently. The land lies on section 8, Madison township, and for twenty- nine years Mr. Hovden has steadily carried forward the work of its develop- ment along practical lines, the results of his labor being evident today in its neat and attractive appearance. He also owns eighty acres of land on section 7, this township, and is connected with business interests of Ridgeway as a stockholder in the Farmers Creamery.
On May 21, 1883, Mr. Hovden was united in marriage to Miss Sarma O. Haga, a daughter of O. K. and Gunel (Bergrud) Haga, natives of Norway. The parents came to America about 1861 and were pioneers in Winneshiek county, the father purchasing land in Madison township, which he operated for the remainder of his life. He died in 1905 and his wife survives him, making her home upon the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Hovden became the parents of eight children: Clara G., who died August 28, 1902, at the age of eighteen; Olven K., born August 22, 1886; M. Amanda, born January 1, 1889; Carl J., born
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May 24, 1891; Helmer, born in 1893; Evelyn, July 11, 1896; Edward S., Jan- uary 5, 1899; and Clarence G., August 23, 1903.
Mr. Hovden is a member of the Lutheran church. He is a republican in his political beliefs and has held various official positions of trust and responsibility, in all of which he discharged his duties in a prompt, capable and efficient manner. For two years he served as trustee of this township and as assessor for one term and he was elected justice of the peace but did not qualify. Movements for the promotion of the general development and advancement receive his hearty cooperation and active support for he has lived in this part of Iowa practically all of his life and is interested in its growth and progress. He has made important contributions to farming interests and his success is well deserved, rewarding a busy, useful and upright life.
AARON L. ABBEY.
Aaron L. Abbey was actively engaged in the insurance business in Decorah until spring. 1913, retiring in his seventy-third year from a line of work with which he was continuously identified here for the past forty-six years. For many years he traveled as representative for various companies but later con- fined his activities more to local business. He also was closely connected with the agricultural development of this section, being still the owner of a large farm in Decorah township and has, morever, a distinguished war record to his credit, having prominently participated in the great conflict between north and south, discharging his duties in a valiant and faithful manner.
Born near Armada, Macomb county, Michigan, on December 22, 1840, Aaron L. Abbey is a son of William and Mary Ann ( Bray ) Abbey, the former of whom was born in the eastern portion of Vermont on June 19, 1803, and the latter in Ontario county, New York, on December 20, 1806. The father was of Scotch- English and the mother of English and Dutch stock. A carpenter by trade and also a farmer, the father removed to Ontario county, New York, with his parents when twelve years of age. There he was married on February 9, 1827, and, giving evidence of the traditional family spirit of enterprise, moved two years later westward to Macomb county, Michigan, settling on one hundred and sixty acres of land. He remained there actively engaged in wresting a farm from the virgin country until 1861, when he sold out to good advantage and returned to Ontario county, New York, purchasing a small farm upon which he remained until his death in 1868. The mother had previously passed away on the farm in Macomb county, Michigan, on November 3. 1853, and is buried there.
Aaron I. Abbey is the youngest of nine children and the only one now living. Reared among pioneer conditions, he took good advantage of the educational opportunities such as were offered in the public schools of Armada, Michigan, at the time, and, when fifteen years of age, removed to Waupun, Wisconsin, where he continued his education, attending school during the winter months. Having lost his mother when but thirteen years of age he made hus home in Waupun with an old friend of his father on a farm, assisting in the operation
GEORGE C. WINSHIP
AARON L. ABBEY
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of the place. In 1862 he returned to Armada, Michigan, and on August 15, of the same year, enlisted for service in the Civil war with Company A, Fifth Michigan Cavalry. On November 1, 1862, he was commissioned second lieuten- ant in Company L, Eighth Michigan Cavalry, and on June 16, 1864, promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. He received his honorable discharge at Columbus, Ohio, on May 15, 1865. Mr. Abbey participated in a number of the principal battles of the war, never faltering in the performance of any duty, however arduous, however hazardous. His valor, his zeal, his devotion awakened and inspired courage in the men who served with and under him and his record was one of conspicuous gallantry. He was captured on August 3, 1864, in the Stone- man raid from Atlanta to Macon and taken to Macon prison, being subsequently removed to Charleston, South Carolina, thence to Columbia, that state, and last to Raleigh, North Carolina, undergoing all the hardships and terrors of captivity.
