USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 47
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53
Mr. Leibold is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, having served as road supervisor and as treasurer of school district No. 4. A public-spirited and progressive citizen, he is interested in the growth and advancement of the section where he has resided for forty-five years and to the agricultural development to which he has made so many substantial contributions.
NELS GUNVAL.
Nels Gunval operates a valuable farm of two hundred and ten acres on sec- tion 36, Lincoln township, Winneshiek county, where he engages in general farming and stock-raising. He was born January 15. 1855. a son of Gunval Olson and Ingeborg ( Nelson ) Gunval, natives of Norway. They came to America in 1845, locating near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they remained for nine years before coming to Winneshiek county, where they made settlement on an eighty-acre farm. The father followed farming all his life and died January 3, 1892, greatly beloved and highly esteemed by all who knew him. The mother survived for about ten years, her death occurring on the 2d of February, 1902. The father was for seven years a member of the board of supervisors and had the distinction of having represented Lincoln township on that board the first time a supervisor was elected from the township. In the family were eight children : Lollie, the wife of Iver Engbretson, of North Dakota; Ole, of Taylor, North Dakota ; Carrie, of Dickinson, that state; Nels, deceased: Nels, of this review : John, of Taylor. North Dakota; George, of Sumner township; and Annie, de- ceased.
516
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIER COUNTY
Nels Gunval was reared on the parental farm, attending the schools of the neighborhood in acquiring his education. Ile began early to assist his father with the work of the farm and remained on the homestead until twenty-five years of age, when he went to Washington, there engaging in farming for a period of two and a half years. He then returned home and purchased his father's farm. He has since added thereto and now owns two hundred and ten acres, which are devoted to general farming and stock-raising. His buildings are substantial and his fields under high cultivation, giving evidence of his reliable methods.
On November 14, 1889, Mr. Gunval married Miss Laura Samuelson and to them were born four children : Gustav, whose day of birth was July 11, 1891, and who died March 16, 1901 : Emma Salvina, born November 2, 1893, who married Ingvold Myrland. of Lincoln township: Ida Oletta, who was born July 3. 1895. and was married July 1, 1913. to Clarence Hamre of Decorah, a son of Thomas and Sarah ( Nelson ) Hamre; and Gina Amelia, born July 2, 1897. They have also adopted a son, Archie Sheppard, born May 28, 1901.
Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Gunval is interested in all that occurs in the county and such measures as affect his state and nation. He has always been a republican and gives to the candidates of that party his support. His religious affiliation is with the Lutheran church. Years of labor have brought him success, and such prosperity as has been his is highly merited, for it has come to him entirely through his own efforts. He is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him for what he has achieved and also because his activities have been a constructive factor in the development of agriculture in Winneshiek county.
ALONZO W. OXLEY.
Among the prominent and successful farmers and business men of Winne- shiek county and among the most progressive and public-spirited citizens of this part of lowa is numbered Alonzo W. Oxley, the owner of the Woodside Farm, on sections 4 and 5, Bloomfield township, and well known in business circles as the founder and upbuilder of the Pleasant Ridge Telephone Company.
He was born on the property he now occupies on the 13th of October, 1858, and is a son of W. H. and Christina ( Townsend ) Oxley, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. The parents came to Winneshiek county in 1850 and located in Bloomfield township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. To their union were born six children: Alonzo W., of this review ; John : David, deceased : Guy, of North Dakota ; Meda, the wife of F. Alexander. of Altoona, Iowa; and Ida, who married E. H. Oxley, of Kanawha, Iowa. John Oxley has had an eventful and successful career. As a young man he journeyed on foot to Castalia, Iowa, and there learned telegraphy, working at it for many years thereafter and advancing through the sheer force of his ability through all the different offices connected with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad system. He is now superintendent of their main division, with headquarters at Chicago, and is numbered among the most reliable and trust- worthy representatives of the road.
