COLBJORNSON, Ole

COLBJORNSON, BENTRUD, COLBERTSON

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 9/8/2012 at 16:06:25

Ole Colbjornson, deceased, was a representative farmer and valued citizen of Mitchell county and his death was the occasion of deep regret among many friends whom he had won during the period of his residence in this section of the state. He was born in Hallingdal, Norway, December 24, 1818, and came to America in 1852. After crossing the Atlantic he settled in Rock county, Wisconsin, where he remained for two years, and in 1854 removed to Mitchell county, Iowa, where he resided for a few years. He then traded his homestead place to Rev. Clauson and went to Minnesota, where he continued to live until 1865. Returning to St. Angsar he finally settled upon a farm in St. Ansgar township south of the village of St. Ansgar, upon which he continued to make his home until death called him on the 8th of March, 1878, his remains being interred in the Norwegian Lutheran cemetery in St. Ansgar. In all of his business relations he was thoroughly reliable and his integrity and enterprise were strong points in winning for him a substantial measure of success. Those who knew him esteemed him as a man of genuine worth, for he was devoted to his home and family, was loyal in friendship, and progressive and public spirited in citizenship.

Mr. Colbjornson was united in marriage to Miss Mata Bentrud and to them were born four children: Bertha, who was born on the 17th of June, 1856, and who lives with her brother, C. J. Colbertson; Ragnild, who died in childhood; Ragnild (II), who also died in infancy; and C. J. Colbertson.

The last named was born on the 12th of October, 1863, and was but one year of age at the time of his mother's death. She, too, was a native of Hallingdal, Norway, born in 1835, and in 1855 she became the wife of Ole Colbjornson. They traveled life's journey together for only nine years and Mrs. Colbjornson passed away in the fall of 1864, her remains being interred in the Rochester cemetery. There are only two of the family still living, Bertha and C. J. Colbertson.

The latter pursued a common school education, gave his attention to agri­cultural pursuits for some time, also engaged in the hardware business for nearly a quarter of a century and then again became an active agriculturist. He Started as such in 1911, having in 1902 purchased his farm from Iver Nelson, who had bought it from G. G. Gilbertson. It is situated south of St. Ansgar and adjoins his father's old homestead. In 1892 C. J. Colbertson had turned his attention to commercial pursuits by establishing a hardware store in St. Ansgar, where he carried on business until 1906, becoming one of the leading and representative merchants of the town. He is now successfully and actively engaged in gen­eral farming and stock raising, having two hundred and seventy acres of rich and productive land, upon which he raises pure-bred Chester White hogs. He has become well known in this connection and both branches of his farm enter­prise are proving profitable. He is also a stockholder in the Cooperative Lumber & Grain Company.

His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran church and is loyal to its teachings, which find expression in his honor­able and upright life. He has always been a resident of Mitchell county and has made an excellent record both as a business man and as a citizen. He has a large circle of friends and that his life has been an upright one is indicated by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.

Source: History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, 1918, Vol. II, pages 410 & 411.