USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 5
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William Ehler was reared upon his father's farm in Washington township and spent his childhood assisting in its cultivation, becoming before he was of age a practical and progressive agriculturist. In 1904 he purchased the home- stead of one hundred and sixty acres and upon this carried on general farming
Vol. II-3
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and stock-raising, his business interests being well conducted and, therefore, im- portant and profitable. He has made substantial improvements upon the farm, erecting the necessary farm buildings and installing modern and labor-saving machinery, and his property is today one of the finest and best equipped in this section of Winneshiek county.
On the 23d of October, 1906, Mr. Ehler was united in marriage to Miss Rosie Mienert, and to their union were born two children: Felix, whose birth occurred January 1, 1908; and Ida Annie, born January 14, 1913. Mr. Ehler gives his allegiance to the democratic party, having served as road supervisor for two years, and his religions views are in accord with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church. Everything that pertains to the welfare and advancement of his native section receives his indorsement and hearty support and in the com- munity where he was born and where his entire life has been spent he commands the confidence and regard of all who know him.
MICHAEL A. HARMON.
Michael A. Harmon, who has been continuously engaged in the practice of law at Decorah for the past twenty-three years, having a handsomely equipped office in the National Bank building, has also ably served as city solicitor for twelve years, from 19oo to 1912. His birth occurred in Canoe township, Win- neshiek county, Iowa, on the 13th of January, 1856, his parents being Bernard and Elizabeth (Fox) Harmon, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father emigrated to America in 1837, locating first in Quebec, Canada, and later crossing the border into the United States and settling in Louisiana. where he was engaged in the contracting business for several years. Removing to Ken- tucky, he purchased a farm which he operated for several years and then went to Chicago but did not believe that the place held out any prospects and refused an offer of one hundred and sixty acres of land on what is now West Madison street, one of the principal thoroughfares of the western metropolis. In 1850 he came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Canoe township, which he improved and cultivated for ten years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and took up his abode in Decorah, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1867. His wife was called to her final rest in the year 1896.
Michael A. Harmon was reared and educated in this county, attending the district schools and the Decorah public schools. After completing his education he taught in the town and country schools for a period of ten years, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. Having de- termined to make the practice of law his life work, he began the study of that profession under the direction of Judge Cooley and in June, 1881, was admitted to the bar. In 1883 he was elected county recorder and served in that capacity for three terms or until 1889. The following year he began practice and has remained an able representative of the legal fraternity in Decorah to the present time, maintaining a handsomely equipped office in the National Bank building and owning a splendid law library. His success in a professional way affords
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the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is a strong advocate with the jury and concise in his appeals before the court. Much of the success which has attended him in his professional career is undoubtedly due to the fact that in no instance will he permit himself to go into court with a case unless he has absolute confidence in the justice of his client's cause. Basing his efforts on this principle, from which there are far too many lapses in professional ranks, it naturally follows that he seldom loses a case in whose support he is enlisted. Mr. Harmon owns farm land in this county as well as city property in Decorah and successfully deals in real estate in connection with the practice of law. He is unmarried and makes his home with relatives in his own residence on Vernon street.
Politically Mr. Harmon is a republican. In 1900 he was appointed city solicitor and during twelve years ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in that connection. For the past sixteen years he has served as a commissioner of insanity. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, being a charter member of Lodge No. 443. In religious faith he is a Catholic. His entire life has been spent in Winneshiek county and he enjoys an enviable reputation in professional and public life, while in social circles he is popular and esteemed.
BARNARD GEHLING.
No farmer in Winneshiek county has achieved greater success in agricul- tural pursuits than has Barnard Gehling, whose attractive homestead lies in Washington township and comprises one hundred and seventy aeres. This is a portion of the farm upon which he was born on the 28th of May, 1868, and his entire life has been spent upon the property. He is a son of Henry and Clara (Leitkenhaus) Gehling, natives of Germany, the former of whom came to America when he was eighteen years of age, locating first in Wisconsin, From that state he came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, after a few years and engaged in farming in Washington township, accumulating extensive holdings and owning at the time of his death about three hundred and ten acres. More extended mention of his life activity is made in connection with the sketch of Frank Gehling.
