USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 8
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
A man who deeply interests himself in the public welfare, Dr. Conover has closely associated himself with the public life of Calmar, of which city he has served as mayor for two terms, giving the community an excellent administration productive of many valuable and beneficial measures. He is still connected with the city government, being a member of the town council and continuing his valuable work in that capacity. Politically he is a democrat and fraternally a Modern Woodman of America. His offices, which are well and modernly equipped with all appliances of the latest type, are located in the Winneshiek County Bank building. His arrival in the city added a valuable citizen to the community life whose service has been of distinct benefit in the cause of advancement and development.
ALOYS HOLTHAUS.
Aloys Holthaus, one of the public-spirited and progressive citizens of Wash- ington township, whose labors have been of material and substantial value to the community in the line of agricultural progress, makes his home on a fine farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres, upon which he has resided continuously since 1885. Winneshiek county numbers him among her most progressive and successful native sons, his birth having occurred in the township where he now lives, June 20, 1862. His parents were Theodore and Elizabeth (Fershaus) Holthaus, natives of Germany, the former of whom came to America in 1848 and after spending two years in Wisconsin came as a pioneer to Winneshiek county, Iowa. Here he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 13, Washington township, and after developing it for a short time returned to Germany and married, bringing his wife immediately to his new home in Iowa. Upon his farm he continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits. for many years, dying upon his holdings May 29, 1880. His wife survived him only a few years, dying October 27, 1885. To their union were born nine chil- dren : Theodore, deceased; August, who lives in Washington township; Agatha,
88
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
who is married and resides at Parkston, South Dakota; Dorothea, who married Emil Unbreiner, of the same city ; Aloys, of this review ; Laura, deceased ; Julius, who has also passed away ; Clemence, of Carroll, Iowa ; and Christina, a Sister in a convent at La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Aloys Holthaus was reared upon his father's farm in Washington township and in his childhood divided his time between his studies at the district school and work in the cultivation of the homestead. In 1885, when the estate was divided, he received his share, which was one hundred and twenty-six acres, and with characteristic energy he turned his attention to its improvement and cultivation. Persistently and energetically he has continued the work year after year until he has now a well improved property, classed with the model farms of this vicinity. Upon it he has erected a fine home, barns and outbuildings and has installed modern machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. In addition to general farming he raises stock, keeping a fine herd of thoroughbred short- horn cattle. His interests are carefully managed and capably conducted and he is justly accounted one of the most active farmers and progressive business men of this section of Iowa.
On the 13th of October, 1891, Mr. Holthaus was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Funke, a daughter of Clemens and Gertrude Funke, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Holthaus have become the parents of nine children, Rosie, Julius, Florian, Regina, Hildegarde, Bertie, Aloys, Elenora and Victor.
Mr. Holthaus is a member of the Roman Catholic church, and gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has rendered his township excel- lent service as trustee, an office which he filled with credit and distinction for two terms. In an analyzation of his life it will be seen that persistent and earn- est work has constituted the foundation upon which he has built his prosperity and his record is a credit to the community where his entire life has been passed.
EDMUND E. BERG.
Edmund E. Berg is one of the prominent bankers of Decorah and has done much by his quick rise and rapid success to justify the prestige in which he is held. Connected with the Decorah State Bank since 1907, he was soon after- ward elected assistant cashier of the institution and since 1912 has held the office of cashier, discharging his duties with ability, and his judgment upon matters pertaining to his business is seldom at fault. Born in Freeborn county, Minne- sota, April 26, 1880, he is a son of Elmer J. and Gunhild (Alvig) Berg, natives of Norway. The father was trained along mercantile and agricultural lines and for years was employed in the big stores of Christiania, Norway's beautiful cap- ital. Coming to the United States he located in Freeborn county, Minnesota, where for a time he engaged in the mercantile business but later took up farin- ing. He still lives on the farm but his wife died there in 1882.
