USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 6
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Jacob L. Hamre acquired his education in the public schools of his native country and after laying aside his books learned the shoemaker's trade, follow- ing this line in Norway until 1902. In that year he emigrated to America and located in Winneshiek county, where for one year he worked upon a farm. He then moved into the city, where he obtained employment in a tailor shop, remain- ing in this connection for four years thereafter. At the end of that time he established himself in business as a shoemaker, concentrating his attention upon this line of work until 1909, when he added a complete stock of shoes, owning
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today one of the finest shoe stores in the city. For his repair department he has bought the most modern labor-saving equipment, including a finishing machine and one for sewing on soles. In the years of his connection with business inter- ests of Decorah his patronage has increased rapidly in volume and importance and it has reached gratifying proportions at the present time. Mr. Hamre owns a modern residence in this city and a one hundred and sixty acre farm in South Dakota which he proved up as a homestead claim.
In March, 1905, Mr. Ilamre was united in marriage to Miss Anna F. Aspmio, a daughter of Edward and Gurine ( Arntsen) Aspio, natives of Norway, where the father is engaged in agricultural pursuits near Tromsoe. Mrs. Hamre was born in Norway in August, 1879. She and her husband have three children : Louise, aged seven ; Edward O., who is six years of age ; and Olga C., aged nine months.
Mr. Hamre is a member of the Lutheran church and is connected fraternally with the Order of Owls, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Norske Selskab. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is inter- ested in public affairs although not active as an office seeker. He is a young man of energy, resource and capacity and his usefulness will undoubtedly be limited only by the opportunities by which he is surrounded.
O. G. HAUGEN.
A native of Norway and one of that large colony of sturdy sons of the Norseland who make their home in Winneshiek county, lowa, O. G. Haugen has here found the opportunities to become prosperous and now owns two hundred and thirty acres of valuable land on sections 2 and 3, Springfiekl township. He was born March 15, 1847, a son of Germund O. and. Mary ( Evenson ) Haugen, natives of Norway. The parents came to this country in 1855 and it took them nine weeks to cross the Atlantic. Coming directly to Winneshiek county, the father arrived here when pioneer conditions still prevailed and purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of land in Springfield township, set himself to the task of clearing it and bringing it under cultivation. He was a cabinet-maker by trade and during his first year here worked at that occupation in Decorah, receiving one dollar per day, while he hired a man to look after his agricultural interests, paying him twenty-five cents. These figures tend to give an indica- tion as to the value of money in those early days. The father improved the farm, bringing it gradually to a good state of productivity, until his death, which occurred in 1866. The mother survived him many years, her demise taking place in March, 1913, at the age of ninety-one years and seven months.
O. G. Haugen was about eight years of age when he came to America with his parents. When of school age he began to attend the district school near his father's farm and subsequently took a course at Worthington's Commercial Col- lege at Madison, Wisconsin, graduating from that institution with the class of 1872. Returning home, he then rented the family homestead and operated other rented farms for about ten years with ever increasing success, being enabled at the end of that period to acquire by purchase one hundred and twenty acres of
MR. AND MRS. O. G. HAUGEN
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land on sections 2 and 3 in Springfield township. Energetic and industrious, he gave his whole attention to clearing and improving the property, erecting build- ings and installing machinery, and that he has succeeded is evident from the fact that the land which he purchased at thirteen dollars per acre is now valued at about one hundred and twenty-five dollars an acre. In 1909 Mr. Haugen bought one hundred and ten adjoining acres and he has ever since operated his two tracts together, his annual returns increasing in a gratifying degrec.
In September, 1877, Mr. Haugen was united in marriage to Miss Olena Viste, a daughter of Ole and Sigrid (Oppen) Viste, both natives of Norway. The father emigrated to America in 1853, locating first in Wisconsin, but the fol- lowing year came to Winneshiek county, where he engaged in agricultural pur- suits. He retired from the active cultivation of his farm in 1895 and passed away March 8, 1905, after having attained the venerable age of eighty-eight years. The mother is still living and now makes her home, at the age of eighty-four years, with her son, Olaus Viste. Mr. and Mrs. Haugen became the parents of eight children, as follows: Gustav, a resident of North Dakota; Thomas, at home: Albert ; Edwin; Mary, who lives in Decorah; Bertha, a trained nurse ; Agnes, in Decorah, who is training to become a nurse ; and Sophia, whose demise occurred in March, 1913.
