Olson, Henry 1861 –

OLSON, HEYNN, BENTLEY, STOEN, BERGS, BIDNE, JERRY

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/19/2015 at 10:10:15

HENRY OLSON.

The soil of Iowa is naturally rich and productive, responding readily to the care and labor which are bestowed upon it, and thus an excellent farm of three hundred and sixty acres in Winneshiek county pays tribute to the well directed efforts of Henry Olson. He is one of the county's native sons, his birth having occurred at Decorah on the 18th of June, 1861. His parents, Peter and Jane (Heynn) Olson, were natives of Norway, the former born on the 10th of October, 1825, and the latter August 9, 1840. The father, who was twice married, brought his first wife and two children to the United States in 1853. Three years later, or in 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Heynn. He was a miller by trade, following that occupation in Decorah for nineteen years. He removed to Highlandville in 1866, and there conducted a mill until his retirement from active life. His death occurred on the 10th of September, 1899, but his widow long survived, passing away on the 26th of October, 1912. They had become the parents of six children, as follows: Fred, who died at the age of eighteen years; Henry, of this review; Sarah, the wife of Halver Bentley, a resident of Highland township; Charles, of Highlandville; Simon, who died at the age of fifteen years; and Julia, who passed away when ten years of age.

Winneshiek county has ever been the scene of Henry Olson's business activities. Early in life he began assisting his father in his mill and was thus engaged until twenty-six years of age, when, thinking to find farming a more congenial field of occupation, he bought land in Pleasant township upon which he established his home. He is now the owner of three hundred and sixty acres located on section 3, Pleasant township, and section 35, Highland township, upon which he carries on general agricultural pursuits. Under his careful guidance the place has been highly developed and is a well improved property, equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories for facilitating farm labor. Mr. Olson is systematic in his methods and follows progressive measures, and as a result has been most successful in his agricultural pursuits.

It was on the 29th of September, 1886, that Mr. Olson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Stoen, a native of Winneshiek county, who was born in Highland township, October 12, 1858, and has always resided in this county. Her parents, H. H. and Carrie (Bergs) Stoen, were natives of Norway, where the father was born July 16, 1831. He made the voyage to America in 1850, making his way first to Wisconsin, but shortly afterward came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, spending the remainder of his life on a farm in Highland township. He died August 6, 1910, and his wife passed away in October, 1907, at the age of eighty-five years. They were the parents of six children, namely: H. H., residing on the old home farm in Highland township; Isabelle, the wife of Ole Bidne, of Decorah; Mrs. Olson; Tosten, deceased; Ole, who has also passed away; and Julia, who married Thomas Jerry, of Highland township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Olson were born three children, Perry, Hattie and Julia.

The religious faith of Mr. Olson is that of the Norwegian church while his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He has served as township trustee and school director, and, being public-spirited in citizenship, works earnestly for the development and growth of his native country. An active life in which has been manifest diligence, perseverance and thrift has found material reward in a gratifying degree of success, while high principles and honorable dealings have won for Mr. Olson the confidence, respect and good-will of all with whom he has come in contact.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913