Edmund E. Berg attended the public schools in the neighborhood of his father's farm and subsequently entered Luther Academy at Albert Lea, Minne- sota, from which he was graduated in 1902. He then taught for three years in
EDMUND E. BERG
91
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
schools of Freeborn county, Minnesota, and subsequently followed his profes- sion in western North Dakota. Being attracted by a commercial career he then entered the Bank of Elbow Lake, Minnesota, and after a short time went from that place to Roseau, Minnesota, as bookkeeper and teller in the bank there, remaining for one year. Becoming familiar with the work at hand and showing ability his promotion was rapid and in the next year he became cashier of the Citizens Bank of Barrett, Minnesota, remaining there for one year or until the spring of 1907, when he came to Decorah to become connected with the Decorah State Bank as bookkeeper. At the next meeting of the board he was elected assistant cashier, ably serving in that capacity until 1912, when he was made cashier and was reelected in 1913. The years of his connection with the Decorah State Bank have been years of profitable expansion for the institution and the work of Mr. Berg has been an important contributory factor in extending the bank's interests. The Decorah State Bank is one of the substantial organizations of the city and county and was organized in the fall of 1906 with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. Today it shows a surplus of seventy-five hundred dollars, giving an indication of the sound business policy pursued. The present officers of the bank are: R. A. Engbertson, president ; G. E. Soland, vice pres- ident ; E. E. Berg, cashier ; A. R. Johnson, assistant cashier, and Ruby R. Engbert- son, bookkeeper and teller. In addition to the president, vice president and cashier, the board of directors consist of E. J. Hook, T. Stabo, L. S. Reque and Borger Hanson.
On April 10, 1907. Mr. Berg married Miss Edith Brauer, a daughter of Fer- dinand Brauer, who is a retired farmer of Mabel, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Berg are devoted members of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church of Decorah, the latter being also affiliated with the Ladies Aid Society, while Mr. Berg is serving as church treasurer. In politics he gives his allegiance to the republican party but does not actively participate in public affairs although he keeps well informed upon the issues of the day as they affect the nation, state and his locality. Socially both he and his wife are highly esteemed and they are popular in the younger social set.
CLEMENS SCHOLBROCK.
Clemens Scholbrock, engaged in general farming and stock-raising on sec- tion 13. Washington township, is one of Winneshiek county's native sons. his birth having occurred in the section where he now resides on the 28th of October, 1857. He is a son of Henry and Louisa ( Richter) Scholbrock, natives of Ger- many, who came to America in early life and after spending eight years in Wis- consin came to Winneshiek county, where the father engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1889, having survived his wife for some time. To this union were born three children: Henry and Theodore, of Minnesota; and Clemens, of this review.
The last named was reared upon his father's farm and from his childhood has been familiar with the details of farm operation, dividing his time between his studies in the district school and his duties as assistant in the work of the
92
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
homestead. At twenty-one he began his independent career, renting land, which he developed and improved until he was thirty-eight years of age, at which time he bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 13, Washington township, upon which he has since resided. This property he has substantially improved, erecting the necessary buildings and installing modern machinery, and here he carries on general farming and stock-raising. his interests being well managed and, therefore, profitable and important.
On the 18th of May, 1892, Mr. Scholbrock was united in marriage to Miss Annie Lechtenberg, and they became the parents of ten children: Mary, in a convent at La Crosse, Wisconsin ; and Herman, William, Matilda, Joseph, Re- lindis, Clemens, Louisa, Albert and Annie.
Mr. Scholbrock gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is a member of the Roman Catholic church. In the community where he was born and where his entire life has been spent he is well known and favorably regarded, his integrity, ability and enterprise having gained him the esteem and respect of all who come in contact with him.
THOMAS H. GOHEEN.
Although the firm of Goheen & Conley was established in Calmar, Iowa, only in July, 1912, they are enjoying already a large practice and are connected with much important litigation coming before the courts of this locality. Both partners are well versed in the law and enjoy a high standing in the community, being respected by all who know them.
