EARLY SETTLEMENT — HISTORIC ITEMS — ORGANIC — CENTER TOWNSHIP EDUCATIONAL — RELIGIOUS — LAKE MILLS — BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
LAKE MILLS BANK — ROLLER MILL — CARDING MILL — LAKE MILLS ELEVATOR — POSTOFFICE [sic] — INCORPORATION
LAKE MILLS EDUCATIONAL — RELIGIOUS AND CIVIC SOCIETIES — BUSINESS DIRECTORY

This township is bounded on the north by Norway township, on the east by Worth county, on the south by Mount Valley township, and on the west by Newton township, and comprises all of congressional township 99, of range 23. The soil is rich and very productive and in this township are some of the best farms in the county. The township is mostly prairie, although there are quite a number of large groves of timber in the eastern and northeastern part. Lime creek enters the township on section 5, and leaves from section 19. Beaver creek rises on section 35, and leaves the township from section 36. Rice lake, quite a large body of water, lies about half in this township, and half in Worth county.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first settler in the territory now comprising Center township was George Thomas, who located land about one mile southeast of the present site of Lake Mills in the spring of 1855. Mr. Thomas made that his home until his death which occurred in 1858. George W., son of Mr. Thomas, came to the county in 1855, with his father, remaining about three years, when he went to Pike's Peak. In 1860 he returned to Winnebago county, locating in Center township, on what was known as the Taugue place. About a year later he built where his present residence now is and has made that his home ever since.

George W. Thomas was born in Canada, Aug. 5, 1838. He emigrated with his parents, at the age of nine years, to the States, locating in Dodge Co., Wis., where he remained till 1855, then removing to Winnebago Co., Iowa, settled on section 11, Center township, where he has since resided, with the exception of one year, when he was at Pike's Peak in search of gold. He has 560 acres of good land well improved. He is a member of the Forest City Masonic Lodge, No. 213. He was married March 14, 1866, to Hattie Gibbs, born in St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., March 14, 1849. This union has been blessed with four living children - Charles D., Hattie May, Mand and Myrtle, (twins). Barney Gibbs, the father of Mrs. thomas, was born in New York in 1816, and died in Winnebago Co., Iowa, in 1879. Louisa, the mother, was born in New York in April, 1826, and is still living. They were the parents of two children - Mary, now the wife of Pulaska Williams, of Todd co., Minn., and Hattie, now Mrs. Thomas. Joshua Thomas, the father of G.W. Thomas, was born in New York, in 1801; died in Winnebago Co., Iowa, in 1858. Matilda Borden, the mother, was born in Canada, in 1812; died in Wisconsin in 1855. They were the parents of six children, George W. being the second child.

In the spring of 1856 a man by the name of Taugue came to the county, locating in this township on section 1. He lived there for about two years, then moved to section 12, and in the fall of 1858 went to Pike's Peak.

John Anderson also came in 1856, locating on section 2. He remained two or three years and then went to Kansas.

In 1857, three brothers, John, C.L. and Fred M. Porter, became residents of the territory now embraced by Center township. They located on section 2, where C.L. still lives. John is now in Kansas; F.M. died in about 1880, near Wadena, Minn.

Joseph Burns came the same year and squatted on section 2, moving the following year to section 11. After a stay of four or five years he went to Illinois.

In 1858 C.D. Smith settled on section 2, where he still lives.

C.D. Smith was born in Vermont Nov. 26, 1833. He was reared on a farm and there resided until twenty-two years of age. He then went to Janesville, Wis., where he remained one year, removing to Worth Co., Iowa, where he resided two years, being engaged in farming. He then removed to Winnebago county, and purchased a claim from Joseph Burns, who had erected a log cabin on it about 1856. Mr. Smith built an additional room to this cabin in 1864, and has since made it his home. He has lately completed a fine two-story frame dwelling near the site of the old one, in which he is now residing. In 1866, he, in company with S.D. Wadsworth, erected a steam flouring and saw mill, to which they also added a shingle cutter and carding machine. The mill was situated near the lake from which the town afterward derived its name. This mill burned down in the fall of 1871, but was re-built by the same company, and was again in running order in January, 1872. In April, 1883, the mill was sold to H. Winslow, now of the firm of Winslow & Conley, who have put in a patent roller mill. Mr. Smith is now engaged in farming. He has 480 acres of land on sections 2,3, and 11. He has been county supervisor eight years, township trustee several terms, and is at present mayor of Lake Mills, which position he has held ever since the city received its charter, in 1881. About 1868, he bought fifteen acres of land of E.D. Hinman, which he laid out into town lots, and upon which the town of Lake Mills began to build. In 1880 he laid out into lots fifty acres of the Joseph Burns claim. Mr. Smith was married Feb. 26, 1863, to Janet Smith, who was born in Canada, April 26, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of five children - Walter C., born Dec. 28, 1863; Annie J., born Jan. 18, 1869; Emeline A., born Dec. 15, 1873; Charles W., born Oct. 26, 1875; and Bessie J., born June 15, 1881.

John B. Aulman also came in 1858, and entered 320 acres of land on sections 8 and 9 of Center township. He shortly after returned to his home in Philadelphia, Penn., remaining until 1860, whe, with his family, he settled on his land in Center township.

