EARLY SETTLEMENT — ORGANIC — ITEMS OF INTEREST — EDUCATIONAL — MOUNT VALLEY POSTOFFICE [sic]

The township bearing the above name is located in the extreme southeast corner of the county, and comprises all of congressional township 98 north, of range 23. It is bounded on the east by Worth county, on the north by Center township, on the west by Forest township, and on the south by Hancock county. The general surface is quite rolling, but in places is quite rough and hilly. There are numerous mounds and valleys, hence its name -- Mount Valley. The township was named by Peter Hanson, the first settler. The soil is very productive, yielding bountifully all kinds of grain, and furnishing rich pasturage for flocks and herds. Two small streams, Bear and Beaver creeks, flow through the township, furnishing good drainage. Bear creek rises in the central part of the township, takes a southwesterly course and leaves the township from section 31, flowing thence into Forest township. Beaver creek enters on section 1, flows almost directly south, leaving the township from section 36. The township is well supplied with timber, there being about two-thirds of its surface covered with a good growth of trees and under brush. The population of the township is mostly made up of foreigners, about two-thirds Norwegians and one-third Swedes, there being but one American, (William Higinbotham), living in the township.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first settler in the territory now embraced in Mount Valley township, was William Gilbert, who came in the spring of 1855, locating on the northwest quarter of section 31. He built a log cabin and remained until about 1863, when he went to Dakota.

Charles Belt came to the township in 1865 and located on section 30. He did not remain long.

The same year came William Higinbotham, who located on section 30. Mr. Higinbotham, was born near Wheeling, W. Va., and is the only American in the township. He came here from Illinois, and has since made this his home.

William Higinbotham, one of the well-to-do farmers, and the only American in Mount Valley township, was born May 6, 1836, near Wheeling, W. Va. When seven years of age, his parents moved to Licking Co., Ohio, where they remained about two years, then moved to Illinois, locating in Clark county. His father purchased a farm, and William, the subject of this sketch, worked thereon until 1858, when he was married. He then worked for himself until the comencement of the Civil War, and in 1862 he enlisted for three years in company F, 79th Illinois Volunteers, at the end of which time he was honorably discharged, having participated in the following battles: Stone River, Chickamauga, chattanooga, Hoover's Gap, Dalton, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Columbia, Spring Hill and Franklin. At the latter place he was shot through the left shoulder, and has never fully recovered from the effects of the wound. In August, 1883, it having gathered on the inside, broke out afresh; at present he is somewhat better, but unable to do any physicial labor. In 1865, after his discharge from service in the army, he returned to Illinois, and immediately moved to Iowa, locating on section 30, Mount Valley township, where he bought forty acres of land. He has since bought forty acres more adjoining his first farm, and eighty acres in Forest township, west of Forest city. This land is all under cultivation, and valued at $25 per acre. When he arrived here on Sept. 20, 1865, the family were obliged to camp out in their wagons till he could build a house. At first he put together a small log house, but has since built a nice frame addition, making a comfortable one and a half story dwelling. On April 14, 1858, Mr. Higinbotham married Rachel A. Miller, of Clark Co., Ill. They have had eight children, six of whom are living - Mary A., Elmeretta, margaret A., John S., Charles H. and Victor M. He has always been a republican and still supports that ticket.

Edward Dubeau also came in 1865 and settled on the same section with Mr. Higinbotham. He remained about seven years, then went to Kansas.

Peter Hanson came in July, 1866, locating on section 13, where he built a log cabin and lived for two years. He then moved to section 26, where he built the first frame house in the township. Mr. Hanson has made that his home ever since.

