Lars B. Stene

STENE, ERICKSON

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 11/30/2006 at 14:48:14

Lars B. Stene is numbered among the self-made men of Norway township, Winnebago county. He had no assistance at the outset of his career but has worked persistently and energetically, and step by step has advanced toward the goal of prosperity. He was born in Norway, December 18, 1867, and is a son of Bottolf and Ingeborg Stene, who were farming people of that land, where they spent their entire lives. They had seven children, of whom Lars B. was the youngest, and five of the number are still living.

Lars B. Stene remained a resident of Norway through the period of his boyhood and youth and came alone to the United States when twenty-seven years of age. He had been a horse buyer in his native country and on reaching the new world he sought employment as a farm hand. His brother, E. B. Stene, had come to America some years before and was living in Norway township, Winnebago county. It was this that caused Lars B. Stene to become a resident of Iowa. . For a few years he made his home with his brother and then purchased a farm in Clay county, Minnesota, which lie cultivated for two years. He afterward returned to Norway township and purchased the east half of the southeast quarter of section 13, and the south half of the northeast quarter of section 24, thus becoming the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of highly productive land, which he has since cultivated. His farm work is carefully conducted and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates his careful supervision and his practical and progressive methods. He is also a stockholder in the creamery at Emmons.

In 1899 Mr. Stene was united in marriage to Miss Emma Oliana Erickson, a daughter of Nels and Ingeborg (Olson) Erickson, of Norway township. They have become the parents of nine children, Nels Bernard, Ingeborg Idora, Millie Helena, Anna Matilda, Evelyn Luella, Mabel Jeanette, Ellen Olava, Melvin Erling and Lawrence Ernest, all of whom are yet at home. Mr. Stene and his wife are members of the Synod Lutheran church. His opinions concerning political questions and policy are indicated in the stalwart support which he gives to the republican party. He has served as road boss and has also filled the office of school director. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their employment has steadily advanced, working his way upward through persistent effort and determination.

Source: History of Winnebago and Hancock Counties, Iowa, 1917, Vol. II. Page 138.