Houg, Svend L. 1814-1916

HOUG, GROTH, DAKKEN, GLADEN, QUAMMEN

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 5/1/2013 at 01:09:27

Although the text of this brief bio. names him as A.S. Houg, he is actually Svend L. Houg, the father of Assor S. Houg.

One Hundred and One Years Old
Last year we chronicled a rare occurrence, the one hundredth birthday anniversary of A.S. Houg (sic). This year relatives and friends had the pleasure of again extending their congratulations to this venerable man as he passed another milestone in life's journey, Saturday, December 4. Mr Houg was born in Aal Hollingdal, Norway, and came to America in 1852, settling on a farm in Clayton county, which has been the home of the Houg family ever since.

In 1850 he was married to Margit Groth of Hal Hallingdal, Norway, and they were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are now living in mature and respected manhood and womanhood.

This aged gentleman retains his mentality and is active and enjoys good health. He followed the vocation of a farmer during the working years of his life and has watched with keen interest the development of this country from a wilderness to what it is today. His home is still with his son, A.S. Houg, who lives on the home place.

May he live to enjoy many more honored years among his family and kindred is our wish.

~Elgin Echo, Thursday, December 9, 1915

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Death of a Centenarian
Friday evening at twelve o'clock, at the home of his son, A.S. Houg, east of town, death claimed Svend Houg, the oldest respected citizen in this vicinity. This venerable patriarch was born in Aal Hallingdal, Norway, December 4, 1814 and would have been 102 years old next December.

In the year of 1850 he was united in marriage to Margit Groth of Hol Hallingdal. They were the parents of 12 children, of which nine are living. Two were born in Norway. The ones left are Ole, of Emmet county; Kittil, A.S., Elling and Knut, of Elgin; Olaf, of West Union; Mrs. E.T. Dakken, of Climax, Minnesota; Mrs. F.E. Gladen, of St. Paul, and Mrs. E.S. Quammen of Reynolds, N. Dakota. These all have grown to honored manhood and womanhood to the joy and satisfaction of their aged parent.

In 1852 this man with his wife and children came to America. They settled on a farm in Clayton county that has since been known as the Houg farm and which was his home for 64 consecutive years. The first home was a small log cabin, of pioneer times, and it was deemed comfortable, and sheltered a happy family. From a vast wilderness waste to a well settled farming community he watched this part of Iowa grow. Many of the modern inventions which we take for granted as being necessary to comfortable living were unheard of in his day. He had a progressive spirit and a sunny disposition and acquired the comforts of life as fast as he could and surrounded himself with loyal friends.

His passing came close to the midnight hour and his spirit went on its long journey, with little suffering to himself and with little suffering to himself and with the knowledge that his life had been well spent. He was a man who had lived long and well; had seen the many changes that have come to two continents in a life a century long, and he also kept pace with the times by reading and by conversing with those with whom he came in contact.

In his declining years Mr. Houg made his home with his son, A.S. Houg and family and at the celebration of his one hundredth birthday, which occurred in 1914, his children, relatives and friends gathered from far and near and he was able to be out in the yard to greet the guests who had come to do him honor.

The funeral was held Wednesday. The friends gathered at the home at 11:00 o'clock and from there went to the Clermont Lutheran church where Rev. Jacob Tanner, of Milner, N.D., a former pastor, assisted by Rev. Hjortholm, had charge of the services and paid many fitting tributes to the memory of the departed. The remains were taken to the little cemetery at the home, where he had lived for so many years and laid to rest beside those of his wife who had helped in the building of the home and shared his early joys and sorrows.

Thus the oldest citizen in this part of Iowa has passed to his reward and leaves behind the record of a well spent life. To those who are left to mourn, the sympathy of all is extended.

~Elgin Echo, Thursday, May 25, 1916

~Note: The "little cemetery" where he and his wife are buried is named the Houg cemetery, sometimes referred to as the Mork cemetery. Date of death isn't given in the obit, but the Friday prior to publication would have been May 20, 1916.

~Photo appeared with the obituary

Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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