In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1843
From Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement (1913)
Thomas Engbretson, living retired in Madison township, making his home with his cousin, Ole O. Hove, is known as one of the early settlers in this vicinity and has long been numbered among its most progressive and representative citizens. He was born in Norway, October 20. 1843, and is a son of Engbret and Gro Thorson, also natives of that country, the parents never having come to America.
Thomas Engbretson crossed the Atlantic with the Hove family in 1866 and settled in Winneshiek county in June of that year. For a time he worked as a farm hand and then turned his attention to hauling cream, following that occupation for twenty-three years thereafter and becoming known as a reliable.
enterprising and progressive business man. Eventually he retired from active life and has since made his home with his cousin, Ole O. Hove.
Mr. Engbretson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a member of the Lutheran church. Since pioneer times he has been an honored and respected resident of this locality and the rest which he is now enjoying rewards many years of active and honorable labor.
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.