USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 44
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In 1875 Mr. Severson married Mrs. Anna ( Luros) Maland, a native of Waukesha county, Wisconsin, where she was born August 15, 1840, a daughter `of Torger and Caroline (Tullefshore) Luros, natives of Norway, where they were married and whence they came to Wisconsin in 1839. In 1852 they removed to Winneshiek county, where the father secured government land, which he sold in 1853, moving onto the farm now owned by our subject. Both parents died on this place, the father in 1891, at the age of ninety-six, and the mother in 1861, at the age of fifty years. He owned about three hundred acres in the home place. Both the parents of Mrs. Severson were members of the Lutheran church. In their family were three children: Austin, who died leaving a widow and five children: Belle, the wife of Charles Nelson, of Grand Forks, North Vol. II-22
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Dakota; and Anna, the wife of our subject, who has now resided on the same place since 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Luros left Norway on March 25, 1839, and arrived in Milwaukee on September 16th of the same year, coming via the Erie canal and by ox teams to the interior. Horses were scare and high priced at the time and he therefore went to Michigan, where he bought a team. One of the horses died, however, before he started on his overland tour, which was a heavy loss to him. He endured other hardships while pioneering in Wisconsin, losing his house by fire and having to begin all over again. The father often made mention of the fact that it cost a dollar to send a letter to his old home in Nor- way. He was a true pioneer of the early days, and the present prosperous con- ditions of the middle west were largely brought about by men of his stamp, who went out into the prairie and builded homes where the timid dared not venture. By her marriage to John Maland, who died in 1873, Mrs. Severson was the mother of six children, one of whom died in infancy. The others were: Austin, who is a neighbor of our subject ; Halver, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota ; Mary, of Canton, Minnesota : Elizabeth, also of that city : and Torger, who died at the age of nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Severson became the parents of seven children, of whom two passed away in infancy. Those now living are: John, of Edmore, North Dakota; Theoline, who married Olaf Garden, of Lankin, North Dakota; Ida, the wife of Dr. H. E. Nelson, of Crookston, Minnesota ; and Oscar and Clara, at home.
Mr. Severson is a devout member of the Big Canoe Lutheran church, in the work of which he takes an active and helpful interest. He gives his allegiance to the republican party, stanchly upholding its candidates. Although he is inter- ested in all public matters and keeps intelligently informed upon all vital subjects that affect the government, he has never cared to accept public office, preferring to devote his whole time to his agricultural pursuits. Although he is nearing his seventy-first birthday, he is still active in the work on the farm and brings to all of life's questions a deep and understanding interest.
BUD L. DAVIS.
Bud L. Davis, a progressive and practical agriculturist of Winneshiek county, was born in Freeport, June 1, 1870, and is a son of William and Delia (Mea- dows) Davis, the former a native of Wisconsin and the latter of Winneshiek county. The father came to Iowa in the early 'Gos and resided here until he moved to Kansas, where he now makes his home. He and his wife became the parents of six children: John, who resides in Minnesota; Frank, of Kansas; Bud L., of this review; Leslie and Lester, twins, who reside in California; and Allie, the wife of Thomas Reed. of Kansas.
When Bud L. Davis was five years of age he was adopted by Howard A. Kinney and with him has made his home almost continuously since that time. When he was twenty-one years of age he went to Minnesota and after one year there moved to Dakota, where he spent four years. At the end of that time, however, he returned to Mr. Kinney's farm in Winneshiek county and after assisting in its operation for a similar period of time moved into Cresco, where
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he remained for several years. However, he eventually moved back to the farm and has been active in its operation since that time, gaining that success which is the natural result of earnest, persistent and well directed labor.
On the 30th of March, 1899, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Beveridge, a daughter of James and Margaret ( Clink ) Beveridge, na- tives of Scotland. The parents came to America as children and located first in Wisconsin, where their marriage occurred. They afterward moved to Win- neshick county and here the father died on the 23d of February, 1897. His wife survives him and makes her home in Mason City. To their union were born ten children: Margaret, deceased; Tena, of Decorah; Charles, who has passed away ; Catherine, the wife of the subject of this review; Winifred, who married Frank Schmitz, of Howard county, this state; Nellie, who became the wife of Stephen Taft, of Cresco; and Ida, Allan, Ella and Berenice, all of whom reside in Mason City. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have become the parents of three children : Ralph Leonard, born December 30, 1900: Leon Everett, born Novem- ber 21, 1903: and Delia Florence, whose birth occurred March 13, 1910.