Peter Hanson, one of the pioneers of Winnebago county, was born near Christiana, Norway, Jan. 2, 1834, where he was reared on his father's farm. In 1853 he set sail for America, and after a perilous voyage of sixty-eight days landed at Quebec, and pushed his way westward and settled in Iowa Co., Wis., where he took a homestead, and lived there until 1866. He then came to Winnebago county and settled in Mount Valley township, on section 13, being the first settler in the township. Mr. Hanson was united in wedlock with Anna Erickson in 1855. by this union there were twelve children, six of whom are living - H.P., Mary, married to P.K. Reveland, who lives in this township; Peter Jr., Anna, Amelia and Clara. Mr. Hanson came to the county in moderate circumstances, but by toil and industry has placed himself in good circumstances. He has 160 acres of fine farming land, forty acres of which is timber, valued at $20 per acre. They are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Hanson enlisted in the 11th Wisconsin, company E, and served six months. He belings to the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a staunch republican.

During the ensuing two or three years quite a number came to the township to locate. Prominent among them may be mentioned: Nels and Harres Olson, Gunder H. Onstadt, Nels Brones, E. Rulson, Halvor Paulson, Ole Bottleson, Hans Rygmyr, Hans Johnson, Lewis Jacobson and T.K. Rusley, all of whom, excepting Rulson and Johnson, are still residents of the township.

Nels Olson came in the fall of 1866, locating on section 25. He remained but a short time, then sold to gunder Onstadt, who broke forty acres of the land and built a small log house. Mr. Onstadt is still a resident of the township.

Halvor Paulson was born Sept. 10, 1836, in Rundal, Buskerud Amt, Norway. When twenty-five years of age he came to American and settled in Fillmore Co., Minn. In 1861 he removed to Iowa, settling on section 9, Mount Valley township, where he purchased 160 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation, excepting thirty acres of young timber. Mr. Paulson has been married twice; first, in 1867 to Betsey Charleston. She dying, he was married on June 25, 1883, to Annie M. Hanson. Mr. and Mrs. Paulson are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Paulson's mother died many years ago. His father, Paul Reierson, wo is eighty-three years of age, lives with him. The old gentleman used to work at the tinner and blacksmith trades.

H.H. Rygmyr is a native of Norway, born Sept. 24, 1826. When twenty-two years old he came to America, and located in La Salle Co., Ill. He lived there twelve years, when he removed to Dodge Co., Minn. He purchased forty acres of land in that place. After living there eight years he came to Iowa, settling in Mount Valley township, this county, where he now has 201 acres of land, on section 18. When Mr. Rygmyr came to this place he camped out in his wagons for over a month, until he built him a house. His land is fenced and all under cultivation, and is valued at $20 per acre. In 1852 he was married to Christina Thompson, of La Salle Co., Ill. The result of this union was four children - Bertha Carolina, Thomas, Henry and Nels W., all of whom are married except Nels W. Mr. and Mrs. Rygmyr have been members of the M.E. Church for the past twenty-eight years. He is a republican. He uses his farm chiefly for raising stock, in which business he is getting quite rich. While in Minnesota he ran a threshing machine for a number of years.

The same fall Harres Olson settled on section 16, built a log house, and has since made that his home. He has a fine farm of 160 acres, and is in comfortable circumstances.

Harres Olson is a native of Norway, being born May 23, 1824. Mr. Olson lived at the home of his birth until twenty-five years old, when he came to American and settled in Dane Co., Wis., where he bought 120 acres of farming land. He remained there about eight years, when he removed to Dodge Co., Minn., and bought 120 acres of land in that place. In 1865 he sold out and came to this State, and located on section 16, Mount Valley township, Winnebago county. He purchased 160 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation except ten acres of timber. Mr. Olson has been married twice. He was married the first time to Turbur Halvorsen, of Dane Co., Wis., in 1853. Rusult of union, seven children, four of whom are living - Annie, Julia, Ole and Hulver. The second time he was married, in 1866, to Anna Gurgunson, of Center township. Result of union, eleven children, seven of whom are living - Gurgun, Herman T., Tilda, Julia M., Tura A., Anna Helena and Teman O. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a republican. Mr. Olson was among the first settlers in this township.

Nels Brones also came in 1866, locating on section 7, where he has since lived.

E. Rulson came to the township in 1867, settling on section 27, where he lived about four years. His present residence is not known.

Hans Johnson may be classed among the transients. He came in 1868, and remained but a short time.

