USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 50
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
NELS A. EVENRUD.
Nels A. Evenrud, who has been a lifelong farmer and in the wise utilization of his time and opportunities has won success, was born in Glenwood township, March 4, 1867, his parents being Andrew T. and Carrena ( Nelson) Evenrud, natives of Norway. The father's birth occurred in 1828 and the mother was born in 1831. They came to the United States in 1853 and for about two years Mr. Evenrud worked in Wisconsin, after which he came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, casting in his lot among its early settlers. He secured eighty acres of school land and later added to the property until the whole comprised two hundred acres, and in addition he had one hundred and twenty acres which he purchased in 1888 and an eighty-acre tract of timber land. Success attended him as the years went by, his knowledge and enterprise enabling hini to overcome many obstacles and difficulties, and he worked his way steadily upward to prosperity. It was in 1856, in this county, that he was married, and the remainder of his life was spent upon the home farm in Glenwood township to the time of his retirement, when he removed to Decorah, where his widow still resides. His death occurred in that city in 1909. In addition to the cultivation of his fields he had engaged in stock-raising and was very generous with his means as success attended his efforts. He was one of the most liberal donors to the building of the Lutheran church and was very active in all departments of the church work, doing everything in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. In politics he was a stanch republican but never would consent to hold office, on account of not Vol. II-25
548
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
mastering English quite perfectly. He was a man of high and honorable prin- ciples and his upright life commended him to the confidence and good-will of all who knew him. In the family were twelve children, of whom six are yet living : Andrine, the wife of J. M. Hendrickson, of Glenwood township ; Nels A. ; Thetoline, the wife of Hans Prestesater, of Minnesota ; Clara, the wife of Theo- dore Fortune, of Glenwood township; Christina, the wife of C. J. Sivesind, of Glenwood township; and Maria, the widow of H. Hanson of Decoral.
Nels A. Evenrud supplemented his early education in the public schools by two years' study in the Lutheran College at Decorah. With the exception of that period he has always remained upon the home farm, devoting his life to general agricultural pursuits. He now owns one hundred acres, constituting a well improved property, for upon his place are found all the modern equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century.
In 1804 Mr. Evenrud was united in marriage to Miss Emma Ottava Nelsel- okken, who was born in Glenwood township January 21, 1875, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Nelselokken, who were natives of Norway, in which country they were reared and married. The mother bore the maiden name of Randvei Gulasolien. Their marriage was celebrated just before they sailed for the United States and their remaining days were passed upon a farm in Glenwood township, both passing away during the childhood days of Mrs. Evenrud. They had a family of nine children, all of whom were born in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Evenrud have become the parents of three daughters, Lillian, Evelyn and Cora, and they have adopted a son, Gustave Clifford, the child of Mrs. Evenrud's sister. In politics Mr. Evenrud is a progressive. He has never been active as an office seeker, but for two terms served as justice of the peace. He is also a member of the Lutheran church, in which he has filled the office of trustee. His has been a well spent, useful and active life and many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
GUSTAV A. HEGG.
Gustav A. Hegg, residing on section 35, Decorah township, is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty acres and in its cultivation has met with a well merited measure of prosperity. His birth occurred in that township on the 24th of August, 1868, his parents being Anton and Gunhild ( Nelson ) Hegg, both of whom were natives of Norway. In 1854 the father emigrated to the United States and, coming direct to Winneshiek county, here worked as a farmi hand for two years and then purchased forty acres of land. He improved the property and subsequently extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchase from time to time until it embraced two hundred and twenty acres in Decorah township. In 1902 he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Decorah, where he made his home until the time of his death in June, 1912. He had been a resident of this county for almost six decades and enjoyed an enviable reputation within its borders as a substantial agriculturist and esteemed citizen. His wife was called to her final rest in March, 1910.
