USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 3
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Vol. II-2
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PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
three years, when he was taken sick and died at Port Hudson. His wife sur- vived him for many years, passing away in February, 1910.
Frank M. Hughes was reared under the parental roof and early guided by his mother along the path of industry and honesty, receiving his education in the public schools and at Breckenridge Institute. Having reached his majority, hie engaged in the livery business, conducing an establishment of this kind for about one year, at the end of which period he went to Montana, where he be- came connected with Bates, Corey & Company, wholesale grocers, as shipping clerk, remaining in that state for about nine years. Ile then returned to Decorah and was for two years connected with a restaurant, at the end of which time, in 1901, he was elected to the office of city clerk, in which capacity he has served ever since, being continued in office by reelection. His uninterrupted record speaks for itself as regards his ability and fidelity in office and there is no city or county officer residing in Decorah who is more popular than Frank MI. Hughes. Mr. Hughes owns a handsome home at No. 310 West Broadway. where his sister Louise presides over his household. He has also another sister. Ada, who is the wife of Chauncy Ammon, residing at Estherville, Iowa, and a twin brother, Fred, making his home in Tennessee.
Mr. Hughes is affiliated with the republican party and his religious adher- ence is given to the Unitarian church. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in which he is popular and highly appre- ciated, and for the past seven years has served in the capacity of secretary of the local lodge. A man pleasant of manner, genial, kind-hearted and of distinct social qualities, Mr. Hughes is liked wherever known and one of those whom everybody considers it an honor to call friend.
LUDVIG WINGER.
Ludvig Winger, a native son of Winneshiek county and today one of the most prosperous and energetic farmers of Springfield township, where he owns and operates a fine property of one hundred and fifty-three acres, was born March 8. 1879. He is a son of Lars and Gertrude ( Qualley ) Winger, natives of Nor- way, the former having come to America in 1864, locating in Winneshiek county. For about three years thereafter he worked as a farm laborer and then pur- chased land in Decorah township which he improved and operated for a similar period of time, selling it finally and going to Calmar, where he worked at the shoemaker's trade which he had learned in Norway. After residing in that city for two years he came to Springfield township and bought seventy acres on section 8, which he developed into a profitable and valuable agricultural property upon which he continued to reside until his death, in 1894. His wife survives him and is living upon the homestead.
Ludvig Winger was reared and educated in Springfield township, attending the district school and afterward the Breckenridge Institute at Decorah. He re- mained at home until he had attained his majority and then went to Decorah, where he turned his attention to the restaurant and bakery business, conducting a large and profitable enterprise of this character for seven years thereafter.
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At the end of that time he went to Ward county, North Dakota, taking up a homestead claim which he afterward sold, going from there to Detroit, Mich- igan. In that city he entered the employ of a wholesale drug company but after one year returned to Winneshick county and bought one hundred and fifty-three acres of land on section 9, Springfield township, a property which he has oper- ated since 1908. Upon it he has made substantial improvements, carrying for- ward the work of cultivation along modern and practical lines and standing today among the most successful and able agriculturists of this township.
On the Ist of June, 1911, Mr. Winger was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Bang, a daughter of Anton and Berit ( Hoyne) Bang, natives of Norway, who came to America at an early date and settled in Winneshiek county, where the father has since engaged in farming.
In addition to his farm in Springfield township Mr. Winger owns also a one hundred and sixty acre tract in North Dakota. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Hog Company of Decorah, the Decorah Cooperative Company, the Nord- ness Creamery Company and the Nordness Telephone Company, and his ability is widely recognized in business circles. He gives his political allegiance to the progressive party and is now serving in a capable and efficient way as township clerk. He is alert, energetic and enterprising and his sterling worth has gained him many friends in the community, the high regard in which he is held merit- ing his classification with the representative and honored citizens of his native county.
FRANK GEHLING.
