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Allamakee County >> 1913 Index Past and Present of Allamakee County Iowa H Unless otherwise specified, these biographies are submitted by Dick Barton. Farming
has always been one of the principal sources of wealth in
Allamakee county and the men who give their energies and activities to
scientific agriculture in this region are representative citizens.
One
of the most careful and systematic farmers of Paint Creek township is A.
G. Hagen, who is now engaged in the cultivation of a large farm, in
which field of endeavor he is meeting with well merited success.
He is
a native of Paint Creek township, born April 22, 1870, on what was known
as the Hagen homestead.
He is a son of Gilbert and Agnette (Coldor)
Hagen, natives of Norway, extended mention of whom is made on another
page of this volume in connection with the sketch of Peter G. Hagen.
In
the district schools near his parents' home A. G. Hagen acquired a
good education, while broad practical training came while assisting his
father in the cultivation of the home farm.
He was only thirteen years
of age when his father died and six years later, upon the death of his
mother, he was left to fight the battle of life alone.
Being thus early
thrown upon his own resources he developed an independent, resourceful
disposition which stood him in good stead in later years.
Going to
North Dakota, he spent one year working there, and then, returning to
Allamakee county, Iowa, was employed by various farmers in Paint Creek
township for a few years.
Later he worked for one year in the tin shop
conducted by Hans Vold, at Waukon, and the succeeding year in Fisher's
grocery store of that city.
When the Spanish-American war broke out his
patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment and he became a member of
Company I, Forty-ninth Iowa Volunteers, in the capacity of a private.
He accompanied his regiment to Jacksonville, Florida, but there was
taken ill with typhoid fever, and after spending seven weeks in the
hospital at that city was brought back to Iowa and received an honorable
discharge.
After
he had fully recovered his health Mr. Hagen accepted employment on
the farm of Mrs. Ed Leyse, in Paint Creek township, being thus engaged
for about a year, after which he married Mrs. Leyse's daughter and for
one year rented his mother-in-law's farm.
Wishing, however, to engage
independently in agriculture and feeling that his careful savings
warranted such a move, he purchased what was known as the old James
Tracy farm, comprising two hundred acres on section 19, Paint Creek
township, which has since remained his home.
Although at one time this
had been an improved tract it had been allowed to run down and was in
poor condition at the time it came into Mr. Hagen's possession.
Nothing
daunted, however, he at once applied himself with characteristic energy
to its recovery and soon brought it into excellent condition, greatly
enhancing its value by remodeling the house, the building of a large
farm and neat fences and outbuildings and the introduction of modern and
up-to-date machinery to facilitate farm labor.
He was successful from
the outset and later was able to purchase an adjoining tract of ninety-
two acres which stands as a monument to his life of industry, thrift and
enterprise.
It
was on the 22d of November, 1899, that Mr. Hagen was united in
marriage to Miss Karen Leyse, and unto them have been born four
children:
Grant, Leonard, Mabel and Cora.
The parents are members of
West Paint Creek Norwegian church, while the political views of Mr.
Hagen are in accord with the principles of the republican party.
He has
been called a "good farmer," a phrase which speaks for itself
and
indicates progressive methods and practical ideas.
Edward
G. Hagen, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and forty- four acres on
section 19, Paint Creek township, has to his credit a
military record covering nine years' service and including participation
in the Spanish-American war.
He is numbered among the worthy native
sons of Allamakee county, his birth having occurred in Paint Creek
township on the 31st of May, 1865.
His parents were Gilbert and Agnette
(Coldor) Hagen, more extended mention of whom is made on another page of
this work in connection with the sketch of Peter G. Hagen, a brother of
our subject.
His early education, obtained in the district schools, was
supplemented by a course of study at Luther College of Decorah, Iowa.
When twenty-one years of age he made his way to Sioux Falls, South
Dakota, there securing employment as clerk in a country store.
A year
later his employer sold out and went to Tacoma, Washington, being
accompanied by Mr. Hagen, who worked for a short time in the store which
the former there purchased.
Subsequently Mr. Hagen was engaged in the
manufacture of tents, sails, awnings, etc., until eastern competition
and improved machinery obliged him to abandon the enterprise.