Mr. Davis is a member of the Congregational church, is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America and is a republican in his political be- liefs. He is well known in Winneshick county, where he has resided almost continuously since his birth, and he merits and holds the high regard and esteem of all who are associated with him.
JAMES WAGNER.
Jackson township has its full quota of progressive farmers who have con- tributed in substantial measure to the upbuilding and development of the county. Among their number is James Wagner, now living on section 3, where his time and energies are fully occupied with the care and further improvement of a farm of one hundred and thirteen acres, which presents a neat and attractive appearance and is a visible evidence of his life of well directed thrift. Mr. Wagner is a native of Iowa, born in Spillville in 1875, a son of Antone and Catherine Wagner, natives of Bohemia. They came to America in 1872 and located in the vicinity of Spillville, where the father turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, de- veloping a fine farm, upon which he resided until he retired from active life, moving to Fort Atkinson, where he now resides. In this family were six chil- dren : Mary, the wife of Frank Martinek, of Calmar, Iowa; John, of Jackson Junction ; Frank, living in Ridgeway: Joseph, who makes his home in Fort At- kinson ; Charles, who resides in Spillville; and James, of this review.
The last named spent his childhood upon his father's farm near Spillville and at an carly age had mastered the details of farm operation, dividing his atten- tion during his youth between his duties at the district school and work upon the home property. When he was thirty years of age he purchased one hundred and thirteen acres of land on section 3. Jackson township, and upon this fine prop- erty has since continued, carrying on general farming and stock-raising, success steadily attending his well directed labors. He has made substantial improve- ments upon the place, erecting a new and modern residence and fine barns and
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outbuildings, none of the accessories of a model farm being lacking. In all of his business dealings Mr. Wagner has shown good judgment and marked enter- prise and has made all of his efforts count to the utmost, utilizing every oppor- tunity to the best advantage.
On the 30th of October, 1905, Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Mary Schedestka, and to their union have been born three children: Mary ; James, who has passed away; and Clarence. Mr. Wagner is a member of the Catholic church and gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is a man of high moral character, industrious and enterprising and his honesty and uprightness have always merited for him the confidence and respect of his neighbors.
WILLIAM F. KOENIG.
No man occupies a more enviable position in agricultural circles of Bloom- field township than William F. Koenig, who since 1872 has resided in Winne- shiek county, giving his attention to farming and stock-raising. For thirty- five years he has lived upon his present farm of one hundred and fifty acres on section 23 and he has made this a valuable and productive property, the years bringing him success, prominence and a substantial fortune. Mr. Koenig was born in Germany, August 19, 1845, and is a son of William and Louisa ( Pott- kamp) Koenig, natives of that country, where their entire lives were spent. To their union were born two children: Frederick William, deceased; and William F., of this review.
William F. Koenig spent his childhood and early youth in Germany and in 1868 crossed the Atlantic to America, locating immediately in Clayton county, Iowa, where he turned his attention to farming. In 1872 he came to Winneshiek county and rented one hundred and forty acres near Ossian which he continued to develop and improve for six years, after which he purchased one hundred and fifty acres on section 23, Bloomfield township. To this he added one hun- dred and twenty acres adjoining but afterward sold this tract to his son, who in turn disposed of it. Upon his original property Mr. Koenig carries on gen- eral farming and stock-raising and his well directed efforts through the years have been rewarded by a gratifying degree of success, placing him in the front ranks of progressive and successful farmers.
