"Among the citizens of Clermont township
who have built up comfortable homes and surrounded themselves with landed and
personal property, few have attained a higher degree of success than the subject
of this sketch. With few opportunities except what his own efforts were capable
of mastering and with many discouragements to overcome, he has made a success of
life, and in his old age has the gratification of knowing that the community in
which he has resided has been benefited by his presence.
Knud Halverson
is a Scandinavian by nativity, having first seen the light of day in far-away
Norway on March 24, 1835. He is a son of Halver and Margaret KNUDSON,
both also natives of the "land of the midnight sun." In 1857,
attracted by the alluring prospects offered in the New World, they set sail for
the United States, and on landing came at once to Clayton county, Iowa, settling
on a farm, to which they devoted their energies. Their deaths eventually
occurred in Wisconsin, both at advanced ages, the father being eighty-eight
years old and the mother ninety-five years and two months old at decease. They
were the parents of three children, of whom the subject of this sketch and a
sister survive.
The subject was reared under the parental roof and
secured his education in the schools of his native land. He came to the United
States in 1855, two years prior to the coming of his parents, and he established
himself in Clayton county, this state, where he successfully prosecuted farming
operations and at the same time worked at the carpenter's trade, at which he had
become an adept before leaving his native land. In 1905 he sold his Clayton
county farm and came to Clermont, Fayette county, where he now resides. His
success in business affairs has been pronounced and he has also acquired that
which is of more importance - the good will and respect of the people with whom
he has been associated for so many years. Persistent industry, good management
and strict integrity have been the elements which have contributed to his
success and today no man in the community stands higher in general esteem than
does he.
In 1866, Mr. Halverson was united in marriage to Isabel
OLESON, who also was a native of Norway, and to them was born
a daughter, Anna Matilda, who married Edwin KNUDSON, now
deceased, and they had two children, Mabel and Edna. Mrs. Halverson died in
February, 1908.
Politically, Mr. Halverson has given a stanch support
to the Republican party and has at all times taken a keen interest in public
affairs, though in no sense has he been a seeker after public office.
Religiously, he is a faithful member of the Lutheran church, to which his wife
also belonged. He has been true to his life's duties and opportunities as they
have come to him and has been a loyal supporter of his adopted government at all
times. In marked evidence of this is the fact that in 1861, at the outbreak of
the great Rebellion, he enlisted as a member of Company B, Sixteenth Regiment
Iowa Volunteer Infantry, for the three-year service. After about a year's
service, however, he was injured in the engagement at Florence, Alabama, and was
sent to the hospital at St. Louis, being afterwards discharged from the service
because of physical disability. He was a good soldier and faithfully served his
country to the extent of his ability. He enjoys a wide acquaintance and is well
liked by all who know him and who esteem him for his genuine worth."