Frank Gehling is engaged in general farming and stock-raising upon one hun- dred and fifty-five acres of the old Gehling homestead in Washington town- ship, section 1, upon which he was born on the 2d of November, 1872. He is a son of Henry and Clara (Leitkenhaus) Gehling, natives of Germany, the former of whom came to America when he was eighteen years of age and after spend- ing a few years in Wisconsin came to Winneshick county, where he followed farming during the remainder of his life. He was township trustee for a num- ber of years and served also as school director, taking a prominent and active part in public affairs. He died upon his farm in Washington township August 23, 1908, having survived his wife since March 13th of that year. To their union were born seven children, three of whom are still living: Elizabeth, the wife of Barney Holtey, of Ossian; Barnard, of Washington township; and Frank, of this review.
The last named was reared under the parental roof and has never left the homestead. He spent his childhood assisting in its operation and upon his father's retirement joined his brother in its management. After the estate was divided he secured one hundred and fifty-five acres and upon this fine property has since made his home, success steadily attending his well directed efforts in its development. He has all the land in a high state of cultivation and upon it has made substantial improvements, erecting a comfortable modern house and
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barns and sheds. He engages in general farming and stock-raising and has made both branches of his activities important and profitable.
On the 3d of February, 1903, Mr. Gehling was united in marriage to Miss Emma Frerich, and to their union have been born four children : Catherine, who died September 22, 1908; Joseph Barney, who was born on the 6th of January, 1908; Marie, whose birth occurred January 26, 1910; and Luverne, born Jan- uary 16, 1912. Mr. Gehling is a democrat in his political beliefs and his relig- ious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church. He is accounted one of the active workers and progressive farmers of Washington township and has the unqualified esteem and confidence of the people among whom his entire life has been passed.
GEORGE F. BAKER.
A son of a prominent business man, George F. Baker has carried worthily forward the traditions of the family, being connected with some of the most important commercial interests of Decorah and Winneshiek county. He is a business man of the modern type, shrewd, able, progressive and straightfor- ward, careful of his own interests, considerate of those of others and influenced at all times by the thought of the broader effect which his actions have upon the growth of his community. An indication of his influential position in the business world is given by the fact that he at present serves as the presi- dent of the Decorah Commercial Club, the Winneshiek County Agricultural Society and the Building & Loan Association of Decorah, being also connected with a number of other important enterprises and private interests. He is the owner of one of the largest lumberyards of Decorah and in that connection has interests which connect him with the far west of the country. A self- made man, due credit must be given for what he has attained, and due credit is given him by his fellowmen, who defer to his judgment and concede him to be a man of superior ability.
Born in Conover, Winneshiek county on October 11, 1868, George F. Baker is a son of James H. and Elizabeth ( Flanders) Baker, the father a native of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where he was born in 1838. He was of Irish stock, his parents coming to the United States from the Emerald isle at an early date, locating in Wisconsin. Elizabeth (Flanders) Baker was born in New York state on October 31, 1845, and is of Yankee descent. James H. Baker was a grain dealer and stock buyer and shipper and prior to coming to Winneshiek county was engaged as agriculturist. He came to Conover in 1864, operating a grain elevator there and buying and shipping stock. In 1867 he removed to Decorah and successfully conducted business until his death in 1882. His widow still makes her home in Decorah. James 11. Baker was considered one of the leading men of his community not only in business but also along public lines. serving at the time of his death as city alderman, having held that position for a number of years. Ile also was extensively interested in the city waterworks.
George F. Baker was educated in the public and high schools of Decorah and when he was fifteen years of age discontinued his lessons and engaged
GEORGE F. BAKER
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for work in a lumberyard which belonged to a Mr. Riley. Paying close attention to business, studying methods, details, transactions and also the qual- ities of material handled, he soon became an expert in his line and after only two years was appointed manager of the Wilbur Lumber Company of Decorah. He remained in this connection until 1890, when 'he acquired an interest in Mr. Riley's business, becoming a partner in the concern. In the fall of 1903 he acquired Mr. Riley's part and has since been sole proprietor. Under his able management the business has largely increased and the annual income derived from the enterprise is a most gratifying one.
