Weberg, A. P.

WEBERG, BROADON

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/25/2006 at 20:52:20

WEBERG, A.P.

A. P. Weberg, of whom a portrait appears on the opposite page, is the present popular and efficient treasurer of Lyon county. He is a man whose career is a striking illustration of the persistence, pluck and energy of the Scandinavian blood, and shows what possibilities the great northwest has opened to men of that hardy and determined race, who could see an opportunity and had courage to embrace it.

Mr. Weberg was born in Norway, February 22, 1858, and when ten years of age came to this country, bound for Rock county, Wisconsin, where friends were to be found, and where he was to take the burden of his own support upon himself. Early impressed with the practical value of an education, he worked out on the farms of that county during the summer time and attended school in the winter. By 1882, using the strictest economy, he had saved a few dollars and had come into the possession of a horse. With this as his working capital he came to Lyon county that year, and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, for which he promised to pay sixteen dollars an acre. In order to meet his payments with the accrued interest, he had at times to borrow money for which he paid 18 per cent. This was very discouraging, but he stuck to it, and finally paid out. He not only has the land, but has greatly improved it and brought it under modern cultivation.

It has a commodious farm house, a barn 32 by 74 feet, a granary 16 by 28 feet, a corn crib 24 by 32 feet, a double machine shed 14 by 28 feet, a hog house 20 by 24 feet, and in fact every improvement needed for the keeping of his stock, grain and machinery as they should be kept. And now this farm, which he acquired with so much work and worry is easily worth $7,000, if not more. On account of the health of his wife he purchased a residence in Inwood, and went into the livery business in that place. He was working up a fine trade, having put in fourteen horses with buggies and other things to correspond, when the barn and outfit was totally destroyed by fire. In the effort to save one of his horses, in the excitement it fell on him, pinning him to the floor, and he was only rescued a moment before the roof fell in. Mr. Weberg bears the marks of this close call to the present moment.

Mr. Weberg then bought a small grocery in Inwood, his brother becoming a partner with him in the enterprise, the farm being known as Weberg Brothers. Gradually they have enlarged their stock, adding general merchandise and other things as they needed, until now they have a very complete store and a trade to correspond. His personal popularity and business standing are so good that the Republican party, in which he has long been a devoted worker, called him to make the run for county treasurer in 1901, and he was elected by over 200 majority against an exceedingly popular Democrat. On his induction to his official position he removed to Rock Rapids, and purchased the home where he now lives. In 1903 he was again elected county treasurer, by 770 majority.

Mr. Weberg was married October 28, 1886, to Miss Sophia, a daughter of O.G. Broadon, of Grant county, Wisconsin. Her father is a native of Norway, has been a life-long farmer, and is still living at eighty-two years of age. Her mother, Sarah, also of Norwegian birth, is still living and is over seventy years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Weberg have three children: Stella Matilda, Ben Harrison and George Dewey. Mr. Weberg belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with which he has been connected for some ten years, while he is a charter member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Camp No. 3398, at Inwood. He united with the Lutheran church at Inwood, when it had only twelve members, and worked hard to build it up to its present congregation of nearly three hundred members. It now has a church building 26 by 46 feet, with an addition 20 by 24 feet.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.; Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner, Darlene Jacoby and Diane Johnson