519
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIER COUNTY
Alonzo W. Oxley was reared at home and became familiar in his childhood with the details of farm operation. Upon reaching manhood he assumed charge of the homestead and afterward purchased eighty acres of it. Later he bought the remainder and his holdings now comprise one hundred and sixty acres, lying on sections 4 and 5, Bloomfield township. This is known as the Wood- side Farm and is one of the finest agricultural properties in the neighborhood, reflecting everywhere in its neat and attractive appearance the owner's careful supervision and practical labors. For the past five years Mr. Oxley has devoted a large portion of his farm to the raising of alfalfa and now has the largest field in lowa, cutting from it five tons to the acre. He has been very success- ful in this venture and has besides demonstrated the facility with which alfalfa may be raised in this state and the profits which may be gained from its pro- duction.
On the 27th of September, 1882, Mr. Oxley was united in marriage to Miss Libby Rathburn and they have become the parents of two children: Myrtle, who is employed in a bank at Selby, North Dakota; and Walter, who resides in Seattle, Washington.
MIr. Oxley is known in business circles of this city as the founder of the Pleasant Ridge Telephone Company and as the builder of those lines running between Ossian, Postville, Castalia, Clermont and West Union. He was for ten years president of the concern and in that position demonstrated his adminis- trative and organizing ability and his power of control, much of the success of the institution being due to his well directed efforts. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Masonic lodge and the Modern Woodmen of America and he is a progressive in his political views, taking an intelligent interest in everything pertaining to the growth and development of the community. He merits the confidence and respect of all who know him and is numbered among the sub- stantial citizens of the county.
WILLIAM MAILEY.
William Mailey, a prosperous and progressive farmer of Bluffton township, owning and operating three hundred and ninety-five acres of valuable land on sections 34 and 35, is a native of County Clare, Ireland, born in November, 1839. His parents, Martin and Mary (Twohey) Mailey, were also born in that county and the father came to the United States some time previous to the emigration of his family, settling in Winneshiek county, where he purchased a tract of wood and brush land. He was afterward joined by his wife and children. The family continued to reside upon this property for many years, it being still in possession of the subject of this review and his brother. The parents died upon the home- stead in the same week, the father on the 15th of April and the mother on the 12th of that month, the former being seventy-five years of age and the latter sixty-eight. The estate consisted at that time of seven hundred acres of valuable land and this was divided between Mr. and Mrs. Martin Mailey's two sons, William and Michael, the latter of whom has passed away, leaving a widow and one daughter.
520
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
William Mailey came to America with his mother in 1861 and after residing in Franklin county, Missouri, for about seven years, moved to lowa, where he has since resided upon his present farm. After the death of his father half of the homestead came into his possession and he has carried forward the work of its development along practical and progressive lines, his labors being attended by a gratifying degree of success. His farm comprises three hundred and ninety-five acres lying on sections 34 and 35, Bluffton township, and is provided with a large modern, nine-room residence built in 1913, commodious barns, substantial outbuildings and all of the necessary labor-saving machinery. Mr. Mailey engages in general farming and stock-raising and his interests, being capably conducted, are proving profitable and important. The farm, for which in its wild and uncultivated state the father paid from five to eight dollars an acre, has become in the course of years a fine agricultural property located on an elevation commanding an excellent view of the surrounding country. The place owes much of its beauty and value to the well directed efforts of its owner, who concentrates his attention upon its further improvement and devel- opment.
In 1873, in Bluffton township, this county, Mr. Mailey was united in marriage to Miss Johannah Casey, who was born in Ohio, September 20, 1854, and who came to lowa with her parents when she was three years of age. She is a daughter of William and Mary ( Madden) Casey, natives of Ireland, and is one of a family of ten children, six daughters and four sons. Mr. and Mrs. Mailey have ten children: John, who lives at home: Martin, of Bluffton town- ship; Mary, who married Ed Rooney, of Decorah; Maggie, who is the wife of Patrick McKinney, of Bluffton township: Kate, the wife of Joseph Baburek, of Calmar ; and Alice, Josie, Lizzie, William and Rose. all at home.
Mr. Mailey gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is a devout member of St. Bridget's Catholic church of Bluffton township. He has lived in Winneshiek county since 1867 and has borne an active part in the work of progress since that time. He is now seventy-four years of age and his life has been one in which fidelity to principle has combined with business enter- prise to make him a valued and worthy citizen.
FRANK E. CRATSENBERG.