T.K. Rusley came some time during the same year and settled on section 14, where he still lives. He has a fine farm of 160 acres, with forty acres of timber.

T.K. Rusley, one of the pioneers of Winnebago county, was born in Norway, Sept. 9, 1838, where he was raised on a farm. He came to America in 1861 and settled in Dane Co., Wis., where he lived three years working by the month. He then removed to Waupace Co., Wis., remaining two years; thence to Freeborn Co., Minn, living there three years, and finally came to Winnebago county and settled on section 14, where he has 160 acres of land valued at $30 per acre, and also has a good home. He was married in Dane Co., Wis., in July, 1861, to Sarah Olson. they are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically he is a republican, and has held local offices of trust.

ORGANIC.

Mount Valley township was established in 1878, and the following officers were elected: Justices, S.K. Revland and B.K. Solverson; constable, G.H. Onstadt; trustees, William Higinbotham, Ole Bottleson, and Thomas L. Fellen.

The officers in 1883 were: Justices, Ole Grasley and S.K. Revland; constables, John Peterson and Peter Brones; trustees, William Higinbotham and Peter Brones and Thomas L. Fellen.

ITEMS OF INTEREST.

The first child born in the township was John Higinbotham, son of William and Rachel Higinbotham. He was born Nov. 29, 1865.

The first death occurred sometime in 1866 and carried away Mrs. Turbur Olson, wife of Harres Olson.

The first school house was built in what is now district No. 9, in 1866, and the first teacher was Richard Keeler.

Rev. Mr. Torgeson, of Worth county, this State, preached the first sermon in a school house which stood on section 26, in 1868.

The first marriage was celebrated in 1867, Rev. Torgeson officiating. The contracting parties were Harres Olson and Anna T. Cleaven.

The first breaking was done by Peter Hanson, in 1866. Mr. Hanson also sowed the first grain in 1867, and from five acres harvested 100 bushels of wheat.

EDUCATIONAL.

In 1883 there were six school districts in Mount Valley township, each district having a school house, the aggregate value of which was $2,210; with $165 worth of school apparatus. During the school year ending September, 1883, there were thirty-six months of school taught, which kept twelve teachers employed - seven males and five females, the former at a monthly salary of $28.80; the latter, $24.50. In the township there were 323 persons of school age -- 166 males and 157 females; number enrolled in all the schools, 225.

MOUNT VALLEY POSTOFFICE [sic].

Mount Valley postoffice was established in 1877, with G.H. Onstadt as postmaster. Mr. Onstadt served two years and was succeeded by Miss Wingland, who held for three years. Oley Grasley, the present postmaster, took the office Oct. 13, 1882.

Oley Grasley, postmaster of Mount Valley postoffice, was born Feb. 4, 1830, in Trondhjem stift, South Trondhjem Amt Norway. In 1857 he came to America, and settled in Chippewa Co., Wis. On the 10th day of July, 1861, he enlisted as a private for three years in Company A, 7th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, served his country faithfully, and was honorably discharged. On Feb. 18, 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer; on Feb. 29, 1864, was honorably discharged from service at Culpepper, Va., by reason of being commissioned 2d lieutenant of company A, 7th Wisconsin Veteran Volunteers. He was twice sunstruck at the battle of Laurel Hill, Va., May 8, 1864, and two days afterwards he was wounded at the same place, and removed to Seminary Hospital, Georgetown, D.C. He was promoted to the office of 1st lieutenant of his company on July 20, 1864, and on the 4th of November, same year, was discharged from the United States service on account of physical disability, received from wounds while in action. In a short time he was again mustered in as 1st lieutenant in his old company, was promoted to captain Dec. 13, 1864, in which capacity he served till the close of the war, being finally discharged from service July 3, 1865, at Jeffersonville, Ind. After the war, he returned to Wisconsin, but immediately left for Minnesota, where he traveled for an insurance company. In the spring of 1866, he moved to Winnebago Co., Iowa, and located near Benson Grove, where he bought 120 acres of land. He remained there till 1872, when he moved to Forest City and engaged in selling agricultural implements. Mr. Grasley has property in Forest City, valued at $1,500. In 1881 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 26 Mount Valley township, where he has been postmaster since Oct. 13, 1882, has also been justice of the peace nearly ever since coming to this county. He has been a life long republican. Dec. 31, 1863, Mr. Grasley was married to Helen Gilbert. They have four children - Mary S., Andrew O., Julia H. and Gilbert J.A. Mr. and Mrs. Grasley are members of the Lutheran Church. The following testimonial, received at date of discharge, speaks for itself and needs no comment:

