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Emmet County, Iowa
Biographies
G - H
Unless otherwise noted, these biographies were taken from the History of Emmet County and Dickinson County Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, The Pioneer Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1917.
G - H
Gaarde, Peter A.
Gilbert, Gustav
Gilbertson, Ole
Gorton, George L.
Granger, George C
Graves, Howard
Gruwell, George W.
Gunderson, Mrs. Sarah
Haahr, George T.
Hansen, H. C.
Hansen, Lars
Hanson, Nels
Hanson, T. M.
Henry, C. R.
Herum, Jacob
Higinbotham, Charles H.
Hilliard, John S.
Hoien, Jorgen N.
Hoppus, Warner L.
Howard, William O.
Additional Emmet County Biographies: A-B, C-D,
E-F, I-J, K-L,
M-N, O-P, Q-R,
S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z.
Return to Biography Index
Much of the success which has characterized the history of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company is due to the efficiency of its secretary, Peter A. Gaarde, of Armstrong. He was born in Denmark in September, 1877, and his parents, Anderson N. and Mary (Hansen) Gaarde, were likewise natives of that country. About 1880 the family emigrated to the United States and after residing for two years in the vicinity of Clinton, Iowa, removed to Emmet county, where the father purchased land in Denmark township. He engaged in farming there until his wife's death in September, 1887, when he sold out. From that tie until his demise which occurred on the 13th of July, 1907 he made his home with his children.
Peter A. Gaarde was but five years old when the family located in Denmark township, Emmet county, and his early education was therefore acquired in the district schools there. Later he was for a time a student at Sioux City, Iowa. When but thirteen years old he went to work and at the age of twenty years he purchased land in Denmark township which he operated for about sixteen years. Subsequently he conducted a furniture store in Ringsted for one year, after which he clerked for a year. He then returned to the farm, but in 1915 took up his residence in Armstrong, where he has since remained. He is devoting much of his time and attention to his duties as secretary of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, a local organization, which has built up a large business. He also looks after his farming interests as he still owns three hundred and twenty acres in Denmark township and two hundred and forty acres in Iowa Lake township.
On New Year's Day, 1908, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Gaarde and Miss Myna Churchill and they have become the parents of five children, Arnold, Fern, Bernetta, Earl and Grace. A careful study of social and political conditions has led Mr. Gaarde to support the socialist party and he keeps well informed concerning the questions ad issues of the day. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America lodge and is also a member of the Lutheran church He has a wide acquaintance throughout the county and his genuine worth is attested by the fact that those who have known him the most intimately are his stanchest friends.
Source: History of Emmet County and Dickinson County Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, The Pioneer Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1917, page 294.
CC Note: Peter A. Gaarde is buried in the Armstrong Grove cemetery.
Gustav Gilbert, whose well improved farm on section 10, Twelve Mile Lake township, gives evidence of the careful supervision and progressive methods of the owner, is numbered among Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Fayette county on the 20th of February, 1869. His parents, Ingebret and Emily Gilbert, were natives of Norway and in early life the father followed the occupation of farming while later he turned his attention to merchandising in Elgin, Iowa. In 1878 he became a resident of Emmet county and purchased a farm in Ellsworth township, comprising the south half of the southeast quarter of section 30. There he continued to devote his attention to general agricultural pursuits until the last ten years of his life, which were spent in honorable retirement from labor. He died at the home of his son Gustav in 1908, having for six years survived his wife, who passed away in 1902. The family was well known in this county and Mr. Gilbert served as township clerk and was also a school director for a number of years. To him and his wife were born ten children, of whom five are yet living.
Gustav Gilbert of this review spent his youthful days like the other children of the household, dividing his time between the acquirement of a public school education and such tasks as were assigned him by parental authority. He continued to work for his father until after he had gained his majority and gained broad and valuable practical experience in that connection. He afterward rented land from his father for five years and eventually he purchased the south half of the northeast quarter of section 10, Twelve Mile Lake township, and is now the owner of an excellent farm of eighty acres. He carefully and persistently tills his fields, which return to him golden harvests as a reward for the labor which he bestows upon them. In addition to tilling the soil in the production of crops best adapted to climatic conditions here he is engaged in the raising of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle. His farm is splendidly improved with all modern equipments and his success is indeed the legitimate reward of his labor.
On the 27th day of September, 1894, Mr. Gilbert was married to Miss Barbara Sando and they have become the parents of seven children: Alma, who is in the city clerk's office in Estherville; Frithjof, who is attending the Jewell Lutheran College at Jewel, Iowa; and Viola, Luella, Odena, Rudolph and Margaret, all at home.
The religious faith of the parents is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church and politically Mr. Gilbert maintains an independent course, supporting men and measures rather than party. He has been town-township assessor for the past four years, was township clerk for eight years and for four years occupied that position in Ellsworth township. He is never neglectful of the duties of citizenship and always faithfully performs every public service entrusted to him. He has many, genuinely fine qualities and he is a representative of that class of successful agriculturists who have done much for the upbuilding of the state.
