USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 34
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1901, and was widely and deeply regretted, his genuine personal worth and sterling qualities of character having greatly endeared him to many friends.
Mr. Todd was born in Ireland in 1828, a son of Joseph and Martha (Gil- len) Todd. The father died in Ireland in 1835 and the mother afterward came to America, making her home with her children until her death. Mr. Todd ac- quired his education in the public schools of his native country and when he was a young man emigrated with his brothers to the United States. He lo- cated at Elgin, Illinois, in 1851, and although he had learned the weaver's trade in Ireland, worked at the mason's and plasterer's trade in Elgin, continuing thus until 1856. In that year he moved to Toledo, Tama county, Iowa, follow- ing his former occupation for nine months, after which he returned to Elgin. After six months in that city he removed to Winneshiek county, where he took up a government claim of eighty acres in Fremont township. This he cleared and improved, later adding to it twenty acres which he purchased, and upon this fine property he engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years, gaining an in- dividual success which was important as a factor in general advancement. He became well known in agricultural circles as a progressive, substantial and able farmer and his death, which occurred in January, 1901, was felt as a distinct loss to agricultural interests.
Mr. Todd married in Decorah, in 1858, Miss Harriet Richards and they be- came the parents of two children : Emma, who died in 1875; and Charley, also deceased. Mr. Todd's wife survived him eight years, dying September 5, 1909.
They were people of exemplary character and highly esteemed and respected in the community where they had so long made their home. Mrs. Todd was a member of the Christian church. Mr. Todd gave his political allegiance to the republican party. He was interested in public affairs, for he had watched Win- neshiek county develop from a frontier wilderness into a prosperous and wealthy farming community, and his own labors had been a cooperant factor in promot- ing the change. His long residence in this part of the state made him very widely known and his integrity and honesty gained him the good-will and confidence of all with whom he had business or social relations.
ANTONE F. GARDNER.
Although nineteen years have passed since Antone F. Gardner died in his home in Festina, there are many who yet remember his many sterling qualities of mind and character and who cherish the memory of his honorable and up- right life. He was a native of France, born on the 2d of February, 1834, and he was sixty years of age at the time of his death. He spent his childhood in his native country and in 1844 came to America, locating first in New Orleans where he learned the coopering trade, afterwards working at it in that city until 1856. In that year he took up his residence in Old Mission, Winneshiek county, among the early settlers in that section and there for many years he followed his trade, making butter tubs and barrels. He became well and favorably known in that part of the county and witnessed a great deal of its early development, assisting in the work of progress and growth to the extent of his ability and his oppor-
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tunities. Eventually, however, he moved into Festina and in that city estab- lished a brewery which under his able management became one of the largest industries of its kind in this section of the state, each year witnessing its further expansion, development and growth. The victory of the prohibition party in lowa spelled almost complete ruin for Mr. Gardner who had invested his entire fortune in his enterprise, in the failure of which he lost over thirty thousand dol- lars. He did not allow this disaster to darken his life, however, but to the end of his days remained a highly honored, esteemed and respected resident of Festina, where his death occurred on the 6th of March, 1894.
Antone F. Gardner married Miss Mary Hanse, a daughter of Frank A. and Catherine (Debolt ) Hanse, natives of France who spent their entire lives in that country and there died. Mrs. Gardner crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel in company with her brother when she was twenty-one years of age and landed at New Orleans, Louisiana, where three months later her marriage occurred. With her husband she came as a pioneer into Iowa, braving the hardships and difficulties of frontier life, and she has many interesting memories of those early times when the Indians were plentiful around Old Mission and wild game abounded in the forests. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner had no children of their own but adopted a daughter, Dora, now the wife of Martin A. Meyer of Fort Atkin- son.
