USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 30
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Mr. Seehuus' first wife passed away in 1887, leaving one son, Olaf, who died two years later in Chicago. In 1893 Mr. Seehuus was again married, his second wife being in her maidenhood Miss Helga C. Vedeler, of one of the most prominent families in Bergen, Norway, and at that time preceptress at the Lutheran normal school at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Their only son is George K., born in 1903.
A resident of Winneshiek county for twenty-seven years, Mr. Seehuus has seen the period of its greatest growth, and his work in the interests of religion has been a vital factor in directing the course of its development. He has indeed done a splendid work here among the people of his faith and he has
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their love in large measure, while he enjoys the respect of people of all denomina- tions. He is a man of scholarly attainments, most earnest and consecrated in all his activities, and he is ever watchful of the interests of his people among whom he has accomplished a great and lasting work in the cause of Christianity.
PETER 11. RUEN.
Winneshiek county is greatly indebted to Norway for the class of enter- prising citizens which that country has furnished to the Hawkeye state. A great majority of the residents of this county are natives of or trace their lineage to the land of the midnight sun. Among the latter class is Peter H. Ruen, now actively and successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 25. Glenwood township, where he has made his home since the spring of 1898. His parents are Hans P. and Ingebaar Ruen, who are still residents of Glenwood township. They are now well advanced in years. The father was born in Nor- way, October 13, 1828, and is a son of Peter and Annie ( Olson) Ruen, who in 1850 sailed for the United States, but the mother died while they were upon the ocean. Peter Ruen, with his two sons and three daughters, continued on their way to the new world and later they were joined by two other sons, one of whom had been born by a former marriage. On the ist of August. 1850, Peter Ruen and his children arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, thus concluding a journey which was begun at Christiania on the Ist of May. In July. 1851, he and his son Hans and three of his daughters took up their abode in Winneshiek county. where Peter Ruen continued to make his home until he was called to his final rest at the very venerable age of ninety-two years. By the father's first mar- riage there was a son, Jens, who was born in 1821. The children of the second marriage were : Ivar ; Ole, who died in October, 1893 : Hans P. ; Eileen ; Kjerstie ; and Martha. All are now deceased with the exception of Hans P., who in con- nection with his brother Ole secured what is known as the old Ruen Farm in 1858. This they operated together for three or four years, at the end of which time Hans P. Ruen purchased his brother's interest, remaining upon the old home- stead which has been his place of residence since 1851. He is today the oldest settler living in this Norwegian district. Several Norwegian families came at the same time and planted a colony which has been an important feature in the up- building and improvement of Glenwood township. Hans P. Ruen has one hun- dred and sixty acres, constituting the southwest quarter of section 35. He was formerly the owner of a larger tract but has sold some of it to his sons.
In politics he is a democrat, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He has held various offices in the church and has been an active factor in promoting the moral progress of the community. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as he was in very limited financial circumstances when he arrived in the new world, and all that he now possesses has come to him as the direct reward of earnest, persistent labor.
It was in 1855 that Hans P. Ruen married Miss Ingebaar Stranbakken, who was born in Norway, September 27, 1830, and came to the United States in 1850 on the same ship with her future husband. Her father died in the old country,
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but her mother, three sisters and two brothers came to the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Hans P. Ruen have ten children: Louise, who died in 1910; Clara, the wife of John Ehrl of Waukon; Peter; Gustava; Mina; George and Victor, both of Glenwood township: Julia, the wife of Peter Wegeslund, of Decorah ; Rudolph, of Glenwood township; and Theodore, who operates the home farm.
Peter H. Ruen, the third of this family, has resided in Glenwood township from his birth to the present time, was reared to the occupation of farming and has made it his life work. He began farming on his own account when twenty- three years of age, purchasing eighty acres, to which he has since added a similar tract until he now has one hundred and sixty acres, constituting the northwest quarter of section 25. Ile has a good residence and substantial outbuildings, together with well kept fences and the latest improved farm machinery. He took up his abode here in the spring of 1898 and has since engaged in general farming and stock-raising, both features of his business proving profitable.
