Thomas Ellingson

 

Among the many upright, able and representative citizens whom Norway has given to America is numbered Thomas Ellingson, whose entire active life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits in Iowa. In association with his wife he owns four hundred and sixty-two acres in Hanover township and extensive holdings in Winneshiek county and he has gained a high place in agricultural circles of this vicinity, where he is recognized as an able and progressive farmer. He was born in Norway in 1869 and with his parents came to America in 1873, settling with them in Allamakee county. The father here turned his attention to farming and continued to engage in that occupation until his death, which occurred in 1893. His wife survives him and makes her home in Winneshiek county. To their union were born eleven children, eight of whom still survive.

Thomas Ellingson remained at home until he was nineteen years of age and then began his independent career, working as a farm laborer for six years thereafter. At the end of that time he began farming for himself and he has since accumulated valuable land holdings, which he owns in association with his wife. The home farm comprises four hundred and sixty-two acres lying in Hanover township and is an excellent and well improved property, equipped with fine buildings and modern machinery. Mr. Ellingson owns also one hundred and sixty acres in Winneshiek county and his business interests are carefully and capably conducted.

In April, 1894, Mr. Ellingson was united in marriage to Miss Ella Hanson, who was born in Hanover township, this county, in 1873. She is a daughter of Hans A. and Maren Hanson, natives of Norway, who came to America and settled in Allamakee county, Iowa, where their marriage occurred. The father bought a farm on section 29 and gave his entire attention to its development and improvement until 1897, when he retired from active life, purchasing a home in Waukon, in which he resided until his death, which occurred in 1910. He was at that time the owner of five hundred and eighty-two acres of improved land, two hundred of which were in a high state of cultivation. He was very active in local republican politics and held various positions of trust and responsibility, filling almost all of the township offices. His wife passed away in 1898. To their union were born nine children, six of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Ellingson have become the parents of eight children: Harris M., who was born in 1895; Mabel H., whose birth occurred in 1898; Kenneth T., born in 1900; and Ella T., in 1913.

Mr. Ellingson is a member of the Lutheran church and is a man of exemplary character, guiding his honorable and upright life by the principles in which he believes. Indefatigable energy is perhaps his strongest characteristic and it has led him forward in his business relations to a prominent place among the successful farmers of his township.

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

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