Ole J. Hamlin

HAMLIN, BECKJORDEN, KNUTSON

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 1/26/2010 at 04:20:54

OLE J. HAMLIN

Since 1904 Ole J. Hamlin has owned the farm upon which he now resides and to the cultivation and improvement of which he devotes his entire time and attention. He was born in Norway in January, 1863, and is a son of Jewel and Minnie (Beckjorden) Hamlin, who were also natives of that country. About 1874, however, they bade adieu to friends and native land and came with their children to the new world, crossing the continent to Dane county, Wisconsin. There the father followed the occupation of farming for seven years, after which he came to Winnebago county, Iowa, and bought eighty acres of land on section 25, King township, constituting the farm that is now the home of his son Ole. He at once began to develop and improve the land, which he carefully tilled throughout his remaining days. He was recognized as one of the leading and representative farmers of the district and was ever known as a most reliable business man. He passed away June 16, 1908, having for a year survived his wife, who died on the 3d of June, 1907.

Ole J. Hamlin was a little lad of eleven summers when his parents came to the new world. His education, which had been begun in the schools of Norway, was continued in the public schools of Wisconsin and of Iowa after the removal of the family to Winnebago county. Through his boyhood he devoted the summer months to farm work, and when he had completed his education his entire attention was given to his farm duties. He continued to cultivate the old homestead with his father until 1904, when he purchased the farm and has since owned and operated it. He has added various improvements during the period of his ownership—improvements that have greatly enhanced its attractive appearance and which are indicative as well of his progressive spirit.

In January, 1914, Mr. Hamlin was married to Miss Annie Knutson, and they are now parents of an interesting little daughter, Amanda, born in June, 1915. Politically Mr. Hamlin is a republican and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He and his wife are held in warm regard by their many friends in King township, and he has gained a place among the substantial farmers to whom effort has opened the highroad to success. Along this road he is steadily progressing and has already gained a place among the well-to-do farmers of the county.

Source: History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II. Pioneer Publishing Company (Chicago), 1917. pp. 524-525.