There is hardly a figure in the financial circles of Decorah better known or more esteemed than Frank E. Cratsenberg. the assistant cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank, being appointed to this office in August, 1912, and having since brought his wide experience to the fulfillment of his duties. A native of Win- neshiek county, he was born in Burr Oak, February 2, 1875, and is a son of Andrew J. and Julia ( Phelps) Cratsenberg, natives of New York. The father came to Winneshiek county at an early date in the history of this section and settled in Burr Oak, where he engaged in the mercantile business, which he suc- cessfully followed until his retirement in 1903. He had been a soldier of the Civil war, serving as captain of the Pioneer Corps in Company 1. One Hundred and Eighty-sixth New York Volunteer Infantry, and was well known and
521
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
prominent in his locality on account of his many high qualities of mind and character. He was born January 25. 1830, and passed away August 12, 1910, at the age of eighty years, the mother having preceded him in death, passing away January 21, 1900, her birth having occurred February 7. 1834.
Frank E. Cratsenberg was reared under the parental roof, receiving his education in the schools of the neighborhood and later supplementing this funda- mental knowledge with a course at Nora Springs ( Iowa ) Business College, from which he graduated on February 25, 1893. Returning home. he assisted his father in the mercantile business, remaining with him until the business was sold to F. C. Schanck in April, 1903. April 20, 1904. he completed a technical course and on July 19, 1904. entered the government service, doing engineering work, and in the spring of 1905 was appointed United States deputy surveyor for the state of Wyoming, remaining in that position for two years though not actively engaged in "field work" during the winter months. On November 14, 1905, he was appointed Winneshiek county surveyor to fill a vacancy and efficiently served until April 2, 1906, when he returned to Wyoming to resume his duties as government surveyor. He was elected to the office of surveyor of Winneshiek county November 6, 1906, and served from January 7. 1907, until August 24, 1910. when he accepted the position of cashier of the Burr Oak Savings Bank at Burr Oak, Iowa, holding the same until July 15, 1912, when he returned to Decorah, accepting employment with the Citizens Savings Bank, July 22. 1912, and being elected assistant cashier on August 3d of the same year, having since served in this capacity. A man of decided business ability and wide experience, Mr. Cratsenberg brings to his position qualities which should prove of value in the extension of the bank's business and his personality is such as to readily attract people and facilitate transactions with its patrons. Although he has been in his position a comparatively short time, he has made himself thoroughly acquainted with the business scope of the institution and his selection for the position of assistant cashier will no doubt prove one of the best move- ments the officers of the bank have undertaken in the promotion and expansion of its interests. .
On July 13, 1898. Mr. Cratsenberg was married to Miss Minnie E. Head- ington. daughter of Jacob and Mary (Shaffer ) Headington, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Cratsenberg have one son, Charles Clement, born August 1. 1903.
Outside of his banking interests Mr. Cratsenberg finds time to concern him- self about matters of public importance and readily cooperates in all move- ments undertaken for the betterment of the community, bringing a ready under- standing to the political and public issues as they arise from day to day. although he is not a politician in the office seeking sense of the word. Since the founda- tion of the new party he has given his allegiance to its tenets and in the realiza- tion of its ideals sees the fulfillment of a new and better government. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic body, being connected with Great Lights Lodge. No. 181, A. F. & A. M., and King Solomon's Chapter. No. 35. R. A. M. He also is affiliated with the Yeomen and is a member of the Iowa Engineering Society. The handsome family home on West Main street, where Mr. and Mrs. Cratsen- berg often entertain their many friends, is his own property and he also is still interested in the Burr Oak Savings Bank, of which he is a substantial stock-
522
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
holder. A man strongly marked by character, he has come to be recognized as a forceful element in the community along commercial lines, his ambition, industry, perseverance and honesty having carried him to success and his sterling traits of character having won him the high regard and confidence of all those with whom he has come in contact.
WILLIAM F. BAKER.
As assistant cashier of the National Bank of Decorah, William F. Baker occupies an important position in the financial interests of that city ; but he has found time to interest himself in other matters of equal importance, having served for a number of years with conspicuous ability as councilman and also allying himself with others in the interest of better education. Born in Fayette county, Iowa, December 17, 1871, he is a son of F. H. and Cornelia ( Davis) Baker. the father a native of New York and the mother of Maine. F. H. Baker came to this county with his parents in 1857, and after having attained maturity crossed the line into Fayette county and there engaged in farming until 1892. when he retired with an ample competence and removed to Decorah, where he still resides at the age of sixty-nine years. The mother has attained the same age.