"Capt. Oley Grasley, company A, of this regiment, has risen from the ranks upon true merit. He is a good officer and a brave man; his services in the cause of the land of his adoption entitle him to the kind consideration of a grateful people.
H. Richardson, Lieut. Col. Com'd'g 7th Wis Vet Vol.

Rev. Andrew Person was born in the southern portion of Sweden, Feb. 8, 1851. He was raised on a farm and received a common school education. In 1872 he emigrated to America, spending his first year in Minnesota. He became deeply interested in the subject of religion, and in 1873 removed to Chicago, where he attended the Baptist Union Theological Seminary, and in 1875 was ordained. The same year he visited his native country, remaining two years, when he again returned and continued the ministry in Minnesota. In 1881 he removed to Kossuth county. In July, 1883, he again removed to Winnebago county, where he has since resided. He was married in Princeton, Ill., to Selma Lungrin, July 12, 1879, by whom he has had one child - Reuben C. He is a man of rare worth in the community and Church, and his social characteristics are those of a pleasant, genial companion, and a warm friend.

P.K. Revland was born in Norway, Dec. 30, 1850. When he was between three and four years of age his father emigrated to America, and located in Dane Co., Wis. In 1861 Mr. Revland came to Iowa and settled in Mount Valley township, which at that time was called Iowa township. His father purchased 160 acres of land on section 3. In 1889, the subject of this sketch purchased 160 acres on section 9, which is all under cultivation except about twenty acres of timber. In December, 1877, Mr. Revland married Mary Hanna, of Mount Valley township. they have been blessed with two children - Johnnie Cornelius and Clara Maria. Mr. Revland is a republican.

Hans Holtan, one of the oldest farmers in this county, was born Aug. 19, 1834, in Norway. When twenty-eight years of age he came to American and located in Olmsted Co., Minn. After remaining there about four years, he moved to Iowa, settling in Mount Valley township, Winnebago county, where in 1866, on section 16, he purchased 160 acres of land. In the spring of 1883, he bought eighty acres more on the same section. His land is all under cultivation. For the past five years he has owned and run a threshing machine in partnership with his nephew, H.B. Lovick. Mr. Holtan was married in 1858 to Margit Torgerson, of Norway. They have ten children - Halver, Thomas, Ole, Elsie, Albert, Henry, Martin, Sarah, Gilbert and Theodore. He and his wife have been members of the Lutheran Church for many years. Mr. Holtan has always voted with the republican party, and has held the offices of school director, road commissioner, school treasurer and assessor, which office he holds at the present time.

P.P. Pederson was born in Norway, July 15, 1829. When twenty-eight years old he emigrated to America and located in Fillmore Co., Minn., where he bought eighty acres of land. In 1864 he enlisted in the 7th Minnesota regiment, company G, and served to the end of the war. He then returned to Minnesota, and in 1866 removed to Iowa and located on section 4, Mount Valley township, where he purchased eighty acres of good land. This land is all under cultivation and valued at $25 per acre. In 1856 he was married to Isabel Jacobs, of Norway. the have had nine children, six of whom are living - Betsy, John, Lena, Annie, Peter and Ellen Paulina. Mr. and Mrs. Pederson belong to the Lutheran church of the Synod. He is a republican politically.