On the 20th of November, 1868, Mr. Koenig was married in Germany to Miss Charlotte Meyer, a daughter of John and Yetty ( Martin) Meyer, natives of the fatherland, who came to Winneshiek county in 1878 and there resided until their deaths. Mr. and Mrs. Koenig became the parents of nine children : Louisa, who was born February 15, 1870; Louis, born August 11, 1872; Minnie, who was born May 26, 1874, and who is now the wife of Herman Rose ; Mary, who was born December 25, 1876, and who married George Schroeder, of Post- ville : Rosina, who was born September 22, 1878, and who married Fred Rock- dessell, of Postville; William, whose birth occurred on the 18th of July, 1880; Lena, who was born April 21, 1882, and who is now the wife of Carl R. Christof-
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ferson, of Bloomfield township ; and Fritz and Emma, twins, born May 8, 1886, the latter of whom has passed away.
Mr. Koenig is a member of the Lutheran church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party, having rendered the township excellent serv- ice in various offices. For many years he has been influentially associated with business and farming interests in his township and he is a man whose moral character and straightforward dealings have always merited him the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens.
FRANK LUZUM.
Frank Luzum, who is at the present time serving as trustee of Calmar town- ship, is also identified with its agricultural interests, owning and operating a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located on section 34. He was born in Bohemia, October 24, 1854, a son of Joseph and Mary ( Humfal) Luzum, who were like- wise natives of Bohemia. The father emigrated to the new world in 1866, his destination being Winneshiek county. He started out in the new world by renting a farm near Spillville, in Calmar township. After making his home thereon for four years he purchased a tract of land, which he at once set to work to clear and improve, and he there made his home throughout the remainder of his life, passing away in 1894. His wife survived for several years, being called to her final rest in 1903.
Frank Luzum was a lad of twelve years at the time of the emigration of the family to the new world. His education, which was begun in his native land, was continued after he reached Winneshiek county. first attending the district schools, while later he completed his education in the public school of Calmar. He remained on the home farm until he had reached the age of twenty-six years, when he started out upon an independent venture by purchasing eighty acres situ- ated near Calmar. After a year. however, he disposed of that property and in- vested his money in his present holdings, a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located on section 34. Calmar township. He has since made im- provements upon the place, uses the latest improved machinery in the cultiva- tion of the soil, and now has a farm which yields a good annual return. He owns stock in the Farmers Creamery Company of Calmar and is interested in various movements and projects which tend to advance the interests of this section of Winneshiek county.
Mr. Luzum has been ably assisted in his business affairs by his wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Barbara Dvorak, and whom he wedded on the 12th of June, 1883. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Bartos) Dvorak, who were likewise natives of Bohemia, but who came to the new world in 1854, first choosing St. Louis as the place of their abode. There they remained for three years, when subsequently they located on a farm which they bought in Calmar township. There they spent their remaining years, the mother passing away November 21, 1896, and the father on the 9th of January, 1912.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Luzum have been born thirteen children but four of the number have passed away. Those who survive are: Joseph F., who is now
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twenty-six years of age; Sophia, the wife of Louis Movotny, a farmer of Cal- mar township; Christena, the wife of Albert Kuboushek, also a farmer of that township; and Willie, Ludwig, Jennie, Libbie, Mamie and George, all of whom are still with their parents. Those deceased are: Sophia, who died July 17, 1884; Agnes, who departed this life in February, 1801; Emma, whose death occurred January 4, 1894; and Barbara, who passed away December 15, 1900.
In his political views and affiliations Mr. Luzum is a democrat and he has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill public office. For the past two and a half years he has served as township trustee, while for ten years he has been a member of the school board. In religious faith he is a Catholic, while his fraternal relations connect him with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is an alert and enterprising citizen, alive to existing conditions, and is ever found in the lead in any movement which tends to better the interests of his community.
ANDREW SCHEIDEMANTEL.
Andrew Scheidemantel needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for his name has been known and honored in Winneshiek county since pioneer times and has come to be regarded as a synonym for personal integrity, business probity and for reliability in all relations of life. Andrew Scheidemantel is today one of the most substantial and progressive farmers in this section of the state, owning four hundred acres of land in Military and Springfield townships and in its cultivation he has met with a gratifying measure of success, his prosperity coming as a result of his practical methods and unremitting industry.