In 1896 Mr. Ruen was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hagen, who was born in Allamakee county, lowa, in August, 1863, a daughter of Hans and Sigrid Hagen, who were natives of Norway and spent their last days in Alla- makee county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Ruen have one child, Stella Irene. The parents hold membership in the Lutheran church, are actively interested in its work and contribute generously to its support. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, with which he has been identified since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His life has been quietly passed, yet his sterling worth is recognized by all, for he has been found reliable and progres- sive in business and has never sought to take advantage of another in trade transactions.
EDWARD M. BARNES.
Edward M. Barnes, who devotes his attention to general agricultural pur- suits with excellent results, is the owner of a well improved farm of one hun- dred and sixty-three acres on section 27, Fremont township. . He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Winneshiek county, Iowa, his birth having oc- curred in that township on the 11th of May, 1856. His parents are Richard and Mary (Middlebrook) Barnes, both natives of Connecticut. The father came to this county in 1854 and took up the homestead of one hundred and sixty acres which is now in possession of our subject. After clearing the property he began its improvement and carried on agricultural pursuits thereon until 1880, when he removed to Kendallville and embarked in business as a general merchant. In 1911 he abandoned mercantile pursuits and has since lived retired in Kendall- ville, being now eighty-seven years of age. The period of his residence in this county covers almost six decades and he has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of its prosperous, representative and esteemed citizens.
Edward M. Barnes was reared and educated here, attending the district schools and later continuing his studies in Breckenridge Institute of Decorah and also at Cresco in Howard county. In 1880, when his father turned from agri- cultural to mercantile pursuits, he rented the home farm and thus continued
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its operation for a number of years. The property is now in his possession and comprises one hundred and sixty-three acres of rich and productive land on sec- tion 27, Fremont township. He has made many improvements thereon and in the conduct of his farming interests has won a gratifying measure of success, annu- ally gathering bounteous harvests which find a ready sale on the market. llis holdings include an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
On the 22d of September, 1880, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Todd, her parents being James and Eliza ( Boyce ) Todd, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Ohio. James Todd emigrated to the United States in the '50s, locating at Elgin, Illinois, where he was employed in a foundry for some time. When Winneshiek county land was opened up he came here and acquired a tract, improving and operating the same during the remainder of his life. His demise occurred April 20, 1887, while his wife was called to her final rest on October 15. 1899. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have been born six children, as follows: Earl, who passed away on January 10, 1897 : Grace, the wife of Fred Smith, of Salem, South Dakota; Robert, who is a resident of Minne- sota ; Amy, a trained nurse by profession ; and Ervin and Cornelia, both at home.
Mr. Barnes exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and meas- ures of the republican party and in religious faith is a Methodist, while frater- nally he is identified with the Yeomen. His entire life has been spent on the farm where he now resides and he is therefore well known throughout the com- munity, having an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances. He is ranked among the enterprising and substantial citizens of his district and his activities in the cultivation of his fine farm are regarded as a valuable influence in agri- cultural development.
PERRY H. WHITNEY.
Perry H. Whitney, prominently identified with commercial interests of Burr Oak as a partner in the conduct of the business operated by the Burr Oak Mer- cantile Company, was born near Watertown, in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, May 29, 1858. He is a son of Brayton and Martha ( Rockwood ) Whitney and is the second in a family of seven children.
Perry H. Whitney came to Winneshiek county with his parents in 1867 and was reared upon his father's farm in Hesper township, acquiring his education in the district school. He remained at home until 1881 and then removed to Ransom county. North Dakota, making the journey with his father and his brother, L. B. Whitney. For a number of years he went back and forth between Winneshiek county and North Dakota, spending his winters in the latter place until 1884, when he married and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits upon the old homestead. After the death of his father, which occurred in August, 1894, he sold his North Dakota interests and in connection with his brothers, Milton D. and Claude R., operated the farm until 1898, when Claude Whitney died. The subject of this review and his brother Milton remained upon the homestead for one year thereafter and at the end of that time Perry H. sold his
MR. AND MRS. PERRY H. WHITNEY
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interests and removed to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where he spent one year and a half. He next removed to Clark county, that state, and there engaged in farming until 1912, when he formed a partnership with Dr. W. H. Emmons, organizing the Burr Oak Mercantile Company. They control a large and profit- able general store in Burr Oak and in one year have secured an excellent pat- ronage, accorded them in recognition of their reliable and honorable business methods and their straightforward dealings.