Thomas H. Goheen, the senior member of the firm, was born in Chickasaw county, Iowa, on July 22, 1879, and is a son of Thomas H. and Mary ( Mc- Carthy) Goheen, natives of Wisconsin. The father came to Chickasaw county in an early day of the history of that section, it being about the same year in which the Milwaukee railroad built their line through Lawler, Iowa. There he purchased land, clearing and improving the property and operating the farm until 1898 with gratifying success, when he retired and moved to Lawler, which he made his home until he passed away on December 19, 1907, the mother hav- ing preceded him in death on July 3, 1898.
Thomas H. Goheen was educated in Chickasaw county, attending the district schools near his father's farm and also the public schools of Lawler. Upon the completion of his education he accepted a position as clerk with McCarthy & Company, general merchants, being made after three years manager of the concern, which position he held for two more years. Showing preference for a professional career, he decided to study law and for that purpose entered the Illinois College of Law at Chicago, from which he graduated with the class of 1906, receiving the degree of LL. B. Taking honors, he was given a half year's scholarship and in 1907 received from the same institution the degree of LL. M. He then went to Armour, South Dakota, and commenced there the practice of law in June, 1908, remaining for one year, when he removed to his old home in Lawler, where he practiced for a similar period. In June, 1910, he came to Calmar and has practiced here ever since, admitting in July, 1912, F. J. Conley
93
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
to a partnership. The firm name is now Goheen & Conley, the partnership being productive of many excellent results. Mrs. Goheen is also an attorney, being admitted to the bar in South Dakota, and practiced for some time with her hus- band under the name of Goheen & Goheen.
On July 28, 1902, Mr. Goheen married Nora E. Larson, a daughter of Lewis and Bridget (O'Malley) Larson, the father a native of Norway and the mother of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Goheen had two children: Edna Marie, aged six ; and one who died in infancy. Politically Mr. Goheen is a democrat, keeping well informed upon all questions of the day affecting public affairs. His ability as a lawyer found recognition in his election to the important position of city solicitor of Calmar, in which he now serves, and he is also a member of the board of education. His faith is that of the Catholic church. Mr. Goheen is well known in fraternal circles, being a member of the Knights of Columbus lodge of Mitchell, South Dakota, and also of the Modern Woodmen of America. Although he is yet a young man, he has built up a reputation which gains for him a profitable business. He is a fluent speaker, has keen perceptive power and an analytical and logical mind, which qualities enable him to always accurately apply the principles of the law to points in litigation. His record as an official has been faultless and he receives high commendation from his constituents for the way in which he represents the interests of his city.
F. J. CONLEY.
F. J. Conley, the junior partner of the firm of Goheen & Conley, was also born in Chickasaw county, this state, and is a son of Michael and Margaret (Mc- Gettigan) Conley, the father a native of Vermont and the mother of Iowa. Our subject was born on January 17, 1879, on the home farm. His father came to Chickasaw county with his parents when he was a mere child and, early becon- ing acquainted with agricultural methods, took up that vocation as his life work, buying and improving a farm which he has ever since successfully operated. The mother is also living. In their family were six children, of whom three are deceased.
F. J. Conley was reared and educated in his native county, where he attended district school and the high school at Ionia. He then entered the Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls, Iowa, graduating in 1903. Removing to Law- ler, he there accepted the position of superintendent of schools, holding that office for five years, and then returned to Chickasaw county, as he was elected to the position of county superintendent of schools. For five years he was so engaged, doing acceptable service in the promotion of the cause of education and improve- ing the personnel of the teaching force in the county. In 1909 he entered St. Paul College of Law, being graduated with the class of 1912, and then came to Calmar, Winneshiek county, Iowa, forming a partnership with T. H. Goheen, and has ever since practiced law in that connection. He is a man not only of book learning but one who has closely studied human nature, and his insight into the motives of man helps him greatly in his professional career. Although he
-
94
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
has engaged in the practice of law for barely a year, he is already recognized as one of the coming men in the profession.
