E.M. Busness

E. M. Busness is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Allamakee county. He was born in Paint Creek township, October 9, 1870, a son of Ole O. and Martha (Djonne) Busness, both of whom were natives of the province of Hardanger, Norway. The family home was established in Allamakee county in 1859, and here the father engaged in farming throughout his active business career and passed away here in 1908, when he lacked but a few days of having reached the eightieth anniversary of his birth. The mother departed this life in the same year. In their family were seven children, as follows: Olena, a native of Norway and now the wife of Harold Hanson, of Paint Creek township; Julia, who was also born in Norway and is now the wife of O. N. Hegg, of Lansing, this county; Caroline, who was born in Allamakee county and is the wife of Bernt Michelson, of Clear Lake, South Dakota; H. J., who is engaged in farming in Paint Creek township; Nels, who resides in Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Mrs. J. M. Anderson, also of Paint Creek township; and E. M., of this review.

E. M. Busness acquired his education in the district school near his home and during the periods of vacation he was trained to the work of the farm. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty years, when he spent two years in Pipestone, Minnesota. He subsequently returned to Allamakee county, working for two years for his brother on the old homestead. He then farmed for himself, renting land for several years, but about six years ago, in partnership with his brother-in-law, O. N. Hegg, of Lansing, he purchased one hundred and forty acres of well improved land on section 13, Paint Creek township, which was known as the old Peter Pederson farm. Here he has since been engaged in general farming and is meeting with well deserved success in his undertakings.

Mr. Busness was married in this county April 15, 1895, the lady of his choice being Miss Matilda Anderson, a daughter of Martin Anderson, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Busness was born in Jefferson township, this county, and by her marriage has become the mother of six children, Alice, Esther, Elmer, Clarence, Gladys and Lester.

Mr. Busness had always given his political support to the republican party and he and his family are members of the East Paint Creek Synod church. He is an honest and industrious man and fully merits the esteem which is accorded him by his neighbors and friends.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Jan Miller

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