Living in Winneshiek county from early pioneer times, and identifying him- self closely with the general interests of this part of the state, Antone F. Gardner became widely and favorably known, his important accomplishments winning him prominence in the field of business and his many sterling qualities of mind and character gaining the esteem, respect and confidence of all who were in any way associated with him. At all times he took an intelligent and active interest in community affairs, supporting with his cooperation many measures and projects of advancement and growth and thus it was that a life of genuine and unosten- tatious usefulness was brought to a close when on the 6th of March, 1894, he passed away.
ALBERT H. FRETTHEM.
Albert H. Fretthem, one of the active and progressive farmers of Decorah township, is a native of lowa, born in Allamakee county in March, 1858. His parents. Ole and Anna ( Halvorson ) Fretthem, were born in Norway and came to America in 1852, locating in Wisconsin, where they remained for three years. At the end of that time they removed to Allamakee county, Iowa, and there the father purchased and improved a fine farm, selling it finally and removing to Minnesota. From that state the family came to Winneshiek county and the father purchased land in Madison township, which he cultivated for the re- mainder of his life, passing away in September. 1802. His wife died Novem- ber (), IQI I.
Albert II. Fretthem was only eight years of age when his parents came to this county and he acquired his education in the district schools of Madison town- ship. At an early age he began assisting with the work of the homestead and before he had attained his majority was an able and progressive agriculturist.
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Eventually he rented the home farm and operated it for six years, at the end of which time he bought one hundred and fifty acres on section 29. Decorah town- ship, turning his attention to its improvement and development. His well di- rected efforts have brought him a substantial degree of success and he is now in control of one of the finest properties in this section of the state. He has recently sold seventy acres of his holdings and now owns seventy-nine acres, all under a high state of cultivation, and everything about the place is in excellent condition. Substantial improvements have been made and buildings erected. and the property today reflects the owner's careful supervision and practical methods.
On the 13th of November, 1895, Mr. Fretthem was united in marriage to Miss Emma Theilich, a daughter of John and Lydia ( Helm) Theilich, the for- mer a native of Germany and the latter of Canada. Her father came as a pio- neer to Winneshiek county and took up as a government claim the land now owned by the subject of this review. He died upon this property, January I. 1901, and was survived by his wife until 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Fretthem have an adopted son, Virgil, who is fourteen years of age.
Mr. Fretthem is a member of the Lutheran church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party, taking an active and helpful interest in pub- lic affairs. His life has been such as to give him high standing in the eyes of the community and he is generally recognized as a man whose earnest labor in this township have not only contributed to his own prosperity but have also been a benefit to the community at large.
KNUT E. HAUGEN.
In the middle of the nineteenth century Winneshiek county and this section of Iowa was colonized by Norwegian settlers and their descendants in the second generation are now taking an active part in the further development and up- building of this district. Possessing the sterling characteristics of his Norwegian forefathers Knut E. Haugen occupies a place among the representative farm- ers of the community, his home place comprising the southeast quarter of sec- tion 32, Glenwood township.
He was born upon this farm, July 15, 1864, his parents being Andrew G. and Guri (Estrem) Haugen, both of whom were natives of Norway, whence both came to America about 1850. Following their marriage they took up their abode in Glenwood township, Winneshiek county, Iowa, upon the farm which is now the home of their son Knut and which continued to be their place of residence. They were young people when they crossed the Atlantic and were married in this county, where the mother still resides. The father, however, passed away in 1904 at the age of eighty years. In their family were seven chil- dren : Mary, the wife of the Rev. G. H. Bakken, of Wautoma, Wisconsin ; Gil- bert, residing in Decorah; Knut E .; Christopher, who died at the age of twenty- seven years; Andrew, who passed away at the age of forty years, leaving a family : Lena, the wife of Louis Skow, of Soldier, Iowa; and Edwin, of Sioux Rapids.
