Peter Knudson

KNUDSON, HANSON, ROSSMESSEN, COX

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/15/2011 at 15:20:30

PETER KNUDSON, one of the self-made men of Grundy County, who through his own unaided efforts has won a place among the substantial farmers of Lincoln Township, resides on section 20, where he owns and operates eighty acres of good land. He is a Dane by birth, and is a son of Charles and Dale (Hanson) Knudson. The father was born in the eastern part of Denmark about 1823, and with his father learned the miller’s trade. He was a man of limited means and worked in the service of others. In his religious belief he was a Lutheran. His death occurred when Peter was only about a year old, after which his widow became the wife of Nels Rossmessen. They became the parents of the following children: Enger Ross, who is living in Denmark; Hans Nelson, who went to California about 1874, and has never been heard from since; Anna, who died at the age of eighteen years; Ross Rossmessen, who also went to California and is now deceased; and Nelson, who complete the family.

Our subject was the only child of the first marriage. He was born in eastern Denmark in 1847, and at the age of fourteen began life for himself, since which time he has been dependent upon his own resources. He commenced working as a farm hand for only two cents per day and his board. After six months his wages were increased, and he received the munificent sum of $11 per year. He worked for other people until coming to the United States, at the age of nineteen. Hearing of the advantages and privileges of this country, and hoping to improve his financial condition, he emigrated to the New World, and took up his residence in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he made his home until coming to Grundy County. Here he worked by the day at masonry, was employed in a starch factory, worked as a farm hand and was engaged in grading railroads. We thus see that he followed various pursuits in order to earn an honest livelihood.

After coming to this county, Mr. Knudson began renting land, and also operated a threshing machine. In 1879, with the capital he had acquired, his hard-earned savings, he purchased eighty acres of his present farm. With characteristic energy he began its development, and as its resources have increased he extended its boundaries until it now comprises two hundred acres of rich land.

In Grundy Centre, Mr. Knudson was married to Miss Mary Cox, a daughter of Frank and Julia Cox. By their union they have become the parents of three children, Charles, Jimmie and Anna Julia. The mother was baptized in the Lutheran Church during infancy, but is now a member of the Catholic Church. By his influence and ballot Mr. Knudson supports the Democratic party. For two years he has served as School Director, but has never been an aspirant for official honors. It was a fortunate day when he carried out his resolution of seeking a home in the New World, for here his efforts have been blessed with prosperity and he has gained a comfortable home and many warm friends. His life shows what can be accomplished through industry and perseverance.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894