Ole Gulbrandsen Berg (or Bergsund) was born July 15, 1826, in Buskerud County, Norway, the son of Gulbrand Olsen Rodningsand and Sigrid Nielsdatter Naes. He was christened September 16, 1826, in the Wiger church in Norderhov. He sailed to the United States on the ship "Christiania," which arrived in the port of New York on July 16, 1850. He settled first in the Luther Valley settlement in Rock County, Wisc.
Ole married Helga Olsdatter Bakke April 21, 1851, at the Luther Valley Lutheran Church near Orfordville, Wisc. The minister was C. L. Clausen. Born in Nes, Norway, Helga was the daughter of Ole Arneson and Kari Olsdatter. She came to the United States in 1848 with her mother and step-father, Ole Olsen Traeo.
The family Bible was a wedding gift from Ole Tollefson, and is inscribed "Beloit, April 16, 1851." A Norwegian Lectionary that belonged to Ole and Helga, dated "2/9:55", has been handed down to Gladys Holliday. It lists the birth dates of their 13 children and the death dates of those who died young. Ole signed the lectionary first as "Ole Gulbrandsen" and later as "Ole Gilbertson."
After first living near Beloit the family may have moved briefly to Minnesota before settling in Waterville, Allamakee County, Ia., by 1853. According to Henry W. Gilbertson, Ole was postmaster in Waterville from May 1, 1866, until May 11, 1869.The family moved to Dickinson County in 1869 or 1870. They were among the first settlers in the area. In 1877 Ole applied for a patent on 160 acres of land under the 1862 Homestead Act. The land was located just south of the town of Terrill. By 1880 the family had moved to nearby Emmet County.
Ole was a tailor by trade. His open-tip sterling tailor's thimble is in the Gustav Gilbertson family. He was also a farmer. For recreation he played a violin, sometimes playing at square dances .
Helga Gilbertson died January 9, 1878, of stomach cancer. She was 50 years old. On May 30, 1878, Ole married Ingeborg Larson Everson (or Evenson). She was a widow who had two daughters from her previous marriage: Laura, who was born about 1870-72 and became the wife of John Morris; and Sophia, born about 1874. Ole had no children by his second marriage. Ole, Ingeborg, Charles, Martin, Albert, Henry, Laura, and Sophia are listed on the 1880 census in Lloyd Township. Ole died November 12, 1888, after having suffered from asthma for many years. Funeral services were held at the county courthouse. He is buried with his wife Helga and two sons, Martin and Gustav, in the Wallingford Lutheran Cemetery east of Wallingford, Ia.
Children:
Contributed by: Alan Gilbertson.
George L. Gorton, who follows farming on section 13, Estherville township, Emmet county, is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth occurring in Linn county, March 23, 1871, and he is the seventh in a family of ten children. His parents, Foster E. and Lucy (Herrick) Gorton, were born in New York and Ohio respectively and at an early day came to Iowa. It was in 1894 that they became residents of Estherville township, Emmet county, where the father purchased the southwest quarter of section 13, on which our subject now resides.
At the usual age George L. Gorton began his education in the district schools near his home, and he continued his studies until sixteen years of age. He then gave his father the benefit of his services until twenty-five, when he took charge of the home place and cared for his parents until they were called to the world beyond, the father dying in 1910 and the mother in 1909. They were buried in Oak hill cemetery near Estherville. George L. Gorton still lives on the homestead and in his farming operations has met with well merited success, being regarded as one of the substantial citizens of his community.
In 1901 Mr. Gorton was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Frank, a daughter of Henry and Katherine Frank, who came to this country from German in early life, the former settling in Emmet county, Iowa, and the latter in Dickinson county. Mr. Frank has passed away and is buried in Estherville, but his wife is still living and makes her home in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Gorton have two children, Ruth and Esther.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Gorton has affiliated with the republican party and for a number of years he efficiently served as township trustee. In religious faith he is a Methodist. He is a man of good business ability and as he thoroughly understands the occupation which he follows, is progressive and energetic, he has met with success in his farming operations and is today quite well-to-do.
George C. Granger, Early Emmet County Settler
In 1853 when Emmet County was organized there was not a single permanent white settler within its borders. In June, 1856, Jesse Coverdale and George C. Granger located in what is now Emmet Township taking claims for themselves and for William Granger, Henry and Adolphus Jenkins, and D. W. Hoyt who arrived soon after. George C. Granger built the first house in the county--a good sized cabin four miles north of what is now Estherville. Granger brought a small stock of staples that new settlers in the frontier settlement would need and opened the first store. He also was also appointed postmaster of the first postoffice in the county at "Emmet". He was replaced the next spring by Henry Jenkins.