John B. Aulman was born in France, Dec. 19, 1819. In 1843 he emigrated to America, landing at New Orleans, La., where he remained a short time, removing to Philadelphia, Penn., where he resided for eighteen years. He then removed to Iowa, settling in Winnebago county, section 7, Center township, where he has since resided, with the exception of one year, while making a tour through Kansas. He has a ferm of 280 acres, of good land, well improved. He was married in France, in 1848, to Mary Frates. This union has been blessed with four living children - Augustus, Joseph P., Eugene and Andrew. Mr. Aulman is a republican, and is a member of the Catholic Church.

John E. Anderson came from Lyons, this State, in 1860, and located on section 2, of what is now Center township. He built a small house and improved his land, remaining there until his death, which occurred in 1866.

During the war, quite a number settled in the township. Prominent among them were: Patrick Malone, Elef Elefson, T.Thompson, John Johnson, J.J. Kleven, Charles Ruby and E.D. Hinman. All of these persons, excepting J.J. Kleven and Charles Ruby, are still residents of the township.

J.J. Kleven located on section 22. He died four or five years later. His family still reside on the same place.

Charles Ruby came from Bristol, this State, locating on section 4, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1868.

Thomas Thompson was born in Norway, in December, 1822. In 1852 he emigrated to America, landing at Quebec. He went to Racine Co., Wis., remaining there one year, thence to Dane county, where he resided until 1865, when he came to this county. He settled on section 16, Center township, where he has 320 acres of land. He has forty acres in timber. In 1852 he was married to Harriet Johnson, born in Norway, in 1822. They have six children - Mary, John, Ole, Rockstead, Thomas and Gilbert. They are all members of the Lutheran Church. He is a republican, politically.

HISTORIC ITEMS.

The first birth in the township was that of a daughter of Rev. John B. Hill. She was born in the summer of 1859, and died within the year.

The first death occurred in 1858, and carried away George Thomas, the first settler in the township.

The first resident couple to get married was C.D. Smith and Jeannette Smith, who are still living in the township.

The first cabin was built in 1855 by George Thomas, who, in the following year, broke the first piece of land, on section 12.

The first school house was built in the winter of 1859-60, on section 2. The contract was let to C.H. Day, who had the work done.

The first sermon was preached in 1862 by Rev. Saxby.

The first school was taught in 1860 by E.D. Hinman.

ORGANIC.

Center township was organized in 1858, and comprised all of congressional township 98, of range 24, excepting two tiers of sections on the south; the south half of township 98, range 23; all of the south tier of sections in township 99, ranges 24, 25 and 26; and two tiers of sections in the extreme west of townships 99 and 100, of range 26. In 1867 the county was re-divided, and Center township was made to comprise all of congressional township 98, range 23, and the east half of range 24, except section 34 and the northwest three-fourths of section 35; also the south half of township 99, ranges 23, 24 and 25. In 1875 Center township was again changed. At this time its territory was made co-extensive with township 99, of ranges 23, 24, 25 and 26; and in 1881 it became all of congressional township 99, of range 23.

The early election records of this township were not preserved, and hence the names of the first officers cannot be ascertained.

In 1883 the officers were as follows: Trustees, Lars Tho, T.H. Twito and Ole O. Tvetine; clerk, A.O. Tobiassen; justices, A. Anderson and R.O. Haugland; constables, John Bingaman and W.F. Brown; assessor, Andrew Thompson; road supervisors, district No. 1, Charles Ruby; district No. 2, Ole Peterson; No. 3, T.A. Brekky; No. 4, John Eiel; No. 5, Henry Thompson; No. 6, K.K. Killen; No. 7, Elling Hermanson; No. 8, Ole H. Brekky.

EDUCATIONAL.

In 1883 Center township was divided into nine sub-districts for school purposes. Number of school houses, each, valued at $5,000; value of apparatus, $340. the total number of persons between the ages of five and twenty-one years was 458, of which were males, 258, females, 200; total number enrolled in the schools of the township, 321. Number of teachers employed in the township, males six, females six; average monthy compensation, males $28.88, females $25.83. Total number of months of school during the year ending Sept. 17, 1883, fifty-eight; average cost of tuition per month for each pupil, $1.13.

RELIGIOUS.

The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church of Center township was organized on the 3d day of September, 1865, by the Rev. T.A. Torgeson, with the following original members: Hejus Ganzsied, Mary Tollaksen, Evind Jorgensen Sunderland, Halvor J. Sunderland, Sigurd H. Sunderland and Torjus Tollefson.

The first meetings were held in private residences and in schoolhouses until 1876, when the society erected their beautiful house of worship on section 34. The edifice stands on a commanding eminence and may be seen from miles away in every direction. It is 40 by 106 feet, and cost about $6,000. Too much credit cannot be given to Rev. I.M. Dahl for his persistent efforts in the erection of this structure. Mr. Dahl became the pastor of the church, Oct. 19, 1873, a little over one month after its organization.