Clement Thompson was born in Norway in 1830. When twenty years of age, he came to America and sailed on the lakes for about three years, and then he went into the Wisconsin pineries for about three years. At the beginning of the war he enlisted in the 14th Wisconsin, company B, and served four and a half years. In 1863 he was married to Christina Jansen. They have had six children, five of whom are living - John Thomas, Anna Elizabeth, Ole T., Emma Christina and Julia Matilda. Julia married O. Charleston and lives in Mount Valley township. After the war Mr. Thompson lived in Wisconsin about six months, when he came to Winnebago county and purchased a quarter section of land in Mount Valley township, section 9. Politically, he is a republican. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson belong to the M.E. Church, of Forest City.

Bertus Pederson was born in Norway on the 4th day of June, 1836. He lived with his parents in the old country, until they came to America in 1864. They located in Dodge Co., Minn. Mr. Pederson came to Iowa in 1868, and purchased sixty-two acres of land on section 19, Mount Valley township, this county. He has since added twenty-eight acres to his first farm. In 1861 Mr. Pederson was married to Elsie Matteson. They have had twelve children, eight of whom are living -- Peter, Frederick, Anna, Edward, Bent, Emelia, Ole and Albert. Bent and Emelia are twins. Mr. and Mrs. Pederson belong to the Methodist church in Forest City. Politically, he is a republican. When living in the old country, Mr. Pederson followed fishing for a living. His father, Peter Alson, and mother, Dorotha (Bersven) Alson, make their home with him. His father was born in 1800, and his mother in 1802. Mrs. Pederson's father is yet living in the old country, but her mother is dead.

G.O. Saxie is a native of Norway, born Dec. 11, 1835. When twenty-one years old, he came to America and located in Rock Co., Wis. After living there one year, he went to Meeker Co., Minn., and lived in that place and two or three counties adjoining for six years. In 1863 while in Kandiyohi county, the Sioux Indians made a raid on the settlement and massacred fourteen of the settlers. Mr. Saxie and a few others escaped after hard fighting. Then he moved to Rice Co., Minn., and lived there five yeras, thence to Winnebago Co., Iowa, where he located in Mount Valley township and bought forty acres of land on section 8. Mr. Saxie has been married twice. The first time, in 1859, to Anna Christina, of Meeker Co., Minn. The result of this union, was five children, three of whom are living - Anna Maria, Lena and Bertina Sophia. His second marriage occurred Feb. 21, 1874, to Mary Goodman, of Mount Valley township. They have had two children, both of whom are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Saxie are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a republican.

Nels M. Munson was born in Norway, in the month of February, 1831. He lived in Norway until 1861, when he emigrated to America. He settled in Waupaca Co., Wis. where he lived about one year; then he removed to Dane county, same state. He lived there about five years, when he removed to Dodge Co., Minn. In that place he remained one year; then he came to Iowa and located in Center township, Winnebago county, where he bought eighty acres of land on section 33. He lived there about five years, when he sold out and moved on some land belonging to speculators, in Mount Valley township. After living on this land about four years he bought eighty acres of land in Mount Valley township, section 20, afterward selling forty acres. This land is all under cultivation. The subject of this sketch was married in the old country, in 1860, to Mrs. Martha Thompson. The result of this union is seven children - Ann Elizabeth, Caroline, Thomas Martin, Hans Theodore, Nellie Melinda, Anna Christina and Clarence John. Mr. and Mrs. Munson belong to the Lutheran Church of the Synod. Mr. Munson is a republican.

Ole Gudmanson was born in Norway, Jan. 2, 1838. He came to America in 1859, and settled in Dane Co., Wis., near Stoughton, where he worked by the month on a farm for two years, then rented land and remained there seven years; then removing to Dodge Co., Minn., where he intended to remain, but not being pleased with the country, came to Winnebago county and settled in Mount Valley township, on section 15, where he has eighty acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. He was married in Milton, Rock Co., Wis., June 6, 1863, to Betsey Christopherson. By this union there are seven children living - Nellie S., Betsey L., Gilbert C., Anna M. and Julia S., twins, Emma J. and Olena B. They are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a republican, and has held local offices of trust.