Mr. Haugen has ever taken a deep interest in matters of public import and upon the foundation of the new progressive party eagerly embraced its principles in the hope that by the realization of its ideals may be obtained valuable improve- ments which will relieve politics of contamination and restore to the masses political power. He also believes that the new party is predestined to relieve the living conditions of the wage earner and that with its coming a new era of greater prosperity and greater freedom will dawn upon the nation. He has been active in the public life of his community, having served as township assessor for the past three years and has also served as trustee. He is a stockholder in the Nord- ness Creamery Company and Nordness Telephone Company, having formerly been manager of the former. Later he was for a time in charge of the Red Oak Creamery and is still interested in the Farmers Hog Company of Decorah. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and he exemplifies its teachings in his everyday life. He has become a valuable and useful factor in his commu- nity and is highly respected and esteemed for what he has accomplished and as one of those who has witnessed the evolution of this district from primitive condi- tions to the present state of civilization,-one, who not only has witnessed the development, but who has actively labored to bring it about.
THEODORE H. ORVELLA.
There is no more progressive and able farmer in Winneshiek county than Theodore H. Orvella, whose fine homestead of one hundred and sixty acres lies on sections 14, 13, 23 and 24, Springfield township, and constitutes the farm upon which his entire life has been spent. Upon this property he was born September I, 1866, a son of Hans and Ingeborg Orvella, of whom more extended mention is made elsewhere in this work.
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In his childhood Theodore II. Orvella aided with the operation of the farm, dividing his time between these duties and attendance at the district school, and becoming while still a young man an able and progressive agriculturist. Eventu- ally he rented the homestead and thus conducted it for about twenty years, or until after the death of his father, when he purchased the property which he has since improved and operated along progressive and modern lines. Upon this one hundred and sixty acres lying on sections 14, 13, 23 and 24, there are four- teen modern buildings all in good repair and the equipment of the farm is thorough in every respect, the machinery being all modern and up-to-date. Every- thing about the property reflects the owner's careful and practical supervision and the farm may well be ranked among the best improved and best equipped in this section of the state.
Mr. Orvella is a stockholder in the Nordness Creamery Company, the Nord- ness Telephone Company and the Union Produce Company of Ossian and is widely known as a man of resourcefulness and discriminating business ability. He is a devout member of the Lutheran church and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. In the community where he resides and where his entire life has been spent he is widely known and respected, his sterling qualities of character having gained him the confidence and good-will of all who are associated with him.
SIMON R. YAGER.
The activities of Simon R. Yager have in various ways influentially affected the city of his residence, for he has since 1893 conducted the Calmar Courier and has here, since 1884, in partnership with a brother, conducted a jewelry store which is one of the foremost establishments of its kind in this part of the county. A man of ability and public spirit, he has also served as city clerk and mayor and now holds a position in connection with the school board. A native of Winneshick county, Iowa, he was born May 30, 1861, his parents being Henry and Mary (Musser) Yager, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Pennsylvania. The father was one of the pioneer settlers of Winneshiek county, coming here in 1857. He bought a farm at that time which he improved and cul- tivated until the fall of 1892, in which year he was elected county treasurer, serv- ing one term. He then resided in Calmar for one year, removing at the end of that period to Riceville, this state, where he resided until his death, which occurred on March 10, 1908, at the age of eighty-one years. The mother is still living at Riceville, Iowa, at the age of eighty-eight years.
