H. O. Moe

H. O. Moe, who died upon his farm in Paint Creek township on the 5th of January, 1903, after many years of active connection with agricultural interests of this vicinity, was born in Norway, September 4, 1852, and spent his early life in his native country. He emigrated to America when he was seventeen years of age and came immediately to Allamakee county, Iowa. On his arrival here he had only eight cents and his first employment was on the railroad but he later obtained work as a farm laborer. By the exercise of economy and frugality he gradually accumulated enough money to purchase land and he bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 12, Paint Creek township. With characteristic energy he set about improving and developing this property and in the course of time his well directed labors were rewarded by success, the farm becoming a productive and valuable property. For many years Mr. Moe continued to develop his land, and his death, which occurred January 5, 1903, brought to a close a career of genuine usefulness and one which had an important effect upon the agricultural advancement of this county.

Mr. Moe married Miss Sophia Larson, who was born in Allamakee county, a daughter of Ole Larson. Mr. and Mrs. Moe became the parents of six children, Oscar Arnold, Simon Herbert, Clemons Elias, Olvin Julius, Alice and Hattie, all of whom live at home. Mrs. Moe survives her husband and she and her sons operate the homestead. They are well known throughout Paint Creek township, where they have long resided, and they hold the respect and esteem of all who come in contact with them.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Jan Miller

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