Ole Hegland (1842-1925)

HEGLAND, IVERSON, HIGHLAND, RITLAND

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/4/2024 at 16:57:47

From the Roland Record, Roland, Story County, Iowa, April 23, 1925.

OLE HEGLAND PASSED AWAY

AGED PIONEER CALLED BY DEATH SATURDAY AT HOME OF DAUGHTER

Ole Hegand, one of the old pioneers of this community, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Highland, last Saturday morning, at the advanced age of 83 years and 18 days. He had been failing for several years, but had been able to be up and around until about three weeks ago when he suffered a light stroke and since that time he was confined to the house until called by death early Saturday morning.

Ole Hegland was born in Skaanevig, Norway, on March 30, 1842. In 1857 he came to this country with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ole T. Hegland, who settled on the farm in the west edge of Roland. On March 7, 1868, he was married to Carrie Anna Iverson. They lived on their farm to miles east of Roland until in March 1906, when the moved to town. On July 24, 1913, his wife passed to the Great Beyond.

Four children were born to this union, three of whom survive, Tornelius and Mrs. Ole Highland in Roland, and Iver, who is living on the old Hegland homestead east of town. Bennie, the other son, passed away on September 2, 1916. There are also four grandchildren, Bertram, Claudis, Verna and Bennett Hegland, and one brother, M. Hegland of this place.

Funeral services were held from Bergen church on Tuesday afternoon, Rev. M. O. Sumstad preaching the funeral sermon, a large number being present to pay their respects to this old pioneer. He has been an active worker in church affairs, having been a member of Bergen congregation since its organization. Interment was made in the Roland cemetery.

The Hegland family was one of the first to settle in this community and helped to form a nucleus for the settlement which has grown into the thriving and prosperous community which we have today. Ole Hegland, with the rest of the family, knew what pioneer hardships were and helped to break the prairie sod and get the land in condition for the raising of crops. With the passing of Mr. Hegland last Saturday, there now remains only one member of the original family living, his brother, M. Hegland. The other brothers and sister, who have passed away, are Lars, O. O., and S. O. Hegland, and Mrs. John Ritland.