homeland so she hid his suit, thinking he would not leave without it. But he was determined to make a better life for himself and took only a small trunk of belongings. Engvold came to America in Apr of 1902. He came to Ossian, IA with a lady who was coming to work for Danielsons, just north of Ossian.

Engvold worked mostly as a hired farm-hand in Spring-field Twp. In a few months he sent money back to Norway for a brother to come to the USA and later helped others to make the trip. About 1904 he and his brother Ben bought a farm north of Ossian in Springfield Twp. where they farmed together for several years.

Cecelia Thorbjornson was born at Fana, Norway 19 Mar 1881 to Jergen and Gertrude Thorbjornson. She made the trip to America in Oct 1906 and married Engvold Borness 22 Nov 1906 at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Decorah. They lived on the farm he had bought in 1904.Three of their children were born while living there: Cecelia (died as an infant), Grace and Signe. In May 1913 the family made a trip to Norway to visit their parents and other family members, staying about 3 months. Shortly after returning to Iowa lightning struck the barn on their farm and the barn and their team of horses were lost in the fire. Shortly after they bought the Ivar Gunderson farm in Springfield Twp. The present owners are their granddaughter and her husband, Joanne and Justin Roney.

Engvold and Cecelia had 9 children, 4 of whom died in infancy. The other children are: Grace, married Elmer Lien; Signe, married Christian Johnson who passed away Jan 1932, and she then married Bernard Ehler; George, remained single; Einar, married Jennie Johnson; and Mildred, married Harry 0. Johnson. Engvold and Cecelia were also the grandparents of 17 grandchildren, 49 greatgrandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

They were members of Washington Prairie Lutheran Church until they retired from farming in 1942 when they moved to Ossian and joined the Ossian Lutheran Church. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary there 22 Nov 1956.

Engvold was a hard worker and he expected the same of others. He had an exceptionally good memory and especially enjoyed visiting. Cecelia enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, quilting and spent many hours crocheting. Cecelia passed away 9 Apr 1959 at age 78 years.

In Jun 1972 Engvold enjoyed a reunion with his 5 brothers. One came from Norway, one from Canada and the others from Iowa for the visit. The 6 brothers had not all been together in 74 years. At the same time Engvold was introduced to the newest member of his extended family, his two-week old great-great-grandson, Kamon Chapman. One week later, on 17 Jun 1972, Engvold passed away at the age of almost 91 years. Engvold and Cecelia are buried at Hillside Cemetery at Ossian.

Borseth, Carl and Ida (Erickson)

(Sadie (Borseth) Ward)

Carl Borseth was born in Calmar, IA 24 Apr 1884 and died 19 Feb 1952. His parents were Eric and Mari (Erickson) Borseth. They first lived in Calmar and then moved to the former Martin Borseth farm in Springfield Twp. near Decorah.

Carl and Ida Borseth wedding photo Married February 13, 1918.

Carl went to the one-room school known as the Hamre School No. 6. His school was a stone building with seats for two at each desk. He wrote on slates. The students were both boys and girls aged 7 to 21. There was no high school. Carl had to walk 2 1/2 miles to school. They did not have indoor bathrooms, but did have 2 separate “air conditioned” outhouses - one for the boys and one for the girls. They played ‘Ante-I-Over” and “Drop the Handkerchief” during recesses. Carl graduated from the 8th grade.

When Carl was in school the following song was popular: “School days...School days...Dear old golden rule days...readin, writin and rithmitic, taught to the tune of a hickory stick.” Three generations of Borseth's went to the Hamre School - Carl, his children and his grandsons, David and John Lensch.

Carl walked to Washington Prairie Lutheran Church for his confirmation classes and was confirmed there. When he was 16, Carl worked for farmers in the area.

Carl purchased the Borseth homestead in Springfield Twp. in 1916. On 13 Feb 1918 he married Ida Erickson. Ida was born 28 Sep 1891 in Glenwood Twp. She died 1 Jun 1944. They made their home on the farm in Spring-field Twp. near Decorah. They had a very trying time during the Depression years. It was very hard going for everyone.

In Dec 1927 Carl and Ida moved to his parents’ Eric and Mari Borseth's farm south of Decorah. It now is known as the John Rodecap farm. Carl farmed it until his father, Eric, sold it. They then moved back up to Carl’s farm on 1 Mar 1933.

Carl and Ida had 7 children:

Sadie married Harry J. Lensch, Sr. 3 Jul 1944. Harry died 24 Oct 1959. Sadie and Harry’s children are David and John. Sadie married Fay R. Ward 14 Oct 1978. Aria  married Melvin Brown 11 Jun 1939. Melvin died 19 Jun 1967. Aria and Melvin’s children are Larry and Scott. Aria married Lester Hirch on