In October, 1905, Mr. Conley was united in marriage to Miss Jensena R. Larson, a daughter of Lewis and Bridget (O'Malley) Larson, the father of Nor- way and the mother of Ireland. Mr. Larson has long resided in this country and is now engaged in the mercantile business in Lawler, Iowa, where the mother is also living. Mr. and Mrs. Conley had four children, namely: Francis L., deceased ; Marjory Marie, who died February 21, 1909: Eileen Agnes, aged four ; and Mary Gertrude, aged one year. Politically Mr. Conley is a democrat and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church. Hle is a member of the Knights of Columbus lodge of Waterloo, lowa. While advancement at the bar is pro- verbially slow, no dreary novitiate awaited him, for he soon demonstrated his ability to capably handle intricate problems and his practice is already of such proportions that he receives gratifying financial returns. Both Mr. Goheen and Mr. Conley are men of sterling traits of character who receive the high regard and confidence of their fellowmen and take as much interest in movements for the general advancement and development as in the promotion of their own suc- cess.
OLE J. NESS.
Ole J. Ness, one of the leading grocers of Decorah, occupies an important position in the business life of his community, having attained success by his industry, perseverance and innate integrity. He was born in Norway, Novem- ber 23, 1865. a son of John O. and Jorend ( Halverson ) Ness, natives of the Norseland. The father followed agricultural pursuits in his native country and in 1870 came to the United States, locating at Highlandsville, Winneshiek county, where he purchased land and engaged in farming. Success attended his labors, his means enabling him to retire in December, 1912, when he came to Decorah, where he and his wife now enjoy a well earned rest.
Ole J. Ness attended the district schools in the acquirement of his education, and in his leisure hours and during vacations assisted in the minor duties on the farm, early becoming acquainted with thorough methods of agriculture. After leaving school he continued at home until twenty years of age, when he accepted a position as clerk in the general store of Mr. Schelldorf. of Highlandsville. He remained in that connection for eight years and then came to Decoralı, estab- lishing a grocery store on West Water street, which is now occupied by the Selz- Schwab Shoe Company. Later Mr. Ness removed to the store which is now the home of the Public Opinion and in 1909 purchased his present property at No. 400 West Water street, where he has since been located. His store is modern and up-to-date in its appointments and the management leaves nothing to be desired. He carries an extensive line of staples and fancy groceries, meats, shoes and notions, and giving his attention to the smallest detail of the work has by the gracious manner in which he treats his customers and by his fairness and integrity built up an extensive and profitable business.
On June 8, 1893, Mr. Ness married Miss Martha C. Anderson, a daughter of T. G. and Maria Anderson, both natives of Norway, and the former a farmer
.
95
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
by occupation. Upon their arrival in the United States the parents located in Highland township, where Mr. Anderson successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He brought his land to a high state of productivity, made high-class improvements and installed such equipment as is considered indispensable to modern agriculture. In 1897 Mr. and Mrs. Anderson came to Decorah, where they both still make their home. Mrs. Ness was born on February 28, 1872, on her parents' farm in Highland township, her marriage to our subject taking place in the Big Canoe church. She passed away unexpectedly, April 14, 1910, deeply mourned by her immediate family and her many friends. She was a woman of many fine qualities of mind and character and rare accomplishments. Mr. Ness is now devoting his life to his children, who are: Melvina, aged seven- teen, a student in the Lutheran Ladies Seminary at Red Wing, Minnesota; Janette, born in 1900, attending the Decorah Lutheran parochial school; Thelma, born in 1903, who attends the same school; Mildred, born in 1905, also attend- ing there ; and Louise, born January 24, 1907. Two sons of the family have passed away : James Harris, aged five months; and an infant, who died at the time of the mother's demise.
Mr. Ness gives his allegiance to the republican party and holds membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which his wife also was a member, and to which all the children belong. He still owns a half interest in the old homestead in Highland township. He keeps alive the spirit of his native land by holding membership in the Norske Selskab society of Decorah, in which he is popular. Progressive and a successful business man, Mr. Ness is an important factor in the social life of Decorah, receiving the good-will and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact in a business or social way.