Knud E. Onstab was born in Norway, Aug. 25, 1841, where he was raised on a farm. In 1868 he came to America and settled in Winnebago county, Mount Valley township, on section 26, where he has a very comfortable home and fine farm. He was married in Norway to Sophia H. Onstab, June 9, 1867. By this union there were six children, three of whom are living - Anna A., Cina H. and Edward G. They are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a republican.

Ole Knudson Moen, a substantial farmer of Mount Valley township, was born in Norway, the 2d day of February, 1831. He came to America in 1865 and settled in Winneshiek Co., Iowa. Mr. Moen lived in Winneshiek county about one year, when he removed to Mower Co., Minn. After living in that place three years he came back to Iowa, settling in Forest City, Winnebago county. He then bought eighty acres of land on section 12, Forest township. He lived in Forest City three years, when he bought forty acres of land in Mount Valley township, section 28, and moved his family thereon. This land is all under cultivation. In 1865 Mr. Moen was married. Having no children of their own, they took two children to raise; one of whom is named John William Peterson, the other, Theodore Olson. Mr. and Mrs. Moen belong to the Lutheran Church. He is republican in politics. For fourteen years, in the old country, Mr. Moen followed the shoemaking business. He is also a stone mason, and while not at work on the farm works at his trade in this county.

T.A. Sogard was born in Norway in 1828. He was married to Maren Hoye, by whom he had eight children, seven sons and one daughter. In 1867 he emigrated to American and located in Racine Co., Wis. He remained there until 1870, when he removed to Winnebago Co., Iowa, and settled in Forest City, where he subsequently resided for many years. He died July 28, 1881, leaving a wife and six children to mourn his loss. He was a good Christian, a member of the Lutheran Church, where the family worship. "Pure and upright in all his duties, he leaves a name truly honorable, and a character worthy of emulation." At the time of his death, he was a resident of Mount Valley township.

Simon Sogard is a son of T.A. Sogard, and came to this county with his parents in 1870. He has held several positions of trust, in 1881 being a clerk in the county treasurer's office. At present he is assistant in the auditor's office.

Arne T. Sogard was born Aug. 22, 1856, in Norway. When he was eleven years old his parents, T.A. Sogard and Maren (Hoye) Sogard, came to America, and located in Racine Co., Wis. After living there three years, they moved to Iowa, settling in Forest City, Winnebago county. One year later his father purchased eighty acres of land on section 31, Mount Valley township. Mr. Sogard, the subject of this sketch, lived on the farm until his father's death, which took place in 1881, when he bought the old homestead, and has since remained there, farming a portion of the time and teaching school the rest of the year. Mr. Sogard taught the winter term of school, 1883, in district No. 4. He has been school director. On March 28, 1879, he married Annie Osmund, of Forest City. They have had three children, two of whom are living - Mary C. and Thomas L. Mr. Sogard is a republican and has figured quite extensively in politics.

Syver Syverson was born in Norway Sept. 8, 1849, and there reared on a farm. He emigrated to America in the spring of 1870 and settled in Freeborn Co., Minn., where he lived three years, then came to Winnebago county, and settled in Mount Valley township, on section 26, where he has eighty acres of land. He was married Sept. 9, 1874, to Mary Olson. By this union there were four children - Ole, Julius, Emma and Stina. Mrs. Syverson died June 22, 1881, and is buried in the cemetery of the Lutheran Church. He was again married to Tina Felland March 10, 1883. Mr. Syverson is a republican, and has held several local offices.

G.H. Levoid was born in Norway Dec. 20, 1847. He was raised on a farm, and received a common school education. He came to America in 1866, and settled in Dane Co., Wis., where he lived two years, then removed to Boone Co., Iowa, where he remained five years, thence to Winnebago county, and settled in Mount Valley township, on section 14. He has eighty acres of land, valued at $25 per acre. He was married in June 1868, to Betsey Olson, also born in Norway. By this union there are five children, four daughters and one son - Emma L., Henry, Anna, Tilda and Julia. They are all members of the Lutheran Church. He is a republican.