On
the 19th of December, 1895, he joined the United States army,
becoming a member of Troop F, Fourth United States Cavalry, and spending
three years at Boise Barracks, Idaho.
He then reenlisted and went to
the Philippine Islands, there participating in the following battles:
Markeno Road, August 12, 1899; San Isidro, October 19, 1899; Aragat,
October 12, 1899; Bangabon, November, 1899; Cebul, December 10, 1899;
and Biacnabato, December 12, 1899.
The period of his service in the
Philippines extended from July 25, 1899, to August 28, 1901.
Returning
to the United States, he was located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, until
finally discharged at the end of nine years' service.
He enlisted as a
private, was made corporal on the 5th of June, 1899, promoted to the
rank of sergeant on the 31st of October, 1900, and became quartermaster
sergeant in 1901.
On
leaving the army Mr. Hagen entered the service of the Occidental Land
& Improvement Company and remained with that concern for seven or
eight
years, becoming foreman on their ranch and later foreman of warehouses.
He was next engaged in the butchering business for two years and on the
expiration of that period spent a few more months in the employ of the
Occidental Land & Improvement Company.
In August, 1912, he returned to
Allamakee county and the following month purchased one hundred and
forty-four acres of land on section 19, Paint Creek township, taking
possession thereof in March, 1913.
In the work of the fields he is
meeting with success, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and
climate.
Throughout his native county he is well known and highly
esteemed as an enterprising agriculturist and representative citizen.
Peter
G. Hagen, carrying on general farming on the old Hagen homestead
on sections 8 and 9, Paint Creek township, whereon he has resided since
his childhood, was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1854.
He is a son of
Gilbert and Agnette (Coldor) Hagen, natives of Norway, where their
marriage occurred.
In 1854 they came to the United States and after
spending a short time in Chicago came west to Iowa, settling in Lansing,
Allamakee county.
For three years thereafter the father worked as a
farm laborer in that vicinity and at the end of that time bought forty
acres of land on the east side of Paint Creek township, which he
developed and improved for three or four years.
Eventually he purchased
the farm upon which his son now resides, buying first one hundred and
sixty acres of wild land, to which he added from time to time until the
farm reached its present proportions.
The first house was built of logs
and is still standing, although in 1883 a modern stone dwelling was
erected.
When the father bought the homestead he was very poor, not
having enough money to pay for having the papers made out, but with
characteristic energy he applied himself to the work of its development
and at his death, which occurred when he was fifty-six years of age, was
a man of prominence and importance in this region.
He was a member of
the Lutheran church and a stanch republican in his political beliefs and
in his passing Allamakee county lost one of the most deservedly
successful of her pioneer citizens.
Mr.
and Mrs. Gilbert Hagen were the parents of ten children:
Martha,
the wife of T. Leikvold, of Paint Creek township;
Peter G., of this
review;
Christina, who married Otto Sorenson, of Paint Creek township;
Hannah, now Mrs. John Fosson, of the same township;
Halver, who is
engaged in farming in Makee township;
Lena, who married L. A. Wellman,
of Monona, Clayton county;
Edward, who spent nine years in the army and
who is now a resident of Paint Creek township;
Otto, a railroad clerk
in Livingston, Montana;
Albert, a farmer in this township; and Melvin,
who is a clerk in the Agricultural Department, resides in Bismarck,
North Dakota.
Peter
Hagen was still an infant when his parents settled upon the Hagen
homestead and he has never left this property, which he has today in an
excellent condition.
After his father's death he purchased the
interests of the other heirs and is now the proprietor of two hundred
and forty acres of land on sections 8 and 9, upon which he carries on
general farming, his success coming as a result of his practical and
unremitting labors.
On
the 18th of June, 1881, Mr. Hagen was united in marriage to Miss
Ellen Paulson, a daughter of Peter Paulson, of whom further mention is
made elsewhere in this work.
To this union were born six children:
Gilman;
Selma;
Eddie;
Martha;
Luella;
and Edward, who has passed
away.
Mr.
Hagen gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is
a member of the Lutheran church.