In 1891 Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Leila A. Adams, a daughter of A. W. and Emma (Fuller) Adams, the former a special police officer of Waterloo, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have one son, George A., born February 14. 1894, who is a senior in the Decorah high school.
It is but natural that a man of the ability and enterprise of Mr. Baker should become intimately connected with the public life of his community and the service he has rendered in that connection is such as to be worthy of the highest commendation. He served with distinction for four years as alder- man of the fourth ward and still is a member of the school board of Decorah, promoting the cause of education in every possible way. His interest in the commercial expansion of his community is evident from the fact that he at present serves as president of the Decorah Commercial Club, doing in this important position valuable work in attracting new industries and enterprises toward the city. He is president of the Winneshiek County Agricultural Society and as president of the Building & Loan Association of Decorah has been instru- mental in helping many of moderate means to erect their own homes He is a stockholder and director in the Winneshiek Hotel Company of Decorah and is also interested in the Ronan Wood & Land Company of Decorah and is chief executive officer of an outside concern, the Baker Lumber Company of Salt Lake City, Utah, this company having nine retail lumberyards in that state. J. H. Baker. a brother of our subject, is the manager of this firm.
Mr. Baker votes the republican ticket and fraternally is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Baker is president of the Ladies Aid Society. It is readily recognized that the modern growth of cities is largely due to commercial expansion and for that reason Mr. Baker must be given high credit for what he has done for Decorah. True and loyal to his home city, he promotes her interests wherever the opportunity offers and his name stands high among those who have materially contributed to her upbuilding.
OLE O. RODVANG.
Ole O. Rodvang, who has lived in Springfield township since 1854, is now classed among the representative and successful farmers of this vicinity, operat- ing the property upon which his parents settled in pioneer times. His name has long been an honored one in this community and his record is an added credit to it, since his life has been in all its relations upright and straightforward. He was born in Norway on the 6th of January, 1850, and is a son of Ole Olfsen
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November 18, 1818, and the latter, April 25, 1813. They came to America in 1852, having taken passage on a ship which they and other emigrants had char- and Marit ( Haave) Rodvang, also natives of that country, the former born tered. However, they were late in getting aboard and the ship began che journey without them, circumstances which proved extremely fortunate for the Rodvang Rodvang eventually chartered another vessel and after eight weeks upon the ocean the family landed at Quebec, Canada, August 17, 1852. They pushed on to Buf- falo, New York, where they took passage on the steamer Atlantic, going by way of Lake Erie to Detroit, Michigan. On the way the ship collided with another dred were saved, the Rodvang family being among those to escape. They lost family, as the vessel was wrecked in mid-ocean and all on board were lost. Mr. vessel and went down with its five hundred passengers, of whom only two hun- all of their possessions and were taken to Detroit, whence they finally made their way to Koshkonong Prairie, Wisconsin, arriving there September 26, 1852. In the spring of the following year they came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and in 1854 the father purchased land in Springfield township, buying eighty acres to which he steadily added as his financial resources increased until he owned two hundred and forty-six acres. His land was purchased from the government at one dollar and a quarter per acre and Mr. Rodvang improved and developed it to such an extent that it became finally one of the most valuable tracts in this section of Iowa. He operated the property until May. 1876, and then sold the farm to his son. The father passed away on the 4th of March, 1884, at the age of sixty-five, and was survived by his wife until June 4, 1902, her death occurring when she was eighty-nine years of age.
Ole O. Rodvang was reared and educated in Winneshiek county, attending district school in Springfield township and afterward Luther College and the Decorah high school. From his childhood he assisted with the operation of the homestead, learning the best agricultural methods by practical experience upon the farm, and in 1876 he purchased his father's property, which he has operated and developed since that time, its excellent condition testifying to the fact that he is a practical, careful and able farmer.