He was born on the old Scheidemantel homestead on the 29th of October, 1862, and is a son of Henry and Kunigunda Scheidemantel, of whom more extended mention is made on another page in this work. His childhood and youth were passed on his father's farm and before he had attained his majority he was a practical and able agriculturist, having from an early period assisted with the operation of the home property. When he began his independent career he formed a partnership with his brother and they rented the home- stead, carrying on general farming and conducting also a profitable creamery. After eighteen years they disposed of the latter business and at the death of the father divided the farm, Mr. Scheidemantel of this review receiving as his share one hundred and sixty acres which he still owns. He has since added to it and now has four hundred acres in all. Upon this fine property he carries on general farming and stock-raising and by constantly following the most practical methods and steadily adhering to the highest standards of business integrity he has met with well deserved success, both branches of his activities being important and remunerative.
Mr. Scheidemantel married Miss Mary Lavachek, a native of Bohemia, and they have become the parents of fourteen children: Earl, born March 29, 1893; Henrietta, born July 12, 1894: Della, whose birth occurred on the 12th of July, 1896; Alvie, born August 6, 1899: Rudolph, born June 11. 1903; Bertha. born November 3. 1905: Jerome, born March 2, 1907: Paul and Paulina, twins.
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born on the 29th of July, 1908; Iola, born February 7. 1910; Louis, born January 7, 1912, and three children who died in infancy.
The family are members of the Roman Catholic church and fraternally Mr. Scheidemantel is connected with the Catholic Order of Foresters. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is at all times pro- gressive and public-spirited in matters of citizenship, although he neither seeks nor desires public office. His business interests are at all times carefully and capably managed and they have brought him a degree of success which places him in the front ranks of Winneshiek county's substantial and representative native sons.
ALBERT RORDORF.
For over thirty years Albert Rordorf has followed agricultural pursuits on the same farm of one hundred and eighty acres on section 13, Sumner township, the place being known as Oak Ridge Farm. It is highly improved, yielding its owner annually rich harvests. and speaks well for his industry, energy and dis- crimination in applying the most suitable methods to his work. Born in Switzer- land on June 2, 1861. Albert Rordorf is a son of Albert and Mary (Scheller) Rordorf, both natives of the Helvetian republic. The father died in his native country but the mother is still living there. They were the parents of six chil- dren : Albert, of this review ; Mary, of Switzerland: Oscar, of New Caledonia, a French island settlement in the Australian archipelago; Lena, of Switzerland; Emile, also of New Caledonia; and Ida, of Switzerland.
Albert Rordorf left his native land in May, 1882, when twenty-one years of age, in order to seek the larger opportunities of America, coming to Conover, Iowa, where for five years he followed farming in the employ of others. Care- ful of his earnings, he was enabled in 1887 to buy one hundred and sixty acres in Sumner township on section 13 and has since added twenty acres to his farm. From 1887 until 1899 he lived in the old log house, which was first erected in the early '6os by an old pioneer named Benda, but in the latter year built a mod- ern two-story residence, which greatly enhances the value and improves the ap- pearance of the farm. He has made numerous improvements, practically all of his land being now under cultivation, and derives a gratifying income from the farm. The property is known as Oak Ridge Farm.
On October 29, 1887, Mr. Rordorf married Miss Fredericka Heuser, a daugh- ter of Godfrey and Fredericka (Vogler) Heuser, natives of Switzerland. The parents came to America from Switzerland in 1854, locating near Fort Atkin- son, where the father for many years was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. Both now live retired in Decorah, enjoying the fruits of their former toil. Mr. and Mrs. Heuser have six children: Robert, of Sumner township ; Fredericka, the wife of our subject : Maggie, who married F. Herold, of Hazle- ton, Iowa : Frederick, the present mayor of Spillville ; Bertha, the wife of Charles Frey ; and Henry, of Lanesboro, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Rordorf are the parents of two sons : Emil A., born November 30, 1889: and Oscar Henry, born March 17, 1891.
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The father is a democrat and stanchly supports the candidates and measures of that party. Fraternally he is a Woodman. He is a member of the Congre- gational church of Fort Atkinson, taking an active interest in its work. He is popular among his neighbors, who esteem him for his high qualities of mind and character and take pride in what he has accomplished, for he started out with little capital and has by his own efforts become one of the substantial men of his section.
ARTHUR RAYMOND JOHNSON.
