Monserud, O.H. 1854-1944

MONSERUD, TYSLAND, BOTTLESON, BOTTLES

Posted By: S. Ferrall IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 6/9/2014 at 13:23:11

Waterville, Ia. - O.H. Monserud, one of the earliest Taylor Township settlers still living, will celebrate his 90th birthday Tuesday at his home in Waterville where he makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Marcus Tysland and family.

Mr. Monserud has vivid recollections of the time hundreds of immigrants fell victim to the cholera epidemic, when immigrants journey up the Mississippi River on packet steamers and landed at McGregor or Lansing and proceeded by ox team or on foot to various parts of Allamakee County to begin life in America.

His parents came to America in 1854, and the father died when the boy was but six years old, leaving the mother with a large family to rear.

The Monserud farm in Taylor Township was purchased from the government and is now operated by Mr. Monserud's son, Fred, and family. Directly across the highway is the birthplace of the late Mrs. Monserud, the former Mathea Bottleson. Following his marriage, Mr. Monserud and his bride resided on the homestead until 1919 when they retired and moved to Waterville.

Besides the children already mentioned, there are three sons, Oliver, at Sioux Falls, S.D., Walter, at Waterville, and William, who lives on the farm on which the mother was born.

Comparing the past with the present, Mr. Monserud said he remembers the time whiskey sold for 10 to 12 cents a gallon and kegs were put on counters in grocery stores for those who wished to tap them.

~Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, Sunday morning edition, June 4, 1944
~Mr. Monserud died a few days after this bio was published

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Waukon, Ia. - Funeral services for O.H. Monserud, pioneer of Allamakee County, and who celebrated his 90th birthday on June 6, were held at the East Paint Creek Church Friday afternoon. The Rev. J.B. Unseth officiated. Burial was made in the nearby cemetery. Mr. Monserud died in his sleep at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Marcus Tysland, in Waterville.

He was born on June 6, 1854 on a farm in Taylor Township where he spent the greater part of his life. He was married to Miss Mathea Bottles, who with her parents lived across the road from the Monserud farm, in 1876.

He is survived by five children, A.M. (Fred), on the home farm; William, on the home farm of his mother; O.H., of Sioux Falls, S.D.; William of Waterville, and Mrs. Marcus Tysland, with whom he lived. There are 19 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

~Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, Sunday morning edition, June 11, 1944

~Note: the surname Bottleson and Bottles are typed as they were published in the birthday article and the obit.