Also in the summer of 1856 coming to Dickinson County, IA from Red Wing, MN was a party consisting of William Granger, Carl Granger, Bert Snyder and Doctor Harriott. The Grangers claimed land along Lake East Okoboji. The were all young men without families except William Granger whose family did not accompany him. In March of 1857 only William of this group was not brutally killed in the Spirit Lake Massacre. It is not known where William was during the rampage& by a small band of Sioux Indians. He left Dickinson County soon after.
When U.S. troops arrived at the Granger cabin they found the dead body of Carl Granger and buried it east of his cabin near the bank of the lake. He died March 8, 1857.
Contributed by: Ruth Hackett. Source: Information from the History of Emmet and Dickinson County and from A History of Dickinson County, Iowa by R. A. Smith.
Howard Graves, who for fifty-three years remained one of the distinguished and eminent citizens of Emmet county, honored by all who knew him, took active part in promoting public progress and improvement along many lines from the period of pioneer development down to the time of present-day progress and prosperity. So closely was he connected with the county that his life history will be of the deepest interest to many of our readers. He was a native of St. Lawrence county, New York, and son of Gaylord Graves, who removed with his family to Wisconsin, where he took active part in public affairs, becoming a member of the territorial legislature and afterward serving as a member of the state legislature. In the early days of Emmet county, Iowa, he cam here with his son, Howard Graves, and was one of the grantors of the original plat of Estherville.
When the work of progress and improvement had scarcely been begun in Emmet county, Howard Graves took up his abode here. From that time forward the part which he played in the development of the county was a very important one. For twenty years he served as postmaster of Estherville and he was also a member of the city council, in which connection he gave earnest consideration to the questions that came up for settlement regarding municipal welfare. He also filled most of the county offices and in 1866 he was elected to represent his district in the Iowa general assembly. His was indeed a useful career and at all times he was found fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation.
Mr. Graves was closely connected with business interests in Emmet county as a banker. In 1871 he founded the first banking house within the borders of the county. This was originally a private bank and afterward became the Estherville State Bank, of which Mr. Graves was chosen president so continuing until the year of his death--1913. He was actively engaged in its conduct and management from the time of its establishment until his demise.
Mr. Graves was united in marriage to Miss Mary Louise Blackman, a native of Connecticut. She cam to Emmet count with him an together they endured the hardships of pioneer life. She was a woman of strong character and kindly spirit and her benevolence and hospitality were noteworthy. Her activity in church and social circles was continue until her death in 1902. Mr. Graves was characterized as a man of kindly disposition and of simple life and tastes. He possessed keen judgment and was always governed by the most rigid honesty ad integrity. His generosity and charity were well known to all those with whom he came in contact. The familiar face and figure of Howard Graves will never be forgotten by those who have resided here nor by those who have come and gone in the long period during which Emmet county has developed from an unpeopled prairie into a prosperous and populous section of the state.
CC Note: For obituaries of Howard and Mary Blackman Graves please see Emmet county obituaries EFG. Howard and Mary Graves and three children are buried in East Side cemetery.
One of the most prominent citizens and successful business men of Estherville, Emmet county, is George W. Gruwell, who operates the leading automobile supply house here. He has has an active and useful career and since coming to Estherville has shown a fine interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of this city and county.
Mr. Gruwell was born in West Branch, Cedar county, Iowa, on the 15th of January, 1871, and is a son of Samuel C. and Amanda W. (Walker) Gruwell, both of whom are natives of Ohio. They came from that state to Iowa with their respective families in an early day, being numbered among the band of pioneers who settled in Cedar county in the '50s. There they were reared and married and the father bought a farm, to the operation of which he devoted himself until his retirement. He and his wife are now living in Pasadena, California.
George W. Gruwell attended the public schools, graduating from the West Branch high school in 1889, and then entered Iowa State University, where he was graduated with the Degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, in 1893. He came to Estherville and in 1895 bought the Herald and Vindicator, which he published successfully for six years. Selling the publication in 1901, he went to Dunnell, Martin county, Minnesota, and founded the First National Bank, of which he was cashier and active manager until 1912, when he sold his interests there and returned to Estherville. Soon afterward he established his present business, in which he has been rewarded with very gratifying success.
In 1919 he erected his present modern brick building, of two stories and basement, sixty-six by one hundred and thirty-two feet in size, located on Lincoln street, between Seventh and Eighth streets, and which is one of the most up-to-date business blocks in Estherville. Here he carries a large and complete line of everything in the way of automobile accessories and supplies and has built up a large and substantial trade.
In June, 1903, Mr. Gruwell was united in marriage to Miss Helen E. Rhodes, of Estherville, daughter of Thomas Rhodes, now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Gruwell have been born two children, Willis R. and Dorothy A., both of whom are students in Iowa State University. Mr. Gruwell is a member of Estherville Lodge, No. 528, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and the Modern Woodmen of America. His religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church.
He has been active in local public affairs and is a member of the library board and the school board, as well as of the Chamber of Commerce. In every respect he merits the high esteem in which he is held, for he is a man of splendid business ability, fine public spirit and exemplary character.