In 1884 Mr. Whitney was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Loretta Keefer, a native of Columbus, Wisconsin. and they became the parents of three children : Ray, who was killed at the age of eight years; Lottie, who died at the age of eleven months ; and Bessie, who lives at home. Mr. Whitney is a man of many ster- ling qualities and these have gained him the respect and high esteem of all with whom he is associated.
SAMUEL RICE.
A well improved farm of one hundred and seventy acres, located on sections 25, 26 and 36, Burr Oak township, and known as Fair Oaks Stock Farm, is the home of Samuel Rice, he having resided thereon since 1858. He was born on a farm thirty miles west of Montreal, Canada, on the 4th of November, 1845. a son of Thomas and Mary ( Cobine) Rice, both of whom were natives of County Monaghan, Ireland. There they were reared and married and in 1832 with their two children, they emigrated to Canada, making that place their home until 1858, when they removed to Winneshiek county. The father here purchased the farm on which our subject now resides, the place comprising one hundred and seventy acres of land in sections 25, 26 and 36, Burr Oak township. The father was a weaver and followed his trade in Ireland but after coming to Canada he engaged in farming and during his residence in Winneshiek county he followed the same pursuit. After leaving their native country five more children were added to the household, the family record being as follows: William and John, deceased; James C., who resides in Canton, Minnesota ; Thomas, also of Canton ; Mary J., twin sister of Thomas, and the wife of Joseph Stuart, of Bluffton town- ship, Winneshiek county ; David, who makes his home in Burr Oak township ; and Samuel, of this review. The father gave his political support to the republican party, while his religious belief was that of the Presbyterian church, in the faith of which he died September 10, 1871, at the advanced age of seventy-five years. His wife survived for more than two decades, departing this life November 9, 1891, when she had reached the extreme old age of ninety-two and a half years.
Samuel Rice was reared to farm life and when he started out on his own account he chose this as his occupation. He accompanied his parents on their removal from Canada to Winneshiek county, being at that time a lad in his teens. He has since made his home on the farm of which he is now the owner, the place comprising one hundred and seventy acres, located on section 25, 26 and 36, Burr Oak township, and known as Fair Oaks Stock Farm. Formerly for many years Mr. Rice made a specialty of raising shorthorn cattle, Shropshire sheep and Poland China hogs but now gives his attention more particularly to general
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farming. Although he has now reached the age of sixty-eight years he is still active in the work of the farm and takes a just pride in keeping everything about the place in good repair.
Mr. Rice was married on the 9th of February, 1876, to Miss Henrietta Pierce, a native of McHenry county, Illinois, born December 28, 1849, a daughter of John H. and Vesta ( Hitchcock ) Pierce, both natives of Schoharie county, New York, where they were reared and married. They subsequently came to the middle west, first locating in McHenry county, Illinois, later, in 1854, settling in Burr Oak township, Winneshiek county, where Mr. Pierce continued his work as a farmer. The mother died April 13. 1895, at the age of seventy years, while the father, surviving for ten years, passed away in May. 1905, at the ripe old age of eighty-three years. In their family were seven children : Charles, a res- ident of Canton. Minnesota: Stephen, who has departed this life: Mrs. Rice ; Marietta, the wife of Daniel Smith, of Canton, Minnesota; John, who is deceased ; Alonzo, a resident of Burr Oak township; and Mrs. Harriet Kimber, who is also deceased.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rice was born but one daughter. Stella, now the wife of Claude Headington, of Burr Oak township. They have also reared a niece, Maude Pierce, who is still with them. Following in the political footsteps of his father, Mr. Rice has given his support to the republican party since he attained his majority. He has made his home on his present farm for the past fifty-five years, so that the place has grown dear to him through his long con- nection therewith. He has ever taken a deep interest in the welfare of the county where he numbers his friends by the score, and he is everywhere accorded that respect and veneration which should be extended to one who has traveled thus far on the journey of life.
PETER JOHNSON.