Arthur Raymond Johnson, one of the prominent and successful young citi- zens of Decorah, is an active factor in financial circles as assistant cashier of the Decorah State Bank. His birth occurred in Decorah on the 28th of September, 1887, his parents being H. Paul and Rachel ( Olsen) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Norway, the former born on the 16th of January, 1847. and the latter on the 5th of March. 1849. H. Paul Johnson was but a little lad of four years when in 1851 he was brought to the United States by his parents, who purchased land and located near the Locust church in Pleasant township, Winneshiek county, lowa. As soon as his age and strength permitted he began assisting his father in the work of the home farm and when twenty-five years of age purchased the property, continuing its operation for seven years more. In 1880 he came to Decorah and established a harness store, being still engaged in its conduct at the time of his death, which occurred on the 9th of September. 1912. Ile served as a trustee in the First Evangelical Lutheran church. to which his widow still belongs. For one term he held the office of constable in Pleasant township. Mr. Johnson also belonged to the Sons of Veterans. The period of his residence in Winneshiek county covered more than six decades and he enjoyed an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its borders. It was on the roth of May, 1973. in Pleasant township, that he wedded Miss Rachel Olsen, her father being Asbjorn Olsen, an agriculturist of that township. She was brought to America in 1850, when but a year old, and in 1855 her father purchased land and located in Pleas- ant township, this county. After the demise of Mr. Olsen his widow made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Johnson, for three years, passing away in Decorah in 1906. Mrs. Rachel Johnson, who still resides in Decorah with her son Arthur, is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community.
Arthur Raymond Johnson obtained his early education in the public schools of Decorah and also attended Valder's Business College at that place. He sub- sequently spent two years as a student in Luther College of Decorah and then went to Burlington, Iowa, as order clerk in a wholesale harness and saddlery con- cern, remaining in that position for two years. Returning to Decorah, he spent a similar period as a clerk in the store of O. M. Anderson, a dealer in men's fur- nishings. Mr. Johnson then went to Canada and for three years served as book- keeper in the yards of the Baker, Reynolds & Kimball Lumber Company. In February, 1912, he again returned to Decorah and accepted a position as book- keeper in the Decorah State Bank, serving in that capacity until January, 1913, when he was elected assistant cashier, which position he now holds. He is a
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stockholder in the institution and has already proven himself a competent and valuable official.
In politics Mr. Johnson is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical Lutheran church. He also belongs to Decorah Lodge, No. 443, B. P. O. E., Decorah Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World. Though still young in years, he has already attained an enviable place in business and social circles of his native city and county.
ALONZO ELROY PIERCE.
Alonzo Elroy Pierce is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section 18, Burr Oak township, a tract that has re- mained in possession of the family since 1854. Mr. Pierce was born on this farm, July 24, 1860. a son of J. H. and Vesta (Hitchcock) Pierce, both of whom were natives of Schoharie county, New York. In 1854 they journeyed to the middle west and the father purchased the farm now owned by our subject, paying for the same the usual government price of a dollar and a quarter per acre, the tract constituting the northeast quarter of section 18, Burr Oak township. Here he undertook the arduous task of clearing and breaking his land and making a home in a wild and unsettled country. He eventually became one of the influ- ential men of the county. He was a republican in his political views and served several terms as collector of his township, while he also filled the office of township trustee and various other public offices. Although not a member of any religious organization he was a liberal supporter of the church. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Pierce were seven children, as follows: C. H., a resident of Canton. Minnesota : Stephen A., who died leaving a widow and seven children ; Henrietta, the wife of Samuel Rice, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Marietta, the wife of Daniel Smith, of Fremont township, Winneshiek county: John W., who (lied June 4, 1878: Alonzo E., of this review ; and Harriet M., who became the wife of Ira Kimber, and departed this life May 13, 1892. The parents were mar- ried in Conklin, Broome county, New York, June 8, 1843, and therefore had lived happily together for more than a half century when they were separated by the death of the wife and mother, who departed this life April 13, 1895. at the age of seventy years, for her birth occurred June 25, 1825. The father survived for a number of years and passed away May 6, 1905, at the age of eighty-three. his birth having occurred July 17, 1822.
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