On the roth of May, 1873, Mr. Rodvang was united in marriage to Miss Inger Gunderson Ranum, who was born in Aurdal, Norway, June 24, 1854, a daughter of Gunnar and Barbara Ranum, natives of Norway. The father died in that country on November 10, 1865, and the mother afterward married Ole Tufty, with whom she came to America in 1867. They purchased a farm in Glenwood township, Winneshiek county, and later bought land in Springfield township, near Nordness, which Mr. Tufty developed and improved until his death. He passed away in December, 1881, and his wife, February 24, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Rodvang are the parents of eight children: Matilda, born January 18, 1874; Bertha O., born July 24. 1876; Oscar O., born July 28, 1878; Amanda M., born October 18, 1880; Gunhilde T .. December 12, 1882; Lena C., December 21, 1884; George Olaf, May 2, 1886; and Inger C., whose natal day was December 4. 1895.
Mr. Rodvang is a stockholder in the Nordness Creamery Company and the Decorah Cooperative Company. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has rendered his township excellent service as trustee and road supervisor. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen who takes a commend-
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able interest in public affairs and during the long period of his residence in this part of the state has gained the respect, regard and high esteem of all who have been in any way associated with him.
HALL H. THOMAS, B. Sc., M. D.
Dr. Hall H. Thomas, one of the leading surgeons of Decorah, is now ably serving as city physician, county physician and health officer. His birth occurred in Decorah, Winneshiek county, Iowa, on the Ist of October, 1877, his parents being A. D. and Alice (Pollitt) Thomas, the former born in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania and the latter a native of England. During his active busi- ness career A. D. Thomas was a butcher, a cattle buyer and breeder and also a farmer. In 1859 he came to Decorah, this county, and for a time worked at the carpenter's trade. Subsequently he opened a meat market and bought and shipped stock for about ten years. . On the expiration of that period he sold out and purchased and located on a farm of five hundred acres four miles north of Decorah. He continued the buying and shipping of stock and began breeding Hereford cattle, being the first man to introduce these cattle in the county. In 1895 he moved to Decorah, still retaining his farm and supervising the work until 1900, when he sold the farm and invested part of his money in town property. His demise, which occurred in Decorah on the 8th of November, 1912, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained many friends during the period of his residence in this county, which covered more than a half century. He served as mayor of West Decorah for four terms and acted as president of the school board for a number of years. Mrs. A. D. Thomas came to the United States with her parents when but a child, the family home being established on a farm west of Burr Oak, in Winneshiek county. She now makes her home with her sister, Mrs. Freeman of Decorah, and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community.
Hall H. Thomas acquired his education in the Decorah high school and sub- sequently entered the Iowa State College, from which institution he was grad- uted in 1900 with the degree of B. Sc. Preparing for the practice of medicine, he completed the required course in Rush Medical College in 1906, in which year the M. D. degree was conferred upon him. The same year he went to Gales- burg, Illinois, as surgeon of the Burlington Railroad Company and two years later transferred to Black Hills. South Dakota, where he remained as surgeon for the company until 1911. At that time he came to Decorah and has since remained in practice here, enjoying an enviable reputation as one of the leading surgeons of the city. He acts as president of the Winneshiek County Medical Society and is also a valued member of the Northeastern lowa Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. His standing in the profession is further indicated by the fact that he now holds the offices of county physician, city physician and health officer.
In 1909 Dr. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Florence M. Peters, a daughter of Charles and Emma (Howard) Peters. The father was a prom- inent street railway man and soap manufacturer of Fort Madison, Iowa, and
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also owned several large ranches in the west. Both Mr. and Mrs. Peters are deceased, passing away at Fort Madison, Iowa, a few years ago. Our subject and his wife have a son, Hall H., who was born on the 14th of March, 1910.
In politics Dr. Thomas is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. He belongs to the Phi Beta Pi fraternity of Chicago and is also a member of Decorah Lodge, No. 443. B. P. O. E. Dr. Thomas has won an enviable place in professional circles for one of his years and well deserves recognition among the representative and prosperous citizens of his native county.
NELS E. RAMSEY.
