Ulrich William Rood

Ulrich William Rood, a worthy native son of Allamakee county, is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres on section 6, Paint Creek township, and enjoys an enviable reputation as a progressive agriculturist and enterprising citizen of his community. The farm which is now in his possession as remained his home from his birth to the present time, his natal day being March 31, 1870.

His father, Peter Rood, was born in Norway, on the 31st of August, 1816, and emigrated to the United States in 1853, when thirty-seven years of age. He located first in Rock county, Wisconsin, but later in the same year came to Allamakee county, Iowa purchasing one hundred and thirty- three acres of unimproved land in Paint Creek and Jefferson townships. He first erected a log cabin, which was subsequently replaced by a stone house that is still standing. As the years passed by he brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and improved his property to a considerable extent, successfully carrying on general agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest on the 15th of September, 1890. On the 21st of October, 1861, in this county, he wedded Miss Nicholena Christoferson Jensvold, whose birth occurred in Nordre Land, Norway, on the 20th of July, 1825, and who emigrated to the United States in young womanhood, being employed as a domestic in Stillwater and St. Paul, Minnesota. She survived her husband for a number of years, passing away on the home farm on the 15th of February, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Rood assisted in the organization of the Lutheran church and remained consistent members thereof during their lives. Their children were four in number, as follows: Emma Charlotta, who was born on the 9th of August, 1863, and passed away November 10, 1890; Gilbert C., whose birth occurred on the 11th of March, 1866, and who died June 22, 1890; Ida Hendricka, at home; and Ulrich William, of this review.

The last named attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he assisted his father in the work of the home farm. Eventually he came into possession of the property and has been actively engaged in its cultivation during his entire business career. He is an up-to-date and progressive agriculturist and his efforts have been attended with excellent results. In addition to the production of cereals best adopted to soil and climate he has raised full blooded shorthorn cattle for several years past.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Rood chose Miss Nicholena Leikvold, a daughter of Ole and Margaret (Roe) Leikvold, who were early settlers of Paint Creek township. The father is deceased but the mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Rood have five children, namely: Paul G., Ova C., Martha N., Eddie H. and Norman H. One child, Martha C., passed away at the age of five years.

Mr. Rood is a republican in his political views and is widely recognized as a loyal and public-spirited citizen whose aid and cooperation can be counted upon to further and movement or measure instituted to promote the general welfare. He was instrumental in the organization of the telephone company and worked for two years to bring it about. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and he and his family are devoted members thereof. Genial and kindly in nature, he fully appreciates his obligations to his fellowmen, and his honorable principles and upright manhood have won for him the high regard, confidence and goodwill of all with whom he has come in contact.

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

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