Henry Lomen

As printed in 1913

Almost half a century of continuous residence in one district is the record of Henry Lomen, for he was born in Decorah township, Winneshiek county, on the 15th of September, 1867, and the farm upon which his birth occurred continues to be his home. His parents, Erick E. and Olena (Erickson) Lomen, were both born in Norway but came to America at an early day, locating in Wisconsin, where the father was employed in the pine woods for about two years. Later he came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, locating in Decorah township where he purchased eighty acres of land — a tract which formed the nucleus of the fine farm upon which his son Henry now resides. With characteristic energy he at once set about improving and developing the place and as the years passed and he prospered in his agricultural undertaking he purchased more land until eventually he owned two hundred acres of fine farming property, eighty acres of which lie in Springfield township and the balance in Decorah township. He made farming his life work and was still actively engaged at that occupation at the time of his death, which occurred in 1906. His widow survives and, with her daughter, makes her home with her son Henry.

On the old homestead Henry Lomen was reared and at the usual age he became a pupil in the district schools. Later he supplemented the knowledge there gained by a course of study in the Decorah Institute, while his practical training was received on the home farm under the direction of his father. After the close of his school days he gave his attention entirely to the work of the fields and upon attaining his majority continued to remain at home, giving his father the benefit of his assistance until the latter's death, when he took complete charge of the home farm which he has since continued to operate. He has placed considerable improvements upon the property and its high state of development is in large measure due to his untiring efforts, his keen business sagacity and his progressive methods.

Mr. Lomen is a member of the Lutheran church while politically he votes with the republican party. He has never had time nor inclination for participation in public affairs, although he is greatly interested in the welfare of the community and supports any measures which have for their object the general improvement and progress. He is a stockholder in the Nordness Creamery Company and the Farmers Hog Company of Decorah, and has a reputation for unquestioned integrity in the business circles of Decorah township. A lifelong resident of this district, he is widely known throughout this section and the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

As printed in Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement (1913). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.