Barnard Gehling was reared under the parental roof and in his childhood assisted with the work of the homestead, learning all the details of farm opera- tion. When the estate was divided he received as his share one hundred and seventy acres of choice land and upon this he has since resided, its excellent con- dition reflecting his many years of careful supervision and well directed labor. He gives a great deal of time to the cultivation of his fields but his live-stock interests also claim a part of his attention. In all his work he is energetic and determined, brooking no obstacles that can be overcome by persistent and hon- orable labor, and his success places him today among Winneshiek county's pro- gressive and able native sons.
On the 9th of October, 1900, Mr. Gehling was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bulleman, and they became the parents of five children : a daughter,
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who died in infancy ; Henry J., who passed away in childhood ; a son, who died in infancy ; Roman Powell, who was born April 24, 1907; and Gregor Charles, born in January, 1910.
Mr. Gehling gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is a member of the Roman Catholic church, being also affiliated with the Roman Catholic Protective Association. Well known in Washington township and throughout Winneshiek county by reason of his long period of residence here, he is accounted one of the active workers and progressive farmers of the locality and has the unqualified confidence and esteem of the entire community.
R. K. ULEN.
An enterprising and progressive spirit and an unfaltering determination, guided and controlled by sound and practical business judgment, have formed the basis of the success of R. K. Ulen and have brought him to a position among the extensive landowners and prosperous farmers of Winneshiek county. He began life as a poor boy and has worked his own way steadily upward to pros- perity, his present success crowning many years of earnest and unremitting labor. He was born in Hallingdal, Norway, on the 9th of August, 1849, and is a son of Knute and Rindy (Olson) Ulen, natives of that country, where the father engaged in farming until 1857. In that year they crossed the Atlantic to America and located near Spring Grove, Minnesota, the father purchasing land in Fillmore county. After improving this he disposed of his holdings and bought a farm in Clay county which he operated for the remainder of his life, passing away in 1893. He had long survived his wife, whose death occurred in 1866.
R. K. Ulen was about eight years of age when he was brought by his parents to America and he settled with them in Minnesota, where he acquired a very limited education, taking advantage when he could of such opportunities as the district afforded. He became a wage earner when he was nine years of age and from that time until he had attained his majority worked at farm labor in the employ of others, becoming during that period thoroughly familiar with the best agricultural methods. During the last nine seasons he drove four yoke of oxen, breaking new land, but when he was twenty-one he gave up this occupa- tion and came to Winneshiek county, where he purchased forty acres on sec- tions 17 and 18, Decorah township. After clearing and improving this he pur- chased more land and now owns three hundred and sixty-five acres adjoining the city of Decorah. This property he has since continued to operate and by con- stantly following the most progressive and practical methods in its cultivation has made it one of the finest and best improved farms in this section of the state. He owns in addition one hundred and sixty acres in North Dakota and for seventeen years operated an extensive dairy business, running milk routes in Decorah. His interests have always been carefully and capably conducted, for he is a resourceful, farsighted and discriminating business man and the success which he enjoys is well deserved and has always been worthily used.
On December 17, 1871, Mr. Ulen was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Qualley, a daughter of Gilbert Peterson and Bertha (Oleson) Qualley,
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born at Vestre Slidre Valders, Norway, who came to America and located in Minnesota, where the father engaged in farming for a number of years. He later disposed of his holdings there and came to Winneshiek county, buying a small place near Decorah, whereon he resided until his death. His wife has also passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Ulen became the parents of nine children, four of whom are living, namely: George and Peter, at home; Edward, who is operating one of his father's farms; and Isabella, also at home.
