Jonas Duea (1824-1910)

DUEA, SHELDAHL, HENDRICKSON

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/2/2006 at 12:28:52

The ROLAND RECORD, Roland, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, July 21, 1910. [Microfilm page was torn and taped before filimg and difficult to read.]

JONAS DUEA ANSWERS SUMMONS

Another Old Soldier has passed away at the advanced age of 86 years. Was one of Iowa's pioneers.

Jonuas Duea was born in Etna Norway, Europe on Oct 28, in the year 1824, of the parents ?ens Jonas and Siri Duea and died at his home in the west part of town on July 14th, 1910 at the ripe old age of 86 years, 9 months and 6 days.
In the year of 1846 he left his home in Norway and came to America, settling near Lisbon Ill. where he stayed for 6 years and while there he was married in 1853, to Martha Sheldahl daughter of Rasmus and Inga Sheldahl to which union eleven children were born, six of whom are living and five dead. On Feb 6th, 1890 his wife died and he was married again in 1894 to Miss Henrietta Hendrickson, daughter of Peter and Gustava Hendrickson.

Mr. Duea was a leading spirit of the early pioneers, as he made several trips to the west purchasing land for himself and other members of the pioneer ?and, his first trip to Iowa being in 1854. But it was not until a year later in 1855 that he moved with his family here to make this their permanent home, when Iowa was yet a wilderness. In 1862 he enlisted in the war of the Rebillion and served through, finishing the war as first sergeant in Company K. 32 Iowa. After the war was over he ?ain, returned here where he took up his industry of farming, until he decided to go into the Merchantile business, and with Evenson and Olson in partnership he conducted one the first stores in Roland. He also has the distinction of being the first Post Master in Roland, he having held that position for 23 years, after which time he was interested in the implement and grain buying business. Mr. Duea was also one of the first directors of the Farmer's Bank of Roland, one of the organizers of the Salem church being a trustees of the SYnod for several years. About 15 years ago he retired from activities of business life and returned to his farm where he has since lived quietly, making several trips to the land of his birth.

Mr. Duea was a man of upright principals, always willing and ready to leand a helping hand, there by winning the respect of all those he came in contact with in his dealings. He had always enjoyed good health, and was hale and hearty until within a few weeks of his death. The infirmities of old age being the cause of his death.

The funeral was held Sunday from Salem church, Rev Sandven officiating, while Rev Edward Duea in behalf of himself and brothers and sisters also paid tribute to their loved and respected parent, while the Quartette sang several fitting songs.

It is estimated that about 1200 people were in attendance.

The sorrowing ones have the sincere sympathy of the community in the hour of sorrow.