549
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
Gustav A. Hegg attended the district schools in the acquirement of an edu- cation and was reared to manhood on the home farm, assisting his father in its operation until the time of the latter's retirement in 1902. In that year he pur- chased one hundred and eighty acres of the place and has since been successfully engaged in its further cultivation and improvement. He is likewise a stockholder in the Nordness Creamery Company and has long been numbered among the prosperous and representative citizens of his native county.
On the 20th of May, 1890, Mr. Hegg was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Kettlesby, a daughter of Peter and Bertha Kettlesby, both natives of Norway. The father, who came to this county in the '50s and here operated a farm for many years, now makes his home at Calmar. The mother of Mrs. Hegg passed away in 1909. Unto our subject and his wife were born five children, as follows : Bertha, who is nineteen years of age; Anton, a youth of seventeen ; and Laura, Ralph and Charlotte, who are fifteen, ten and eight years of age respectively. The mother of this family was called to her final rest in March, 1908, her demise occurring at the end of a year's illness.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Hegg has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believing firmly in its principles. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He has remained in Winne- shiek county from his birth to the present time, and that his life has been well and honorably spent is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers.
GEORGE W. KRUSE.
George W. Kruse, who is successfully engaged in general farming and stock- raising in Washington township and who is numbered among the most successful and progressive of the younger agriculturists of this vicinity, is one of Winne- shiek county's native sons, born July 10, 1881. His parents, Joseph and Mena (Kramer) Kruse, were also natives of Winneshiek county and the father turned his attention to farming here at an early age, being today in control of one of the finest agricultural properties in Washington township. His wife passed away in February, 1913. To their union were born eleven children : George W., the sub- ject of this review ; John, of Jackson township; Catherine, the wife of Nicholas Lusson, of St. Lucas, lowa ; Casper and Louis, both residing in Jackson township ; Frances, living in Washington township; Edward, who also makes his home in Washington township; Philip, deceased; Martin, of the same township; Cilla, who has passed away ; and Cilla, residing in Washington township.
George W. Kruse was reared under the parental roof and by assisting his father with the work of the homestead gained at an early age a comprehensive and practical knowledge of the essential details of farm operation. He remained at home until he was twenty-five years of age, when his father gave him eighty acres of land on section 26, to which Mr. Kruse of this review afterward added eighty more, turning his attention to its cultivation as an independent agricul- turist. Upon the property he has made excellent improvements, erecting fine barns and outbuildings and installing the necessary machinery, and the place is today
.
550
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
valuable and desirable in every particular, its condition being a visible evidence of the owner's well directed energy and thrift.
On the 20th of June, 1911, Mr Kruse was united in marriage to Miss Cathe- rine Greteman, a daughter of Jacob and Susan ( Lusson ) Greteman. Mr. Kruse is a member of the Roman Catholic church and is connected fraternally with the Knights of Columbus. He is a democrat in his political beliefs and is now serv- ing as township trustee, discharging his duties in a straightforward, capable and practical manner. He is, however, not an active politician, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, which are capably conducted so that he is justly classed with the progressive farmers of his native county.
CHARLES A. CURTIS.
Charles A. Curtis has spent his entire life on the farm on section 32, Fremont township, whereon he now resides and in the course of years has made many sub- stantial contributions to the agricultural development of Winneshiek county. He owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of fine land constituting the home- stead upon which his parents settled in 1867 and he is classed with the representa- tive and substantial agriculturists of this vicinity. He was born in January, 1876, and is a son of Smith and Frances J. ( Jones) Curtis, natives of Connecticut. They came to Winneshiek county in 1865 and the father purchased eighty acres of land in Bluffton township. This he operated for two years, selling it at the end of that time and buying eighty acres in Fremont township. This he cleared and improved and from time to time added to his holdings until he owned two hundred and forty acres. He operated this property until his death, which occurred May 9. 1901. His wife survives him and has reached the age of seventy-seven years.
