Helgeson, Peter 1838 - 1905

HELGESON, HELGERSON, GLESNE, BENSON, EMBRETSON, JOHNSON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/2/2021 at 11:33:53

Elkader Register, Thur., 18 May 1905. From the Argus, undated.

At his home in Wagner township on Monday, May 8th at 2 p.m., occurred the death of Peter Helgeson, after an illness of almost two years with throat trouble. He reached the age of 62 years and almost six months.

In the death of Peter Helgeson Wagner township loses one of her oldest and most respected citizens, a good neighbor and a kind husband and father. He was one of our best farmers and his handsome home and surroundings testify to his ability and industry. He was born in Numedal, Norway, Dec. 17th, 1838, and that place was his home until 1850, when in company with his mother and sister, his father being dead, they concluded to leave their native land and try and better their condition by embarking for the United States. They came to Clayton County where some relatives were already settled and bought the land which has ever since been his home. Here they labored faithfully and in a few years had a comfortable home they could call their own. In his younger days Mr. Helgeson was a great hunter and trapper and shot a good many deer and game which at that time was quite plentiful in this vicinity. Thus his boyhood and early manhood were passed and they were happy days as I can testify having often heard him relate incidents of these pioneer times. May 22, 1865, he was united in marriage to Jane O. Glesne, of Green county, Wis., who for almost 40 years had been his faithful wife and did her full share to make him happy and has been a good and kind mother, ever extending a cordial welcome to all who enjoyed their hospitality and friendship. Both were earnest Christian workers in our church all their days and have done their full share to keep up our church and schools.

Mr. Helgeson enjoyed good health during most his life and has always been noted for his endurance and hard work. His has been a busy life and he has not labored in vain as his home will always be a monument to the accomplishments of hard work and good management. His special delight was to plant trees and of all kinds of fruit and in this he met with good success.

Eight children were born to them, two of whom died while young. Those living are: Mrs. O. M. Benson, of this township; Mrs. Embret Embretson and Mrs. Otto O. Johnson, of St. Olaf; Hans, Oscar and Mary, who live at home. Shortly before the death of Mr. Helgeson he sold the homestead to his sons, Hans and Oscar, and he had the satisfaction of seeing all his children well provided for with good prospects of following in their father's footsteps.

About a year ago he began to be troubled with a throat disease which baffled all attempts to conquer it and he gradually grew weaker until the end came. He answered the last call peacefully, seeming to pass into an easy sleep, his bed being surrounded by his faithful wife and all his children. He died happy in the belief that all was well with him and that he was entering upon a haven of rest where there is joy and happiness forevermore. Farewell, good friend, I came too late to bid you good-bye but will do so now and thank you for all the years of friendship we have enjoyed together.

The funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon, May 10th, at the Norway Lutheran cemetery, Rev. Arveson officiating. A large gathering of neighbors and friends came to pay their last respects to the memory of the deceased and sympathize with the surrounding family.- Argus.

(Note: See WPA and IGPP entries for Peder/Peter Helgeson/Helgerson, 1838 - 1905, shown as buried in Norway cemetery.)