Rev. I.M. Dahl was born in Norway on the 14th of December, 1836. In 1860 he went to Germany and studied theology in a mission college, located at Hanover, being ordained in 1866, by the Rev. Dr. Niemann, the counsellor of the consistory. The same year, Mr. Dahl was sent on a mission to the East Indies, where he worked faithfully for seven years in the Madras Presidency. Here he was married, Dec. 18, 1870, to Catharina Moursund. In the spring of 1873, Mr. Dahl left the Indies for Europe, where he tarried but a short time, then came to the United States and coming directly to Iowa took charge of his present field of labor. Mr. and Mrs. Dahl have been blessed with two children - Hans Flaminius Moursund, born Dc. 6, 1871; and Mary Olivia, born Dec. 22, 1872. Mr. Dahl stands some five feet, ten and a half inches high, weighs 235 pounds, and with his magnificent physical proportions unites a purely Greek profile. A more classical, intellectual looking man, it is hard to find, and when he enters the pulpit to thunder forth the tenets of his faith, it seems that the great reformer of the fifteenth century, Martin Luther, stood before us. His extensive travels and acquaintances with numerous tongues and dialects are betrayed in his every conversation, and the consideration in which he is held by his numerous congregations, denotes that the man is almost perfect in all the walks of life. No clergyman in all northern Iowa wields the influence or accomplishes the good that this gentleman does. At the time of his coming here the society numbered 595. In 1880 the chuch was divided, and Rev. H. Strand was called to the supervision of one part while Mr. Dahl was retained for the other. At this time the church records showed a total membership of 1,976, an increase of 1,881. In 1882 the membership of both divisions was 2,397. The officers of the Church consist of seven trustees: Aslak Olson, Nils Egge, Andrew Neresen, Torris Hermandsen, Gulbrand Belsheim, Andrew Peterson and Knudt J. Fei.

The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Winnebago county is one of the most prominent organizations of northwestern Iowa. The society is in a healthy, prosperous condition. The Winnebago Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran congregations are divided into three religious school districts, with a teacher for each district, teaching religion, song and the Norwegian language. Each district is again divided into three sub-districts and the whole is arranged so that the children may use both the English common, and the Norwegian religious day schools.

LAKE MILLS

The village of Lake Mills is beautifully situated in the edge of the timber on section 2, of Center township. The Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad passes through the village, connecting it with all leading markets, both north and south. The outlook for this busy little village is indeed flattering, and the energy and enterprise of its citizens, combined with the great scope of country which feeds it, will before many years make Lake Mills one of the leading towns in this part of Iowa. Lake Mills was laid out in 1868, although for a number of years prior to that time the village was in existence. C.D. Smith was the proprietor of the town site. The first store building on the present site of Lake Mills was built by E.D. Hinman, in 1864, and that gentleman was the first to sell goods.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.

n 1866 S.D. Wadsworth opened a general store in an old log school house which had been built several years before. He continued the business in the old school house until 1867, then removed to his dwelling house, where he now resides, and after four years sold his stock of goods to W.B. Todd. Mr. Todd removed the stock into what is known as the old Barnett House, and continued in business about three years. At the end of that time he closed his stock out and retired from business.

The next general store was opened in 1868, by Lewis Crowell, in the bulding where Southwick's store now is. Mr. Crowell continued the business about one year, then sold to Lemuel Stilson, who sold in about a year to Abel Porter. One year later, Mr. Porter sold out his goods and quit the business.

In 1869 Larson & Co., from Osage, Iowa, opened a general store in what is now known as the old Smith building. They continued there for two years, then erected the building they now occupy.

William Larson, a native of Norway, was born April 30, 1831. He emigrated to America in 1854 and located in New England, where he remained eighteen months, then removing to Dane Co., Wis., at which place he resided until 1861, then removing to Iowa Co., Wis., where he remained until 1864. He enlisted in company H, 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery, was stationed at Chattanooga, Tenn., until he was discharged at the close of the war. He then returned to Wisconsin where he remained until 1868, and then removed to Osage, Mitchell Co., Iowa, where he remained till 1870. He then came to Lake Mills, Winnebago Co., Iowa, where he has since resided and been engaged in the mercantile business. He was married in Norway, in 1854, to Catharina Dalum, born in Norway, about 1810, and died April 15, 1883, at Lake Mills, Iowa. He was again married, to Hannah Dalum, Sept. 10, 1883, who was born in Norway, March 20, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Larson are members of the Norway Lutheran Church. Mr. Larson has been treasurer of the county, and at present is chairman of the board of supervisors. In 1875 he returned to Norway, where he remained three months. In 1880 he again visited Norway, and returned in 1881.

The next general stock was opened in 1873 by E.L. Johnson, in the building vacated by Larson & Co. Mr. Johnson continued in business, about one year and sold out to K.H. Knudson, who closed out the stock six months later.

In 1879, Wadsworth & Knudson opened a general business. Two years and a half later, Mr. Wadsworth became sole proprietor, and in the fall of 1883 Ole Scar bought out Mr. Wadsworth and is still in business.

In 1883 the reprentatives of the general trade in Lake Mills were: Ole Scar; William Larson, Oliver Nelson and Southwick & Olson.

