Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

Gust Holmen, a successful agriculturist residing in section l3, Fairfield township, was born in Sweden on the 19th of January, 1861.  In 1890, when a young man of twenty-nine years, he emigrated to the United States, eager to take advantage of the broader business opportunities which America offered.  Following his arrival in this country he was first employed for nine months in the coal mines of Pennsylvania and subsequently spent ten months in the coal mines in the state of Washington.  Coming to Iowa, he was likewise employed in the coal mines in Monroe county until 1897, which year witnessed his arrival in Buena Vista county.  Here he first worked as a farm hand for L. E. Larsen and later for his father-in-law, C. A. Eckman, whose daughter, Emily Amanda Johannesen or Eckman, he had wedded in 1897.  Mr. Eckman gave the young couple a farm of eighty acres and they also purchased another eighty-acre tract.  The property was all unimproved but as the years have passed Mr. Holmen has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation, has erected a commodious and attractive residence and all necessary outbuildings.  He has likewise purchased an additional tract of eighty acres, so that his holdings now comprise two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land, and in the conduct of his general farming interests he has met with a large degree of prosperity.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Holmen have been born three children, namely:  Hilda Amelia Sophia, Anna Charlotta Olifvia and Gustave David, all at home.  Mr. Holmen is a stalwart republican in his political views, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church.  The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized.  He found the opportunities he sought—which, by the way are always open to the ambitious, energetic man—and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward.  He possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Buena Vista county.