MOLINE, CARL A.

MOLINE, KELSTROM, RINGHOLM, CLAUSSEN, WALLEN, DROTTZ, OWENS, PATTISON

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 12/11/2003 at 13:53:39

Biography reproduced from page 406 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

Carl A. Moline, one of Harrison township’s well known and successful farmers, was left an orphan at a very tender age but despite handicaps has succeeded in life and now owns a splendid one hundred and sixty acre farm on section 17, which is well improved. He is also interested in other properties and has become one of the well known and respected men of his township. He was born in Sweden, February 12, 1850, a son of Lars and Catherine Moline, both of whom were natives of that country. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, resided in his native land until his death, which occurred in 1854. The mother later married a Mr. Kelstrom, of Sweden, and passed away in 1860, when the subject of this review was ten years of age.

Carl A. Moline received a common-school education in his native land and after the death of his mother, went to live with an uncle, Olaf Moline, a farmer in Sweden. He was employed by his uncle until 1872, when he emigrated to America. On arriving in this country he at once made his way to Kossuth county, Iowa, settling in Harrison township, about eighty rods north of his present home. His original farm comprised forty acres and to it he added from time to time until he now owns one hundred and sixty acres of fertile and well improved land. Mr. Moline is also a stockholder in the Swea City Creamery Company and was one of the organizers of and is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of the same place. He was one of the early settlers of Harrison township, Kossuth county, the settlement being made at the time of his coming by Carl Pearson, Carl Larson and Andrew Erickson. Mr. Moline hauled the lumber from Algona to build his first home and did all of his trading at that place until Swea City was started.

In 1875 Mr. Moline was united in marriage to Miss Hulda P. Ringholm, a daughter of P. E. and Gustava (Claussen) Ringholm, both natives of Sweden. The father was a railroad man in his country and came to America in 1869, settling in New York. In 1875 he removed to Iowa, taking up his residence in Seneca township, Kossuth county, upon a farm which was his home until his death, which occurred in 1907. His first wife passed away in Sweden and his second union was with Miss Mary Wallen, the marriage being celebrated in Seneca township. To Mr. and Mrs. Moline five children have been born: Henry, who married Miss Martha Drottz, of Des Moines, and is engaged in farming in Swea township; Oscar, who resides on the old home farm and assists his father in the work of the fields; Edla, who is the wife of A. G. Owens, a farmer of Harrison township; Emily, at home; and Rosa, who is engaged in teaching at Seneda. Mr. Moline has no brothers or sisters but has a half-sister, Mrs. Alberta Moline, who resides in Sweden. Mrs. Moline has one sister, Mrs. Eleanor Pattison, the wife of John Pattison, of Algona, Iowa.

In his political views Mr. Moline is a republican, thoroughly believing in the principles and practices of that party. He and his wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran church situated in Swea township. Mr. Moline, who is an exemplary citizen, has illustrated by his career what may be done by a poor man, even though unacquainted with the language and customs of this country, who comes to its shores fully determined to make a success in life. He is indebted for his present prosperous condition and good standing in the community only to his own industry, well directed efforts and well ordered manner of living.