Peter Johnson is at the head of the firm of Peter Johnson & Sons of Decorah, which conducts one of the largest establishments of the kind in this part of the country, doing a heating and plumbing as well as general machine business and also operating a garage. His birth occurred in Hadeland, Norway, in March, 1848, his father being John Peterson, likewise a native of that place. The latter, being confronted and beset by hardships, determined to seek a home in the new world of promise and accordingly emigrated to the United States with his wife and two sons. Peter and Andrew. The family located near Koshkonong, Wis- consin, in 1852, where they remained for several years, Mr. Peterson being employed as a farm hand. In 1858 they went to Black Earth, Wisconsin, making the removal with a team of oxen. Mr. Peterson there entered land and began clearing and improving the property, to the cultivation of which he devoted his attention throughout the remainder of his life.
Peter Johnson, who was four years of age when brought by his parents to the United States, learned the blacksmith's trade in Wisconsin as soon as his age and strength permitted. He served as foreman of the Mandt Manufacturing Company for several years and subsequently came to Decorah, Winneshiek county, Iowa,
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here working at his trade in the employ of the Decorah Manufacturing Company for some time. He then formed a partnership with a Mr. Olson and for about five years was engaged in business as the junior member of the firm of Olson & John- son. On selling out to Mr. Olson he established the enterprise which he now conducts and has since carried on a heating, plumbing and general machine business, operates a garage and also an automobile repair shop. The estab- lishment is one of the largest of its kind in this part of the country and is. equipped with all the latest and most modern machinery, while employment is furnished to fourteen men. In 1901 Mr. Johnson admitted his stepson, Oscar, to a partnership and in June, 1912, his sons, George and Melvin, became mem- bers of the firm, which was incorporated under the name of Peter Johnson & Sons. The gentleman at its head possesses splendid executive ability and sound judgment and the success which has attended his efforts is well merited.
Mr. Johnson has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Emma Simley. who passed away in 1887, leaving the following children : George W., Melvin, Alma, Nora, Ida, Isaac and Otis. For his second wife Mr. Johnson chose Mrs. Mary Bander. He owns a handsome residence at No. 714 McLane street. Fra- ternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Yeomen, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church.
MARTIN J. AKRE.
Martin J. Akre, a partner in the Highlandville Creamery, is leading a busy and useful life that brings to him a substantial measure of success as the years go on. Moreover, he is recognized as a citizen of genuine worth, interested in all that pertains to the substantial progress of the community. He was born in Pleasant township, May 1, 1867, a son of John and Martha (Servold) Akre. There were nine children in the family, of whom he was the second in order of birth and the eldest son. His youthful days were spent with his parents and during that period he attended the public schools and worked in the fields, but when twenty years of age he left home and sought employment as a farm hand, spending two years at farm work by the month. For a year he was in North Dakota, working as a farm hand, but in December, 1891, returned to Winneshiek county and was. here employed through a part of the succeeding summer.
Anxious, however, to engage in business on his own account, Mr. Akre bought a cream route and began collecting cream, at which he has since been engaged. After three years he purchased a third interest in the Highlandville Creamery and eight years later, through a change in the partnership, became half owner of the business his partner being his brother-in-law, P. J. Bidne. Since June, 1892, Mr. Akre has been engaged in collecting cream from the farmers, while his partner has charge of the inside work of the creamery. Success has attended the under- taking and the large annual output finds ready and profitable sale in Chicago. In addition to his creamery interests Mr. Akre was president of the Highlandville Telephone Company for two years ..
Since engaging in his present business Mr. Akre has erected a nice home upon his place, giving him a fine view over the village of Highlandville. He was married
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on the 26th of June, 1895, to Miss Lena Peterson, who was born in Canoe town- ship, February 14, 1871, a daughter of Lars Peterson Eide and Carrie Christina Hanson. Her parents were natives of Norway and the mother died during the early girlhood of Mrs. Akre. Some years afterward the father retired to Decorah, where his death occurred. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Akre have been born five children: James Lawrence, who died at the age of three years; Leonard Melvin, born September 1, 1901 ; Perry, who died when but five weeks old ; Walter Eugene, who was born August 30, 1905; and Norman Clifford born December 6, 1907.