He rendered the township excellent
service for many years as a member of the school board and is now doing
creditable and able work as township trustee.
He is interested in
everything that pertains to the welfare and growth of the section where
practically his entire life has been spent and by his labors in the
operation of his fine farm has made substantial contributions to its
agricultural development.
John
Hammel, carrying on general farming and stock-raising upon a fine
tract of land on two hundred acres near Postville, was born in
Frankville, Winneshiek county, August 21, 1856, and is a son of John and
Margaret (Jokers) Hammel, natives of Baden, Germany, whose marriage
occurred in America.
The father crossed the Atlantic in 1855, settling
first in Boston, where he remained for a few months, going at the end of
that time to Frankville, Winneshiek county, Iowa.
There he spent one
year and then purchased a farm in Post township, Allamakee county, a
portion of which his son now owns.
He and his family continued to
reside thereon until the mother's death, after which he retired from
active business life, spending most of his time traveling through
different parts of the United States.
He lived in Virginia for one year
and was for three years in the Soldiers' Home in Milwaukee.
Later,
however he returned to Iowa and made his home with the subject of this
review, dying in the year 1903.
He had survived his wife for seven
years.
He was honored as a veteran of the Civil war, having served in
that conflict for nine months.
John
Hammel acquired his education at the West Grove school in Post
township and remained at home until his marriage.
In 1881 he bought
eighty acres of his father's farm and also conducted the entire
homestead until after the death of his mother, when he moved to his own
property.
Later he became the owner of the homestead, adding to his own
farm and acquiring in this way
tract of two hundred acres which he
still operates.
Having been connected with farming since his early
childhood, he is thoroughly familiar with the best agricultural methods
and understands every detail connected with the operation of farm.
His
practical labors have been rewarded by well deserved success and he is
today
known as one of the most progressive farmers and stock-raisers in
this part of Allamakee county.
On
the 4th of February, 1881, Mr. Hammel was united in marriage to Miss
Caroline Harris, a native of Post township and a daughter of Elisha
Harris and a sister of George Harris, of whom extended mention is made
elsewhere in this work.
Mr. and Mrs. Hammel have become the parents of
eleven children.
Stella is the widow of Charles Cook and resides in
Postville.
Ralph is in the employ of the Standard Cream Separator
Company and makes his home in Milwaukee.
Verna is the wife of Andrew Stockman,
of Milwaukee, who is employed by the John Deere Machine
Company.
Bertha is the wife of Lee Folsom, who resides near Postville.
Charles is also a resident of Milwaukee and is employed as chauffeur for
the Solvay Coke Company.
Leonard resides on a farm southeast of
Postville.
Ruby and Ruth are twins.
The former is the wife of Frank
Lawson, a farmer in Franklin township, and the latter married LaRue
Webster, also engaged in farming in that township.
Earl is operating a
farm in Franklin township.
Augusta and the Pearl are both residing at
home.
It is a remarkable incident that the eleven children of Mr.
Hammel, all of whom are living, attended in the acquirement of their
education the same school as their father, namely the West Grove school
in Post township.
Mr.
Hammel is a large stockholder in the Canning Factory at Postville.
Fraternally he is affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
He has been a resident of this part of Iowa since his childhood and is
well and favorably known here, his business reliability, his genuine
personal worth and his sterling qualities of character commanding for
him the respect and esteem of all who come in contact with him.
M.
J. Hart is one of the extensive landowners of Allamakee county and is
equally prominent as a buyer and shipper of horses, cattle and hogs.
His business interests are, indeed, important and, furthermore, his life
record indicates the possibilities of attainment of success when one is
ambitious, energetic and capable.
Mr. Hart has worked his way upward
entirely through his own efforts and his business record is a most
creditable one.
He was born on the Hart homestead in Paint Creek
township on the 19th of March, 1860, and is a brother of W. S. Hart, of
Waukon, in connection with whose sketch mention of the family is made.
In
the district schools M. J. Hart pursued his education and for twelve
years after putting aside his books he was engaged in railroad
construction work.
In this way he visited nearly every state west of
the Mississippi but for several years past he has devoted his attention
largely to the buying and shipping of horses, cattle and hogs and to the
management of his extensive real-estate interests.
