Mikkel J. Holstad

HOLSTAD, VOID, HONSEY

Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall
Date: 9/15/2008 at 06:55:53

MIKKEL J. HOLSTAD.

Mikkel J. Holstad, deceased, was for many years one of the leading farmers of Winnebago county, his home being on section 25, Norway township. He was a native of the land of the midnight sun, his birth occurring in Norway, November 5, 1837, and he was a son of John and Gjori Holstad, in whose family were five children. The parents never came to the United States, but on crossing the Atlantic Mikkel J. Holstad was accompanied by his brother, A. J., who bought land adjoining his farm and continued to reside there until 1900, when he returned to Norway, where he is now living.

Mikkel J. Holstad grew to manhood upon his father's farm but in early life learned the tailor's trade, at which he worked for some time. Later he operated the home farm in Norway, remaining there until 1867.

In the meantime he married Miss Martha Thorsdatter Void, whose parents were Thor and Solvei (Honsey) Void. They came to America a few years after the Holstad family located here and settled in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where Mr. Void followed farming until his death. Both he and his wife were buried in Ridgeway, Iowa.

In 1867, accompanied by his wife and two children, as well as his brother, Mr. Holstad came to the new world and took up his abode in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he remained one year. He then removed to Winnebago county and purchased the east half of the southeast quarter of section 26, Norway township, and the west half of the southwest quarter of section 25, whereon he made his home until his death, which occurred on the 9th of August, 1892. As time passed he prospered in his farming operations and added to his farm the north half of the northwest quarter of section 36. His widow still resides on the old homestead. He was a republican in politics and was a member of the United Lutheran church.

Before leaving Norway two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Holstad, these being Thor or Thomas, who lives near Kiester, Minnesota; and Julia, who makes her home with her mother. The children born in America are John, born September 8, 1867; Edward, born February 3, 1870; and Sylvia, born May 8, 1872. John and Edward are engaged in farming in Rolette county, North Dakota, near Kelvin.

~History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa; Pioneer Publishing Co.; 1917; pg 25-26