SPAANUM, Sever K. [1918]

SPAANUM, BOECK, LUROS

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 6/13/2010 at 16:11:01

Sever K. Spaanum is a retired farmer living in Osage and a well spent life has brought him the competence that now enables him to rest from further labor. He was born in Telemarken, Norway, October 19, 1856, a son of Knute S. and Isabelle (Luros) Spaanum, who were also natives of Telemarken, Norway, where the family remained until 1858, when Knute S. Spaanum brought his wife and children to the United States, establishing his home in Springdale township, Dane county, Wisconsin. He was drafted for service in the Civil war and in 1864 went to the front from Dane county as a member of the Forty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry, his death occurring in the Kneire Hospital at Beaufort, South Carolina, in April, 1865, so that he laid down his life on the altar of his adopted country.

After the death of his father, which occurred when the son was but nine years of age, Sever K. Spaanum remained at home with the family until 1880. He then went to Minnehaha county, South Dakota, where he remained for two years, after which he returned to Wisconsin and in 1882 was there married to Miss Augusta Boeck, a native of Middletown, Wisconsin. In the same year they removed to Mitchell county, Iowa, and Mr. Spaanum purchased land in Cedar township, upon which he spent the remainder of his active business life. He was engaged in farming until December, 1915, when he removed to Osage and retired. He is now enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly merits. He was for a third of a century actively identified with agricultural interests in Mitchell county and contributed in no small measure to its development along farming lines.

To Mr. and Mrs. Spaanum were born three children: Carl H., who is mentioned on another page of this work; Adolph, who is upon his father's farm; and Hattie, at home. The parents are consistent members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Spaanum is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has filled a number of local offices to which he has been called by the vote of his fellow townsmen, who recognize his worth and ability. He has ever been loyal in public positions and has made an excellent record both as a business man and as a citizen.

Source: History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, Vol. II, page 257.