Simon R. Yager was reared at home and in the acquirement of his education attended the district schools and also Breckenridge Institute at Decorah. He remained with his family on the farm until he reached his majority and then taught country school for about four years, learning at the end of that period the jeweler's and watchmaker's trade, which he followed for a few years. He then learned the trade of printer and in 1893 issued the Calmar Courier, which he has conducted ever since. It is one of the substantial papers of the county. In the passing years it has increased in circulation and in value as an advertising
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medium. Mr. Yager follows the most up-to-date methods, giving his readers valuable news service, comprising not only items of local interest but also detailed accounts of the happenings in the state, nation and world. As he has built up a circulation his advertising space has increased, making his paper one of the valuable properties in the county. His editorials are lucid and to the point and are often employed to further the public spirit of his locality and the promotion of public improvements of importance. In 1884 Mr. Yager, in partnership with his brother Franklin, established a jewelry store in Calmar, which they have successfully conducted since, it being the oldest enterprise of the kind in the city. This establishment is conducted under the name of Yager Brothers, while his newspaper interests carries the name of Calmar Courier, S. R. Yager, editor and proprietor. The success Mr. Yager has made is the more creditable as he started out in life without means or influence, having but five dollars in his pocket when arriving in Calmar. He owns the building which is occupied by the jewelry store and printing establishment, the year of its erection being 1895. As prosperity has come to him he has made other judicious investments, owning valuable farm lands in other states and city property in Calmar besides his hand- some residence.
On April 27, 1888, Mr. Yager married Miss Emma Desmond, a daughter of James and Susan (Heberling) Desmond, natives of Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Yager have three children: Harry, aged twenty-four, who assists his father; Walter, twenty-one years of age, who is employed in the same manner; and Florence, aged fourteen, still attending school.
In politics Mr. Yager is independent, following his own judgment in sup- porting candidates. He attends the Methodist church. Fraternally he belongs to the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias. A man strongly marked by char- acter, he has come to be recognized as a forceful element in the community. whose activities have strongly affected the commercial and public life of the city. His sterling traits of character have won him the high regard and con- fidence of all who know him, and while he has attained individual success has been a serviceable factor in the upbuilding of Calmar and the development of WVinneshiek county.
HENRY BRUENING.
Through well directed business activity and enterprise Henry Bruening has gained recognition as one of the prosperous farmers of Winneshiek county. He owns a highly improved tract of land in Washington township and since his birth has lived in this community, his labors in his active years contributing not only to his own prosperity but proving also effective forces in advancing general development. He was born in Washington township, Winneshiek county, March 3, 1872, and is a son of John and Christina (Wellert) Bruening, natives of Germany, who came to Iowa about 1863. The father purchased land in Winne- shiek county and continued to reside thereon until his death, which occurred in 1882, he having survived his wife since 1879. They became the parents of eight children: Mary, deceased; Herman and Mary, who have also passed away ;
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Henry, of this review; John, who resides in Washington township; Catherine. deceased : Antone, of Minnesota; and Elizabeth, who has passed away.
Early familiar with the best agricultural methods and with all the details of farm operation, Henry Bruening began his independent career at the age of fourteen, working at farming in the employ of others and renting until 1902. In that year he purchased one hundred and ninety-five acres on sections 2 and 3, Washington township, and upon this property he has since resided. He has made substantial improvements, erecting a fine modern dwelling, barns and out- buildings, and a silo with a capacity of one hundred and fifteen tons. He engages in general farming and stock-raising. his live-stock interests claiming a great deal of his attention. He raises and breeds fine grade hogs and this forms a profitable branch of his business.
Mr. Bruening married, on the 3d of November, 1896, Miss Mary Kennebeck, a daughter of John and Christina Kennebeck, natives of Germany, who after- ward came to Wisconsin, where they now reside. They became the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are still living. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bruening were born six children: Bernard J., whose birth occurred on the 28th of September, 1899: Elsie, who was born September 11. 1900, and who died June 11, of the following year : Charles, whose birth occurred March 2, 1902; Aloysius, born November 4, 1904: Albert, August 29, 1906; and Clara, January 14, 1909.