Nels E. Ramsey, a well known agriculturist and worthy native son of Winneshiek county, owns and operates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 36, Decorah township, which is one of the best improved in the state. His birth occurred in Frankville township in February, 1860, his parents being Elling and Aase (Sherping) Ramsey, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father emigrated to the United States in 1849, locating first in Wisconsin, where he remained until 1851, when he came to Winneshiek county, Iowa. Purchasing eighty acres of land in Frankville township, he undertook the task of clearing and improving the property, and as time passed and his financial resources increased. owing to his well directed labor and good management, he extended the boundaries of his farm by additional pur- chases until it comprised three hundred and sixty acres. In 1893 he put aside the active work of the fields but continued on the farm, living in honorable retirement until the time of his death in September, 1900. He was a pioneer agriculturist whose labors had been a factor in the work of progress and development, and his personal characteristics were such as commanded the respect and esteem of all who knew him. His widow still lives on the home place and has attained the age of eighty-three years.
Nels E. Ramsey was reared and educated in this county, attending the district schools and also pursuing a course of study in Luther College of Decorah. After putting aside his text-books he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, cultivating land which he rented from his father for two years, on the expiration of which period he purchased the property, comprising one hundred and sixty acres. It has since remained in his possession and he has been busily engaged in its further cultivation and development to the present time, it being now one of the best improved farms in Iowa. In connection with the production of cereals he devotes considerable attention to live stock, raising one hundred and fifty head of hogs annually. As his financial resources have increased he has extended his interests and is now a stockholder in the Nord- ness Creamery Company, the Nordness Telephone Company and the Farmers Hog Company of Decorah.
In May, 1886, Mr. Ramsey was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Qualley, a daughter of J. T. and Julia (Egge) Qualley, who are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of Thomas
MR. AND MRS. NELS E. RAMSEY
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J. Qualley, brother of Mrs. Ramsey. Our subject and his wife have four adopted children, Amelia, John, Leona and May T.
Politically Mr. Ramsey is a stanch republican and has ably served his town- ship in the capacity of assessor for six years and as trustee for four years. He belongs to Det Norske Selskab and is a faithful and devoted member of the Lutheran church. He has always resided within the borders of Winneshiek county and is well known and highly esteemed as a prosperous, progressive and public-spirited citizen.
PETER E. RAMSAY.
Peter E. Ramsay, the owner of the Old Homestead Farm of two hundred and sixty acres lying on sections 4 and 5. Frankville township, is numbered among Winneshiek county's most successful farmers and most able and progressive native sons, his birth having occurred on the property which he now operates on the 29th of March, 1874. He is a son of Elling and Aase (Skerping) Ramsay, natives of Norway, who went to Wisconsin at an early date and came from that state to Winneshiek county in 1858. Here the father purchased land, buying two hundred and thirty acres on sections 4 and 5, Frankville township, and he continued active in the improvement and development of this fine farm until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-five years of age. His wife survives him and makes her home with the subject of this review. She is a member of the Lutheran church, to which her husband also belonged. In their family were thirteen children, of whom six survive: Nels, of Decorah township; Butler, who resides in Decorah; Peter E., of this review ; Gunhilda, the wife of Lewis Arness, of Frankville township; Martha, the wife of Henry Prastmark, of Detroit, Minnesota; and Lizzie, who married Henry Ness, of Decorah.
Peter E. Ramsay was reared under the parental roof and in the district schools of his native section acquired his education. From his childhood he was familiar with farm work, having aided his father with the operation of the homestead, and before he was twenty-one he was a progressive and able agri- culturist. He now owns the old farm of two hundred and thirty acres and has added to it an additional thirty, all of the property being in a high state of cul- tivation. His father made substantial improvements upon it and the son has kept the buildings in good repair and ably carried forward the work begun in pioneer times. He owns also one hundred and sixty-one acres in the vicinity of Detroit, Minnesota, and this he has given over to the charge of the state, which is operating there a model farm.
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