RUDOLPH J. BECKER.
The attention of Rudolph J. Becker is largely taken up by his extensive real- estate business, in which he has been engaged in Calmar since 1905. He is not only laying the foundation of individual prosperity but his activities largely affect the progress and upbuilding of his city, and as the years go by he becomes more and more important as a factor in the general advancement. He was born in Ossian, this county, on February 12, 1884, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Dessel) Becker, natives of Germany. The father, upon coming to America, located in Ossian at an early day in the history of this section and after having settled here two years engaged in the hardware business, in which line he still continues. The mother is also surviving.
Rudolph J. Becker was reared at home and in the acquirement of his educa- tion attended the public schools of Ossian and Calmar. He then accepted a position as clerk in a dry-goods store in Ossian, so continuing for one year, when he went to Chicago, becoming connected with the firm of Marshall Field & Company for four years, in which relation he worked up to an important posi- tion in that large establishment. He then removed to New York city, continuing along the same line, but only remained for eight months before he returned to Iowa, locating in Manilla and becoming manager of a general store there, holding
96
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
the position for one year. At the end of that time he engaged in the real-estate business in Sioux City, Iowa, remaining until 1905, which year marks his arrival in Calmar, where he has since successfully followed his business. He is well informed upon local real-estate values and his judgment upon matters pertaining to his business is sound. His advice is often sought by local and foreign investors and as the years have passed he has built up a business which is extensive and assures him of a gratifying income. He has a handsome, well furnished office, from which he directs his affairs.
In May, 1912, Mr. Becker was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Meyer, a daughter of Peter and Julia Meyer, residents of Calmar. Mr. and Mrs. Becker are the parents of one son, Laurence P., who is now one month old.
Progressive and public-spirited, Mr. Becker upholds all movements under- taken to promote public progress, although he has never cared to accept office. Politically he is independent. following his judgment in supporting candidates irrespective of party lines. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church and fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. As his means have increased he has made judicious investments and besides extensive property in Calmar owns other valuable farm land in Winneshiek county. A young man of aggressive tendencies. he has become a serviceable factor in the upbuilding of his city and enjoys the high regard and confidence of all who know him. His career is proof of the fact that energy and industry will carry the day and that success is but ambition's answer.
NESTE BROTHERS.
Madison township finds worthy and progressive representatives of its agri- cultural interests in Theodore and Otto Neste, who own and operate one hundred and sixty acres of fine land on section 26 and are numbered among the most successful of the younger farmers of this vicinity. The brothers are twins and were born upon the property they now occupy on the 16th of January, 1886, sons of Knute K. and Gro Neste, natives of Norway. When the father came to America he located at McGregor, Iowa, where for some time he worked in the timber. Eventually he came to Winneshiek county, purchasing land in Madi- son township. This he cleared, improved and developed, operating it along modern and progressive lines until his death, which occurred on the 4th of January, 1911. His wife passed away in September. 1903.
Theodore and Otto Neste were reared at home and acquired their educa- tion in the district schools of Madison township. later entering Breckenridge Institute at Decorah, Iowa. They have never left the homestead and after the death of their father, in 1910, bought the property, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres on section 26, Madison township. They have improved and operated this since that time and success has steadily attended their well directed efforts and practical methods, the farm being today one of the finest and best managed in this vicinity.
On the 5th of April, 1911, Otto Neste was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Flasherud, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eric O. Flashernd, natives of
KNUTE K. NESTE AND FAMILY
99
PAST AND PRESENT
ANNESHIEK COUNTY
Iowa, the former of whom engages in farming in Madison township. The Neste brothers are stockholders in the Farmers Creamery Company of Decorah and their ability is widely recognized in business circles. They give their political allegiance to the republican party and they are devout members of the Lutheran church. Although still very young they have already made their influence felt in agricultural circles of their township, are reliable business men and public- spirited citizens, and Winneshiek county is proud to number them among her native sons.
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.