William F. Baker acquired his early education in the public schools of Winneshiek county and subsequently attended Upper Iowa University at Fayette. from which institution he graduated with the class of 1893. In 1897 he accepted a position in the National Bank of Decorah, with which bank he has remained ever since, having filled the position of assistant cashier for the past ten years. Able, conscientious and industrious, the labors of Mr. Baker have played no small part in the development of trade connections of this institu- tion and his worth has been frequently recognized by his superior officers, while he is popular with the patrons of the bank, who esteem him and hold him and his opinions in high honor. As the years have passed Mr. Baker has extended his inter- ests and has become a stockholder in various other banks.
In October, 1898, Mr. Baker was married to Miss Clara F. Brown, a daughter of William and Isabelle ( Porter ) Brown, natives of Scott county. The father was an agriculturist all his life and at an early age settled in Cerro Gordo county, where he successfully engaged in farming operations until his death, which occurred in 1907. The mother preceded him in 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are the parents of five children: Lilian, Dorothy, Lucile, Stanley and Carleton.
Having always been deeply interested in the public welfare and taking part in the political issues of the day. Mr. Baker has served for nine years as councilman of his ward, and this remarkable record of continuous service obviates the need of further comment as to his ability and the confidence his constit- uents place in him. His political affiliations are with the republican party, but in local questions he acts independently, merely seeking to promote the best interests of the city. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and his religious faith is that of the Congregational church, of which he has served as an officer for the past twelve years, giving evidence thereby of his
523
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIER COUNTY
deep interest in this organization and its allied societies. The cause of educa- tion has always been near his heart and his efforts along that line found recogni- tion when he was chosen a member of the board of trustees of the Upper Jowa University at Fayette, in which connection he has done valuable work in the interests of that institution. The handsome family home of Mr. and Mrs. Baker is located on Ravine street, Decorah, and there both extend a warm- hearted hospitality to their many friends. Ever watchful of his opportunities, Mr. Baker has never feared to venture where his honesty and integrity per- mitted him to take a further step, and the success which he has attained so far is attributable only to his own efforts, which are guided by industry, energy. ability and honesty.
JONAS J. AKRE.
Practical and progressive farming and stock-raising find a worthy repre- sentative in Jonas J. Akre, who since his birth on the 15th of September, 1877, has resided upon the farm which he now operates on section 14, Pleasant township. His parents were John J. and Martha (Servold) Akre, natives of Strandvick, Norway, the former born June 15, 1829, and the latter September 29, 1836. Their marriage occurred in America, they having crossed the Atlantic in 1862, and one month after their arrival they came to Iowa, buying from the United States government eighty acres of land on section 14, Pleasant town- ship, upon which they spent the remainder of their lives. To his original holdings the father later added forty acres and with characteristic energy carried forward the work of improving and developing his property, becoming in time one of the substantial and able farmers in his section of the county. He died upon his holdings June 6, 1904, having survived his wife two years. Both were active members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and people of exemplary moral character. To their union were born nine children. Inga is the wife of W. J. Cowan, of North Dakota. Martin Johann is the proprietor of the Highland Creamery in this county. Rev. Ole J. is pastor of the Nor- wegian Lutheran church at Velva, North Dakota. He is a graduate of Luther College at Decorah and later graduated from the Lutheran Theological Sem- inary of Minnesota. He is today a prominent educator, being president of Northwestern College at Velva, North Dakota. John is a mechanic and inventor at Spring Grove, Minnesota. Hattie is the wife of K. N. Ovre and for the past ten years. has lived in the vicinity of Mercer, North Dakota. where her husband proved up a claim. Annie is a twin to Hattie and the wife of Peter J. Bidne, who has been the proprietor and butter maker of the Highland Creamery for the past twenty years. Jonas J. is the subject of this review. Ingeborg Mary is the wife of Martin Wasenburg, who for the past seven years has been developing a claim near Mercer, North Dakota. Christina. the youngest child in this family, passed away when she was seven years of age.