Mr. Ulen is a member of the Lutheran church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party although he, has never been active as an office seeker. He has always preferred to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, for he commenced life empty-handed, knowing that he must depend solely upon his own labors for advancement. He started out a poor boy and whatever success he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own perseverance and capable control of his business affairs. In all of his dealings he has been strictly honorable and he is today one of the large landowners of the county, having accumulated a substantial fortune.
ENGEL MIKELSON.
Engel Mikelson is numbered among the early settlers in Winneshiek county and is today one of the prosperous farmers and stock-raisers of Decorah town- ship, where he owns three hundred and sixty acres of fine land. He is a native of Norway, born in April, 1834, a son of Mikel and Anna (Johnson) Samuel- son, the former a prosperous farmer in his native country. The parents never came to America.
Engel Mikelson was reared and educated in Norway and until he was twenty- two years of age lived with his parents, aiding his father in the operation of the homestead and becoming thoroughly familiar with agricultural methods. In 1856 he crossed the Atlantic to America and in 1857 came to Iowa, settling in Winneshiek county, where he bought eighty acres of land lying on section 18, Decorah township. To this he later added another tract on section 17, accumu- lating three hundred and sixty acres which he has since improved and developed. By following progressive and practical methods he has made this an excellent and productive property and it reflects everywhere his many years of careful supervision and well directed labor. In addition to general farming Mr. Mikel- son operates a dairy upon his farm, keeping a number of milch cows, and he is a breeder of thoroughbred stock, these branches of his business forming an important source of income to him.
In June, 1865, Mr. Mikelson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Dahle, a daughter of Iver and Anna Dahle, natives of Norway. The father died in that country and the mother afterward came to America, locating in Winne- shiek county, Iowa, about the year 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Mikelson became the parents of ten children, seven of whom survive: Mikel, aged forty-four, a farmer in Madison township; Anna, aged forty-one, who is the wife of Gust Frick, of Chicago; Lena, aged thirty-nine, who married Sam Odson, of the state of Wash-
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ington : John, aged thirty-six, who resides in Portland, Oregon; Henry, aged thirty-three; Amelia, aged thirty-one; and Edward, aged twenty-four.
Mr. Mikelson is a stockholder in the Farmers Creamery Company and the Farmers Hog Company of Decorah and his ability is widely recognized in busi- ness circles. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and his religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Lutheran church. He has resided in Winneshiek county for over half a century and the years have witnessed his constantly increasing success and prosperity. Business men respect him for his high standards of integrity and his honorable dealings and wherever he is known he holds the confidence, esteem and regard of an extensive circle of friends.
BENJAMIN J. MckAY.
The name of Benjamin J. McKay, cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank of Decorah, is widely and favorably known in this city by the general public and held in high esteem by his confreres. Comparatively a young man, he has demonstrated his qualities as a financier by successfully administering the duties of his important position in such a way as to greatly extend the business of the institution with which he is connected. Born March 4, 1874. in Decorah. Towa, he is a son of Alexander and Mary (Tobin ) Mckay, natives of Ireland. The father came to America with his parents when a boy of about fifteen years, the family locating in New York. A short time afterward he came to Decorah where he learned the wagon maker's trade under Benjamin Barfoot, a business which he ever after successfully followed in Decorah. being so occupied until his death, which occurred April 5, 1906, when he was seventy- six years of age. His wife is still living at the age of seventy-three.
Benjamin J. McKay was reared under the parental roof and educated in Decorah, graduating from the Immaculate Conception Academy with the class of 1892. He prepared himself for a commercial course by entering Valder Business College, from which he was graduated in 1893. Fully prepared in theory for a successful career, he then entered the Citizens Savings Bank as bookkeeper and, his ability and honesty of purpose soon being recognized, he was elected assistant cashier in 1897 and served as such until 1906, when he was chosen to the important position of cashier. He has since filled this office with great circumspection and through his labors has largely extended the bank's relations. Deposits have increased under his management to a remarkable degree and the resources of the bank are such that it is considered one of the strongest institutions of its kind in this section, a position which it has largely gained through the faithful performance of the duties of Mr. Mckay.
