~Page 1131~

K. K. KLEPPE, JR.

It is a fact recognized by all that the United States can boast of no better or more law-abiding class of citizens than the great number of Norwegians who have found homes within her borders. Though holding dear and sacred the beloved homeland, they are none the less devoted to the fair country of their adoption and should necessity require it would be willing to go forth in battle for the maintenance of its institutions. Among this highly respected class is the subject of this sketch, K. K. Kleppe, who is operating a splendid farm in Dover township.

Mr. Kleppe was born in Norway on September 21, 1851, the son of K. K. and Martha Kleppe, both also natives of Norway. The family came to America in 1857 and at once came to Fayette county, Iowa, locating in Dover township. Their first home was in a rude dug-out in the northern part of the township. This was their home for about a year, and during this time the father was employed at fifty cents a day wages. Their condition was certainly anything but encouraging, and was especially dismal and uncomfortable when, as a result of heavy rains and constant dampness, the bedding and personal garments rotted. They then moved to where the subject of this sketch now lives. About two years later the father was enabled to buy eighty acres of land in that location, and subsequently added more land. He was energetic and applied himself assiduously to the task of clearing this land and rendering it fit for cultivation. He thus himself cleared practically all of the one hundred and eighty acres comprising the farm. He erected a full set of farm buildings and made many other permanent and substantial improvements. To him and his wife have been born seven children, five sons and two daughters.

Politically, Mr. Kleppe has always been a stanch Republican and has served as township treasurer and school trustee. His religious affiliation is with the Lutheran church and he materially assisted in the organization of the church here in an early day. Because of his belief that the members had a right to talk in church meetings, which was contrary to the belief of his church, he separated himself from it and joined another religious body where his belief was more in harmony.

K. K. Kleppe, Jr., was reared by his parents and he received a limited education in the public schools, he not being able to attend until he was sixteen years old. He remained with his parents until twenty-two years old, when he bought the eighty acres where he now lives and at once applied himself to its improvement and cultivation. He has erected attractive and well arranged buildings and has maintained the place at a high standard of efficiency and productivity. In addition to following a diversified system of farming, he gives some attention to the raising of Shorthorn cattle, and in the handling of livestock he has met with excellent success. He is thoroughly practical and systematic in his efforts and the success which has crowned his efforts has been richly earned.

His farm now comprises one hundred and sixty-two acres and is numbered among the best farms of the township. 

~transcribed for the Fayette Co IAGenWeb Project by Tom & Sharon Dorland