ERIK B. STENE

STENE, TERUM, NELSON, THOMPSON, HANSON, DAHLE

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 11/30/2006 at 14:38:23

The name of Stene has been associated with the agricultural development of Winnebago county from a very early period in the settlement of this section of the state. The homestead farm of Erik B. Stene, which is situated on section 11, Norway township, was taken over by his uncle and aunt, Ole and Anna Terum, as a government claim. They were among the first group of Norwegians to establish homes in this section of the state and Erik B. Stene purchased his farm from them. He Was born in Norway, October 14, 1849, a son of Botolf and Ingeborg Stene, who were farming people of that land, where they spent their entire lives and reared their family of seven children, of whom four are still living, Erik B. being the eldest. The others who survive are: Elling, who resides upon the old homestead farm in Norway, Johannes, also living in Norway; and L. B., who is located in Norway township, Winnebago county.

Erik B. Stene spent the period of his minority in his native country, but on reaching the age of twenty-one years determined to try his fortune in America, for the reports which had reached him had convinced him that better opportunities might be secured on this side of the Atlantic. It requires determination and courage, however, to sever home ties and go to a new country, with the language and customs of which one is unfamiliar. This must of itself involve the individual in many hardships, but Mr. Stene possessed a resolute will and carried out his purpose. He made his way at once to Iowa and began earning his living as a farm hand, being thus employed until he reached the age of thirty-five years. In the meantime, however, he was saving his earnings with the purpose of some day owning a farm and eventually he purchased land on the northwest quarter of section 11 and the northeast quarter of section 10, Norway township, Winnebago county. This he cleared and improved and to the further development and cultivation of the tract has since given his attention. The excellent appearance of the place bears testimony to the care and labor which he has bestowed upon it.

When twenty-five years of age Mr. Stene was united in marriage to Torgron Nelson, whose parents were Nels and Anna Nelson, natives of Norway, who became residents of Freeborn county, Minnesota, where the father continued to engage in farming until his death. Both he and his wife lie buried there in Lime Creek cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Stene became the parents of four children, of whom one died in infancy, while three are yet living, namely: Emma, now the wife of Peter Dahle, of Worth county, Iowa; Butler, who is living in Norway township; and Anna, the wife of Gilbert Hanson, of the same township. The wife and mother passed away September 11, 1882, and her remains were interred in the family cemetery on the farm. Mr. Stene was married August 14, 1887, to Gure Langeland, a daughter of Lars and Mageli (Nelson) Langeland, who were natives of Norway, where both passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Stene have three children, namely: Matilda, who is the wife of Oscar Thompson, of St. Paul, Minnesota; Alfred, who operates the home farm; and Elma, who is yet under the parental roof.

Mr. Stene votes with the republican party and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office. He has filled most of the township positions, including that of assessor, trustee and school treasurer. He and his wife belong to the Synod Lutheran church and they are much esteemed in the community, occupying an enviable position in social circles in their neighborhood. Mr. Stene has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the United States, for while he has worked hard, he has secured the results of his labors and has made for himself a creditable position among the substantial and representative farmers of Norway township.

Source: History of Winnebago and Hancock Counties, Iowa, 1917, Vol. II, Page 388