On October 20, 1897, Mr. Mckay was married to Miss Grace Allen Jen- nisch, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jennisch, the latter of whom passed away ,when her daughter was but an infant. Mr. Jennisch was a native of Germany who came to this country in carly life, locating in Decorah when it was in its pioncer period. Here he followed the blacksmith business until his
BENJAMIN JJ. MCKAY
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death, which took place in 1896. Mr. and Mrs. McKay were the parents of four children : Katharine, aged ten years; Charles Alexander, five years of age; Gretchen Marie, aged one year: and Virginia, a twin sister of Gretchen, who died September 22, 1912.
The financial interests of Mr. McKay also extend to other institutions for he is a director of the Calmar Savings Bank and also a stockholder of the Burr Oak Savings Bank. He owns an attractive home on John street where often gather the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. McKay. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Knights of Columbus and is also prominent in the local Elks lodge, of which he is a past exalted ruler and treasurer. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church and he and his wife take an active and helpful interest in the organization and its allied societies. Politically he is a repub- lican. An upright man, with ability in his chosen field, Mr. McKay is a distinct force for advancement along financial lines in this city and while he has attained a position of prominence for himself his labors have been a factor in the upbuilding of Decorah.
JULIUS E. LINDE.
A native of Winneshiek county, Julius E. Linde holds the important posi- tion of cashier of the Calmar Savings Bank, of Calmar, Iowa, although he has not yet passed his twenty-third birthday. His career stands in evidence of the fact that more and more important business affairs are entrusted to young men, who are proving their ability by the excellent results which they obtain and by the progressive policies which they advocate. Born in Ridgeway, Winneshiek county, Iowa, in a log cabin on Turkey river on October 10, 1890, he is a son of Ole J. and Emily ( Hoppenstead ) Linde, the father of Long Prairie, Illinois, and the mother a native of Winneshiek county. The former was brought here by his parents in 1864, when nine years of age, and in this county he was reared and educated, remaining at work for his father, who is still living at the age of seventy-nine years. He remained on the home farm until he was of age, when he set himself up independently, renting a farm until he had acquired the means to buy one hundred and sixty acres of land in Lincoln township. This purchase was made in 1892. and he has since engaged in the improvement and cultivation of his land, the years having brought him prosperity in return for his incessant toil, his energy and his industry. The five children in this family are: Julius E., of this review ; and Alletta, Hattie, Owen and Andrew.
Julius E. Linde was reared upon the home farm and received his education in the schools of Ridgeway and Drake University of Des Moines, Iowa. Previous to his matriculation, however, he had already served as assistant cashier of the Merchants State Bank at Vela, North Dakota, for two years. His university course was cut short by his acceptance of the office of cashier of the Calmar Say- ings Bank, in which capacity he is still active. Alert, conscientious, capable, he brings to the performance of his duties all the qualities necessary to make a suc- cess of his position and expand the business of the bank. Although yet quite
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young for a man in a position of such responsibility, he has become generally recognized as an able banker and is well informed upon all financial transactions and situations, making use of his intimate knowledge in the interest and upbuild- ing of the banking house of which he is at the head. Politically Mr. Linde is a republican, and his religious adherence is given to the Lutheran church. If his carly success is any indication of what the future holds in store for him, a con- spicuously brilliant career may be prophesied for him-a career that will result not only in his individual prosperity but will play a role in the commercial advance- ment and development of Winneshiek county and particularly of his locality.
OLE E. BAKKE.
