USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 9
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REGINALD F. B. PORTMAN.
For many years Reginald F. B. Portman has been importantly connected with the legal business of Winneshiek county and Decorah, but now lives re- tired from active practice, devoting his time largely to looking after his invest- ments and other interests. Born in Staple, Fitzpaine, Taunton, England, Febru- ary 20, 1853, he is a son of Rev. F. B. and Frances Ann ( Darnell) Portman, both natives of the mother country. The Portman family is one of great distinction in England, Viscount Portman, of Bryanston, being a first cousin of our subject. The father was the youngest son in the family and, as is often the case, embraced a ministerial career. He became a rector of the Episcopal church and served as rural dean for Taunton for twenty-five or thirty years. He was also for some time canon of Wells cathedral in Somersetshire, England. He died in 1893, his wife having died some time previously.
Reginald F. B. Portman, of this review, early became connected with Her Majesty's navy, becoming a member of a training ship when twelve years of age. He became a midshipman but his career was cut short after four and a half years of service, when he was discharged on account of an injury on April 21, 1869. He crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1872, locating in Decorah, where there was a large English settlement. He engaged in farming and in the machine shop business as a member of the firm of Horn, Portman & Clive Company until 1877, when he began to read law in the office of C. T. Brown, in Decorah, being admitted to practice in November, 1878. Mr. Port- man then formed a partnership with Mr. Brown under the firm name of Brown & Portman, the relationship continuing for two years, since which time he prac- ticed alone until his retirement. A man who exemplified in his conduct the lofty ideals of an ancient and honorable calling, he honored his profession by paying it honor, and by his adherence to the solid virtues and enlightened principles underlying the law. He soon secured a very extensive practice, success being the best evidence of his capability. Of keen perceptive power, he always applied the principles of the law accurately to the point in litigation. Since retiring from the profession he gives his time largely to his investments and is also prominent in Masonry, in which he holds high rank.
In 1878 Mr. Portman was married to Mrs. Caroline S. Warren, a daughter of John Stewart, for many years a resident of Decorah, now deceased. They had three children: Blanche E., the wife of James H. Duncan, of Decorah ; Vol. II-5
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Frances Catherine, who married Fred C. Reum, of that city; and John F. B., who died on April 15, 1912, at the age of twenty-six years, being at the time assistant cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank of Decorah. Both Mr. and Mrs. Portman are devout members of the Episcopal church of Decorah, in the work of which they take a deep interest. Professionally he is a member of the Win- neshiek County Bar Association. He has for thirty years served as a director of the Citizens Savings Bank and has done efficient work in that connection, holding from 1884 to 1904 the office of vice president. Among official honors which he has held is that of United States commissioner, in which office he served for several years; referee of bankruptcy; and justice of the peace, in which capacity he distributed justice fairly and impartially for two terms. For four- teen years he served as member of the Decorah school board, giving evidence of his interest in the cause of education. His active interest in the community is evident from the fact that he served as the first foreman of the Decorah hook and ladder company and as chief of the fire department from 1870 until 1882. His fraternal connections extend to the Masons, in which order he is a member of the blue lodge, chapter and commandery of Decorah and the Mystic Shrine of Cedar Rapids. He is past grand treasurer of the grand commandery of Iowa and also past grand treasurer of the grand chapter of this state, being widely and prominently known on account of these high positions.
Decorah has greatly profited by the activities of Mr. Portman, who is one of its most honored citizens, his life work having not only resulted in his own suc- cess, important as it is, but has been a serviceable factor in the growth and development of his community and Winneshiek county along moral, intellectual and material lines.
BENJAMIN JOHNSON GRONAAS.