Mr.
Hart was united in marriage, in 1900, to Miss Mary Brennan, a
daughter of John Brennan, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this
work.
They attend the Catholic church and contribute generously to its
support.
Mr. Hart has always made his home in Allamakee county,
although business interests have at different times called him into
other sections.
He has a wide acquaintance here and is recognized as a
most able business man, alert, energetic, wide-awake and determined.
Hon.
William S. Hart, of Waukon, ranks as one of the prominent men of
Iowa, as a lawyer, orator, soldier, political leader and legislator.
He
was born in a pioneer log cabin in Cherry Mount settlement and Allamakee
county has been his lifetime home.
His parents, William and Alicia
(Conway) Hart, were early settlers in that part of Paint Creek township.
William
S. Hart acquired his education in the district schools of his
native township and at the early age of sixteen began teaching a country
school, following this occupation until he was elected clerk of the
district court just after coming of age.
His able service won him
reelection but he resigned the office soon afterward to practice law,
having studied this profession while serving as clerk under the
preceptorship of Henry and John F. Dayton.
Few men at his age have
attained more brilliant success as an attorney, notably in jury trials
and in cases tried before the supreme court.
As a specialist in
telephone and electric law his services are in wide demand and papers
and addresses by him upon this branch of his profession have been
published by the International Telephone Association.
He is also
consulted and retained as special counsel in all of their important
cases by some of the largest fraternal insurance societies in America.
Mr.
Hart's success at the bar has been accompanied by his growing
prominence in politics and along this line he has done a great deal of
constructive and far-sighted work in the public service.
As a member of
the twenty-ninth and thirtieth general assemblies he gave special
attention to labor, railway, military and telephone legislation and also
to that on behalf of the dairy interests and the State Agricultural
College.
He was chosen by the stock shippers of Iowa to father the law
compelling railroads to transport stockmen and to furnish sanitary
equipment on stock trains and by the dairy interests of the state to
champion legislation favorable to that industry.
As chairman of the
military committee he rewrote the military code of Iowa and a
philanthropical state organization of which Mrs. A. B. Cummins was at
that time president selected him to write and take charge of a child-
labor law which is regarded as a model of its kind.
the legislative
committee of the Iowa Federation of Labor thanked him in its published
report for his services as a legislator on behalf of the laboring men,
while in the interests of the State Agricultural College he vigorously
and successfully to the end of his service resisted the central
educational board law and other legislation then regarded as unfavorable
to that institution.
Mr.
Hart married Miss Nellie M. Holahan, a daughter of James Holahan, a
pioneer implement dealer and capitalist of Waukon.
Mr. and Mrs. Hart
became the parents of six children:
James; William S., Jr.; Malcolm J.;
Nellie M.; Catherine; and Ivan, who died in childhood. In the life of
Hon. William S. Hart there is a distinguished military chapter, which
includes service in the Iowa National Guards, his rank ranging from that
of private to captain.
He served during the entire Spanish-American war
in the United States Volunteers as a member of the Forty-ninth Iowa
Regiment and took part in the subsequent military occupation of Cuba.
The greater part of his United States service was spent on detail duty
as judge advocate, general court martial, Second Division, Seventh
United States Army Corps, under General Fitzhugh Lee, at Jacksonville,
Florida, and at Marianao, Cuba.
Mr. Hart's reputation as a public
speaker extends far beyond the borders of Iowa and many of his addresses
and speeches have been printed and widely circulated.
He is one of the
most prominent and best known attorneys, statesmen and men of affairs in
the middle west and, being broad-minded, large-hearted and liberal, his
influence has been a force for good in the upbuilding of state
institutions and in their development along constructive, logical and
progressive lines.
The
pioneer history of Allamakee county would be incomplete were there
failure to make prominent reference to William Hart, who for fifty-six
years resided within its borders, taking up his residence in Paint Creek
township in 1852.
He was then a young man, ambitious and energetic,
looking forward to what the future might hold in store for him as a
reward for his industry and determination.
A few years after his
arrival here he married and established a home and throughout his
remaining days continued a resident of this section of the state.