In politics Mr. Akre is a republican and gives stalwart support to his party. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion and he has been secretary of the independent school district since its organization in May, 1904. He was also a director of the Norwegian school for three years. He belongs to the Big Canoe Lutheran church of Pleasant township and has been one of the revisers for the congregation for the past three years. He does everything in his power to promote the work of the church and extend its influence and is equally active in furthering the cause of education and in promoting the material progress and development of town and county.
B. O. DAHLY.
In recounting the history of progress of Winneshiek county a prominent place in its development must be given to B. O. Dahly, one of the early merchants of Decorah and a pioneer of this state. Although there have passed eighteen years since his death occurred, his memory is still fresh in the minds of the people who knew him and esteemed him. Born on Christmas day in 1826, in Chris- tiansand, Norway, and of Norwegian parentage, he spent his early life in his native city and in Christiania, the beautiful capital of the northern kingdom. The intervening period to the time of his demise comprised over sixty-eight years, his death taking place in Decorah on March 18, 1895. An active boy with ambition to gain a place for himself, he early began to look for opportunities and soon decided that there was no country that offered greater advantages than the new world and at the age of eighteen, in 1844, with a party of other young people, braved the deep and came to the United States in a sailing ves- sel, the crossing being made under difficulties and dangers and consuming about three months. He first located in Chicago, where for several years he worked in the McCormick Machinery Company and by thrift and industry succeeded in saving enough money to invest in city lots in that city, which he subsequently dis- posed of at a handsome profit. While in Chicago he first met his future wife, Miss Margaret Knutsen, who was learning the millinery trade in that city. Her home was Whitewater, Wisconsin, and there subsequently Mr. Dahly was married to her. While in Chicago he organized the first Norwegian Sunday school class which was ever held there. He lived for a time in Whitewater, Wisconsin, coming subsequently with teams and horses to Freeport, Jowa, with the intention of founding a city there. Securing help, he built the first wagon road between Freeport and Lansing and then hauled the lumber to Freeport in order to begin
B. O. DAHLY
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building operations. Sending to Wisconsin for carpenters, he soon had erected a new hotel, a general store, a livery barn and a millinery store. The hotel was called the Young American Hotel and was conducted by our subject, who in- vested in land there and soon the place began to grow and make advancement. He also operated the general store, while his wife took charge of the millinery store at the same time. At that time the controversy began as to the location of the county seat between the people of Decorah, headed by "Mother Day," and the people of Freeport, headed by Mr. Dahly. A great fight ensued to obtain the coveted prize, but "Mother Day" won the victory for Decorah and naturally Freeport began to decline. Largely for that reason Mr. Dahly soon sold out and, coming to Decorah, erected a store next door to where the Winneshiek Hotel now stands. Therein he opened a millinery stock. In 1865, at the close of the war, Mr. Dahly built the store which he conducted for the rest of his life and which continues in a flourishing condition today under the able management of his widow. The new establishment was ceremoniously opened and christened by a large entertainment and dance, given in honor of the soldier boys returning from the war, and in November, 1865, the place opened its doors for business. General merchandise was largely handled, including cloaks, dress goods, shoes, millinery, dry goods and other articles, Mr. Dahly being ably assisted by his wife, who, however, did not long benefit by the successful turn their fortunes had taken, as she was stricken with paralysis while on a business trip to Chicago in 1867. She had gone to that city in order to purchase millinery goods and there died on Christmas day of that year. Mr. Dahly continued to conduct his store with ever increasing success until his death on March 18, 1895. becoming one of the foremost merchants of the town. For thirty years he was connected with this enterprise and made a name for himself which stood foremost for fair deal- ing and honesty. Paying close attention to business and being wide-awake and progressive, he made a success of which evidence remains today in the profitable establishment which is still carried on by the widow. For the last three years of his life he was an invalid and although he could do no active work in the store, kept well informed upon all matters of management and kept in touch with the business until his death. By his first wife Mr. Dahly had one son. Frank W., who is now engaged in the hardware business at Northwood, South Dakota. As prosperity came to Mr. Dahly he invested in land, buying a valu- able farm near Decorah, from which he received a steady and handsome income. The widow still owns this place, which is managed and operated by their son, Charles, who now resides there.
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