The career of Benjamin Johnson Gronaas, who came to the United States and Winneshiek county about 1886, again establishes the fact that this county offers unlimited opportunities to the man who sets out with a will and determi- nation to grasp them. Mr. Gronaas now owns a valuable farm of eighty acres on section 25, Decorah township, Winneshiek county, where he success- fully engages in agricultural pursuits. With the exception of two years which he spent in the west, he has been a resident of this section since his arrival in America, and has become favorably and widely known in that length of time, being not only an interested witness of the changes that have occurred here but a valuable factor in promoting growth and progress, especially along agricultural lines. Born in Norway on September 16, 1856, he is a son of John and Elizabeth (Bertelsen ) Gronaas, natives of the Norseland. The father was a deep-sea pilot by occupation and so engaged from the age of twenty-five to that of seventy. He passed away in his native country in 1905 at the advanced age of ninety years, his wife preceding him in 1903.
Benjamin Johnson Gronaas was reared under the parental roof and educated in the schools of his native land, laying aside his text-books in order to embark upon a career as a sailor. He entered upon this career when but fifteen years
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of age and so continued until the age of thirty, when he came to America, mak- ing his way inland and locating in Winneshiek county, where for three years he worked as a farm hand. At the end of that time he had by industry and thrift acquired the means to purchase forty acres of land in Decorah township and set about to improve the same, but later sold out and went westward, where for two years he also followed agricultural pursuits. He then returned to Winne- shiek county, acquiring title to eighty acres, and upon this farm he now resides. He has made valuable improvements since entering upon the ownership, has erected a comfortable residence and substantial outbuildings and operates his land according to the latest improved ideas. As the years have passed his place has increased in value to a considerable extent and he is today recognized as one of the substantial agriculturists of his section. Outside of his farming interests he is a stockholder in the Ice Cave Creamery Company of Decorah.
On May 4, 1882, while still in his native land, Mr. Gronaas was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Swenson, a daughter of Gesle and Anna Swenson, natives of Norway, where both have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Gronaas are the parents of ten children, as follows: Bertha, the wife of John Olson, a farmer of Winneshiek county; John, who resides in Decorah ; Ole, who also makes his home in this city; Anna, of Madison, Wisconsin ; Adolph, who holds a position in Ossian, this state; Clara, of Stoughton, Wisconsin; Benjamin, at home; Edward, at home; and Marie and Norman.
Mr. Gronaas gives his allegiance to the Lutheran church, of which he is a member, and politically adheres to the republican party. Interested in the cause of education, he has served as school director of his district for some time and always supports any worthy public enterprise. His career is proof of the fact that success is but ambition's answer, and the record which he has made in this township entitles him to the good-will and confidence of the general public. He has made many friends since settling here and is considered a valuable element in the agricultural growth of Decorah township. While his success is commend- able, the qualities of mind and character which have made possible his prosperity deserve yet higher appreciation, and it is these qualities which rank Mr. Gronaas as a valuable member of society and citizen of Winneshiek county.
EUGENE P. WILLIAMS.
Mapleside Farm is one of the attractive properties of Frankville township. It is situated on section 2 and comprises three hundred and twenty acres of arable land. It is now the property of Eugene P. Williams, who was born upon this place June 14, 1864, a son of C. R. and Melvina (Hubble) Williams. The father's birth occurred in Connecticut, March 17, 1839, while the mother was born in Wisconsin in 1840. She came with her parents to Winneshiek county, Iowa, in 1854, and in the following year C. R. Williams arrived with his parents, Cyrus and Mary (Stanton) Williams, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Massachusetts. Both remained residents of this county throughout their remaining days and Cyrus Williams followed the occupation of farming as a life work. Having reached adult age in this county, C. R. Williams and
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Melvina Hubble were here married and began their domestic life upon a farm, living for a long period on section 2. Frankville township, on the place which is now the home of their son Eugene. Year after year the father carefully tilled the fields and conducted his business interests until he won a substantial measure of success that now enables him to live retired. For the past fourteen years he has resided in Decorah, spending the winter months in California. His prosperity which he gained by operating his farm provides him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. Unto him and his wife have been born four children : Eugene P .: Mary, the wife of Max Walker, of New Hamp- ton, Iowa; Florence, at home; and Edith, the wife of Thomas Webster, of Waukon.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Eugene P. Williams in his boyhood and youth. He worked in the fields when not occupied with his text-books and thus early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. As he grew in years and strength he devoted more and more of his time and attention to the farm work and at length assumed the management of the old home place. He now has three hundred and twenty acres on section 2 and is carrying on general farm- ing and stock-raising, making a specialty of handling shorthorn cattle. The stock which he raises is of good grades and everything about the place indicates the ·careful supervision of a progressive farmer.
