Groth, John H. 1833-1917

GROTH, TURTO, TOLLEFSON, HOUG

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 2/21/2012 at 01:07:23

John H. Groth
The subject of this sketch was born in Hollingdal, Norway, December 19, 1833, and passed away at his home three and one half miles east of Elgin January 25, 1917, at the age of eighty-three years, one month and six days.

In the year 1852 he came to America and settled on the farm, which has been his home for fifty-nine years. The house was built by him and was made from native timber, improvements being added as the years passed and they were needed. In the year 1862 he was united in marriage to Guri Turto*.

They were the parents of eleven children, five preceeding him to the next world. He is survived by a loving wife and six children, Sarah, Sophia, Halsten, Thomas, Martin and Louis, all of Elgin, and by many other relatives and friends.

Mr. Groth was one of the old pioneers of this locality and was well and favorably known to many in this part of the state. When he came here he selected his home among the hills where a large spring flowed, these surroundings reminded him of his native land. He was of that sturdy type which can build up a great contry and he had lived to see this part of Iowa grow from the sparsely settled wilderness to the well populated, progressive Iowa of today. He did his share for the welfare of future generations as every pioneer has to do and his wise counsel will linger long in the memory of those who knew him here.

The last sad rites were held from the home Monday conducted by Rev. Hjortholm, and interment was made in the Lutheran cemetery* east of Elgin. The pall bearers were six nephews of the deceased.

Andrew, Austin and Halstenson Groth and Mrs. H.S. Houg of St. Ansgar, and S.K. Groth of Thor, were among those from a distance who attended the funeral.

~Elgin Echo, February 1, 1917
~Notes:
Mrs. Groth's maiden name is given in her obituary as Guri Tollefson
John H. Groth is buried in the Houg / Mork cemetery east of Elgin. Mrs. Groth is also buried there.