A.T. Gronna
A.T. Gronna, closely associated with agricultural interest of
Paint Creek township as the owner of a fine farm of two hundred
acres, was born upon the property a portion of which he now
operates on the 1st of May, 1851. He is a son of Thomas and
Emeline (Thoen) Anderson, natives of Norway and pioneers of
Allamakee county, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in
this work.
A.T. Gronna acquired his education in the district schools of
Paint Creek township and when not engaged with his books assisted
with the work of the homestead, becoming a practical
agriculturist before he was of age. When he was twenty-seven he
bought from his father two hundred acres of land and he has made
his home upon this property since that time, standing today in
the front ranks of progressive farmers. Upon the land he has made
substantial improvements, erecting a fine barn and outbuildings
and in 1883 a modern stone dwelling, each year witnessing his
increased prosperity. The buildings are all substantial and
adequate, the machinery of the modern, labor-saving type and the
entire place reflects the owner’s many years of care and
labor.
Mr. Gronna married Miss Olena Smeby, of this county, a daughter
of Hans and Helen Smeby. She passed away in 1905, leaving two
children. Theodore was educated in the district schools of Paint
Creek township, in Luther College in Decorah and at the State
Agricultural College at Ames, and he has also a diploma from the
Wisconsin Agricultural College. He is now at home assisting his
father with the work of the farm. The other child born to Mr. And
Mrs. Gronna is a daughter, Helen. Mr. Gronna is a member of the
Lutheran church and he gives his political allegiance to the
republican party. He has been honored by his fellow citizens by
election to various important public offices, having served as
secretary of the school board and as township clerk for many
years. He is numbered among Allamakee county’s most
representative and progressive native sons and his influence has
been a tangible force for good in the community where his entire
life has been spent.
-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by
Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Diana Diedrich
Return to 1913 biographies index