John Foss, a prominent farmer of Mount Valley township, was born May 22, 1854, in Norway. In 1868 he came to America, locating in Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where he lived six years, then went to Clay Co., Dakota, stayed a short time, and came back to Iowa, settling in the western part of the State. From there he moved to Mitchell county, remained only a few months, and returned to Winneshiek county, then went to Winnebago county, locating in Mount Valley township, where he bought forty acres of land on section 29, all of which is under cultivation, and valued at $25 per acre. He has a large two story house on his farm, one of the finest farm houses in the county. Mr. Foss was married in July, 1879, to Mrs. Anna Groves, of Mount Valley township. They have one child - Eddie Theodore. Mrs. Foss is a member of the Lutheran Church. In politics, he is a republican.

Sandel Olson, one of the well-to-do farmers of this township, was born in Norway, in November, 1845. Mr. Olson lived in Norway until 1854, when he came to this country and located near Stoughton, Wis. He remained there about a year, and then came to Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where his father bought a farm. Mr. Olson remained with his father until 1875, when he came to this county, locating on section 29, Mount Valley township, where he bought forty acres of land, which is valued at about $15 per acre. He was married in 1866 to Mary Groves, of Winneshiek Co., Iowa. The result of this union is nine children - Martha, Alfred, Lars, Peter, John, Iner and Eddie, twins, Henry and Ole. Mr. and Mrs. Olson belong to the Lutheran Church of the Synod. He is a republican.

Sigur C. Brokke, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Norway, and was born Sept. 14, 1847. In 1856 he left the old country and came to America, locating in Houston Co., Minn., where he bought forty acres of land. He remained in Houston county nineteen years and then removed to this county, locating in Mount Valley township, and buying 120 acres of imroved land, paying therefor $1,240. Mr. Brokke was married on the first day of the year 1869. He has five children living - Sarah, Charlotta, Edward, Olloas and Wilhelm C. Mr. and Mrs. Brokke are members of the Lutheran church. He is a republican. Mr. Brokke had one brother, Hulver C., who was killed in the Civil War. He belonged to the 19th Wisconsin, company B.

Peter Seibert, one of the well-to-do farmers of Mount Valley township, was born in Eisen, Germany, July 10, 1852. In 1861 he emigrated to this country with his parents, and located in Forest City, Winnebago Co., Iowa. His father purchased land in Hancock county, a short distance from Forest City. Mr. Seibert worked on his father's farm several years, when he went to Forest City to live, and bought property there. For about five years he was the proprietor of a store in Forest city, keeping on hand a large stock of general merchandise. In 1878, Mr. Seibert had to give up business on account of bad health, and purchased a farm of eighty acres on section 25, Mount Valley township. He removed on his farm and his health has since improved to a great extent. Mr. Seibert was married in 1879 to Louisa Denzel, of Hancock county. They have had two children - Viola and Lily. Mr. and Mrs. Seibert belong to the M.E. Church. For the past three years he has been preaching the gospel of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has no permanent location as preacher, but preaches to differen t congregations throughout Winnebago and Hancock counties. In politics he is a republican.

Peter H. Johnson was born Jan. 14, 1841, in Norway. In 1862 he came, in company with his mother and sister, to America, locating in Fillmore Co., Minn. After living there two years he enlisted in company C, 7th Minnesota regiment, and served his country faithfully to the end of the war, taking part in the battles of Nashville and Spanish Fort. After the war he returned to Minnesota, bought 155 acres of land, and followed farming till the spring of 1876, when he sold out and came to Iowa, locating in Mount Valley township, where he purchased 160 acres of land on section 7, afterwards buying eighty acres on section 4. All of this land is under cultivation except twenty acres of timber. He devotes himself chiefly to the raising of cattle, hogs, and sheep for market. In politics he is a republican. Mr. Johnson has been twice married. His first wife was Christa Peterson of Fillmore Co., Minn., she only lived six months, dying of consumption. He then married her sister, Julia Peterson. They have no children except one they adopted - Theodore Adolph (Christoferson) Johnson.