Mr.
Hart was a native of Ireland, his birth having occurred in County
Galway.
In the year 1849 he crossed the Atlantic to the new world and
after three years spent elsewhere made his way to Allamakee county in
1852, taking up his abode in Cherry Mount settlement in Paint Creek
township.
He found here a district largely wild and undeveloped.
Much
of the land was still in possession of the government and was covered
with the native prairie grasses, starred with a million wild flowers in
the month of June and in mid-winter covered with one unbroken dazzling
sheet of snow.
Mr. Hart at once took up the arduous labor of developing
new land and from that time forward was closely associated with
agricultural interests in this county.
It
was on the 1st of November, 1855, that William Hart was united in
marriage to Miss Alicia Conway, who was also a native of Ireland, having
been born in County Roscommon.
She left the Emerald isle for the
purpose of making her home with a brother who was then living in Paint
Creek township, Allamakee county.
She continued with him until her
marriage and then went to her husband's home in the Cherry Mount
settlement, where their remaining days were passed.
They began with
their domestic life in one of the primitive old-time log cabins, which
stands as a venerable relic upon the farm which is now the property of
their son Hon. William S. Hart.
Year by year the father carefully
tilled the fields and cultivated his crops and success rewarded him as
time passed on.
Mr.
and Mrs. Hart became the parents of a large family but lost two
daughters, Sarah J. and Nellie, in early womanhood.
Their surviving
children are: M. J., a resident of Waterville; J. P., who makes his home
in Saskatchewan, Canada; William S.; John J., of Waterville; Mary A.,
who resides in Success, Saskatchewan; and Mrs. Katie Lloyd, of Linton
township.
The death of the mother occurred on the 12th of June, 1897,
when she was sixty-eight years of age.
Her husband survived her for
about eleven years, departing this life on the 1st of April, 1908.
He
had reached the venerable age of eighty-three years and was one of the
oldest residents of the county at the time of his death, not only in
point of longevity but also in length of his connection with this part
of the state.
His life was a busy and useful one.
There was nothing
spectacular in his career but he bore his part in the work of general
improvement and lived to see many notable changes as log cabins were
replaced by commodious and substantial frame and brick residences, as
primitive farm machinery was supplanted by the modern cultivator, reaper
and harvester and as churches and schools were built, thus developing
the intellectual and moral forces of the community.
The
name of Hendrickson is well known and highly honored in Allamakee
county, for it has been borne by men active in the agricultural
development of this section of Iowa since pioneer times.
Its present
representative, Henry A. Hendrickson, is one of the most successful and
prosperous farmers of Paint Creek township, where he owns and operates
the farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres upon which he was born
September 8, 1867.
He is a son of Aslag Hendrickson, who was born in
Ness Hallingdal, Norway, and who, when he was four years of age was
brought to America by his parents.
The family located first in Rock
county, Wisconsin, and in 1850 removed to Allamakee county, Iowa,
settling upon the farm where the subject of this review now resides.
The grandfather, Hendrick Solverson, built a log house upon the farm and
continued to develop and improve the property until 1869, when he moved
to Estherville, Iowa, where his death occurred.
His wife, who was in
her maidenhood Miss Carrie Opheim, returned to the old homestead and
there passed away.
Their
son Aslag Hendrickson grew to manhood upon his father's farm,
inheriting the homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, and upon it he
spent the best and most forceful years of his life, building upon it the
second log house, which still stands as a part of the present home.
He
married Elizabeth Seim, a native of Norway, who came to the United
States with her parents, Lars and Bertha (Dahle) Seim, both of whom have
passed away.
Aslag Hendrickson died upon his farm on the 16th of
August, 1912, and his wife survives him, making her home with the
subject of this review.
In their family were nine children:
Henry A.;
Caroline, who died at the age of eighteen years;
Ludvig, a resident of
Britt, Iowa;
Albert, who makes his home in Waterville;
Bertha, a
resident of Roundup, Montana;
Victoria, deceased;
Anton, who makes his
home in Canton, South Dakota;
Elmer, a resident of the same city;
and
Mrs. S. V. Glenn, of Lansing, Iowa.
