Knute H. Larson

As printed in 1913

KNUTE H. LARSON.

Although a quarter of a century has passed since Knute H. Larson died upon his farm in Winneshiek county, there are many in this part of Iowa who still remember his genuine personal worth, his sterling integrity and the substantial contributions which he made to the agricultural development of this section of the state. He was numbered among the honored and respected pioneer citizens and for thirty-eight years he cultivated his fine farm in Military township, becoming one of the leading figures in the promotion of the progress and advancement of the community.

Mr. Larson was a native of Norway, born in January, 1822, and he spent his boyhood and early- youth in that country, crossing the Atlantic to America in 184c). He settled first in Wisconsin and there remained for one year, at the end of which time he removed to Iowa, settling in Winneshiek county in pioneer times. He purchased land which he sold at the end of a year, buying afterward another tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 3, Military township, to which he later added another one hundred and sixty on section 2. With characteristic energy he began the improvement and development of this property, tilling the fields, and erecting the necessary buildings, which included the fine residence that he made his home for a number of years. General farming and stock-raising engaged practically all of his attention, and his practical methods and unremitting industry brought him well deserved success, both branches of his activities becoming important and profitable.

Mr. Larson married Miss Matilda Freeburg, a native of Sweden and a daughter of John and Lena (Malburg) Freeburg, also born in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Larson became the parents of seven children: Laura, who lives at home; John F., who is operating the homestead for his mother; L. Kent, assisting with the work of the home farm; Anton L., who also lives at home; Gustave, who is associated with the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad; Martin and Henry, who live at home. Since Mr. Larson's death, the widow has added eighty acres to the home farm and has supervised its management, ably carrying forward with the help of her sons the work which her husband began.

Mr. Larson was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and was a republican in his political beliefs. His influence was always on the side of progress and improvement and it was found that at all times his business activities balanced up with truth and justice.

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.