In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. A few names of people born after 1905 are withheld for privacy. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement (1913)
LAURIZE KENT LARSON.
Laurize Kent Larson is carrying on general farming and stock-raising on a fine property of two hundred and forty acres in Military township, constituting the homestead upon which he was born and on which his entire life has been spent. He is numbered among the most progressive and able agriculturists of this part of Winneshiek county and. although still a young man, has gained a high place among the men of marked ability and substantial worth in the community. He was born September 5, 1880, and is a son of Knut 11. and Matilda Larson, the former born in Norway in January, 1822. He came to America in 1849 and after spending one year in Wisconsin came to Winneshiek county, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred September 17, 1888. He and his wife became the parents of seven children: Laura, who lives at home; John F., who is engaged in farming; Laurize Kent, of this review; Anton L., who lives at home; Gustave, who is connected with the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad; Martin, and Henry.
Laurize Kent Larson was reared at home and from his childhood assisted his father with the work of the farm. He has spent has entire life upon the homestead and in 1911 assumed control of the property, owning today two hundred and forty acres of well improved and valuable land. Upon this he engaged in general farming and stock-raising and by his practical methods, his straightforward business dealings, his industry and well directed labor has made both branches important and profitable.
Mr. Larson married, on the 12th of September, 191 1, Miss Levida Kiel, a daughter of Ole Kiel and one of a family of seven children, as follows: Herman, who resides in North Dakota; Elbert, of Minnesota; Julius, who lives at home; Leonard, Agnes and Olga, also at home; and Levida, the wife of the subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have one son, [name withheld], born in 1912.
Mr. Larson is a member of the Lutheran church and politically gives his allegiance to the republican party. In the community where he was born and where his entire life has been spent he is widely and favorably known, having in the course of his upright and honorable career gained recognition as a substantial and progressive farmer and a public-spirited and loyal citizen.
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.
The printed record stops around 1913. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.