In the early days nearly all of the stores carried limited stocks of hardware, and it was not until 1872 that a store soley devoted to that business was established. In 1872 Lemuel Stilson engaged in the hardware trade at Lake Mills. he continued in business for six or eight months, then removed to Forest city.

The representatives of the hardware trade in 1883 were: E.L. Henderson, F.C. Hall and Frank Lepper.

Frank Lepper was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, March 18, 1850, where he remained until twelve years of age, removing to Michigan where he resided three years, then locating in Lake Mills, where he has resided since, being employed for eight years in a tin shop, but now running a shop in connection with a hardware store for Frank Hall of Northwood. He has been connected with Mr. Hall for five years. He was married May 22, 1872, to Ellen Todd, who was born at Buffalo N.Y. April 11, 1855. They are the parents of two children - Burdette, born Nov. 27, 1876, and Blanch, born Sept. 1, 1881. Mr. Lepper is a member of the I.O.O.F., of Aurora Lodge, and also a member of the city council.

The first grocery store was opened in 1875 by K.H. Knudson. He occupied a building which stood where Henderson's hardware store now is. Mr. Knudson cintinued in the grocery trade for several years, then merged his stock with the general line under the firm name of Wadsworth & Knudson.

The grocery trade was represented in 1883 by Perry Brown.

The first furniture store was established in 1878 by Abel Porter. In 1879 William Wilson became proprietor of the business, and in 1881 sold out to J.B. Wilson, who was the sole representative of that branch of trade in Lake Mills in 1883.

J.B. Wilson is a native of Canada, born Jan. 22, 1827. His father, Hugh Wilson, was born in Cherry Valley, N.Y. Feb. 11, 1801. He removed to Canada when quite young, residing there until 1845, when he removed to Kane Co., Ill. In the latter place he followed farming until 1881, when he removed to this county. Anna M. (Munson) Wilson, mother of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Vermont, born Feb. 9, 1801. She died march 9, 1840. She was the mother of seven children, J.B. being the fourth child. He removed to Illiniois with his parents, in 1845, residing there until 1881, when he came to this county, locating in Lake Mills, where he engaged in business. He was married Oct. 30, 1847, to Mary C. Peck, born in Otsego Co., N.Y., Dec. 6, 1829. They have two children living - Ida F., born May 27, 1854, and Frank B., born Aug. 6, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the M.E. Church.

LAKE MILLS BANK

The Lake Mills Bank was established April 1, 1883, by Messrs. W.C. Pickering, W.T. Hartley and W.H. Harwood. This is one of the prominent institutions of Lake Mills, and is a feature of the business interests of the village which has long been needed. The firm was previously engaged in land speculations and loaning money, which business they still continue in connection with their banking operations. The firm first located at Lake Mills in 1882.

ROLLER MILL.

This mill was established in 1871 by S.D. Wadsworth and C.D. Smith, and flour was made by the old process. The above firm run the mill until in 1881, when Mr. Wadsworth sold his share of the property to J.B. conley, and the firm became Conley, Smith & Co. this firm continued the business until May 1, 1883, when another change was made, the mill becoming the property of H.W. Winslow and J. Conley. This firm remodelled the mill, fitting it with the latest improved roller process. The mill is 24X36 feet, three stories high, and is valued at $10,000. It is run by a steam engine of forty horse power. The flour turned out by this mill is of superior quality, and is conceded to be the best manufactured in Winnebago county.

J.B. Conley, a native of Rock Co., Wis., was born July 1, 1852, where he received his education, and remained until twenty-five years of age. In 1877 he removed to Iowa, and was engaged in drilling wells in Bremer and Howard counties. In 1880 he removed to Lake Mills, and with S.D. Wadsworth was engaged in operating a flouring mill, for one year, at which time he purchased the interest of Mr. Wadsworth and continued in the mill business under the firm name of Conley, Smith & Co., the mill being under that name until May 1, 1883, when H.W. Winslow purchased the interest of Smith & Co., then forming the firm of Winslow & Co. Mr. Conley was married in December, 1881, to S.B. Kenny, who was born Dec. 18, 1852. Mr. Conley is a republican, and with his wife is a member of the Roman Catholic church.

Henry W. Winslow, a native of Kane Co., Ill., was born May 14, 1847, where he lived until two years of age, and with his parents removed to Ashtabula county, where they remained four years, removing to Lake Co., Ind., remaining there eight years, then to Toledo, Ohio, where he resided two years. He then located at Lake Co., Ind., where he resided until twenty-one years of age. Mr. Winslow then removed to Chicago, Ill., where for three years he was engaged in the draying business. He then removed to Minnesota, and for three years was engaged building bridges on the N.P.R.R. He removed to Minneapolis and for nine years engaged in the millright business. Then to Waseca, Minn., where he remained four months, removing to Watertown, where he resided six months, and in May, 1883, removed to Lake Mills, and engaged in the mill business under the firm name of Winslow & Conley, running a No. 1 patent process flouring mill. He was married Dec. 26, 1873, to Frances McKay, who was born in Canada, Feb. 14, 1854. This union has been blessed with one child - Betric, born Oct. 1, 1875. Mr. Winslow is a member of Emma Lodge, K. of P. No. 18.

CARDING MILL.