Contributed by: Debbie Clough Gerischer. Source: Iowa Its History and Tradition, Volume III, 1804-1926.
CC Note: George Gruwell is buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mrs. Sarah Gunderson is well known in Emmett County, where she has long resided, her home being now on section 12, in Twelve Mile Lake township. She is the widow of Andrew Gunderson and is a native of Columbia County, Wisconsin. Her parents were Knut and Olive (Isaacson) Knutson, who were natives of Norway, and her father made farming his life work. Coming to the new world, he established his home in Wisconsin and was there residing at the time of the outbreak of the Civil War. Responding to the country's call for military aid, he joined Company A of the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and went to the front, serving until honorably discharged on account of illness. He never recovered his health and died three years after leaving the army. He had three sons who were also in the service: John, who was wounded while at the front but recovered; Thomas, who was killed, thus laying down his life on the altar on his country, and Isaac, who died from illness in a hospital during his term of service.
Mrs. Gunderson spent her girlhood in her native state, was confirmed in Iowa and pursued her education in a Norwegian school in Wisconsin. When eighteen years of age she gave her hand in marriage to Andrew Gunderson and two years later they left Wisconsin for Iowa, taking up their abode in Twelve Mile Lake township, Emmet County. Mr. Gunderson purchased the northwest quarter of section 12 and later the northeast quarter of section 11, but afterward forty acres of the farm was sold to his brother, L. L. Gunderson. Andrew Gunderson was born in Norway, June 1, 1843, a son of Louis and Lena Gunderson, the former a shoemaker by trade. The son attended the common schools of his native country and when eighteen years of age came to America with his parents, the family home being established in Dane County, Wisconsin. The father followed shoemaking in Lodi, Wisconsin, and there he and his wife remained until called to their final rest. Their family numbered four sons and three daughters. Andrew Gunderson became familiar with the trade of shoemaking and worked with his father up to the time of his marriage. He then started out independently and, as previously indicated, became interested in farming in Emmet County, securing a tract of land which he converted into rich and productive fields. He annually gathered golden harvests as for the care and labor which he bestowed upon his place and became recognized as one of the foremost agriculturists of his district.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gunderson were born eleven children, of whom nine are yet living. The eldest, Lena, became the wife of George Wigdahl and died in 1896, leaving her husband, who is now a resident of Colton, Dakota and two children: Oberner, a resident of Chicago, and Lawrence, also of Colton, South Dakota. The second child of the family was George Leland, who died in infancy. The others of the household are: Olive, the wife of Henry Beucus, of Monee, Illinois; Louise, who married Otley R. Westfall, of Chicago; Hans, who married Bertha Ellingbo and is now living with his mother, for whom he cultivates the homefarm ; Knut, at home; Ellen, the wife of John Christman, of Chicago; Emma, the wife of Clay Foley, of Chicago; Andrew, who married Aldo Waldo and is living in Monee, Illinois; and Hazel and Alma, both residing in Chicago.
The death of the husband and father occurred December 11, 1894, he was laid to rest in Riverside cemetery at Wallingford. He served as a member of the school board in Twelve Mile Lake township was much interested in the cause of education, recognizing the fact that the public school system is one of the bulwarks of the nation. He voted with the Republican party but was never an aspirant for office. His religious faith was that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. He won material success in life through his indefatigable industry and and at his death he left to his family not only a comfortable competence but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. Mrs. Gunderson, surviving him, is numbered among the old-time residents of the county, having long made her home here, so that she is familiar with the history of its development from pioneer days to the present.
George T. Haahr, of Denmark township, has gained a competence through unrelaxing attention to his work as his farmer and through the practice of thrift. His birth occurred in Denmark, August 25, 1875, and he is one of seven children born to Knud and Christiana (Andersen) Haahr. The mother passed away in 1884 in Audubon county, Iowa, where the family had located upon their emigration to the United States in 1883. The father subsequently married again, choosing as his second wife Karen Mikkelsen, by whom he had eight children. He purchased a farm in Audubon county, but after living there for seven years removed to Buena Vista county, whence after two years he went to Larimore, North Dakota, where he and his wife are still living.
George T. Haahr attended the district schools for a time in Audubon county, but as soon as he was old enough began working as a farm hand. when twenty-six years of age he rented a farm in Buena Vista county which he operated for two years. Since the spring of 1905 he has resided in Denmark township, Emmet county, and after farming the northwest quarter of section 11 for three years under lease he purchased the place, which he is still operating. The farm is well improved and everything is kept in first-class condition, thus facilitating the work of caring for the crops and livestock. Mr. Haahr was for some time a director of both the Denmark Creamery and the Farmers' elevator and is accounted one of the substantial men of his township.
On the 2nd of October, 1901, he was united in marriage to Miss Kate M. Christiansen, a daughter of Christopher and Karen M. (Nelsen) Christiansen, who located in Blackhawk county, Iowa, on removing from their native Denmark to the United States. They resided in that county for eighteen years and subsequently lived for a considerable period in Buena Vista county, but at length took up their residence in Denmark township, Emmet county, where the father died. He is buried in St. John's cemetery. The mother survives and makes her home with her children in Denmark township. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Haahr, as follows: Earl, deceased; Orvile Eugene, Earlys Ardell, Marion Thorlund, and Lavinia Christiansen.
Mr. Haahr supports the democratic party where national issues are at stake, but at local elections votes for the candidates whom he deems best fitted to fill the office without regard to their party affiliation. He is identified with the Danish Brotherhood and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in St. John's Lutheran church. He began his independent career with no assets save his knowledge of farm work, his energy and his determination to succeed, and with these as a foundation he has builded well, gaining financial success and the unqualified respect of all who know him.
Source: History of Emmet County and Dickinson County Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, The Pioneer Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1917, page 125.
H. C. Hansen, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 21, Denmark township, Emmet county, comes of a good old Danish family, his birth occurring in Denmark, June 12, 1858. He is a son of Mads P. and Karen Marie (Jensen) Hansen, in whose family, were eight children. In 1880 they crossed the ocean and took up their residence in Story county, Iowa, where they lived for five years, and then settled on a farm in Palo Alto county, just across the from Denmark township, Emmet county. Both parents have now passed away and are buried in St. John's cemetery.
H. C. Hansen was reared and educated in his native land, being twenty-two years of age when the family came to the new world. Coming to Iowa he worked as a farm hand in this state for ten years and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account. After his marriage he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 2, Independence township, Palo Alto county, and continued its improvement and cultivation until 1900, when he purchased his present farm on section 21, Denmark township, Emmet county, which also consists of one hundred and twenty acres. In connection with general farming he is raising registered Hereford cattle and finds that branch of his business quite profitable.
In 1890 Mr. Hansen was united in marriage to Miss Ellen C. Petersen, a daughter of Eric Petersen, of Muskegon county, Michigan, where he had homesteaded and where he continued to reside until his death in 1915. She lost her mother when quite small. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hansen two died in infancy, the others being Anna, Carrie, Ruth, Eric and Julius, all at home. They hold membership in St. Paul's Lutheran church, and Mr. Hansen is a republican in politics, taking a deep and commendable interest in public affairs.
Lars Hansen, who was one of the progressive and successful farmers of Denmark township, was a splendid representative of the excellent citizens whom Denmark has given to Emmet county. He was born in that country October 09, 1849, and was one of a family of seven children whose parents were Hans and Anna Marie Larsen. The father was a small farmer in Denmark and there both he and the mother spent their entire lives.
Lars Hansen received his education in the schools of his native country and remained there until 1872, when at the age of about twenty-three years he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and continued his journey westward to Clinton, Iowa. After working on a railroad there for a time he went to the vicinity of Cedar Falls and purchased a farm, which he operated until 1882. In that year he came to Denmark township, Emmet county, which was just being settled, and purchased the south half of the southwest quarter of section 27. That farm remained his place of residence throughout the rest of his life and as the years passed he brought it to a high state of cultivation. He concentrated his attention upon his farm work and as a result received a gratifying income from his land. On the 13th of August, 1896, he met accidental death and is buried St. John's cemetery.
In 1882 Mr. Hansen was united in marriage to Miss Maren Eskelund, whose parents spent their entire lives in Denmark. Mr. and Mrs. Hansen had six children: Lena, now Mrs. Hans C. Christiansen, of Denmark township; Anna, the wife of Peter Johansen, of Denmark township; J.E. who is married and is a banker of Crystal Lake, Iowa; Emma and Carl, both at home; and William, who is married and resides in Ringsted.
The democratic party received the support of Mr. Hansen but his political activity was confined to the exercise of his right of franchise. He served, however, as school director for seven years and had much at heart the educational advancement of his community. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in St. John's Danish Lutheran church. His untimely death deprived his family of a loving husband and father and his community of a citizen whose support could always be counted upon for the furtherance of all worthy projects.
Nels Hanson has never had occasion to regret his choice of farming as a life work, for he has met with gratifying success in the cultivation of his land on section 9, Iowa Lake township. He was born in Norway, June 12, 1852, a son of Nels and Annie (Larson) Hanson, also natives of that country, where the father engaged in farming and fishing. He died there in 1878 and the demise of his wife occurred nineteen years previously, or in 1859.
Mr. Hanson was reared under the parental roof and attended the public schools in the acquirement of his education. When eighteen years old he came to America and for some time was in the employ of farmers of Polk county, Iowa. He next rented land in Hamilton county, this state, for six years, and in 1887 came to Emmet county, Iowa, where he has since resided. He operated rented land near Estherville for four years, but in 1891 purchased his present place, which comprises eighty acres on section 9, Iowa Lake township. He has improved the place in various ways and during the twenty-six years that he has engaged in its operation has seldom failed to harvest good crops. He has also derived a satisfying profit from his stock raising interests.
On the 12th of February, 1878, Mr. Hanson was married to Miss Christine M. Stenerson and they became the parents of the following children: Annie; Nels, who died in 1881; Martha, now the wife of Fred W. Cheever; Lewis; Jennie; Hannah; Clarence; Hazel; Sanford; and Grace. In August, 1900, the wife and mother passed away and on the 3rd of March, 1905, Mr. Hanson married Mrs. Sarah (Stenerson) Watland, a sister of his first wife and the widow of John Watland. By her marriage to Mr. Watland, who died in June 1903, she had eleven children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being: Joseph, John, Edith M. and Martin, all of whom are also now deceased; Edward, Jennie, Ollie, Eli and Irene, all of whom survive.
The republican party receives the loyal support of Mr. Hanson and his keen interest in affairs concerning the public welfare is indicated by the fact that for ten years he has served as a member of the school board. In religious faith he is a Lutheran. He has found in the United States the opportunities for advancement which he sought and has been prompt and energetic in their utilization, thus gaining a place among the substantial men of his locality.
T. M. Hanson was reared and educated in Illinois, having been less than two years of age when brought by his parents to the new world. He left home at the age of nineteen and began earning his own living as a farm hand, being employed in that way for about seven years. He afterward came to Emmet county, Iowa, and invested the money which he had saved from his earnings in one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 25, Swan Lake township, which he has improved. He has made a specialty of raising hogs and that branch of his business adds materially to his income.
In 1911 Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Mrs. Rachel (Thompson) Wetterhus and to them was born a daughter, Johanna Elmira, who died at the age of seven months. By her former marriage Mrs. Hanson had a daughter Maurine, who is now at home. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson hold membership in the Lutheran church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has never sought nor held office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He is a self-made man whose prosperity has all been won through his own efforts since he started out in life on his own account. Diligence and determination have characterized his entire career and made him one of the substantial citizens of Swan Lake township.
Business enterprise, intelligently directed, has made C. R. Henry one of the representative merchants of Emmet county, within whose borders he has made his home since 1913. He is now proprietor of a hardware store at Gruver. His birth occurred at Bonfield, Illinois, July 20, 1891, his parents being George O. and Emma (Bally) Henry, who are also natives of that state, where they are still living. To them were born eight children and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death.
C. R. Henry spent his boyhood and youth in the state of his nativity and is indebted to its public school system for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. He left home at the age of seventeen years to make his own way in the world and whatever success he has since achieved is attributable entirely to his earnest effort. His first position was that of shipping clerk with James H. Watson at Bradley, Illinois, where he remained for a year. He next entered the service of the Chicago, Indiana & Southern Railroad Company. In 1913 he arrived in Emmet county and opened the hardware store at Gruver which he now carries on. He is one of the enterprising merchants of the town and his business activity is bringing to him merited success.
Mr. Henry belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party, feeling that its platform contains the best elements of good government. He is actuated in all that he does by a spirit of enterprise and progress which assures his continued advancement in the business world.
A valuable farm of one hundred and ninety-six acres on section 22, High Lake township, pays tribute to the care and labors bestowed upon it by its owner, Jacob Herum, who is acknowledged one of the progressive and enterprising agriculturist of Emmet county. He was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, January 24, 1862, and is a son of Peter E. and Bertha Herum, who were natives of Norway. On coming to the United States they made their way to Dane county, Wisconsin, in 1847 and there resided for almost a quarter of a century, or until 1870. In the latter year they came to Emmet county, Iowa, and Mr. Herum purchased farm land in High Lake township. He then began to develop and improve his farm, bringing his fields to a high state of cultivation. He continued active in that work until his death and his wife has also passed away. In their family were twelve children, nine of whom are yet living.
The common school system of Emmet county afforded Jacob Herum the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He was but eight years of age when brought by his parents to Iowa and through the period of his boyhood and youth his time was divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the home farm. In fact he continued upon the home place until 1896, when he was united in marriage to Miss Ina Bauge, a daughter of Joe and Julia (Halverson) Bauge, natives of Norway, who became early settlers of Iowa, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Herum have become the parents of five children, Percy B., Joseph G., Raymond J., Robert G. and Margaret M.
Devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits, Jacob Herum is now owner of one hundred and ninety-six acres of land, which embraces the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 22, High Lake township, the north half of the northeast quarter of section 22 and the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of the same section. He has resided thereon continuously since his marriage and is now engaged in general farming and in dairying, keeping good grades of cows for that purpose. There are excellent improvements upon his land in the way of good buildings and well kept fences, his machinery is of the latest improved models and his farm work is carried on according to the most progressive methods.
Mr. and Mrs. Herum are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. His political endorsement is given to the Republican party and he has filled the office of road supervisor. He has also been school director for two years and the cause of education finds him a stalwart champion. Practically his entire life has been passed in Emmet county, where he has lived for forty-seven years, and there is no phase of its development and progress with which he is not familiar, having witnessed the greater part of its growth and upbuilding.
