Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

The agricultural interests of Buena Vista county are well represented by Hans E. Wethal, who was born in Christiana, Norway, March 18, 1860, a son of Albert and Paulina Olson, who lived and died in Norway, both parents dying when the son was but a child.  He was educated in the schools of his native country and was a youth of eighteen years when he emigrated to the new world.  He located first in St. James, Minnesota, where lived a sister.  He was there employed by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company on the building of the new grade.  After a year, however, he went to the Red River valley in Minnesota and there spent four years.  In 1885 he returned to Iowa and was married on the 3d of December, 1887, to Miss Stena Stennerson, a daughter of G. K. Stennerson, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.  Mrs. Wethal was born in Lee township, Buena Vista county, March 9, 1862, being the first white child born in that township.  Mr. and Mrs. Wethal had one child, who died in infancy.

Following his marriage Mr. Wethal located on his present farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres on section 16, Lee township, four miles from Sioux Rapids.  Here he is engaged in general agricultural pursuits and in raising stock, both branches of his business proving a profitable source of revenue to him.

Mr. Wethal gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party and his religious faith is identified by his membership in the Lutheran church.  He is an industrious and energetic farmer, keeping in touch with the most modern methods of agriculture, so that his labors are resulting in success.  A man of straightforward and honorable business methods, he is highly esteemed in the community where he makes his home.