D.N. Hill, proprietor of the Lake Mills carding mill, established his business in 1878. The business is growing and is an important factor in the business development of Lake Mills. Mr. Hill finds customers from all parts of Winnebago and adjoining counties within a radius of 100 miles. On an average he turns out over 7,000 pounds of carded wool yearly.

LAKE MILLS ELEVATOR.

The Lake Mills elevator was erected in 1878 by M.P. Hayes & Co., who at once commenced buying and shipping grain. The capacity of the elevator is about 25,000 bushels, and cost, complete, over $5,000. In 1883 the building and business became the property of Gust Sunwald, of Carver, Minn. H. Rowell is managing the business at present.

POSTOFFICE. [sic]

Lake Mills postoffice was established in 1864 with S.D. Wadsworth as postmaster. He held the office for three years and was succeeded by W.B. Todd, who also held for three years. Todd's successor was William Larson. Mr. Larson remained postmaster until 1878, when J.M. Hull received the appointment, holding the office until 1882, when C.E. Keeler, the present incumbent, became postmaster.

INCORPORATION.

Lake Mills was incorporated June 7, 1880, with 408 inhabitants. The first officers elected were as follows: Mayor, C.D. Smith; recorder, A.N. Hill; councilmen, William Larson, S.A. Smith, L.S. Anderson, T.H. Twito and K.H. Knudson.

The city officers in 1883 were as follows: Mayor, C.D. Smith; recorder, W.A. Chapman; councilmen, Ole Scar, N.O. Styve, T.H. Twito, H.J. Rowland, N.A. Smith and F.D. Lepper.

N.O. Styve, lumber merchant, was born in Norway, Aug. 5, 1844. He emigrated to America in 1850, landing at New York, and locating in Dane Co., Wis., where he resided three years, removing to Winneshiek Co., Iowa, remaining on a farm for four years. He then removed to Freeborn Co., Minn., where he engaged in farming until 1872, removing to Albert Lea, where he resided seven years, engaged in the lumber business. In 1879 he removed to Lake Mills, where he has since resided, and engaged in the same business. He was married June 2, 1867, to Ellen Bottleson, born in Norway, Nov. 6, 1839. This union has been blessed with three children -- Ole, born Dec. 7, 1869; Battol Laurits, born April 9, 1880, and died July 27, 1880; and Gustaf Battol Laurits, born Feb. 20, 1882. Mr. Styve is a republican, and the family are members of the Lutheran Church.

Horace J. Rowland, proprietor of city livery, omnibus and dray line of Lake Mills, was born in Connecticut, March 25, 1834, where he resided until twenty-two years of age. In 1856 he removed to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1862, removing to Olmsted Co., Minn., where he resided three years. He then removed to St. Ansgar, Mitchell Co., Iowa, where he remained until 1868, being engaged in dealing in horses, then removing to Lake Mills, where he has since resided. He has been for fifteen years a star route mail contractor on various routes. He was at one time railway mail agent on the M. & St. L. Railroad. He also run several stage lines, and carried on the livery business, in which he is still engaged. He has 120 acres of good land, and a comfortable residence in Lake Mills. He was married Jan. 1, 1860, to Rebecca J. Farmer, born in Ohio, July 16, 1842. They are the parents of five children -- George E., born in Wisconsin, July 8, 1861; Willie E., born in Minnesota, April 11, 1863; Walter A., born in Minnesota, oct. 28, 1864; Emma, born in Iowa, April 16, 1868; and Josephine, born in Iowa, in 1872. George runs a barber shop in Lake Mills, and resides with his parents; Walter is operator on the M. & St. L. Railroad; Emma is now the wife of S.B. Toye, principal of the Lake Mills school. Mrs. Rowland is a member of the M.E. Church, and Mr. Rowland a Free Mason.

N.A. Smith was born in Vermont, Nov. 1, 1844, where he remained until seventeen years of age. He then removed to Ashland, Mass., to learn the trade of a tinner. He worked at this trade until July 21, 1864. He then enlisted in company G, 5th regiment, Massachusetts Militia Volunteers, to serve 100 days. He was discharged from the service the 16th of November, 1864, at Readville, Mass. He again engaged in the tinner's trade, at which he worked until March 15, 1868. He was then married to Isadora Richardson, by Rev. H.L. Hastings, of Lawrence, Mass., and removed to Winnebago county and located at Lake Mills, where he has since remained, engaged in the jewelry business, this being his favorite pursuit from boyhood. He has a farm of sixty-three acres joining the town, which he also farms. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of two children - Pearl, born Oct. 3, 1874, and Carrie E., born March 12, 1876.

EDUCATIONAL.

The Lake Mills graded schools form a part of sub-district No 1 of Center township. The first school house in the township was built in the winter of 1859-60 in the northeast part of Lake Mills and the first school was taught in 1860 by E.D. Hinman.

A fine large two story school house was erected in Lake Mills in about 1869, at a cost of about $1,000. This building was burned in 1873. In 1874 a new school house was erected at a cost of about $2,000. It is a neat, two story frame structure, and is furnished with the latest improved school furniture. Among the teachers who have taught in the Lake Mills schools are: Mrs. Fannie Hinman, Emily Skinner, Mrs. Crapper, W.A. Chapman, E.F. Thompson, Mrs. E.F. Thompson and Scott Toye. E.F. Thompson was principal of the schools in 1883.