Charles H. Higinbotham, who is engaged in general merchandising at Gruver, was born in Winnebago county, Iowa, April 26, 1870. His parents, William and Rachel (Miller) Higinbotham, are natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. About the year 1860 they took up their abode in Iowa and are still residents of Winnebago county. They had a family of eight children, of whom six are yet living.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Charles H. Higinbotham was educated in the common schools of Winnebago county and in the high school at Forest City. He continued upon the home farm until he attained his majority, when, thinking to find other pursuits more congenial, he turned his attention to commercial interests by securing a clerkship in a store, in which he was employed for a year. Later he was connected with a grain elevator for six years or until 1899, when he built an elevator in Gruver, which he conducted for a short time. He then sold out and established his present general merchandise store, which he has since conducted. He carries a substantial and attractive line of goods and finds a ready sale therefore, owing to his reliable business methods, his reasonable prices and his earnest desire to please his patrons. He owns the store building which he occupies.
In 1893 Mr. Higinbotham was united in marriage to Miss Grace Lawrence, a native of Kansas and a daughter of Lester L. and Irene (Kays) Lawrence. Her mother is now deceased, while the father resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Higinbotham have become the parents of two children, William L. and Lawrence.
Mr. Higinbotham is a well known and representative member of the Odd Fellows' Lodge No. 69, also of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and in the local organizations has filled various chairs. He votes with the Republican party and his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have frequently called upon him to fill public offices, so that he has served as justice of the peace, as town clerk and as a member of the school board. His wife belongs to the Presbyterian church, and both are highly esteemed in the community where they make their home, their many substantial characteristics winning for them the high and favorable regard of all who know them.
Source: History of Emmet County and Dickinson County Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, The Pioneer Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1917, page 165.
JOHN S. HILLIARD, superintendent of schools at Estherville, has the reputation of a scholar, a hard working executive and a school man whose work has been attended with successful results in all the communities with which he has been identified.
Mr. Hilliard was born in Joe Davies County, Illinois, April 10, 1884, son of Smith and Jennie R. (Strickle) Hilliard. His parents were also natives of Illinois, and his father spent his active career as a farmer.
John S. Hilliard spent his boyhood on a farm in Benton County, adjoining a place on which the famous "Bing" Miller, of the world's champion athletics, was reared. After the country schools he attended high school at Vinton, Iowa, graduating there, and in 1906 received his diploma from the State Teachers College at Cedar Falls. He never stopped studying, and all through his teaching career has embraced opportunities to take summer courses and in that way he graduated from the University of Iowa in 1913 and has also done post-graduate work in the University of Chicago, accumulating credits towards higher degrees. The important positions he has filled in teaching and administration of schools were: A year and a half as principal of a grade school at Cedar Falls; three and a half years as superintendent of schools at Lansing; three years as superintendent at Postville; and in 1922 he came to Estherville, a community whose schools have been maintained at a very high standard during the eight years of Mr. Hilliard's superintendency. He is a member of the Iowa State Teachers Association and a life member of the National Education Association.
He married Miss Florence Thompson, who was born at Vinton, Iowa. Their daughter, Virginia, completed three years at the Iowa State College at Ames and in September, 1930, married Don King editor of Civil Engineer, published by the Society of Civil Engineers of America at New York City. Their son, Vance, is in the class of 1931 at Estherville High School, where he is active in forensics and business manager of the school paper, published every two weeks.
Mr. Hilliard votes as a Republican, is a Methodist, a Knight Templar Mason, member of the Knights of Pythias and B. P. O. Elks. He finds diversion from his school duties in the game of golf.
Contributed by:
Debbie Clough Gerischer,
Iowa History Site.
Source: A Narrative History
of
The People of Iowa
with
SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THEIR CHIEF ENTERPRISES IN EDUCATION, RELIGION, VALOR,
INDUSTRY, BUSINESS, ETC.
by
EDGAR RUBEY HARLAN, LL. B., A. M.
Curator of the
Historical, Memorial and Art Department of Iowa Volume IV THE AMERICAN
HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Inc.
Chicago and New York,
1931.
Jorgen N. Hoien, a resident farmer of Jack Creek township, his home on section 2, is a native of Denmark and his birth occurred on the 30th of March, 1866. He is a son of Jens Peter and Else Marie Hoien, who came to the United States in 1888, settling in Ohio and in 1893 made their way to Iowa, establishing their home in Blackhawk county, where the mother passed away. The father afterward came to Emmet county to make his home with his son Jorgen, with whom he continued until his death, which occurred in June, 1912.
Jorgen N. Hoien pursued a common school education to the age of seventeen years, or until 1883, when he came to the United States. While in Ohio he was employed in a nail factory at Martins Ferry for two years, after which he came to Iowa and for a similar period worked as a farm hand in Blackhawk county. He then went to the Pacific coast and spent two and a half years in California, working with the bridge gang of the Santa Fe Railroad Company. Subsequently he returned to Blackhawk county, Iowa, and began farming on his own account as a renter. There he remained for eleven years, or until 1900k when he took up his abode in Emmet county, where he has since lived. He first bought one hundred and sixty acres of land and later purchased two quarter sections. He has since sold one quarter and now owns three hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable farm land in Emmet county. His time and attention are concentrated upon the work of the farm and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates his practical efforts and progressive methods. He has good buildings upon his farm and the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and there is nothing that he can do to enhance the value and productiveness of his place that he neglects.
