Simon Rustad
RUSTAD
Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 1/29/2019 at 16:20:18
Simon Rustad
Simon Rustad settled on the northeast quarter of section 31, Northwood township, Worth Co., Iowa, in June, 1854, where he still resides. He was among the pioneers of the county, and is an enterprising farmer. He was born at Lillehammer, in Norway, Jan. 9, 1826. In March, 1852, he was married to Anne Magdalene Eliasdather. She was born Sept. 8,1823, in Frederikshald. Soon after marriage they emigrated to the United States, first settling for a short time in Rock Prairie, Rock Co., Wis., coming in 1854, to Worth Co., Iowa. He at first built a log cabin, 14x18 feet, with puncheon floor, the roof being covered with straw. The first year he broke three acres of land, and has continued year by year to open his farm, until now he has a well cultivated farm of 480 acres, good residence and beautiful home. His land is valued at $25 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Rustad have had nine children— Betsy, born in Rock Co., Wis., Jan. 23, 1853, and died Nov. 15, 1881; Sehm, born July 14, 1854; Randine, born May 11, 1856; Edward, born April 19, 1858; Henry, born April 10,1860; Christian,born April 4, 1862; Anna Elizabeth, born Sept. 3, 1864; Oscar, born Aug. 20, 1866, and Maria Charlotte Eugenie, born March 11, 1871. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Rustad is a republican, has held the office of justice of the peace, and other local offices. Source: History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, 1883, page 838.
Simon Rustad was the second man to permanently settle in Worth county. His farm lay just west of the farm of G. O. Mellem. He came in June 1854 and remained until his death.
He was born at Lillehammer, Norway, Jan. 9, 1826. In March 1852, he married Miss Anne Eliasdather and soon after they emigrated to America, stopping for a time in Rock county. Wis., and coming from there to Worth county. Mr. Rustad's first log house had a straw roof and all the primitive hardships of pioneer life were his. In spite of privations he reared a family of nine children and at the time of his death had gained a considerable degree of wealth. His son, Samuel Rustad, was the second white child born in Worth county. This event took place on July 14, 1854.
Mr. Rustad is survived by eight children, Sehm, Randine, Edward, Henry, Christian, Anna, Oscar and Maria. His death occurred May 30, 1891. Source: The Semi-Centennial Souvenir of Northwood, Iowa, 1907, page 4.
Worth Biographies maintained by Karon S. Velau.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen