Ole Moe
Ole Moe, carrying on general farming and stock-raising upon a
fine property of three hundred and five acres on section 12,
Franklin township, is numbered among the able and progressive
young agriculturists of this vicinity. He was born near Lardahl,
Norway, on the 1st of April, 1881, and is a son of Jens and Anna
(Harrum) Moe, also natives of that country, the former born June
9, 1850, and the latter October 17, 1847. In early life the
father worked in the employ of others in Norway but after coming
to America in the spring of 1882 he became a landowner, operating
an excellent farm near Madison, Wisconsin, where he settled. In
the spring of 1897 he went to Calmar, Iowa, and bought land in
the vicinity of that city, removing from there in the spring of
1904, to Franklin township, this county, and locating on the farm
where the subject of this review now resides. He died here,
December 21, 1912, and his wife survives him.
Ole Moe is the fifth in a family of nine children. He acquired
his education in the public schools of Morrisonville, Wisconsin,
and when he was eighteen years of age began his independent
career, working at bridge construction for the Chicago, Milwaukee
and St. Paul Railroad. He was also for more than four years
connected with the Great Northern system and after he severed his
connection with that corporation turned his attention to
carpentering, working at that trade in central Iowa and Dakota
for about eighteen months. At the end of that time he made a
permanent location in this state, settling in Allamakee county.
Here he followed his trade for a short time, but afterward turned
his attention to farming. He purchased three hundred and five
acres of valuable land on section 12, Franklin township, and upon
this property is carrying on general farming and stock-raising,
specializing in the breeding of full blooded Poland China Hogs,
high-grade cattle and Shropshire sheep, his stock interests being
important and continually growing. He is interested in the Monona
Creamery Company and in the Shipping Association of that city and
in business circles is recognized as a farsighted, able and
progressive man.
On the 14th of August, 1911, Mr. Moe was united in marriage to
Miss Clara Johnson, who was born in Lycurgus, this county,
January 19, 1894. She is a daughter of Christ and Caroline
(Klasted) Johnson, natives of Norway, who came to Allamakee
county at an early day, the father purchasing land near Waukon
and becoming an extensive landowner and a progressive farmer. The
mother passed away in the spring of 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Moe have
one daughter, Viola, who was born October 6, 1912.
Mr. Moe is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and he gives
his political allegiance to the republican party, serving at
present as school director. He is a member of the Baptist church.
During the period of his residence in Allamakee county he has
gained a place among the substantial farmers and valued citizens
of his locality, commanding the respect and confidence of all who
have private or business relations with him.
-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by
Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Diana Diedrich
Return to 1913 biographies index