Mr. Bruening is a member of the Roman Catholic church and politically gives his allegiance to the democratic party. He is an active and willing worker for the upbuilding and advancement of his native community and stands high in the regard of all who know him, while his acquaintance covers a wide territory, because of the extent of his business interests.
HARRY E. MILLER.
Since Harry E. Miller has occupied the position of county superintendent of schools of Winneshiek county the cause of education here has received a new impetus. By preparation he is well fitted to fill this important position, and the fate of the youth rests in good hands when under his guidance. Born in Germany, near the Holland border. November 9, 1877, he is a son of John \. and Margaret (Grote) Miller. The father, a native of Germany and a farmer by occupation, came to the United States in 1879 and located in Buena Vista county, lowa, there engaging in agricultural pursuits until March, 1913, when he sold his farm and removed to Los Angeles, California, to enjoy in well earned rest the competence which he had earned. His wife is also a native of Germany, their marriage taking place several years before they left the fatherland.
In the acquirement of his education Harry E. Miller attended school in Storm Lake, lowa, graduating from the high school there with the class of 1897. He then began teaching school near his home, being so engaged for two years and then entered Buena Vista College, taking a two years' course and completing his studies at Charles City, Iowa, with the class of 1904, receiving for his work the degree of B. A. Mr. Miller then taught science in the Emmets-
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burg (Iowa) high school for two years, at the end of which period he was elected superintendent of schools at Clermont, Iowa, remaining in that position for the same period of time. He then went to Calmar, Winneshiek county, as superintendent of schools, discharging his duties with such efficiency and evident results that he was taken in view for the position of county superintendent. He resigned on Christmas day of 1912 to enter upon his new duties, having been elected on the republican ticket in the fall of that year. His wide experience and natural ability in dealing with teachers and children highly qualified him for his position and an era of progress in educational matters may well be pre- dicted under his administration.
In August, 1904, Mr. Miller married Miss Matilda Martin, a daughter of Herman and Paulina ( Stoelting) Martin, both of German descent but natives of this country. They made their home at Storm Lake, Iowa, at the time of the marriage of their daughter to our subject. There they still live, occupying a prominent position in the life of the community, where the father is well known in commercial circles as a contractor and builder. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have four children : Harriet, born June 7, 1905, who attends public school in Decorah ; Ruth, born August 1, 1907, who also attends school; Katharyn, born April 6, 1909: and Gladys, born December 5, 1911.
Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Miller takes an active part in the public life of Decorah and the county and is widely popular not only in the profession but with the general public, who rightfully expect great things from his admin- istration. Politically he is a stanch republican and both he and his wife give their adherence to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they are devout members. Along professional lines Mr. Miller is a member of the lowa State Teachers Association and also of the Big 5 Teachers Association, comprising five counties, and served last year as chairman of the executive committee and is now serving as president of the committee. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, being a member of Copestone Lodge, No. 509, A. F. & A. M., of Calmar. It is a conspicuous compliment to the ability of Mr. Miller that he was carried to victory by his constituents to the important office which he now holds, and there is no doubt that he will justify the confidence reposed in him by a course of action which will mark his administration as one of the most beneficial to the interests of the county.
JOHN J. BRUENING.
Winneshiek county numbers among its valued and worthy native sons John J. Bruening, who since 1899 has devoted practically all of his attention to the development and improvement of his farm of ninety-eight acres in Washington township. He was born on the 2d of June, 1874, and is a son of John Charles and Christina Bruening, of whom further mention is made on another page of this work. He began his independent career at the early age of thirteen, engaging in farming in the employ of others for some years thereafter. At the age of twenty-five years he was an able and practical agriculturist and he then pur- chased land of his own, buying the ninety-eight acres in Washington township
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upon which he now resides. His land is highly improved with the necessary buildings and equipment and is in an excellent state of cultivation, Mr. Bruening dividing his attention between the cultivation of his fields and the conduct of his extensive stock-raising interests. He is very careful in the operation of his property and has everything on hand with which to pursue farming by modern methods.
