The Swenson Families of Allamakee County, Iowa

An unflagging purpose, strength of character, industry and perseverance, combined with, a firm determination to achieve an honorable destiny, have actuated Evan Swenson in all the activities of his varied and eventful career and have brought him such substantial and well merited success that today no history of the agricultural development of Allamakee county would be complete without the record of his life. Starting at the bottom of the ladder, penniless, friendless and in a strange country, he has steadily worked his way upward to prosperity, constantly overcoming almost overwhelming obstacles and difficulties and standing today among the substantial and representative farmers and able business men in the vicinity of Postville, where he makes his home.

He was born near Christiania, Norway, on the 20th of June, 1849, and is a son of Swen and Maria (Olson) Swenson, also natives of that country. The father was a tailor by trade and also cultivated a small tract of land in Norway and, although he was crippled from the time he was one year old by the loss of an arm, was a man of remarkable strength and accumulated a comfortable competency. The mother passed away in 1863 and in 1871 the father came to America, locating near Postville, Iowa, on a farm in Post township, where he died in 1898. He had a family of nine children, of whom the subject of this review is the youngest.

Evan Swenson attended school for a short time in Norway but his advantages along this line were limited, for at the early age of fourteen he began working as a farm laborer, and the independence and self-reliance thus developed in him remain important elements in his character at the present time. For a while he received eight cents per day for hard work in the fields, his wages never going a above ten cents a day, and after two years he was hired out to a farmer for a period of eighteen months, receiving at the end of that time six dollars in money and a suit of homespun clothes. Afterward he spent a similar period working by the day and then rented a small piece of land, which he operated for one season, giving all of the proceeds of the farm in payment for six months' rent. His crop of hay he did not harvest, selling it all at public auction. The season of 1867 was late and Mr. Swenson did not get in his crops until the 7th of June and when harvested he realized for his summer's work only sixteen dollars. In view of these conditions and the hardships which surrounded his life in Norway he determined to leave the country and, having spent all of the money he had made in the summer for living expenses during the winter, he borrowed in the spring of 1868 enough to purchase a ticket to Quebec, Canada. He left Norway with enough food to live on during the ocean journey and with a little over one dollar and twenty-five cents in money and he landed in Quebec on the 20th of June, 1868, on his nineteenth birthday, without one cent in his pocket. Mr. Swenson was unfamiliar with the English language but borrowing ten dollars, he managed to make his way west to Chicago, the journey consuming ten days, and there met a cousin, who loaned him five dollars and gave him his supper. From Chicago he pushed on to Madison, Wisconsin, where he borrowed seventy-five cents to take him to Black Earth, and from that point he walked twenty miles to Perry township, Dane county, where he hired out to a farmer for twenty-five dollars a month. After two months he received eighteen dollars a month until the winter time and he then continued with his former employer, working for his board and lodgings. During the next season he again received eighteen dollars a month and he continued to hold this position until November 1, 1869, when he came to Iowa, having with the exception of a short time since remained a valued resident of this state. He located in Postville but in the fall of the same year went to McGregor, where he obtained a position chopping cord wood on what is called Bloody Run for Mr. Lonsburg. After three weeks at this work he returned to Postville and made his home with the family who were operating Judge W'williams' farm in Grand Meadow township, Clayton county, remaining there until the spring, when he became a hired laborer in the employ of Duncan AIcDonnell, for whom he worked for two months. In April of the same year he returned to Judge Williams' property, working upon it for one year thereafter at twenty dollars per month, and at the end of that time he reentered Mr. McDonnell's employ, remaining with him for six months. After spending another period on Judge Williams' farm Mr. Swenson purchased a yoke of oxen and went with it to Rock county, Minnesota, where he took up a homestead claim two and a half miles from the county seat. It was a raw and unimproved tract and Mr. Swensdn broke two acres of the soil, dug a well and erected a sod shanty. He, however, did not continue the development of this farm but after a month sold his outfit, gave up his title to the land and walked to Worthington, whence he took the railroad to Mankato and came from there to Postville. In the following fall he took charge of Judge Williams' farm, then comprising twenty-three hundred acres, one of the largest agricultural properties in this section of the country. He continued to superintend this place for two years, earning during that time forty dollars per month, the highest salary he had yet received. He married in 1875 and afterward rented Mr.