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No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Knut E. Haugen in his boyhood and youth. He spent his childhood on the home farm and in fact has always remained upon the old home place. His educa- tion was obtained in the public schools and when not busy with his text-books his time was occupied with the work of the fields. He has never cared to change his occupation and is now successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits, living on section 32, Glenwood township, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of good land and in addition he has a tract of twenty acres of timber land in this township. He follows general farming and stock-raising and he has a well improved place, there being a good dwelling and substantial barns and out- buildings, together with well kept fences and the latest improved machinery. The stock which he handles is also of good grades and everything about the place indicates him to be a progressive farmer.
On the 4th of March, 1909, Mr. Haugen was married to Miss Bertha Tinjum, who was born in Norway but was reared in this country, being brought to America by her widowed mother. They now have one child, Gladys Irene.
The parents are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church and their well spent lives have won them high regard. In politics Mr. Haugen is a republican but not an office seeker. He served on the township school board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. Indeed he is interested in every- thing pertaining to the welfare and progress of his community.
KNUTE H. LARSON.
Although a quarter of a century has passed since Knute H. Larson died upon his farm in Winneshiek county, there are many in this part of Iowa who still remember his genuine personal worth, his sterling integrity and the substantial contributions which he made to the agricultural development of this section of the state. He was numbered among the honored and respected pioneer citizens and for thirty-eight years he cultivated his fine farm in Military township, becom- ing one of the leading figures in the promotion of the progress and advance- ment of the community.
Mr. Larson was a native of Norway, born in January, 1822, and he spent his boyhood and early youth in that country, crossing the Atlantic to America in 1849. He settled first in Wisconsin and there remained for one year, at the end of which time he removed to Iowa, settling in Winneshiek county in pioneer times. He purchased land which he sold at the end of a year, buying afterward another tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 3. Military township, to which he later added another one hundred and sixty on section 2. With characteristic energy he began the improvement and development of this property, tilling the fields. and erecting the necessary buildings, which included the fine residence that he made his home for a number of years. General farming and stock-raising engaged practically all of his attention, and his practical methods and unremitting industry brought him well deserved success, both branches of his activities becoming important and profitable.
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KNUTE H. LARSON
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Mr. Larson married Miss Matilda Freeburg, a native of Sweden and a daughter of John and Lena (Malburg) Freeburg, also born in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Larson became the parents of seven children: Laura, who lives at home; John F., who is operating the homestead for his mother; L. Kent, assisting with the work of the home farm; Anton L., who also lives at home ; Gustave, who is associated with the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad; Martin and Henry, who live at home. Since Mr. Larson's death, the widow has added eighty acres to the home farm and has supervised its management, ably carrying forward with the help of her sons the work which her husband began.
Mr. Larson was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and was a republican in his political beliefs. His influence was always on the side of progress and improvement and it was found that at all times his business activ- ities balanced up with truth and justice.
O. L. WENNES.
A mile south of the state line, on section 17, Highland township, is the home of O. L. Wennes. It was here that he was born July 17, 1856, in a little log cabin fourteen by sixteen feet, which was built by his father. His parents. Peter L. and Tarine (Gjerstad) Wennes, were both natives of Norway, the former born June 11, 1819, and the latter on the 27th of May, 1822. The father arrived in this country in 1850 and the mother in 1852. Both made their way to Wisconsin and in that state they were married in the latter year. They began their domestic life there, but in 1854 came to Winneshiek county, settling on the farm which is now the old Wennes homestead. They were in limited financial circumstances and for two years lived in a dugout but afterward built a cabin, which was later replaced by a modern frame residence. In connection with a relative Mr Wennes purchased eighty acres of land and later became sole owner of that tract. He also secured government land later and at the time of his death was the owner of one hundred and thirty acres, constituting a rich and well developed property. His wife died May 27, 1901, and he survived her for little more than a year and a half, passing away December 15, 1902. He was a quiet, industrious man, living at peace with his neighbors, possessed a genial disposition and won friends wherever he went. The Lutheran church numbered him among its active, consistent and faithful members. The family numbered but two children, the younger being Ellen Johanna, now the wife of John Halseth, of Mabel, Minnesota.