In 1899 Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Dora Shattuck, who was born in Waukon, Iowa, May 25, 1876, a daughter of L. and Emily Shat- tuck, the former deceased, while the latter resides near Waukon. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born three children, Helen, Ruth and Frances. The parents are well known, having been life-long residents of this section of the state. Mr. Williams is a republican, but while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day has never sought nor desired public office. He has ever concentrated his energies upon his farm work with the result that sub- stantial success has rewarded his labors.
OLAUS VISTE.
Olaus Viste, who is successfully engaged in the pursuits of farming and stock- raising in Decorah township, owns a tract of two hundred acres of land on section 34, on which he has made his home from his birth to the present time. He was born in September, 1870, a son of Ole and Sigrid (Oppen) Viste, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father emigrated to the United States in 1853 and located first in Wisconsin, but the following year came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, purchasing a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Decorah township, which is now included within that of our subject. He turned his attention to the task of clearing and improving the place and there carried on general agricultural pursuits continuously and successfully until 1895, when he sold the farm to his son Olaus. His demise occurred on the 8th of March, 1905, when he had attained the venerable age of eighty-eight years, the community thus losing one of its most esteemed citizens and a pioneer agricul-
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turist who had lived here for more than a half century. His widow, who makes her home with our subject, is now eighty-four years of age. Their family num- bered thirteen children, nine of whom are living.
Olaus Viste was reared and educated in this county, first attending the district schools and subsequently continuing his studies in Decorah. After putting aside his text-books he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until 1895 and in that year purchased the property, which now embraces two hundred acres of valuable land. He has been successfully engaged in its cultivation to the present time and has enhanced its value by many substantial improvements. In connection with the production of cereals he has also devoted considerable attention to stock-raising, meeting with good results in both branches of his business.
On the 22d of October, 1902, Mr. Viste was united in marriage to Miss Ella Soland, a daughter of Gilbert and Magdalene (Egge) Soland, both of whom were natives of Winneshiek county, Iowa. The mother passed away in 1885, but the father survives and follows farming in Springfield township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Viste have been born two children, namely: Sigrid Bertha Magdalene, whose birth occurred on the 9th of September, 1903; and Olga Ragnhild Gun- hilde, who was born on the 4th of December, 1908, and passed away on the 18th of the same month.
In his political views Mr. Viste is a republican and at present is ably serving as one of the trustees of Decorah township. In religious faith he is a Lutheran. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in Winneshiek county and have an extensive circle of warm friends here.
JOHN N. BRAGESTAD.
John N. Bragestad, one of the worthy native sons of Winneshiek county, has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and is the owner of a well improved and productive farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 35, Decorah township. He was born on that place on the 6th of December, 1863, and it has always remained his home. His parents, Nels and Gunvor (Naglestad) Bragestad. were both natives of Norway. The father, who emigrated to the United States in the '50S, located first in Wisconsin but subsequently came to Iowa and purchased land in Decorah township, this county. In the cultivation and improvement of that property he was busily engaged throughout the remainder of his life, passing away in 1885. The mother was called to her final rest in 1894. They enjoyed an extensive acquaintance throughout the community and well merited the respect and esteem which were uniformly accorded them.
John N. Bragestad was here reared and educated, attending the district schools and also pursuing a course of study in Breckenridge Institute of Decorah. He had early become acquainted with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for crops under the able direction of his father, whom he assisted in the work of the home farm until the latter's death, when the property came into his possession. It comprises one hundred and twenty acres of rich and pro-
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duetive land, and the many improvements which may now be found thereon are largely due to the enterprise and thrift of its present owner. Bounteous harvests annually reward his labors and bring him a gratifying financial return. He is the secretary and a stockholder of the Nordness Creamery Company and well deserves recognition among the substantial and representative citizens of his native county.