After being mustered out Mr. Abbey returned to Michigan and in June, 1865, came to Decorah, Winneshiek county, on a visit to his brother. Local conditions appealed to him and perceiving the opportunities the future held in store, he purchased land in Orleans township, this county, and engaged in farm- ing. Ill health, however, prevented a continuance of this occupation and he soon disposed of his property, engaging in the insurance business, with which line he was continuously engaged for forty-six years. He acted as special agent for various companies until a few years ago when he gave up the work on the road to devote himself entirely to the local business, which he recently turned over to his son E. R. Abbey. The many years of connection with business in Decorah have proven his worth and the name of Mr. Abbey is highly respected in com- mercial circles of the city.
On November 28, 1865, Mr. Abbey was united in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Randall, a daughter of Felix and Marie (Ingraham) Randall, natives of Ohio and the former a prominent farmer of Macomb county, Michigan, in his days. Mrs. Abbey was born in Richmond, that state, October 23, 1841, and died on February 28, 1891, at Decorah. In 1893 Mr. Abbey married again, his second union being with Mrs. Minnie B. Brock, a daughter of George C. and Charlotte (Bradley ) Winship. The father was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and the mother in Summit county, Ohio. He removed to the Buckeye state when a young man and there married, coming in 1845 with his wife to Winneshiek county. Iowa, among the earliest pioneers and purchasing a large tract of land near Decorah. He was a tinner by trade and when he first located in Decorah worked in the tin shop of a Mr. Bradish. Later he established a wood yard in Decorah and then followed farming until fourteen years ago, when on account of failing health he sold out and started west. He died at Tekoa, Washington, April 14, 1898, and is buried there. The mother had preceded him in death. passing away in Decorah, November 29, 1891, finding her last resting place in this city. Mr. Winship was prominent in public life in Decorah, having served as mayor of West Decorah and as county supervisor for a number of years. He was chairman of the bridge committee in that connection and also a member of the school board. Mrs. Abbey is a native of Decorah. Mr. Abbey by his first wife became the father of the following children: William F., born in Decorah, October 15. 1866, who is a traveling insurance agent and still makes his home here: Arthur L., born October 31, 1868, who died August 26, 1869; Vol. II-11
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Etta M., born April 17, 1871, the widow of E. E. Kennedy, of Perry, Iowa, now making her home with her parents; and Edward R., born December 15, 1873, also engaged in the insurance business in Decorah. To the second marriage of Mr. Abbey was born one daughter. Nellie B., on December 9. 1894, a junior in the Decorah high school. Mrs. Abbey also had a child by her former mar- riage, Lancelot Brock, who was born in Decorah in 1883 and now makes his home in Wallace, Idaho.
Carrying onward the traditions which decided him to offer his services to his country at the time of the Civil war, Mr. Abbey has always voted the republican ticket and stanchly supports its platform and candidates. He has never sought the limelight of public office but has contented himself with fulfilling his obliga- tions as an American citizen in a private way, giving an example of high-minded- ness and public-spiritedness by a life record free from the glamour attaching to political position. He keeps alive the spirit of '61 as a member of the Grand Army post of Decorah and is also prominently connected with the Masons, being a member of the blue lodge and Royal Arch Chapter of Decorali, and both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star Lodge, No. 73. Both are also mem- bers of the Congregational church, in the work of which they take a helpful interest. As prosperity has come to Mr. Abbey he has invested in county realty, being the owner of a farm on sections 16 and 17, Decorah township, from which he derives a gratifying income. Viewed from every angle, the life record of Mr. Abbey is one which would be a credit to any man, as his attainments are worthy of notice, his loyalty to his country worthy of exemplification, his characteristics worthy of praise, and he rightfully occupies a position in the community which begets him the respect, good-will and confidence of high and low, young and old.