McDonnell's farm of five hundred acres for two years and at the end of that time realized a long cherished ambition, buying one hundred and twenty acres for fourteen dollars an acre. He cleared it of scrub and timber and with characteristic energy and ability carried forward the work of its development and improvement for nineteen years, selling it at the end of that time for fifty-three dollars per acre. He afterward bought a farm two miles north of Postville, then known as the Perry farm, paying for it sixty dollars per acre and selling it after a three years' residence at a profit of ten dollars per acre. When he disposed of this property he bought a farm near the Bethel church, the property being known as the J. M. Harris farm, and he paid for this sixty dollars per acre. Upon this property he has since resided, his holdings now comprising two hundred and eight acres, and by his careful management, practical methods and unremitting industry he has made it one of the finest farms in this part of Iowa, his success following many years of earnest and well directed labor. L'pon his farm he has made substantial improvements in buildings and equipment and has the entire tract under a high state of cultivation. His attention is given for the most part, however, to his stock-raising interests, which are extensive and important, his high grade shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs commanding high prices and a ready sale upon the market. Mr. Swenson is connected with the Cooperative Creamery Company of Postville and is a stockholder in the Citizens State Bank, and his ability is widely recognized in business and financial circles.

On the 6th of February, 1875, Mr. Swenson was united in marriage to Miss Eliza McWilliams, who was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, on the 6th of December, 1856, a daughter of Nathaniel and Isabel McWilliams. Mr. and Mrs. Swenson became the parents of twelve children: Arthur W., who is operating three hundred and fifty-eight acres of land in Franklin township; Maria, wife of Arthur A. Dresser, a farmer in Post township; John F., who resides near Frankville, Winneshiek county; Harry S., engaged in farming in North Yakima, Washington; Katie, who married Jerome Van Allen, a mail carrier in Chicago; Amy, the wife of Chester B. Davenport, now a resident of Roseville, Illinois, and formerly teller of the First National Bank in Lincoln, Nebraska; Frank L., a soldier in the regular army, stationed at San Francisco, California; Alma, formerly engaged in teaching, who resides at home; Hall L., who is attending the Postville high school: Allison E., a student in the same institution; and Ethel and Lillian, who are also attending school.

Fraternally Mr. Swenson is affiliated with the Masonic order, holding membership in Brotherly Love Lodge, No. 304. He has been a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen since 1875 and of the Modern Woodmen of America for the past seventeen years. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has always been interested and active in public affairs, rendering his township and county able service in various capacities. He was for thirty years a justice of the peace and has done a great deal of far-reaching and beneficial work on the school board, having served as president and director of that body and now as treasurer. He is one of the most prominent, representative and successful men of this part of Iowa, where he lias resided since pioneer times and to the development and upbuilding of which he has made such tangible and substantial contributions. His life furnishes splendid examples of the value of industry, determination and honorable purpose in the achievement of success, for by his own unaided exertions he has reached the goal of prosperity, his success and the methods by which it was attained having gained him a high place in the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ARTHUR W. SWENSON.

Arthur \V. Swenson, well known as a representative of farming and stock-raising interests in the vicinity of Postville, was born in Post township, a mile and a half north of the city of Postville, November 24, 1875, his father being Evan Swenson, of whom mention is made on another page of this volume. At the usual age he began his education as a pupil in the public school at West Grove, in Post township, and when not busy with his text-books he worked in the fields, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He continued to work upon the home farm until after he had attained his majority, spending a year in his father's employ after he reached the age of twenty-one. When twenty-two years of age he rented a tract of land in Post township near the old home, living thereon for a year. He afterward rented and cultivated a farm of two hundred acres in Ludlow township, residing there for a year and a half. He prospered during that period and with the money which he had earned purchased the farm upon which he now resides, becoming the owner at first of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he has since added by further purchase from time to time until he now has a valuable tract of three hundred and fifty-nine acres, pleasantly and conveniently located within six miles of Postville. The tract is practically all tillable land. He operates the farm in a general way, raising considerable stock. He handles horses, cattle and hogs, keeping a high grade of shorthorn cattle, and his stock-raising interests constitute a profitable source of income. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Store in Postville, in the Farmers mutual Telephone Company at Postville. and in the Luana Creamery Company and the Farmers Cooperative Shipping Association at Postville. He is recognized as a man of excellent business ability, accomplishing what he undertakes by reason of his unfaltering perseverance, his keen discrimination and his undaunted energy.