Mr. Bragestad gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as trustee of Decorah township, making a creditable record in that con- nection. In religious faith he is a Lutheran. He holds the office of treasurer of the Norwegian Mutual Insurance Company of Winneshiek county and is widely recognized as an able business man. Mr. Bragestad is unmarried and lives with his sister Anna. He has witnessed the growth and transformation of this county for the past half century and his own labors have been a factor in the work of general development and upbuilding.
WILLIAM B. INGVOLDSTAD.
A man who largely through his own efforts has attained one of the foremost positions in the commercial life of Decorah is William B. Ingvoldstad, owner of one of the largest lumberyards in the city, the business being conducted under the firm name of Ingvoldstad & Company. In a comparatively short time he has built up a large and prosperous enterprise which returns to him gratifying finan- cial results, and in 1910 was enabled to buy out the business of his first employer. thereby enlarging the capacity of his yard to a considerable extent. Born in Decorah, Iowa, June 21, 1875. William B. Ingvoldstad is a son of Peter O. and Josephine ( Engbertson ) Ingvoldstad, natives of Norway. In their family were twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, and inclusive of the parents they celebrated a family birthday every month in the year. All of the children are now living and are a credit to the family name. After the father came to this country he located in Decorah at an early date in the history of the city, and being a carpenter by trade engaged in that business until his demise, which occurred in April. 1902. He was known as a contractor and builder and erected a large portion of the residences and business houses in Decorah. The mother yet sur- vives him.
William B. Ingvoldstad was reared under the parental roof and was early grounded in the old-fashioned virtues of industry and honesty, attending in the acquirement of his education the public schools of his native city. Deciding upon a commercial career, he then entered the employ of the Wilbur Lumber Company, remaining with that firm for about six years. Having become well acquainted with the details of the business and possessing no mean business ability, he en- gaged on March 1, 1898, in partnership with E. K. Hovden, in the lumber busi- ness at the corner of Washington street and Broadway, the partnership continu- ing until October, 1905, when our subject acquired Mr. Hovden's interest and has since continued the business under the firm name of Ingvoldstad & Company. In February, 1910, Mr. Ingvoldstad bought out the Wilbur Lumber Company, whose yard adjoined his property, and his firm is now one of the largest in this
WILLIAM B. INGVOLDSTAD
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part of the state, occupying a block of ground. Success has attended his efforts and his attainments must be largely ascribed to the ready utilization he has made of every opportunity that has presented itself.
On August 20, 1903, Mr. Ingvoldstad married Miss Sophia Larson, a daugh- ter of C. L. and Josephine ( Pederson) Larson, natives of Norway. The father is a bookbinder by trade and at an early date came to Decorah, where he has since resided. He is foreman of the bookbinding department of the Lutheran Publishing Company, with which concern he has been connected for about four decades. The mother passed away in 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Ingvoldstad have three children : Carsten W., aged eight ; Lester R., six; and R. Kenneth, three. The family home, which is one of the handsome residences of Decorah, is located at No. 816 River street, and Mr. Ingvoldstad owns besides valuable residence prop- erty. The religious faith of the family is that of the Lutheran church. A man of discriminating judgment and no mean ability, Mr. Ingvoldstad has come to be recognized as one of the forceful elements in the business life of the city, and by his sterling traits of character has won the high regard and confidence of all those with whom he has come in contact in a business or social way.
HENRY A. HOVER.