RELIGIOUS AND CIVIC SOCIETIES.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Lake Mills was organized in 1868 by Rev. A.S.R. Groom. The names of the original members cannot be ascertained. Meetings were held for a long number of years in private houses and in the school house. finally, in 1878, a church edifice was erected at a cost of about $1,500. The building is 28X48 feet and presents a neat appearance. The pastor in 1883 was Rev. Mr. Jeffreys, and the membership in that year numbered fifteen.

The Christian Church was organized in 1871 by Rev. C.C. Ramsey, of Floyd county, this State. The following named persons joined the society on its organization: Frank Southwick, William Smith, Mrs. Isadora R. Smith, Charles Smith and wife. A neat church building, 30X40 feet, was erected in 1881 at a cost of $1,000. No services have as yet been held in the new building. In 1883 there were twenty members.

Aurora Lodge, No. 412, I.O.O.F., was organized June 21, 1880, with the following charter members: Dr. C. Hirsch, J.T. Kean, L.L. Oleson, William Tennis, Joseph Tennis, Dr. J.M. Hull and A. Anderson. The first officers elected were: Dr. Hirsch, N.G.; A. Anderson, V.G.; J.T. Kean, secretary; Dr. J.M. Hull, treasurer. The officers in 1883 were as follows: Joseph Tennis, N.G.; W.F. Brown, V.G.; W.S. Wadsworth, secretary; and S.A. Smith, treasurer. The membership numbered twenty-four in 1883.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

General merchants - Ole Scar, Southwick & Olson, William Larson and Oliver Nelson
Drug stores - Levi B. Nerby and Keeler & Parker
Grocery store - Perry Brown
Hardware - Henderson Bros. and F.C. Hall
Bank - Pickering, Hartley & Harwood
Newspaper - Independent Herald, W.K. Gregg
Attorneys - W.A. Chapman, and E.F. Thompson
Physicians - J.M. Hull, C.E. Keeler and W.H. Gundlach.
Jewelry stores - N.A. Smith and Ole Bergland
Furniture - J.B. Wilson
Photographer - T.J. Helgeson
Millinery - Mrs. Emma Wescott
Hotels - Barnett House, J.O. Barnett; Scandanavian Hotel, Mrs. L. Myhre
Restaurant - Andrew Simmons
Saloons - E. & O. Olson, H.T. Johnson, P.H. Garvey and Ole Osmundson
Livery stable - H.J. Rowland
Wagon shop - D.W. Cook
Butcher shop - John Burgeson
Barber shop - George Rowland
Blacksmith shops - D.W. Cook, S.L. Tone, Allen Smart and E. Christianson
Agricultural implements - Eckert & Williams and Twito & Tweed
Grain merchants - Eckert & Williams, E.D. Hinman and H. Rowell
Building contractors - David Adams, F. Stull and B. Johnson
Painter - W.F. Brown
Mills - Lake Mills flouring mill, Winslow & Conley; carding mill, D.N. Hill
Churches - Methodist Episcopal and Christian.

S.D. Wadsworth, farmer and merchant, was born in Portage Co., Ohio, Oct. 27, 1823, where he remained until eighteen years of age, engaged in farming. He then removed to the town of Kirtland, Lake Co., Ohio, where he remained five years, then removing to Trumbull county, where he resided until 1858. He then removed to Osage, Mitchell Co., Iowa, where he remained two years, removing to Bristol, Worth Co., Iowa, where he resided until 1865, removing to Lake Mills, where he has since resided. Mr. Wadsworth erected a saw and grist mill, which burned in 1868, but he rebuilt and in the fall of 1882, sold it to J.B. Conley. He is now engaged in farming, buying and selling stock, and has a store that is run by his son Benjamin. He was married in June, 1843, to Rachel Odell, born in Winton, Ohio, in 1820; died in 1847. They were the parents of two children - Dwight and Benjamin. He was again married to Harriet Smith, born in Pennsylvania, July 4, 1826. This union is blessed with two children - Elizabeth, the wife of Horace P. Kirk, Mason City, and W.F. Mr. Wadsworth has 8-- acres of good land in Forest township.

L.B. Nerby, general merchant and druggist at Lake Mills, is a native of Norway, born in August, 1852. He left his native country in 1868 and came to America, landing at Boston, Mass. He then went to Black Earth, Dane Co., Wis., where he resided six months. Thence to Freeborn Co., Minn. He resided in the latter place three years, then removed to Northwood, Worth county, this State, and remained there three years, clerking in a drug store. In 1875 he removed to Lake Mills and engaged in the drug business. On the 21st of February, 1881, he was united in marriage with Lena Larson, born in Winnebago Co., Iowa, Sept. 25, 1859. Mr. Nerby and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically he is a republican. He was elected city treasurer of Lake Mills in 1880. He is a live, wide awake business man, and highly respected by all who know him.