On the 24th of November, 1898, Mr. Swenson was united in marriage to Miss Nina E. Harris, who was born in Post township and is a daughter of George W. and Ellen (Laughlin) Harris. Her birth occurred July 3, 1878, and by her marriage she has become the mother of five children: Hall LeRoy, born September 27, 1899; Doris Ellen, born December 14, 1901; Roland Evan, November 17, 1903; Florence Katharine, July 2. 1907: and George Wesley, October 24, 191 1. The parents are members of the United Brethren church and Mr. Swenson belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp of Postville. In politics he is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has never sought or desired office. He is now serving as school director and the cause of education finds in him a" warm friend. He is interested in all that pertains to public progress and gives active and hearty support to many measures for the general good. His life has been well spent and those who have known him from his boyhood are numbered among his stanchest friends. He has always resided in the county which is now his home and here he has carefully directed his business affairs until he has become one of the substantial citizens of the community.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

L. B. SWENSON.

L. B. Swenson is cultivating and developing a part of the farm upon which he was born on section ii. Paint Creek township, Allamakee county, and is ranked among the progressive, substantial and representative agriculturists of his district. He was born August 14, 1859, and, as the name indicates, comes of Norwegian parentage. He is the son of Bennett Swenson, who was born in Hemsendal, Norway, on the 25th of December, 1824, and in 1845 emigrated to the United States, settling on Rock Prairie, Rock county, Wisconsin. Several years later, in 1850, he went to California by way of the New York and Cape Horn route, going from San Francisco up the river to Sacramento, where he engaged in mining for a time. In 1853 he returned to Wisconsin by way of the isthmus of Panama and by rail from New York. In the following year he came to Allamakee county, Iowa, settling on one hundred and sixty acres on sections 10 and II, Paint Creek township. When it came into his possession the land was but slightly improved, he having been the third owner since it had been taken up from the government. In October, 1854, he was married to Miss Augusta Thorsen. who was born in Norway and passed away on the homestead farm on the 29th of September, 1875. There Mr. Swenson also spent his remaining days. They were faithful members of the Lutheran church and were the parents of six children, as follows: Swen Bennettson, deceased; Thorsten Swenson. a resident of Polk county, Minnesota; L. B., of this review; Julia, the wife of Eric Hemrie, of Crookston, Minnesota; Andrew, of Paint Creek township; and Isabel, who married William Ralsdon, of Waterville, Iowa.

Amid the wholesome environment of farm life L. B. Swenson was reared to manhood and in early life attended the district school in the acquirement of an education. His practical training, too, was broad and thorough, received under the direction of his father, after whose death he and his brother Andrew operated the old homestead in partnership for several years. Subsequently, however, they divided the farm, L. B. Swenson now being the owner of one hundred and thirty-five acres on section ii. Paint Creek township, equipped with substantial buildings erected by his father. He carries on general farming, in which he has been most successful, and everything about his place is indicative of the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. To his place he has given the name of the Maple Spring Trout Farm.

Mr. Swenson married Bertha Seando, who was born in.Mlamakee county, a daughter of Forkel Seando, and unto them have been lion six children, Irene, Bernice, Stella, Myrtle, Isabelle and Bernard, but the last named died at the age of two years.

