IAGenWeb Project - Allamakee co.

Ole Moe

Ole Moe, carrying on general farming and stock-raising upon a fine property of three hundred and five acres on section 12, Franklin township, is numbered among the able and progressive young agriculturists of this vicinity. He was born near Lardahl, Norway, on the 1st of April, 1881, and is a son of Jens and Anna (Harrum) Moe, also natives of that country, the former born June 9, 1850, and the latter October 17, 1847. In early life the father worked in the employ of others in Norway but after coming to America in the spring of 1882 he became a landowner, operating an excellent farm near Madison, Wisconsin, where he settled. In the spring of 1897 he went to Calmar, Iowa, and bought land in the vicinity of that city, removing from there in the spring of 1904, to Franklin township, this county, and locating on the farm where the subject of this review now resides. He died here, December 21, 1912, and his wife survives him.

Ole Moe is the fifth in a family of nine children. He acquired his education in the public schools of Morrisonville, Wisconsin, and when he was eighteen years of age began his independent career, working at bridge construction for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad. He was also for more than four years connected with the Great Northern system and after he severed his connection with that corporation turned his attention to carpentering, working at that trade in central Iowa and Dakota for about eighteen months. At the end of that time he made a permanent location in this state, settling in Allamakee county. Here he followed his trade for a short time, but afterward turned his attention to farming. He purchased three hundred and five acres of valuable land on section 12, Franklin township, and upon this property is carrying on general farming and stock-raising, specializing in the breeding of full blooded Poland China Hogs, high-grade cattle and Shropshire sheep, his stock interests being important and continually growing. He is interested in the Monona Creamery Company and in the Shipping Association of that city and in business circles is recognized as a farsighted, able and progressive man.

On the 14th of August, 1911, Mr. Moe was united in marriage to Miss Clara Johnson, who was born in Lycurgus, this county, January 19, 1894. She is a daughter of Christ and Caroline (Klasted) Johnson, natives of Norway, who came to Allamakee county at an early day, the father purchasing land near Waukon and becoming an extensive landowner and a progressive farmer. The mother passed away in the spring of 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Moe have one daughter, Viola, who was born October 6, 1912.

Mr. Moe is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party, serving at present as school director. He is a member of the Baptist church. During the period of his residence in Allamakee county he has gained a place among the substantial farmers and valued citizens of his locality, commanding the respect and confidence of all who have private or business relations with him.

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

Return to 1913 biographies index