Charles A. Curtis was reared upon his father's farm and from his childhood aided with the operation of the homestead, becoming a practical and able agri- culturist. For ten years he rented the home farm from his mother and at the end of that time purchased the property, which he has since owned. The little log cabin, which was erected before the property came into the father's possession, is still upon the place, but Mr. Curtis has made excellent improvements in build- ing and equipment and is now in control of a valuable and productive property.
In December, 1900, Mr. Curtis married Miss Maude F. Tinker, a daughter of Marvin and Viola ( Kendall ) Tinker, natives of Maine. The father came to Kendallville, Winneshiek county, immediately after the Civil war and after working at the blacksmith's trade there for about three years moved to Cresco, where he followed the same occupation for twenty years. At the end of that time he bought a farm in Howard county, operating this for sixteen years, after which he retired from active life, moving into Cresco. After one year in that city he went to Salem, Oregon, where he now resides. He is a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted as a drummer boy at the age of fifteen. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis have become the parents of two children : Earl C., aged eight ; and Helen .1., aged two.
Mr. Curtis is a member of the Methodist church and is connected fraternally with the local lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his political
551
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIER COUNTY
allegiance to the republican party and is now in the third term of his service as township trustee, a capacity in which he has accomplished a great deal of beneficial work. A resident of this township since his birth, he is widely known here and has gained gratifying recognition as a progressive agriculturist and a public-spirited citizen.
FRANK DREW.
The attractiveness of Winneshick county as a place of residence is indicated by the fact that many of her leading sons have remained within her borders after reaching the active stage of life. Among this number is Frank Drew, an enter- prising agriculturist who was born July 1, 1874, upon the farm which is now his home. It is a splendid place of five hundred acres of rich and productive land, in addition to which he owns one hundred and twenty acres in another farm in Glenwood township and one hundred and sixty acres in Union Prairie township, Allamakee county. He personally operates all three and is one of the leading stock-raisers of this section of Iowa.
Frank Drew is a son of James and Catherine (O'Malley) Drew, natives of County Limerick, Ireland, where they were reared. The father came to the United States in 1852, settling at Batavia, New York, where he worked as a laborer for three years. Believing that the west furnished better opportunities he made his way to Winneshiek county, Iowa, which was then largely an unim- proved and undeveloped district. He paid three dollars per acre for his first eighty-acre tract and to this farm he added from time to time as his finanacial re- sources permitted, until at the time of his death he was the owner of five hundred acres of valuable land in the old homestead. He was born June 7, 1819, and was therefore in the seventy-fifth year of his age when he passed away on the 3d of April, 1894. His religious faith was that of the Catholic church while his political support was given to the democratic party. His wife, who was born March 17, 1834, came to the United States, alone, in 1855 and in Batavia, New York, on the 30th of January, 1857, she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Drew. For the past fifty-six years she has resided upon the farm on section 11, Glenwood township, which is still her home. She is one of the well known pioneer women of the district and has witnessed the greater part of the growth and progress of the county. In the family were eleven children: Annie, the deceased wife of Charles Lynch ; Bridget, the wife of James Kearn, of Decorah; John and Mike, who are living in Madison township ; James and William, of Allamakee county ; Pat, whose home is in Madison township; Maggie, the wife of Thomas Carlan; Mary, the wife of Thomas Murphy, of Wacoma, Iowa; Frank, of this review ; and Ellen, the wife of J. P. O'Neil, of Allamakee county.
Frank Drew spent his boyhood and youth upon the home farm in Winneshiek county and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. As he advanced in years and his strength increased he gave more and more of his time to the actual work of the farm and is now busily engaged in the supervision of the three tracts of land previously mentioned. The five hundred acre tract is part of his father's estate while the other two farms
552
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
belong individually to Mr. Drew. During the summer months he has one hun- dred head of hogs and one hundred head of cattle upon the home place and he also raises some horses and sheep, his farms including good grazing land.