Iowa offers a splendid opportunity to the farmer, for the land is rich and productive and responds readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it. One of the excellent properties in Frankville township is known as The Oaks. It is a place of four hundred acres, in the midst of which stands a large, fine resi- dence erected by Ole E. Bakke, who was the owner of the place. It was upon this farm that he was born July 22, 1856, his parents being Erick O. and Gunhilda Ramsey Bakke, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father was born April 1, 1824. They were married in their native land, in Urlandvangers church, on the 30th of October, 1849, and in the spring of 1851 crossed the Atlantic to America. They remained for a brief period in Dane county, Wisconsin, and then came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, settling in Frankville township. Mr. Bakke had a little money which he had saved when in his native land. That gave him a start and in the course of years he became a wealthy farmer. He purchased land in Frankville township and continued to make his home thereon until after the death of his wife, which occurred on the Ioth of March, 1903. when she was eighty-five years of age. Mr. Bakke passed away on the 20th of January, 1908, at the age of eighty-three years, nine months and twenty-nine days. In their family were four children: Anna, the deceased wife of Gilbert Ness; Isabella, the deceased wife of Andrew Traaserud; Ole E .; and Carolina, the widow of T. O. Storla of Decorah township. The parents were members of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church and their remains now rest in Washington Prairie cemetery.
Ole E. Bakke was reared on the old homestead and in his youthful days supplemented his public-school education by a course in Luther College at Decorah and in the State University at Madison, Wisconsin. He also pursued a com- mercial course at Valparaiso, Indiana. Ile was reared to the occupation of farm- ing and made it his life work. He owned four hundred acres of land and his place, known as The Oaks, has ever been regarded as one of the finest farms of Winneshiek county. He carried on general farming and stock-raising and his fields brought forth rich harvests, owing to the practical and progressive methods which he utilized. As a stock dealer, too, he conducted an extensive business, purchasing considerable stock which he took to the Chicago market and there sold. He was active along many lines and all that he did brought to bim success. He was a member of the creamery firm of Ramsey, Johnson &
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Bakke, of Glenwood township, and he had interests in Wharton county, Texas, still in possession of his family. In all of his business affairs he displayed notable enterprise, keen discernment and capable management, and he carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. Moreover, he was strictly honorable and reliable in all his dealings and the most envious could not grudge him his success.
On the 25th of October, 1883, Mr. Bakke was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Marie Sander, who was born in Decorali township, October 3, 1857, a daughter of B. and Karen ( Huseby) Sander, who were natives of Norway and were reared and married there. They came to the United States about 1850 and spent their remaining days upon a farm in this county. Their family num- bered three sons and four daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Bakke became the parents of nine children: Isabella Antoinette, Clara Gunhilde, Erick Arthur, Elmer Orlando, Philip Henry, Ruth Elizabeth, Vernon Lorenzo, Esther Lillian and Ole Ernest. The two sons Erick and Philip are now studying in the State Agricultural College at Ames. Erick and Orlando spent four years in Luther College at Decorah, while Philip had a commercial course in Decorah. The daughter Clara is a graduate of the high school at Decorah and is now engaged in teaching.
In his political views Ole E. Bakke was a republican and held various town- ship offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. He held membership in the Lutheran church and he led an upright, honorable life, guided by his Christian belief. He was always a resident of Winneshiek county, spending his entire life upon the old homestead farm in Frankville township, and that his record was ever a commendable one is shown by the fact that many of his stanchest friends were those who knew him from his boyhood. He died at Elkader, Iowa, July 13, 1902, and his death was an occasion of deep regret to all with whom he had been brought in contact.
JACOB L. HAMRE.
One of the most valued and representative of the younger generation of busi- ness men in Decorah is Jacob L. Hamre, the owner of a large shoe store, in con- nection with which he operates a shoemaking and repairing department. His birth occurred in Vestre Stedre, Valders, Norway, February 12, 1883, and he is a son of Lars H. and Berit ( Halden) Hamre, natives of Norway. The father was a farmer by occupation, continuing in that line of work until his death, which occurred in 1900. His wife survives him and makes her home in Norway.
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