O. L. Wennes has resided at the place of his birth throughout his entire life and early became familiar with the best methods of developing the home place and carrying on the work of the farm. In 1886 he purchased the old homestead from his father and has added to it until he is now the owner of an extensive tract of three hundred and ninety-five acres, covering parts of sections 8, 14, 15 and 17, Highland township, his residence being on section 17. All of the present substantial buildings upon the place were erected by Mr. Wennes and his farm is exceptionally well improved, showing all the accessories and con- veniences of the model farm property of the twentieth century. In the midst of the place stands a large, fine residence, erected in 1909, and this is surrounded
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with a fine grove of sugar maples. The place is known as the Highland Stock Farm, for hereon he raises a high grade of stock for feeding purposes and annually sells a large number. He has some full blooded cattle and hogs. He also raises many horses, keeping seven brood mares.
While known as one of the leading, enterprising and successful farmers and stock-raisers of the county, Mr. Wennes also has other important business con- nections. He has been a director of the National Bank of Decorah since its organization and he has been one of the directors of the Norwegian Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Winneshiek county for fourteen years. Ile is like- wise a stockholder in the Cooperative Creamery of Highland township and he is identified with various interests of a public or semi-public character. He has served as a director of the Winneshiek County Agricultural Society and for twenty years has been school treasurer of his township. He was county super- visor at the time the new courthouse was built and acted as chairman of the building committee. His name is on the cornerstone, together with the names of four other supervisors. In politics he has been a lifelong republican, yet was in sympathy with the progressive movement at the last election. He has held nearly all of the township offices and his service as county supervisor covers six years, with two years spent as chairman of the board. He has also been a mem- ber of the republican county central committee and has labored earnestly and effectively to promote the interests of his party.
On the 15th of May. 1889. Mr. Wennes was married to Miss Caroline Larson, who was born in Highland township. February 11, 1865, a daughter of Hon. Nels and Julia Larson, residents of Highland township. Mr. and Mrs. Wennes have seven living children. Peter, Jennie, Edgar. Nels. Carl. Theodore and Tilda, and they lost two sons in infancy. Mr. Wennes and his family are members of the Lutheran church and are earnest supporters of all that tends to promote the moral progress of the community. He is very energetic, persevering and reliable and his substantial qualities have won him the high and enviable position which he occupies in the regard of friends, neighbors and business associates.
JOHN N. ISTAD.
John N. Istad, one of the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of Pleas- ant township, owns and operates on section 26 two hundred and ninety acres of fine land whereon he has resided since he was two years of age. He was born in Boone county, Illinois, on the 22d of March, 1858, and is a son of Nels and Betsy Istad, natives of Norway, where their marriage occurred. In 1850 they located in Illinois and in that state made their home for ten years, eventually removing to Winneshiek county. Iowa, locating on the farm which the subject of this review now owns. The father continued to develop and improve this property, making it extremely valuable and well cultivated and taking his place among the prosperous and progressive farmers of his vicinity. He died upon his farm at the age of seventy-four years, having survived his wife some time, her death occurring when she was seventy years of age. In their family were four children. Annie was twice married. She first wedded L. M. Longland and
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after his death was united in marriage to Sorn Mostad. She died leaving two sons by her first marriage and five daughters by her second. John N. is the subject of this review. Edward makes his home in Decorah. Louise, the young- est member of the family, is a resident of Seattle, Washington.
John N. Istad grew to manhood on the homestead and before he was out of his teens had mastered all the details of its operation and was a practical and able agriculturist. This property he now owns and it embraces two hundred and ninety acres of fine farming land on section 26, Pleasant township, all the improve- ments of which were made either by his father or himself. Here he carries on general farming and stock-raising and under his able management both depart- ments of activity have been profitable and important.