GUSTAV J. SELNES.
Gustav J. Selnes, who was born on the farm which he now operates, on February 22, 1879, is one of the younger agriculturists of Winneshiek county, owning one hundred and six acres on section 8, Highland township. He is a son of John and Carrie ( Solberg ) Thorson, natives of Norway. The father came to the state of Iowa in 1861, and the mother was brought here by her parents when she was two years of age. They were married in this county and spent the rest of their lives on the farm which is now the home of their son Gustav J. The father became the owner of two highly cultivated prop- erties of two hundred and one hundred and sixty acres respectively. Long years of arduous labor brought him prosperity and his high qualities of mind and character earned him the respect and esteem of the neighborhood. Both parents were members of the Lutheran church at Hesper. The father died at the age of sixty-seven, his death occurring on November 8. 1904, and the mother died in 1881, long preceding her husband. In their family were the following children : Theodore, of Highland township; Peter Thorson, of Bow- man county, North Dakota; Gilbert, who passed away at the age of eleven years; John and Julius, of Highland township: Gustav J., our subject ; and Clara, who died in infancy.
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Gustav J. Selnes acquired his education in the schools of the neighborhood and early adapted himself to an agricultural life. He has resided upon the home farm all his life and now owns a property of one hundred and six acres on section 8. Its improvements are modern and substantial and most of them were made by our subject. He follows modern and up-to-date methods and his years of close application have brought him prosperity.
On September 12, 1906, Mr. Selnes married Miss Gina Augedahl, who was born in Houston county, Minnesota, August 31, 1886. She is a daughter of Andrew and Anna M. Augedahl, natives of Norway, who now reside in Alla- makee county, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Selnes have three sons, James. Clifford and Gerhard. The parents are members of the Lutheran church. It is inter- esting to note that the father of our subject used the name of Thorson, revert- ing to the old Norwegian family name, while the son has adopted the patronymic Selnes. Mr. Selnes has made a good start toward prosperity and although he is yet young has already accomplished much that comes to many only in later life. He is industrious, painstaking and possesses good judgment and has made use of these qualities in promoting his fortunes.
ELMER W. CUTTING.
Elmer W. Cutting, attorney at law of Decorah, has here followed his pro- fession for the past seventeen years and has been accorded a gratifying and well merited clientage. He is likewise prominent in fraternal circles, now acting as grand master of the grand lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Iowa. His birth occurred in Howard county, Iowa, on the 2d of June, 1868, his parents being Charles and Almeda (Preston) Cutting, who were natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively. Charles Cutting accompanied his parents on their removal to Howard county, Iowa, and on attaining his majority turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, which he fol- lowed in that county until the time of his death in 1874. His wife was called to her final rest in the year 1900.
Elmer W. Cutting was reared and educated in his native county and when a lad of ten years came to live with his grandparents. After leaving the common schools he began teaching, following that profession for two years. In 1889 he came to Decorah, Iowa, and entered the Breckenridge Institute, being graduated from that institution in 1892 and then spending about three years as one of its teachers. Subsequently he took up the study of law in the State University of Iowa at Iowa City and was graduated therefrom at the end of two years, in June, 1896. While pursuing his law course he also taught school. Coming to Decorah, he has here practiced his profession continuously since and has been accorded an enviable and gratifying clientage. He has won for himself very favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods which he has followed. He has remarkable powers of concentration and application and his retentive mind has often excited the surprise of his professional colleagues. In connection with his legal work he deals in farm mortgages and also loans money.
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He is likewise a stockholder in the Calmar Savings Bank and the Burr Oak Savings Bank.
