EVENS, E. K. [1918]

EVENS, GRINDE, LEQVE

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 6/13/2010 at 16:24:28

E. K. Evens is well known as a prominent and successful clothing merchant of Mitchell county, carrying on business in Osage, where his main store is located, and at other points. A native of Wisconsin, he was born in Columbia county in 1859. His father, Kittle Evens, was born in Norway and came to Wisconsin in 1850. Later he became a resident of Minnesota, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1907.

He had devoted his life to general farming and met with fair success in the undertaking. His birth occurred upon a farm in Norway known as Folkestad, meaning literally People's Place, it being presumed that a great number of people once resided there. During the stay of Mr. Evens, Sr., in Norway, the farm name served as his last or surname, as is the custom in Norway. Upon coming to America the farm name was used merely to designate this particular branch of the Evens family. Kittle Evens was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Grinde, of Norwegian birth, and they became the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom reached adult age, while five brothers and two sisters of E. K. Evens are now living.

E. K. Evens was but a young lad when the family home was established in Minnesota, and in the public schools of that state he pursued his education. Starting out in the business world, he was first employed in a furniture store at Kasson, Minnesota, where he remained for a brief period, and then obtained a position in a Kasson lumberyard. In 1880 he turned his attention to the clothing business, becoming an employee of Jacob Leuthold, of Kasson. He worked there for several years and in 1888 purchased an interest in the business, with which he was identified until 1891, when he removed to Osage and established his present store with Mr. Leuthold as a partner. He has since carried on business here, developing a large trade. He has an extensive stock, showing the latest in design and workmanship in men's clothing, and the business has reached gratifying proportions by reason of fair prices and honorable dealing.

After conducting the Osage business successfully for a number of years, Mr. Evens extended the scope of his activities by founding a clothing store at Greene, Iowa, conducted under the name of Evens, Blumer & Company, which was established in 1899. Six years later, or in 1905, he established a store at Northwood, Iowa, which is conducted under the name of Evens, Johnson & Company, and in 1913 a fourth establishment was added to his chain of stores by the organization of the firm of Evens, Tobin & Company at Menominee, Wisconsin. In 1917 a fifth store was added in organizing the firm of Evens & Fonda at Albert Lea, Minnesota. Mr. Evens has thus become actively, prominently and extensively engaged in the closing business in this and adjoining states and he is also interested in farms and fanning. He buys and sells farm property and at the same time has some of his land cultivated.

In 1890 Mr. Evens was united in marriage to Miss Ida Leqve, who was born near Byron, Minnesota, in 1869, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thurston Leqve, who were farming people of Minnesota but have now passed away. Mrs. Evens was one of two children. Mr. and Mrs. Evens have an adopted daughter, Mary Louise, born April 28, 1912.

Their religious faith is indicated by their membership in the Lutheran church, and Mr. Evens is a prominent Mason, having taken the degrees of lodge, chapter and commandery in Osage and of the Mystic Shrine in El Kahir Temple at Cedar Rapids. His political endorsement has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is actuated in all that he does by the spirit of progress and improvement and he has steadily advanced throughout his career, wisely taking advantage of every opportunity that has been presented and using his time and talents in such a way as to accomplish splendid results. His life record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be achieved through persistent, earnest effort, intelligently directed.

Source: History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, Vol. II, 1918, pages 268 & 271

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