Jonas J. Akre was reared under the parental roof and when not engaged with his books aided his father with the work of the homestead, becoming early
524
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIER COUNTY
familiar with the best agricultural methods and all the details of farm operation. He has never left the property upon which he was born and in 1903 purchased it from his father, buying one hundred and twenty acres lying on section 14, Pleasant township. Upon this he carries on general farming and stock- raising and under his able management both branches of his enterprise have proven extremely profitable, his homestead being one of the finest farms in his locality. He follows at all times practical and progressive methods in its development and has steadily carried forward the work of improvement, being known as an able agriculturist whose success is the natural result of his earnest. well directed and persistent labor. In addition to the general work of his farm Mr. Akre is well known as an extensive breeder of white Plymouth Rock chickens, which he has raised for the past fifteen years.
On the 6th of April, 1904, Mr. Akre was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Peterson, who was born in Springwater. Iowa, on the 12th of September, 1877. She is a daughter of Lars Peterson Eide and Helga ( Nodshilder ) Peterson. natives of Norway, the former of whom died in Decorah on the 28th of Feb- ruary. 1905, at the age of seventy-seven. He is survived by his widow. who makes her home in Decorah. Mr. and Mrs. Akre are the parents of four sons, Lloyd Julian, Maurice IIerbert, Earl Raymond and Oliver Malbourne.
Mr. Akre is a devout member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and guides his honorable and upright life by its principles. For a number of years he was president of the Sattre Telephone Company but has largely confined his attentions to his farming and chicken raising. Ile gives his political alle- giance to the republican party and is prominent in its councils, being at all times loyal in his support of republican principles and policies. He is now serving as justice of the peace, his public spirit being of that vital and effective kind which finds its best exemplification in public service. In the community where he has spent his entire life he has become widely and favorably known. for he is reliable in business, progressive in citizenship and faithful to all the ties and obligations of life.
CHARLES H. VALDER.
Charles H. Valder, president of Valder College, Inc., of Decoral, established that institution in 1888 and throughout the intervening twenty-five years has con- ducted it with gratifying success. His record is that of a self-made man who owes his prosperity entirely to his own well and wisely directed efforts. His birth occurred in Leland, Illinois, on the 3d of April, 1853, his parents being Hans and Betsy (Aga) Valder, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father emigrated to the United States in 1837 and located in Adrian, Michigan, where he resided for two years, on the expiration of which period he removed to Leland. Illinois. Hans Valder was a minister of the gospel and is said to have been the first Baptist Norwegian preacher in this country. He followed his holy calling in Leland for eight years and in 1853 removed to Fillmore county, Minnesota, preempting a tract of land and bending his energies toward clearing and improving the property. In the year 1856 he assessed the entire
CHARLES H. VALDER
527
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
county and in 1871 was sent as a representative to the state legislature. He continued to reside in Fillmore county throughout the remainder of his life, passing away in 1903.
Charles H. Valder obtained his early education at Newburg. Minnesota, and subsequently entered the State Normal School at Winona, that state. Later he attended the Lakeside Business College of Chicago, Illinois. In 1875 he came to Decorah, Iowa, and for some time acted as an instructor in Slack's Business College, while afterward he taught in the public schools, Luther College and Decorah Institute, being engaged as a special teacher of penmanship and con- tinuing so for a period of thirteen years. He organized the Valder Business College and Normal School, the former being founded in 1888 and the latter in 1889. In May. 1913. these institutions were incorporated as Valder College, Inc., the corporation comprising three schools, namely: Valder Business Col- lege : Valder Normal School; and Valder Shorthand School. More than nine thousand students have been enrolled in the institution and eleven hundred have been graduated. At present there are over three hundred students and ten teachers. Mr. Valder's work has been an important factor in educational prog- ress here and the success which he now enjoys is indeed well merited. being entirely attributable to his enterprise, ability and sound judgment. One of the notable features of the school is that Valder College prepares its pupils in short terms by practical business training, so that within the least possible time a stu- dent is gaining earning power. The school is invariably successful in securing good positions for its pupils at the end of their course in training and among its graduates are many men who are filling high positions in all walks of life. Decorah and the state may well be proud of this institution and the work it has accomplished.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.