On the 26th of June, 1901. Mr. Cutting was united in marriage to Miss Josie F. Stortz, a daughter of John and Emily ( Headington) Stortz, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Winneshiek county, Iowa. John Stortz emigrated to the United States with his parents in a very early day. He enlisted as a member of Company A. Sixteenth United States Regulars, and when the Civil war broke out was sent to the front, serving throughout the period of hostilities between the north and the south. Returning to this county, he fol- lowed farming for a number of years or until foro, when he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Decorah, where he is now living retired. His wife also survives. Mr. and Mrs. Cutting have four children : Almeda E., Carroll E., lester E. and John S., who are ten, nine. eight and two years of age, respectively. Mr. Cutting owns a handsome residence and ten acres of land on Pleasant avenue. He is greatly interested in high-grade stock and raises thoroughbred cattle and hogs and also chickens.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Cutting has sup- ported the men and measures of the republican party. As above stated, he is well known in fraternal circles, his membership being with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. For nine years he acted as a member of the board of instruction of the grand lodge of Iowa and served as grand warden of the grand lodge for one year. The following year he was elected deputy grand master and at the end of a year became grand master, in which important office he has served to the present time. The weight of his character and ability has carried him into important relations and his present standing in professional and frater- nal circles represents the fit utilization of the innate talents which are his.
GUSTAV E. BAKKEN.
One of the most extensive landowners and prosperous farmers of Madison township is Gustav E. Bakken, whose fine farm of six hundred and eighty acres lies on sections 10 and if and constitutes a valuable addition to the agricultural resources of this section. He is one of Winneshiek county's most energetic and successful native sons, his birth having occurred in Madison township, January 15, 1866. His parents, Ole H. and Ingeborg ( Bakke ) Bakken, are natives of Norway and came to America at different times, the former arriving in 1854 and the latter in 1852. The mother made the journey across the Atlantic with her parents and with them located in Koshkonong, Wisconsin. whence some years later she came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, where her marriage occurred. The father came direct from Norway to Winneshiek county and for a time after his arrival worked as a monthly farm laborer. eventually buying a piece of land in Madison township. This formed the nucleus of extensive holdings for after a time he purchased more land and added to his area from time to time until he owned twelve hundred acres. This great tract he operated until 1903, when he divided his land among his children and retired from active life. He and his wife now make their home with
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their son, F. F. Bakken, the father being eighty-five years of age and the mother seventy-one.
Gustav E. Bakken was reared and educated in Madison township, attending district school and afterward Breckenridge Institute at Decorah. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-eight years of age and then rented a farm from his father, a property which he has operated since that time. In 1903 the father deeded to him this tract of land which contained two hundred acres lying on section 11, Madison township. From time to time Mr. Bakken has added to this property until he owns today six hundred and eighty acres, one of the finest farms in this part of Winneshick county. Modern buildings have been erected upon it, labor-saving machinery has been installed to facilitate the work of the fields and nothing has been neglected which will add to the attractive appearance or value of the place. Mr. Bakken raises only thoroughbred stock and has been unusually successful also in his general farming operations, the extent of his interests and the success which has steadily attended his labors placing him among the representative agriculturists of this locality.
On the 12th of October, 1804, Mr. Bakken married Miss Helena Melaas, a daughter of Hans and Marn ( Knutson) Melaas, natives of Norway. The father came to America and located in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming, operating his property here until 1905, when he retired. Ile is now making his home in Ridgeway, having survived his wife since 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Bakken became the parents of two children : Ida Maria, aged seven- teen ; and Ole Henry, aged twelve. Mrs. Bakken passed away on the 6th of December, 1911, after an illness of about three years.
Mr. Bakken is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party, being now in the ninth term of his able service as township trustee. A public-spirited and progressive citizen, he takes a commendable and intelligent interest in public affairs and does everything in his power to promote the permanent interests of the community.
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