In
the acquirement of an education Henry A. Hendrickson attended
district school and afterward studied for two years in Augustana
College, Canton, South Dakota, supplementing this by a one year's course
in Breckenridge College at Decorah, Iowa.
Upon the death of his father
he came into possession of the old homestead, owning today one hundred
and seventy-six acres on section 14, Paint Creek township.
This is an
excellent and well improved property, reflecting everywhere the owner's
careful supervision and practical methods, and upon it Mr. Hendrickson
engages in general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of
breeding and raising Poland China hogs, his animals commanding a high
price and a ready sale on the local market.
Mr.
Hendrickson was married in Allamakee county to Miss Caroline
Tysland, a daughter of Andrew and Karen (Frok) Tysland, natives of
Norway, who came to the United States in 1865.
The father is now a
well-known blacksmith at Waterville, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Hendrickson
became the parents of four children:
Esther Claudia, deceased;
and
Esther Claudia,
Abner Alexander
and
Adeline Victoria, all at home.
Mr.
Hendrickson is widely and favorably known in this section of Iowa,
where his entire life has been passed, for he is reliable in business
and progressive in citizenship and his record is a credit to a name that
has been a synonym for integrity and industry since pioneer times.
John
Hendrickson needs no introduction to the readers of the history of
Allamakee county for he is a representative of one of the pioneer
families of this section and is, moreover, a leading and prosperous
farmer of Paint Creek township, where he owns two hundred acres of
valuable land.
He was born upon this farm in 1879 and is a son of Solva
Hendrickson and a grandson of Hendrick Solveson, pioneers in this part
of Iowa, of whom more extended mention is made elsewhere in this work in
connection with the sketch of H. A. Hendrickson.
The father purchased
the land known as the old Bryson farm in 1885 and this property has
remained in possession of members of the family since that time.
John
Hendrickson is one of a family of five children, as follows:
Randy, the
wife of Albert Syverud, of Canton, South Dakota;
Mrs. George Thompson,
of Paint Creek township;
Anna, who resides with her brother;
Celia,
who married Ed Whotom of Canton, South Dakota;
and John, of this
review.
John
Hendrickson acquired his education in the district schools of Paint
Creek township and from an early age assisted with the work of the home
farm, becoming before he was twenty-one an able and practical
agriculturist.
He owns today two hundred acres of fine land on section
18 and upon this carries on general farming and dairying, both branches
of his business being profitable and important under his able
management.
He is unmarried and makes his home with his sister Anna,
who is a capable and efficient housekeeper.
Mr.
Hendrickson is well known in Allamakee county and is today numbered
among the men who have been potent forces in the later agricultural
development of Paint Creek township. He is a successful farmer, a
progressive, enterprising and loyal citizen, and his record is a credit
to a name that has long been honored in this vicinity.
T.
B. Hermanson, who died upon his farm on section 2, Paint creek
township, in 1909, was one of the progressive, prosperous and highly
respected agriculturists of this district.
He was born in Hallingdal,
Norway, April 25, 1840, and was a son of Buerden Hermanson, who was also
a native of Norway.
When the son was but six years old he was brought
to America by his parents, who settled first in Rock county, Wisconsin,
but in 1850 came to Allamakee county, Iowa, locating on a tract of one
hundred and sixty acres in Paint Creek township.
They were among the
earliest settlers in this county and the land of which the father became
the owner was wild and undeveloped when it came into his possession.
The first home of the family was a dugout which was later supplanted by
the pioneer log house, and the family experienced many of the
difficulties and hardships incident to frontier life.
The parents both
passed away on this farm, after which T. B. Hermanson took charge of it,
continuing in its operation throughout his remaining years.
Systematic
and methodical, industrious and enterprising, he applied himself with
characteristic zeal to his agricultural pursuits and as the years passed
his well directed efforts were resultant of a most gratifying success.
He
was married in 1865 to Miss Ragna O. Ellefson, a native of Norway and
a daughter of Ole and Ingeborg (Halverson) Ellefson, by whom she was
brought to America in early life.
Her parents were early settlers of
Allamakee county and after a residence of many years here went to South
Dakota to visit a daughter, during which visit both passed away.
Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Hermanson were born twelve children, as follows:
Rachel,
the deceased wife of John Ralsdon;
Louis, of Waukon, Iowa;
Inger, the
wife of G. S. Kolsrud;
Ben, residing in Glenburn, North Dakota;
Herman, of Maddock, North Dakota; Henry, of Paint Creek township;
Halvor;
John, deceased;
Sophia, who married Leonard Tysland, of South
Dakota;
Halvor, deceased;
Helma, clerk for Spinner Brothers, of
Waterville, Iowa;
and Tolmine, a nurse, who resides at home.
Mr.
Hermanson passed away on the home farm on the 27th of April, 1909,
in the faith of the Lutheran church, to which his wife, who still
survives, also belongs.
He was a republican in politics and a public- spirited citizen who had
the interests of the community deeply at heart.
His honorable principles and upright life won him many friends in
Allamakee county, and with his passing the district lost one of its most
honored and respected residents.
His widow still resides on the
homestead farm.
Halvor
Hermanson, who succeeded his father in the ownership of the farm,
was educated in the district schools near his home and also attended
business college at Waukon in the pursuit of a commercial course.
He
now carries on general farming on the home place, which is in excellent
condition, having been highly improved and brought under a good state of
cultivation.
Young and progressive, he is bending his efforts to its
further development, and its attractive and well kept appearance is a
credit to his well directed labors.
His religious faith is that of the
Lutheran church, and, like his father, he supports the principles and
candidates of the republican party, feeling that the platform of that
political organization is most conducive to good government.
High
purposes have ever governed his life and he is proving himself a worthy
son of an honored father.
Among
Allamakee county's most progressive and successful native sons is
numbered O. S. Hesla, who on January 24, 1865, was born on the farm
which he now operates in Paint Creek township.
His father, S. E. Hesla,
was born in Gol, Hallingdal, Norway, on the 10th of July, 1825, and as a
young man crossed the Atlantic to America, settling in Rock Prairie,
Wisconsin, in 1845.
Five years later he came to Allamakee county, Iowa,
being one of the pioneers in this section of the state, and in Paint
Creek township he took up a tract of wild timber land upon which he
built a crude log house, which is still standing upon the property,
although it has been removed from its original location and replaced by
a fine modern farm dwelling.
S. E. Hesla also built a substantial barn
upon this property and continued to develop and improve the place until
his death, which occurred August 31, 1900, and which deprived Allamakee
county of one of its earliest settlers and most representative citizens.
He was married on the 10th of May, 1859, in Rock county, Wisconsin, to
Miss Ingeborg Gaarder, a native of Norway, who came to America with her
parents when she was eleven years of age.
She has also passed away.
They became the parents of the following children:
E. S., who resides
in Clay county, South Dakota;
Rosina, who lives at home with her
brother;
Bertha, also at home;
Peter, of Clay county, South Dakota;
O. S., of this review;
Albert, who resides in Maddock, North Dakota;
one child who died in infancy; and Mrs. S. O. Liekvold, deceased.
O.
S. Hesla acquired his education in the district schools of Paint
Creek township and in his childhood aided his father with the work of
the homestead, early becoming familiar with the best methods of
clearing, improving and developing the farm.
When he grew to manhood he
naturally turned his attention to the occupation to which he had been
reared and after the death of his father came into possession of the
family homestead, which he has since operated along modern and practical
lines.
It comprises one hundred and sixty acres, located on section 10,
Paint Creek township, and is a well improved and highly developed
property, reflecting everywhere the careful supervision and well
directed labors of its owner.
In
1898 Mr. Hesla was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Paulson, a
daughter of Peter Paulson, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in
this work.
Mrs. Hesla passed away on the 16th of May, 1909, leaving one
son, Swen.
Mr.
Hesla is a member of the Lutheran church and is a man of exemplary
moral character.
His life has been such as to merit the respect of his
fellowmen and by his honesty, upright dealings and unremitting industry
he has contributed much toward the agricultural development of a
community of which he is a representative citizen and a most worthy
native son.
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