On the 23d of October, 1902, Mr. Drew was united in marriage to Miss Mar- garet Griffin, who was born in Hanover township, Allamakee county, February 3, 1883, a daughter of Lawrence Griffin. The six children of this marriage are : James. Walter, Marie, Francis, and Cyril, all at home ; and William, who died in infaney. The parents hold membership in the West Ridge Catholic church. Mr. Drew gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has been committee- man for the township for the past two years. Almost his entire time and atten- tion, however, are concentrated upon his farming and stock-raising interests and his labors have been crowned with a gratifying measure of success.
WILLIAM W. HAZELTON.
William W. Hazelton is a native of Calmar, lowa, and one of whose success the city may well be proud, for although young in years he has attained a promi- nent position, having been since 1908 owner of the only drug store here. The establishment is conducted along up-to-date and modern lines, resembling in all its appointments a metropolitan store, and, as he gives particular attention to the prescription department, so that errors are practically precluded, enjoys a profit- able and extensive patronage, which extends far beyond the town into the country. He was born November 27. 1882. a son of T. W. and Anna (Weatherby ) Hazel- ton, the father a native of Vermont and the mother of Canada. T. W. Hazelton is a pioneer of Winneshiek county, coming here in the early days of its history, and early in his career was a locomotive engineer, engaging upon his arrival here for service with Green Brothers, who owned a road which is now part of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. He began his railroading in New York, where for many years he ran a locomotive, but, after engaging here in the same work for some time, gave up work on the engine and accepted the position of fore- man of the roundhouse at Calmar, being so employed for twenty years. He then resigned. having a fair competence which he had obtained through thrift and industry and resided in Calmar, enjoying a well earned rest until his death, which occurred May 30, 1010, when he had reached the age of eighty-eight years. More- over. he distinguished himself as a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting at Elgin, this state, in Company D of the Twenty-first Iowa Volunteers, serving throughout the entire period of the conflict. He was injured in battle and spent several months in a hospital, enduring much for the sake of his country and the principles of the Union. The mother is still living in Calmar at the age of seventy, highly respected and esteemed by all who know her.
William W. Hazelton was reared and educated in Calmar, there attending the public schools. Upon the completion of his studies he accepted work in a drug store at Lake Park, lowa, remaining for three years and becoming acquainted with the methods of operation and the goods handled. He then entered Highland Park College at Des Moines, taking a course in pharmacy, and passed the state board examination in 1904. subsequently proceeding to Dubuque, this state, where
553
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
he was connected with the drug business for one year. In 1908 he returned to Calmar, purchasing the stock of P. A. Peterson, and has conducted the only drug store in Calmar ever since. He carries only the best quality of goods, including such sundries as are usually handled in an establishment of this kind. As the years have passed he has built up an extensive patronage and his financial returns are increasing from year to year.
In August, 1910, Mr. Hazelton was united in marriage to Miss Orlina Field. a daughter of Charles Field. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hazelton are widely and favor- ably known in Calmar and prominent in its younger social set. Politically Mr. Hazelton is independent, giving his support to measures or candidates irrespec- tive of party affiliations, considering merit alone. Both he and his wife affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they are actively inter- ested. A young man of progressive policy, he has built up a business which not only brings him personal prosperity but is a valuable asset in the commercial life of his city. All measures undertaken to benefit the public along material, moral or intellectual lines find in him a warm supporter, the spirit of loyalty to his native town being strongly pronounced in him, always urging him on to be in the front rank with those who promote movements for the general betterment and advance- ment.
CHARLES M. HANSON.
For forty-three years Charles M. Hanson has owned a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres lying on sections 2 and 3, Lincoln township, and he has operated this since 1890. He has met with that success which always fol- lows earnest and persistent labor and is accounted one of the most progressive and able agriculturists in this locality. He was born in Norway on the 7th of March, 1845, and is a son of Martin and Martha Ilanson, both of whom have passed away. The parents came to Winneshiek county in 1865 and after residing for four years in Decorah moved to Lincoln township, where the father died. To their union were born two children: a daughter who died in infancy; and Charles M., of this review.
