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History of Winnebago County and Hancock County Iowa B America owes much to her citizens of Norwegian nationality or descent. The people of the land of the midnight sun have always been characterized by thrift and diligence, qualities which go far toward establishing a substantial citizenship. Nels E. Bagne is among those who are of Norwegian lineage and he possesses many of the sterling traits of his race. He was born in Winneshiek county, Iowa , June 12, 1868, a son of Andrew and Anna Bagne, who were natives of Norway but came to the United States in childhood. Their marriage was celebrated in Winneshiek county, Iowa , and to them were born five children: Anna, now the wife of C. G. Egerdal, of Detroit , Minnesota ; Inger, the wife of O. T. Omundson, of Detroit ; James, living in Montana ; N. E.; and Ole, whose home is in Lisbon , North Dakota . After coming to the new world the father engaged in farming in Winneshiek county until a few years prior to his death, when he removed to Norway township, Winnebago county, taking up his abode in 1897 on the southwest quarter of section 29, Norway township. He put all the improvements upon the place and continued to further develop and cultivate it until his demise, which occurred in 1901. His widow survived him for six years and was laid to rest in 1907 in Synod cemetery at Lake Mills . In his political views Mr. Bagne was always a stalwart republican. He won success as the result of close application and persistency of purpose and in his business was always found thoroughly reliable. Nels E. Bagne attended the district schools until he reached the age of sixteen years and afterward worked for his father until he attained his majority, receiving a thorough training in all departments of farm work. He afterward rented his father's farm until his death, after which he purchased the home place and is now the owner of a valuable and highly productive tract of land on which he has made many improvements. His fields are carefully tilled and bring forth substantial harvests annually and neatness and thrift characterize the place in every particular. On June 5, 1900 , Mr. Bagne was married to Miss Anna Johnson, a daughter of George and Gertie Johnson, of Newton township, Winnebago county, who still reside upon their farm there. Mr. and Mrs. Bagne have two children, Alfa and George, both at home. Mr. Bagne votes with the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but has never been ambitious to seek office, preferring to concentrate is energies upon his business affairs. He is a member of the Synod Lutheran church and is interested in the cause of education, serving for a number of years as school director. In a word, his aid and influence are always on the side of progress, reform and improvement and he has done much to further the best interests of the community in which he lives. John J. Bye, deceased, was one of the substantial farmers and honored citizens of Norway township, Winnebago county, his home being on section 8, where his widow now resides. He came from the land of the midnight sun, being born in Norway , February 18, 1851 , and in that country his parents continued to reside throughout life. He was nineteen years of age when he crossed the ocean and located in Lyle , Minnesota , where he spent one year, but in 1871 came to Iowa , being employed as a farm hand near Plymouth , Cerro Gordo county, for two years. Coming to Winnebago county in 1873, Mr. Bye purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 8, Norway township, and at once began to improve and cultivate his farm. As time passed he prospered in his labors and was able to add to his holdings, owning at the time of his death the south half of section 8 and one hundred and sixty acres on the south half of section 17, Norway township. Upon his place he erected good and substantial buildings and the fields were made to produce abundant harvests. In April, 1873,Mr. Bye was married in Norway township to Miss Julia Saue, a daughter of Lars and Sigtrue Saue, who were early settlers of Winnebago county, but later removed to Polk county, Minnesota , and spent their last days in Reynolds , North Dakota , where both died and were buried. To Mr. Mrs. Bye were born ten children, as follows: Thea, is the wife of John Jordre, living near Eckman , North Dakota , and their are Anna, James, Mattie, Cora, Julia and Elizabeth. Sarah died at the age of seven years. John married Sarah Erickson and resides in Glenburn , North Dakota . Lena is the wife of B. J. Butler, living near Kensett , Iowa , and their children are Elvina, Margaret, Ingeborg, Lawrence and Agnes. Matilda, deceased, was the wife of I. Opdahl of Polk county, Minnesota . Selmer, living in Norway township, Winnebago county, Iowa , is married and has three children, Orlando, Bernice and Melborne. Sarah is the wife of Corbit Adams of Joice , Iowa . Louis married Burlette Iverson and has one child, Juleta. Emil and Jennette are both at home. Louis and Emil are operating the home farm. After a useful and well spent life Mr. Bye passed away June 6, 1914 , and was laid to rest in Lime Creek cemetery. He served as school director in his district for a number of years and also filled the office of road supervisor. In politics he was a republican. His success in life was due entirely to his own well directed efforts and he certainly merited the prosperity that came to him. |