In 1890, Mr. Hoien was united in marriage to Miss Anna Lund, of Blackhawk county, Iowa. They have become the parents of seven children: Jens, who is engaged in farming in Emmet county; Soren, who occupies the position of clerk in the Farmers Savings Bank at Ringsted, this county; and Jorgen, Christina, Iver, Else Marie and Annetta, all at home.
In politics Mr. Hoien is a democrat and has served as township trustee and as a member of the school board for a number of years. He belongs to the Danish Brotherhood and to the Lutheran church and his life is guided by high and honorable principles that make him a man fully worthy of the high regard which is everywhere entertained for him. He came to the United States a poor boy but with the passing years has steadily worked his way upward and is now one of the substantial and worthy citizens of Jack Creek township.
CC Note: Jorgen Hoien (died 1949) and Anna Lund Hoien (died 1954) and several of their children are buried in St. John's Lutheran cemetery.
The operation of his fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Armstrong Grove township requires practically the entire attention Warner L. Hoppus, leaving him little time for outside interests. He was born in Clayton county, Iowa, December 8, 1857, and is a son Daniel and Frances (Hanna) Hoppus, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and of Ohio. The father was a butcher by trade but his removal to Iowa carried on farming here. Subsequently he similarly engaged in Minnesota and in Canada, his death occurring in the Dominion in August, 1912, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-eight years. His wife is still living in that country.
Warner L. Hoppus grew to manhood in Hardin county, Iowa, and had the privilege of attending the common schools until he was fourteen years old. He then began working as a farm hand and so continued until 1881, when he rented land. Two years later he bought a farm in Hardin county which he operated for three years but at the end of that time again rented land, which he cultivated for two years. He at length purchased another farm in Franklin county, Iowa, but after giving five years to its operation he came to Emmet county in 1894. For seventeen years he operated one farm in Armstrong Grove township under lease but at the end of that time realized a long cherished purpose as he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of fine land. His place is situated on section 21, Armstrong Grove township, and its value has been increased by many improvements. He is engaged in general farming and his yearly income is a gratifying one.
Mr. Hoppus was married on the 28th of December, 1881, to Miss Julia Rogers and to them were born three children: Lyman E., who was born on the 13th of November, 1883, and died in 1886; Lee L., who was born October 7, 1887, and is now farming in Armstrong Grove township; and Luella Blanche, born July 30, 1889. On the 6th of May, 1911, the wife and mother died suddenly of heart failure. She had many warm friends and her demise was the occasion of much sincere grief.
In politics Mr. Hoppus is a republican and fraternally is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. In. successfully managing his agricultural interests and improving his farm he is not only gaining prosperity for himself but is also contributing to the development of his township and county, whose wealth consists chiefly of rich farm lands.
CC Note: Warner L. Hoppus and wife Julia are buried in Armstrong Grove cemetery.
William O. Howard, editor of the Armstrong Journal, was born March 10, 1874, in Drakesville, Davis county, Iowa, and is a son of George O. and Susan F. (Seay) Howard, natives of Ohio and Iowa respectively. The father, who was a shoemaker by trade, died in 1878, and the mother then removed to Clarinda, Iowa, to make her home with her father, the Rev. Isaac M. Seay, who was a pioneer Baptist minister of the state.
William O. Howard was reared and educated in Clarinda, and at the early age of twelve years entered the office of the Page County Democrat, where he quickly acquired a good knowledge of the printer's trade. At the age of sixteen years he established the Bradyville News and became the youngest newspaper publisher in Iowa. On disposing of the business there he worked at his trade in Minnesota for ten years, a part of which time he was in the employ of Brown & Bigelow, art calendar publishers of St. Paul. In 1908 Mr. Howard located at Forest City, Iowa, and for three years owned the controlling interest in the Forest City Summit. On selling out there he purchased the Wall Lake Blade, which he published until the spring of 1916 when he sold out, and in the fall of that year became a resident of Armstrong, Emmet county. Here he bought the Armstrong Journal which he now publishes. He has a well equipped office and being a thorough newspaper man undoubtedly will meet with success in his new field of labor.
On New Year's Day of 1897 Mr. Howard was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Peterson, a native of Norway, and they have become the parents of four children, namely: Harold M., born May 6, 1898; Morton O., July 3, 1899; Francis E., June 22, 1901; and Ruth M., September 17, 1904. Fraternally Mr. Howard is a member of the Masonic order and is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he is a progressive republican, taking a commendable interest in public affairs and supporting all worthy enterprises for the benefit of his town and community.
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