Henry A. Hover needs no introduction to the readers of a history of Winne- shiek county, for his name has been known and honored in this part of Iowa since pioneer times and his worthy record has added greatly to the credit in which it has so long been held. He is one of the most progressive and able farmers in Pleasant township, his attractive homestead lying on section 8, being visible evidence of his thrift, energy and practical methods in its development. He is a native son of this township, born on a farm about one mile from his present property, on the 4th of April, 1868, his parents being Hover Evenson and Bertha (Larson) Hoyme, natives of Norway, the former born June 15, 1818, and the latter March 14, 1822. Their marriage occurred in that country about 1843 and five years later they crossed the Atlantic to America. settling first in Dane county, Wisconsin, where the father worked at the blacksmith's trade, which he had learned in the city of Bergen, Norway. In 1851, in com- pany with about thirty families, the parents of the subject of this review jour- neyed overland with ox teams, locating in Pleasant township, Winneshiek county, Iowa, in the same year. Pioneer conditions prevailed everywhere, the land being covered with timber and unbroken and the prairies being sparsely settled. From that time until his death the father remained an honored and respected citizen of this vicinity, leading in all measures and movements for its progress and advancement and taking an active part in the foundation and upbuilding of some of its most notable institutions. He settled on a farm on section 5, Pleasant township, and upon his property built a blacksmith shop. which was the first of its kind in the northern half of Winneshiek county. In early times he operated this during the nights, the days being spent at hard labor, grubbing up the stumps upon his new farm and carrying forward the work of its improve- ment and cultivation. For a long period he made all the shoes and clothing
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worn by his family in addition to running the first threshing machine in the county and his indefatigable energy and untiring industry were at length rewarded by a gratifying degree of success. He accumulated large holdings in land, owning at one time three hundred, seventy-eight and a half acres, and he 1 became known as one of the substantial and representative residents of the community which he aided so greatly in upbuilding. Always an active religious worker, he was one of the organizers of the Methodist Episcopal church in Pleasant township and he contributed generously of his time and means to the erection of a church building. He and his wife were regular attendants for many years and in that faith the father died April 17. 1882, his passing taking from Winneshiek county one of its most valued pioneer settlers. His wife survived him for a number of years, dying October 11, 1892. In their family were four- teen children, five of whom are now living: Edwin, who resides in Pleasant township; Sarah, the wife of J. J. Kessey, of Forest City, lowa; Isabel, who married J. J. Shervin, of Pleasant township; Lewis H., of Wadena, Minnesota ; and Henry A., of this review.
Henry A. Hover was born upon his father's homestead in Pleasant town- ship and his childhood was spent amid pioneer conditions then prevailing. At an early age he aided in clearing, breaking and developing the farm and before he had attained his majority was a practical and able agriculturist, possessing a thorough knowledge of the best methods of farm operation. After reaching manhood he went to North Dakota. where he spent a few months, eventually returning to Winneshiek county and settling in Highlandville, where he became interested in the creamery business. With these exceptions, however, he has been farming in Pleasant township during all of his active life and he is today one of the substantial and progressive agriculturists of his native township. He purchased from his father's estate one hundred and sixty acres lying on section 8, Pleasant township, land upon which he had previously assisted in making all the improvements, and here he has since resided, his practical and systematic labors through the years having brought him a gratifying measure of success. For twelve years he operated one of the first steam threshing outfits in this sec- tion of the state, but he now gives practically all of his time to the development of his farm. He is treasurer of the Central Telephone Company and his ener- getic spirit and discriminating business ability have been important factors in the growth of that concern.
Mr. Hover has been twice married. He wedded first, July 6, 1892, Miss Maria Thompson, who was born in Chickasaw county, Iowa, on the 4th of April, 1874, a daughter of Ole and Soneva Thompson. natives of Norway, both of whom have passed away, the mother dying in 1882 and the father July 10, 1894. Mrs. Hover passed away November 8, 1893, leaving one daughter, Maria. On the ist of January, 1895, Mr. Hover was again married, his second wife being Miss Anna Thompson, who was born December 24, 1869. To this union were born nine children: Beulah Sylvia; Herbert Oliver; Alma Agnetta; Charlotte Amelia ; Henry Sylvan ; Charles Raymond, who died at the age of three and a half : Anna Olena ; Cyrus Reginald : and Everett Le Roy.
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