H.E. Bakkum

H. E. Bakkum, who was born on the farm on which he now resides on January 9, 1856, is to be numbered among the more substantial agriculturists of Center township, where he owns a valuable farm of one hundred and seventy-four acres. He is a son of Erick Bakkum, a native of Nordre Land, Norway, who came to the United States in 1851, and after spending one year in Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1852 located on the land upon which his son now resides. He first acquired title to eighty acres of wild land, where he erected a log shanty in which the family lived until 1869, when his present home was built. The father added to his lands from time to time until he was able to give each of his sons a good-sized farm. He was prominent in his locality and highly esteemed, passing away on May 23, 1897. He had married in Norway Miss Gunel Engen, who passed away on the farm about thirteen years later than her husband, on June 1, 1910. The parents were members of the Lutheran church and the father gave his support to the republican party. In their family were six children: Andrew E., of Paint Creek township; Sophia, the deceased wife of Peter Paulson; Carrie Martha, who died at the age of eighteen; H. E., our subject; Hannah Drogsett, deceased; and E. E., of Center township.

H. E. Bakkum was reared under the parental roof and grounded by his parents in the old-fashioned virtues of honesty and industry. In the acquirement of his education he attended the district schools and early began to assist his father with the work of the farm. He has always remained at home and subsequently came into possession of the old farm residence and one hundred and seventy-four acres of land. He has done much towards improving this property, has installed modern machinery and implements and in every way has increased the yield of his land. He is today esteemed as one of the most substantial agriculturists of his locality and such success as has come to him is highly commendable, as it has largely been the result of his own labors.

In Allamakee county Mr. Bakkum was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Ericson, who was born in this county and is a daughter of Andrew Ericson. They have four children, Gusta, Annette, Eilert, and Eleanor. Mr. and Mrs. Bakkum are members of the United Lutheran church and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. While Mr. Bakkum has attained individual prosperity, he has never lost sight of the general welfare and has done as much as any other citizen in promoting worthy public enterprises. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him and is considered a serviceable factor in his community.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Linda Earnheart

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