Agricultural pursuits have fully occupied the time and attention of Mr. Swenson, who has never sought nor desired to enter public life in any way, although he is deeply interested in the welfare of the section in which he resides and supports all those projects which affect the general growth and development of the county. A residence on the same farm of more than half a century has gained him a wide acquaintance throughout the township, and he is held in high esteem by all with whom he has been brought in contact.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Among the progressive and enterprising young farmers of Allamakee county is numbered Gilbert Swenson, who owns and operates a fine property in Post township. L'pon this he has resided since he was seven years of age and its excellent condition at the present time is largely due to the care, skill and practical knowledge which he has displayed in its management. He was born in Franklin township, this county, on the 25th of February. 1878, and is a son of Jargen and Mary (Gilbertson) Swenson, natives of Norway, the former born on the loth of May, 1839, and the latter in Christiania on the 22d of October, 1848. The father crossed the Atlantic when he was twenty-two years of age and, locating near Madison, Wisconsin, worked in the employ of others for about one year, after which he came to Iowa, settling in Grand Meadow township, Clayton county, in pioneer times. He rented land in that locality and after a number of years purchased a farm in Franklin township, just across the line from Post township, and there he resided for ten years, becoming one of the representative and prosperous agriculturists of the community. Eventually, however, he removed to South Dakota, taking up his residence near Chamberlain, that state, but at the end of three months he returned to Iowa, settling on the farm where the subject of this review now resides. In October, 1912, he retired from active business life and removed to Clermont, where he still resides.

Gilbert Swenson acquired his education in the West Grove district school of Post township. He has lived upon his present farm since he was seven years of age and from his childhood assisted with the work of its cultivation, early becoming familiar with the best agricultural methods. At twenty-three he rented and assumed the management of the home farm and in the fall of 1912 bought the property, thereon he has continued to reside to the present time. Being progressive and enterprising, he has carried on its cultivation along modern and practical lines and has made substantial improvements upon it, erecting a modern residence, fine barns and outbuildings and installing the necessary machinery. He carries on general farming, giving a great deal of attention to the raising of cattle, horses and hogs, and his business interests, being carefully and capable conducted, have brought him a gratifying measure of success. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Store and the canning factory in Postville and is connected also with the Luana Creamery Company and the Elgin State Bank.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

SANDER O. SWENSON.

One of the substantial, prosperous and deservedly successful farmers of Post township is Sander O. Swenson, who owns and operates a fine property of two hundred and sixty acres of land, upon a portion of which he was born March-5- 1875. He is a son of John and Oline Swenson, natives of Norway, both born in the vicinity of Christiania, the former on the 13th of February, 1845, and the latter on the 23d of July, 1844. Their marriage occurred in Norway in 1868 and they afterward came to America, settling first in Franklin township, Allamakee county. They later removed to Post township and here the father purchased land, buying one hundred and eighteen acres, upon which he carried forward the work of improvement and development until his death, which occurred on the ist of December, 1891.

Sander O. Swenson acquired his education in the Highland district school, which he attended until he was thirteen years of age. He was still very young when his father died but he afterward assumed the entire management of the farm, which he has continued to further improve and develop since that time. He has added to the improvements made by his father, erecting a number of modern buildings, installing a windmill and equipping the property with all the necessary labor-saving machinery. In addition to the work of the fields he engaged extensively in stock-raising and this has come to be one of the most important sources of his income. He is a practical, modern and able farmer, and his labors through the years have been crowned by success, his farm being today one of the finest agricultural properties in this part of Iowa.

On the i8th of October, 1898, Mr. Swenson was united in marriage to Miss Cora A. McGhee, who was born in Franklin township, near Hardin, November TO, 1876, a daughter of Lucius and Ruth (Eaton) McGhee, the former a native of Ohio, born July 17, 1852, and the latter of Iowa, born February 17, 1849. Throughout his entire active life the father engaged in farming, becoming one of the largest landowners in Franklin township and continuing to manage his property there until his retirement. Mr. and Mrs. Swenson have four children: Lloyd Lucius, whose birth occurred on the 12th of March, 1900; Harlin Willard, born July 26, 1903: Ruth May, born November 9, 1904; and [name withheld], born March 28, 1908.

Mr. Swenson is a member of the United Brethren church and fraternally is connected with the Yeomen. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has never sought office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon the conduct of his farm. He is one of the most successful and capable business men and substantial farmers of the locality and is a native son of whom Post township has every reason to be proud.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.