John Denzel, one of the well-to-do farmers of Mount Valley township, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, on the 4th of December, 1830. He lived in the Old Country until 1849, when he emigrated to America. Mr. Denzel located in Cleveland, Ohio, where he obtained employment in a wholesale grocery house. He remained in the employ of this firm for fifteen yeras, when he removed to Vermillion Co., Ohio, and went to work on a farm. Mr. Denzel remained in Vermillion county about four years, then he came to this State. He worked on a farm for quite awhile, then rented a farm and went to work for himself. At the present time he has rented, in partnership wit his son-in-law, 160 acres of land in Mount Valley township, section 24. His son-in-law is Peter Siebert. In 1857 Mr. Denzel was married. He has eight children - Jacob, Wilhelm, Georgia, Henry, Theodore, Sophia, Louisa and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Denzel belong to the M.E. Church. He is republican in politics.

Hans P. Olson, one of the well-to-do farmers of Mount Valley township, was born Nov. 18, 1855, in Norway. When six months old, he came with his parents to America. They settled in LaSalle Co., Ill., where his father still lives. Mr. Olson remained with his father till he was twenty-two years of age, when he came to Iowa, and located in Adams county. After one year he came to Winnebago county, and settled in Mount Valley township, where he built himself a house on the land of some speculator, on section 21, where he has since lived. In 1879 he married Sarah A. Thompson, of Mount Valley township. They have one child - Cora Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a republican.

Peder Halvorson Wambheim, one of the old pioneers of the northwest, was born in Norway, June 29, 1821. Mr. Wambheim lived in Norway until 1850, when he emigrated to America and settled near Arlington, Columbia Co., Wis. He bought a farm of 200 acres near that place and operated on a rather large scale. In 1875 he moved to Mitchell Co., Iowa, and bought a farm near West Mitchell. In this place he remained four years, and then came to Winnebago county and located in Mount Valley township. In 1882 he bought forty acres of land on section 30, near forest City. This land he values at $25 per acre. In 1847 Mr. Wambheim was married to Susie Opham, of Norway. They have seven children living - Martha, mary, Sarah, Susie, Helen, Katherine and Emma. Two of these daughters, Helen and Katherine, are school teachers. The former having taught five terms, and the latter one term of school. The four eldest daughters are married, one of whom lives in Lodi, Wis., and the other three in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Wambheim belong to the Lutheran church of the Synod of Forest City. Mr. Wambheim was formerly a democrat, having cast his first vote for Franklin Pierce for President. Since that time he has become convinced that the republican party is the better party in existence, and consequently votes that ticket. When in the old country he owned and sailed a fishing vessel named 'Familia'. Mr. Wambheim is now sixty-two years of age, and time has whitened his locks to a silvery gray. He still carries on his little farm and enjoys life in the midst of a happy family. Mr. Wambheim enlisted in the regular army in the old country under Gen. Broek, and served eight years.

O.P. Bakke was born in Norway on the 6th of March, 1830. He lived in the home of his birth until 1861, when he crossed the ocean to America, and settled in Houston Co., Minn., where he bought a quarter section of land. He lived in Houston county until the spring of 1883; then he came to this State and located in Mount Valley township, Winnebago county. He purchased 120 acres of land on section 26. This land is all under cultivation except about twenty acres of young timber. Mr. Bakke has been married twice. The first time to Mrs. Marn Olson, of Norway. By this wife he has two children - Ole Peter and Martin. The second time he was married to Lena Christianson, in 1859. Result of this union, eight children - Minnie, Mary, John, Edwin, Olef, Samuel, Theresa and Christian. Mr. and Mrs. Bakke belong to the M.E. Church of Forest City. In the fall of 1863 Mr. Bakke enlisted in the 11th Minnesota Infantry, company K. He served his country faithfully until his time expired, and was honorably discharged. He is republican in politics. He has three sons in Dakota, near Fargo, who own farms and are doing business on a large scale. Peter Bakke, father of the subject of this sketch, is ninety-three years old, and makes his home with him. The old gentleman has been blind for the past ten years, but otherwise is quite healthy.

¹History of Kossuth, Hancock and Winnebago Counties, Iowa. Springfield, Illinois: Union Publishing Company, 1884. 909-23.