SEAVER, Colben 1831-1906

SEAVER, KNUDSEN, WIXHINGDATTER, LOHN, EGDAL, GOLBERG

Posted By: Karen L. Robertson (email)
Date: 10/1/2012 at 19:28:17

[NOTE: COLBEIN was born in Voss, Hordaland county, Norway April 9th 1831. Parents: Sjur Knudsen and Ingeborg Wichingsdatter

(Source: Parish records for Voss)

Tove DJ]

Colben Seaver, the subject of this sketch, was born, April 9, 1831, in Voss, Norway, and died on the old homestead south of St. Ansgar, October 21, 1906, at the ripe age of 75 years, 6 months and 12 days.

At the early age of 13 years, he left his native land and came with his parents to America, settling at Jefferson Prairie, Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood. In 1854, during the excitement over gold, he went to California, but in 1856 he came to Iowa.

The following year he settled on the old homestead where he lived for nearly 50 years. Thus he was one of the earliest settlers and knew what it was to undergo the hardships of a new country. He entered heartily into all the tasks devolved upon pioneer settlers. Many of the other old settlers have cause to remember him gratefully on account of the helping hand extended in time of need. Mr. Seaver was a devoted worker in his church and was among the earliest members of the St. Ansgar congregation of the N.L. church.

He was married to Ingeborg Lohn in 1860 and who preceded him to the better land in 1903. To them were born nine children, five of whom survive to mourn the loss of a kind and loving father. The children are Mrs. K.H. Egdal of Lake Mills, Iowa; Mrs. Josephine Golberg of St. Ansgar; Wm. Seaver who lives on the old homestead, Miss Ida Seaver who makes her home with her brother, and Mrs. Wm Seaver of Clinton, Wisconsin. Besides there are ten grandchildren, one brother and two sisters to mourn his loss. Colben Seaver was one of a family of five children and his is the second death, one brother having died in 1895.

His was a life worth imitating. An upright and honorable citizen, a kind husband and father, and numbering as his dearest friends those who knew him best.

The funeral was held October 23, at the St. Ansgar N.L. church and the services were conducted by Rev. Urness of Osage. The remains were laid to rest in the N.L. cemetery south of town.

Those from a distance who attended the funeral were Oscar and Wm. Duxstad of Clinton, Wis., L.K. Seaver and daughter of Dows, Iowa; Mrs. Emma Anderson of Minneapolis; Mr. and Mrs. K.H. Egdal and daughter of Lake Mills, Iowa and Mr. and Mrs. Willie Seaver of Clinton, Wisconsin.

[St. Ansgar Enterprise]