A. Anderson was born in Kragero, Norway, oct. 21, 1856. He there attended the higher graded school until he was about thirteen years old, when he emigrated to America, landing at Quebec, and locating in Chicago, Ill. While making Chicago his home, he sailed on the lakes in the summer and attended the commercial school in the winter, until 1873, when he removed to the vicinity of Green Bay, Wis., where he resided most of the time until 1877. He then removed to Worth Co., Iowa, locating in Northwood, and went to work for Eckert & Williams, selling farm machinery and attending to their collections, and in the spring of 1878 removed to Lake Mills taking charge of the agricultural implement establishment of the same firm, and is still in that position. He is also engaged in buying grain and live stock. He was married in December, 1879, to Sarah O. Bronsvold, born in Wisconsin in 1857. This union is blessed with three children - Addie, Alfred and Asher. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Lake Mills I.O.O.F., Lodge 412, and at present is holding his second term of justice of the peace.

John Burgeson was born in Dane Co., Wis., June 6, 1849, where he lived until six yearsof age, and with his parents removed to Green county, where he remained until he reached the age of thirty-two. He then returned to Dane Co., Wis., remaining one year, and removed to Worth Co., Iowa, settling in Bristol, where he resided until 1882. He removed thence to Lake Mills, where he has been engaged in the butchering business. He was engaged in teaching while in Wisconsin, for six years. He was married in 1875 to Susannah Hadley, who was born in Dane co., Wis., in November, 1857. This union has been blessed with four children - Edwin B., Anna M., Henry B. and Ruth H. Mr. Burgeson is a republican, and with his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church.

John Thompson is a native of Dane Co., Wis., born in August, 1855. In 1865, he, with his parents, removed to this county. He resides on section 10, and raises stock and grain of all kinds. In 1881 he was united in marriage with Sarah Thorvalson. This union has been blessed with one child - Hilda T., born may 30, 1882. Mr. Thompson is a republican politically.

John A. Anderson was born in Wisconsin, April 13, 1854. At the age of twelve years he removed to Winnebago Co., Iowa, locating in Center township, where he resided until 1873, removing to Mount Valley township, where he remained until 1881. He then returned to Center township, settling on section 20, where he now resides. Mr. Anderson is a republican. He has eighty acres of rich land, well improved, and is engaged in raising stock and grain. He was married in 1873 to Hattie E. Olson, born in Norway, March 28, 1855. This union is blessed with three children - Betsie, Edwert and Joseph. Mr. Anderson, in 1880, was clerk of Mount Valley township.

Ole O. Brackey is a native of Norway, born Feb. 10, 1851. He emigrated to America in 1861, landing at Quebec. He at once removed to Dane Co., Wis., where he resided three years; thence to Minnesota, where he resided two years. he then came to Winnebago county, and located on section 26, Center township, where he has 120 acres of land. In 1875 he was married to Margaret Johnson, a native of Norway. They have three children living - Charles, Anna and John. The family all belong to the Lutheran church. He is a republican, and has held the office of constable one term.

T.A. Brackey was born in Norway, Sept. 29, 1859. He emigrated to America in 1861, landing at Quebec, and locating in Winneshiek Co., Iowa., and subsequently removed to Winnebago Co., Iowa, where he has since resided with his parents. He has 200 acres of good land on section 16, Center township. He is the third of eight children - Jane, Tilda, T.A., Nels, Henry, Anna, Caroline and Albert. Mr. Brackey is a republican, and a member of the Lutheran Church.

Mrs. T. Brackey was born in Norway in April, 1838. She came to America in 1861, landing at Quebec. Thence to Madison, Wis., where she resided two years; thence to Fillmore Co., Minn, where she resided one summer, thence to Dodge Co., Minn., and from there to this county, where she now lives, on section 22, Center township. She has 200 acres of good land, well improved. She was married in 1860 to Thomas Brackey. He died in this county, May 28, 1878. This union was blessed with nine children - Jacob O., Matilda C., Istra, Julia, Tilda A., Rosa, Thom N., John O., and Tomena. The family are all members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

R.O. Haugland, one of the enterprising farmers of this county, was born in the precinct of Mo, Thellemarken, Norway, Oct. 18, 1835. In 1846 he emigrated to America, locating in Dane Co., Wis., where he resided until 1867. He then removed to Winnebago county. He has 180 acres of rich land on section 29, Center township. Mr. Haugland is a republican, and has held the offices of secretary of the board of school directors, county supersivor, township trustee, and at present is justice of the peace. He was married in 1867 to Sarah Sunderland, born in Norway, in 1848. this union has been blessed with eight children, four now living - Emma O., Anna S., Oscar O. and Gustave E. The family are all members of the Lutheran Church.

Alf Nilson was born in Norway, Feb. 2, 1825. In 1850 he emigrated to the United States, landing at New York city. He went from there to Wisconsin. He resided in that State three years, then removed to Decorah, Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where he lived fifteen years. Thence to this county and located on section 21, Center township. He has 160 acres of land. He was united in marriage with Susan Christianson. They have six children - Tilda, Jennie, Helen, Nels, Christian and Mattie. The family all belong to the Lutheran Church. Mr. Nilson is a republican, politically.