Charles M. Hanson came to Winneshiek county with his parents in 1865. He was at that time twenty years of age and after working in Decorah for four years moved to Lincoln township, where in 1870 he purchased his present farm of two hundred and forty acres. He operated this only a short time, how- ever, and then rented out the property and moved again into Decorah, where he made his home for twenty years thereafter. At the end of that time he moved back to the farm and he has since been active in its improvement and development, making it a valuable and productive property. He engages in general farming and is also extensively interested in stock-raising, both branches of his activities proving important sources of income to him.
Mr. Hanson married Miss Jane Bretison and they became the parents of seven children: Clara, who has passed away; Clara, second of the name, who is the wife of Ole Hovey, of Madison township; Minnie, who married Peter Hovey; Benjamin and Oscar, of South Dakota; Nettie, the deceased wife
554
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
of L. Butterner; and Hannah, who married H. Soule, and they reside in Canada.
Mr. Hanson is a member of the Lutheran church and is a republican in his political beliefs. He takes an active interest in the affairs of the com- munity, the development of which he has witnessed since early times, and he has himself done efficient work in the public service as school director and roadmaster. In the course of years his labors have been rewarded by grati- fying success and his contributions to general agricultural development have been many and substantial.
CLEMENS ZWEIBAHMER.
Clemens Zweibahmer, engaged in general farming upon two hundred acres of fine land on section 6, Military township, is a native son of Winneshiek county, born September 2, 1865. His parents were Herman and Antoinetta ( Schroeder ) Zweibahmer, native of Westphalia, Germany, who came to America in 1850 and located in Allamakee county, lowa, whence they came to Winneshiek county about 1864. The father engaged in farming during all his active life, dying May 1, 1911. He had survived his wife since the 14th of December, 1890. To them were born six children: Herman, who was born on the 18th of July, 1854, and died in December, 1911; Frederick W., whose birth occurred March 5, 1857, and who is now a resident of Ossian ; Caroline, who was born on the 25th of December, 1859, and married Louis Douglas, of St. Lucas, Iowa; Gertrude, whose birth occurred on the 10th of February, 1861, and who died on the 3d of February, 1898; Josephine, who died in infancy; and Clemens, of this review.
The last named acquired his education in the public schools of Festina and the district schools of Military township and when he began his independent career turned his attention to the occupation to which he had been reared, working at farming in the employ of others until he was twenty-two years of age. He then purchased land, buying two hundred acres on section 6, Military township, and upon this property he has since resided, steadily carrying forward the work of its development. Upon it he has made excellent improvements, including a fine two-story residence and substantial barns and sheds, and he engages in general farming and stock-raising, both branches of his activities proving important and profitable under his able management.
Mr. Zweibahmer was married on the 28th of June, 1887, to Miss Elizabeth Schroder, a daughter of Herman and Elizabeth ( Hemsath) Schroder, natives of Germany, who came to America and located in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1855. They afterward took up their residence in Winneshiek county in 1860 and the father followed farming there until he retired from active life. He is now residing at Ossian, having survived his wife since the Ist of May, 1905. To them were born six children: Louisa, deceased; John, of Ossian; Herman, also of Ossian; Catherine, who has passed away; Elizabeth, the wife of the sub- ject of this review ; and Frank, who resides in Ossian. Mr. and Mrs. Zweibahmer have become the parents of eight children: John Clemens, who was born on
MR. AND MRS. CLEMENS ZWEIBAHMER
557
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
the 26th of June, 1888; Antoinetta Rosie, who was born September 1, 1891; Emma, whose birth occurred on the 24th of August, 1894; Ida, born January 31, 1897; William, April 22, 1901 ; Lorena, September 18, 1904: Theodore, who was born October 26, 1907, and died May 22, 1912; and Philomene, born April 23. 1910.
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.