On the 15th of December, 1883. Mr. Istad was united in marriage to Miss Mary Halverson, who was born in Allamakee county, lowa, September 4, 1860. She is a daughter of John and Inga Halverson, natives of Norway, who with their two eldest sons came to the United States about 1850, settling in this part of the state, where they continued to reside for many years, both dying in Allamakee county. In their family were nine children, six of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Istad became the parents of eight children: Nora, the wife of Theodore Juve ; John, who passed away at the age of twenty-three years ; Emelia, the wife of Alfred Blugen, of Pleasant township; and lda, Arthur, Della, Etta and Mabel, all of whom live at home.
Mr. Istad is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and guides his honorable and upright life by the principles in which he believes. The farm which he now owns is a visible evidence of his life of thrift and business enterprise and his success places him in the front ranks of the able and progressive agriculturists in his township.
WILLIAM WALTER GOSSMAN.
William Walter Gossman is the owner of one hundred and forty acres of finely improved land on sections 7 and 8, Burr Oak township. He was born on the farm which is still his home, July 30. 1876. He is the youngest in a family of eight children, whose parents are Anthony and Elizabeth (Snyder) Goss- man, and who are mentioned more at length in connection with the sketch of Jacob E. Gossman on another page of this work.
William Walter Gossman was early trained to habits of industry and economy on the home farm, and his educational training was received in the district schools near his home. He chose as his life work the occupation to which he was reared and is today the owner of the homestead place, consisting of one hundred and forty acres, located on sections 7 and 8, Burr Oak township. This place has been improved by Mr. Gossman and his father and on it are found substantial buildings for the shelter of grain and stock, while the fields are fertile and yield abundant harvests each year owing to the care and labor he has bestowed upon them. He is here engaged in general farming and stock-raising and both branches of his business are bringing him a good annual income.
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Mr. Gossman was married March 28, 1912, to Miss Rosa Emma Gresbrink, who was born in Faribault, Minnesota, January 21, 1890, a daughter of Alphonse and Gertrude ( Simmons ) Gresbrink. The father is now deceased and his widow married a second time, her union being with A. A. Truman. They now reside in Canton, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Gossman have a daughter. Irene Agnes, born May 6. 1913.
Mr. Gossman gives his political support to the democratic party, and he is a communicant of the Catholic church. He and his estimable wife have a wide circle of friends and the hospitality of their home is enjoyed by all.
JOHN W. BANNING.
Through well directed business activity and enterprise John W. Banning has gained recognition as one of the prosperous farmers of Winneshiek county. He owns one hundred and fifty acres of highly improved land in Bloomfield township and since 1849 has lived in the county, his labors during the latter part of that period contributing not only to his own prosperity but proving effective factors in advancing the general welfare. Mr. Banning was born in Ohio, March 21, 1843, and is a son of Phineas and Mahala ( Blue) Banning, also natives of that state. The parents came to Winneshiek county in June, 1849, making the journey overland with wagons. After locating in Bloomfield township the father traded an old rifle and his wagon for a farm of two hundred and forty acres which had been taken up as a government claim by an old Frenchman and upon this property he continued to reside until his death. His wife has also passed away. To their union were born eleven children: John W. of this review; Abraham, who resides in North Dakota; Nathaniel, who makes his home in South Dakota; Elizabeth and David, deceased; Susan, the widow of Frank Allen, of South Dakota; Peter, a resident of Fayette county. lowa; Nancy, who married Thomas Logston, of Decorah; Mary, the wife of J. Vance, of Cresco: Michael, also of Cresco; and David, deceased.
John W. Banning was only six years of age when he moved with his parents to Winneshiek county and in Bloomfield township he grew to manhood, aiding his father with the operation of the homestead and learning by practical expe- rience everything relating to the care and development of the farm. When he was twenty-three he married and at that time purchased one hundred acres on section 17. Bloomfield township, turning his attention to its cultivation. He worked resolutely and diligently to achieve success and in the course of time was enabled to buy more land until he has become the owner of one hundred and fifty acres lying on sections 16 and 17. Upon this he has made substantial improvements and carries on general farming, his gratifying success rewarding many years of earnest and persistent labor.
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