Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

John Youngstrom owns and operates one hundred and eighty-two acres of land on section 2, Maple Valley township, where he has made his home since 1891.  He was born near Gottenburg, Sweden. April 27, 1857, and was reared in his native land, emigrating to America in 1880, when a young man of twenty-three years.  He first located in Cherokee county, Iowa, where he was employed for three years at farm labor, receiving for his services two hundred and fifty dollars per year.  During this time he lived frugally and economically, so that at the end of that time he was justified in engaging in business on his own account.  He then rented land, which he operated for eight years, the sale of his crops bringing him the money which enabled him to purchase his present farm, comprising one hundred and eighty-two acres situated on section 2, Maple Valley township.  At the time of the Pomeroy cyclone all his buildings were swept away, but in due time Mr. Youngstrom replaced these and now has a nice country home, good barn and outbuildings, and everything about the place is kept in a good state of repair.  He feeds from one to two carloads of shorthorn cattle each year and two carloads of hogs, while he also keeps good grades of horses and Shropshire sheep.

Mr. Youngstrom was married in Cherokee county, Iowa, December 29, 1883, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Benson, who was likewise born in Sweden, May 7, 1863.  She has proved to him a valuable helpmate and to her assistance much credit is due for the present prosperity of Mr. Youngstrom.  Their family numbers six sons and two daughters:  Alma, who graduated from Cedar Falls Seminary and is now engaged in teaching; William, Hilda, Oscar, Frank, Rudolph, Alfred and John, Jr., all of whom are under the parental roof.  They also lost a daughter in infancy.

Mr. Youngstrom is an independent republican but has never been active as an office seeker, preferring to do his duty as a private citizen.  He is a member of the Lutheran church and belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Alta.  Coming to America, ignorant of the language and customs of this country, Mr. Youngstrom soon adapted himself to the changed conditions and resolved that if energy and determination had anything to do with success, he would achieve it and that he has verified this belief is indicated by a glance at his attractive and well kept farm.  He is today numbered among the substantial citizens of Maple Valley township and is highly esteemed by neighbors and friends.