T. J. Slifsgard

SLIFSGARD, JEWELL, FREDRICKSEN, BARSO

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/12/2011 at 09:13:15

T. J. SLIFSGARD, in partnership with his father, Jeppe T. Slifsgard, owns and operates a valuable farm of four hundred acres on section 35, Fairfield Township, Grundy County. The farm is one of the most attractive in this section, and everywhere upon the estate one sees evidences of the qualities which have won for its owners worldly success and good standing in the community. In addition to carrying on this fine property our subject is interested in a creamery which is located on the estate, and is in partnership with Levi Jewell in conducting a general store in a little village called Fredsville.

Born in Denmark September 29, 1851, our subject is a son of Jeppe T. and Mary (Fredricksen) Slifsgard, also natives of the above country. Our subject is the eldest of the seven children comprising the parental family, of whom Catherine is deceased. His brothers and sisters living are, Marie, Hansen, Maren, Bothelde and Hans. The mother of these children, who was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, died in her native land, when thirty-two years of age.

Jeppe T. Slifsgard, the father of our subject, emigrated to the New World in 1873, four years after our subject came hither. He afterward returned to his native land, where he remained for some time, and finally came again to America, and to this state, locating on the farm which he now owns in partnership with our subject. He was the first man in the state to build and operate a creamery, using the Denmark separator, called the “Burmaister & Vain.” They are doing a good business in this line and have an enviable reputation among the well-to-do farmers of Grundy County.

Our subject crossed the Atlantic in 1869, and making his way directly to Iowa, has here resided since that time. In 1882 he purchased eighty acres of land in company with his father, and by unflagging industry, wise economy and good judgment in the conduct of the affairs to which he has devoted himself, he is now part owner in a tract of four hundred acres, besides owning stock in the creamery, which is conducted on a paying basis.

T. J. Slifsgard and Miss Marie Barso, also a native of Denmark, were united in marriage in 1870. Of the eleven children who came to bless their home five are deceased, those living being Anton, Sophia, Catherine, Dagman, Hans and Jeppe. Mrs. Slifsgard was reared and educated in Denmark, and in 1871 came to this country with her husband, who returned that year after her. She is a most estimable lady, and a member of the Lutheran Church, with which denomination our subject also holds membership.

Mr. Slifsgard has held many public offices, and no one is more willing than he to aid in forwarding the best interests of Fairfield Township. Politically, he is identified with the Democratic party. In social matters he is a member of the Danish Brotherhood of Cedar Falls, and stands high in the respect of his fellow-countrymen.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894