Ole Sornsen, farmer, a native of Norway, was born on the 26th of April, 1829. He emigrated to American in 18861, locating in Dane Co., Wis., where he resided five years. he then removed to Minnesota where he remained two years; thence to this county, locating on section 22, Center township, where he has 120 acres of well-improved land. He was married to Anna Peterson in 1866. They have six children - Betsy, Peter, Saver, Thomas, Tilda and Peterena. Mr. Sornsen and family belong to the M.E. Church. He is a republican, politically.

Mikkel Nelson is a native of Norway, born June 10, 1852. He emigrated to America in 1856, landing at Quebec. From there he went to Minnesota where he remained only about five months, thence to Green Co., Wis., where he resided four and a half years. In 1861, when the Indian out-break occurred, he removed to Austin, Minn., where he resided seven years. He then came to htis county, locating on section 20, Center township. He is a carpenter by trade. In March, 1873, he was married to Martha Nelson, a native of Norway, born Sept. 8, 1847. They have four children - Nels, Rachel C., Emma M. and Amelia. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson belong to the Lutheran church. He is a republican, politically.

Eli N. Mikkelson, a native of Wisconsin, was born Oct. 14, 1859. At an early age his parents removed to Minnesota, thence to this county. His name was Nelson, but he had it changed to Mikkelson. He is a borther of Mikkel Nelson. He lives with his faather on section 20, Center township. Mr. Mikkelson is a carpenter, and works at his trade when not at work with his father on the farm. Politically he is a republican.

S.T. Nelson, is a native of Norway, born may 28, 1844. In 1864 he emigrated to America, landing at Quebec. He immediately went to Madison, Wis., where he resided six years, then came to Winnebago county, locating on the northeast quarter of section 19, Center township, where he now owns 160 acres of well improved land, and is engaged in raising stock and grain. On the 24th of May, 1869, he was united in marriage with Rachel Olson, who died June 22, 1874, leaving three children - Albert L., Nettie M. and Rosa G. On the 7th of December, 1878, he was married to Anna Johnson, a native of Wisconsin, born in 1853. They have two children - Richard G. and Eddie G. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members of the Lutheran church. He is a republican, and has held the offices of township clerk, assessor and trustee. He is an enterprising farmer and a good citizen, and commands the respect of all who know him.

Erel Halvorson is a native of Norway, born Aug. 12, 1851. He came to America in 1871, landing in Quebec. He immediately started west, stopping at McGregor, Iowa. He remained there two months, and removed to this county, locating in Lake Mills, where he lived eight years. He then took a trip to Dakota, remaining there three years, then returned to this county, locating on section 10, Center township, where he has eighty acres of good land. He was married in January, 1873, to Anna Gurenson, born in Norway in 1857. They have three children - Halver, John, and an infant. Mr. Halvorson is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is a republican.

Aaron O. Harang was born in Norway in 1845. He emigrated to America in 1871, landing in New York, and locating in Dane Co., Wis., where he resided three years. He then moved to Winnebago Co., Iowa, and settled on a farm of eighty acres on section 22. He was married in 1876 to Anna Johnson, born in Norway in 1846. This union has been blessed with four children - Helen, John, Nellie and Annie. Mr. Harang is a republican, and with his family belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Andrew J. Odden was born July 27, 1850. He is a native of Norway, and emigrated to America in 1860, landing at Quebec. From there he went to Dane Co., Wis., where he resided fourteen years. He then came to this county, locating on section 29, Center township. He has 120 acres of well improved land. In 1878 he was united in marriage with Carrie Thompson, born in April, 1861, in Fillmore Co., Minn. they have three children - John, Tobias and Gilbert. Mr. Odden and family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. He is a republican, politically.

H.T. Johnson was born in Norway, Sept. 14, 1848. In 1869 he emigrated to America, landing in New York, and locating in Dane Co. Wis., where he resided six months, removing to Northwood, Worth Co., Iowa, where he resided until the spring of 1879. In the meantime he was occupied one year as hotel clerk, four years at farming, railroading, etc.; two years at coopering, three years at bartending and one year at painting. From Northwood he removed to Lake Mills, and engaged in the saloon business. He was married Sept. 20, 1880, to Christina Stromsten, who was born in Norway, Aug. 5, 1855. She was twelve years of age when she emigrated to America. By this union there has been one child - Clarence O., born March 9, 1883. Mr. Johnson was formerly a republican, but in 1882 he joined the democratic ranks. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Johnson lately visited buffalo Co., Dakota, where he entered a pre-emption and tree claim.

K.K. Kiland was born in Norway, Aug. 10, 1847. At the age of twenty-two years he emigrated to America, landing at Quebec. He at once went to Dane Co., Wis., living there four years; thence to this county and located on section 19, Center township, where he has a nice little farm of forty acres. in 1870 he was united in marriage with Anna Hanson, born in Dane Co., Wis., Oct. 2, 1854. This union was blessed with three children, one of whom is living - Anvena C., born March 3, 1875. Mr. Kiland and wife are members of the Norwegian Church. Politically, he is a republican.

¹History of Kossuth, Hancock and Winnebago Counties, Iowa. Springfield, Illinois: Union Publishing Company, 1884. 854-71.