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Mr. Bruening married, on the 19th of October, 1897, Miss Anna Hemmer, a daughter of John and Mary Ann ( Weller) Hemmer, natives of Germany, the former of whom came to America as a young man, locating in Winneshiek county, where he engaged in merchandising, dying when his daughter was only five years of age. He and his wife became the parents of five children : Mary and Henry, both deceased; Anna, the wife of the subject of this review; Catherine, who married Henry Zender, of Austin, Minnesota ; and Barbara, who has passed away. The father had been previously married to Miss Louisa Votova, and to this union were born two children: Margaret, who married Victor Zender, of Cresco ; and John, who resides in Austin, Iowa. After the death of John Hemmer his widow married George Wahnfurter, and they became the parents of two daughters: Barbara, the wife of Peter Zender, of Austin, Iowa; and Elizabeth, who has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Bruening became the parents of five children : Albert, who was born May 28, 1900, and who died October 25th of the same year ; Edward Joseph, born May 18, 1902; Frances, who was born on the 29th of June, 1906, and who died on the 8th of December, 1907; Marion, who was born April 23, 1909, passing away on the same day, and Margaret Regina, born on the 25th of February, 1913.
Mr. Bruening gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and his religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church. A man of excellent qualities of character, of strong and resolute purpose, indus- trious and enterprising, he is well known throughout the community for his uprightness and honesty and he merits and enjoys the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends.
WILLIAM M. LEE.
A native of Decorah, William M. Lee, county engineer of Winneshiek county, is widely and favorably known by all, and most appreciated by those who have known him from his boyhood and who take an interest in his career. Born on September 6, 1887, he is a son of David and Mary ( Tobiason) Lee, the former a native of Norway and the latter of this county. The father had learned the tailor's trade in his native land and after coming to America followed the same here. He first located in Wisconsin, remaining a short time there, but in 1871 came to Decorah and subsequently established. in part- nership with a brother, a merchant tailoring establishment which he conducted until his demise, which occurred in December, 1910. at the age of sixty years. The mother survives at the age of fifty-seven years.
William M. Lee was reared under the parental roof and, acquiring his education in the local schools, was graduated from the Decorah high school
WILLIAM M. LEE
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with the class of 1906. To better prepare himself for a business career he then attended Valder Business College and subsequently entered the Iowa State University of Iowa City, where he took up an engineering course. Returning to Decorah he then accepted a position as deputy county surveyor under F. E. Cratsenberg, working in that capacity for two months, when, Mr. Cratsenberg resigning, Mr. Lee was appointed by the board of supervisors county sur- veyor on August 24, 1910. At the regular election of November 8, 1910, he was elected to that position and has served as such ever since although in July, 1911, by a new law, the name of the office was changed from that of surveyor to that of engineer. On the ist of May, 1913, Mr. Lee was also appointed county highway engineer.
Mr. Lee makes his home with his mother at 603 East Main street, Decorah. He is a member of the local fire department and politically is a republican, while his religion is that of the Lutheran church. While yet a young man he has made a notable record in an important county office and has demon- strated abilities which foretell a bright and prosperous future.
OLE P. ODE.
Holding a foremost position in the financial circles of Winneshiek county, Ole P. Ode has been in many ways instrumental in the general upbuilding of his locality. Not only is he cashier and manager of the Winneshiek County Bank of Calmar, in which he is also a director and stockholder, but is interested in a number of other important financial institutions in the county. Moreover, he has given evidence of his public spirit by acceptably filling various positions of trust, serving on the school board and doing efficient work as treasurer of Calmar and member of the council. Born in Springfield township, Winneshiek county, Iowa, on November 15, 1867, the parents of Mr. Ode are Peter G. and Jorend (Riesty) Ode, natives of Norway. The father came to America in the '50s and, locating in Winneshiek county, purchased land in Springfield township, which he cleared and improved indefatigably. He devoted himself to this labor, overcoming obstacles and enduring the hardships of pioneer life, his industry and energy carrying him to success, and he now owns in that section a valuable property which he has ever since operated. He is seventy-eight years of age and the mother is also living at the age of seventy-three.
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