E.J. Indvik

INDVIK, HANSON, BJELLAND

Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall (email)
Date: 6/18/2009 at 08:52:03

E.J. Indvik
E.J. Indvik, who is one of the prominent farmers of Linden township, Winnebago county, gives particular attention to the raising of high grade stock and has been a factor in the advancement of the interests of the county along that line. He was born in Norway, January 10, 1861, of the marriage of Johannes O. and Ingeborg (Hanson) Indvik. It was in 1872 that the family came to the United States and located in Winneshiek county, Iowa, and three years later removal was made to Winnebago county. The father purchased a farm in Mount Valley township and engaged in its operation until his death, which occurred the following fall. The mother continued upon that farm for about two years and in the spring of 1877 came to Linden township, where she lived until she passed away in 1911 at the advanced age of eighty-nine years.

E.J. Indvik, who was eleven years of age at the time of the emigration of the family to the new world, completed his education in the common schools of Iowa, but following the death of his father when he was fourteen years of age, assumed the burden of operating the home farm, as he was the oldest of the unmarried sons. For several years after the removal of the family to Linden township he, with the assistance of his younger brothers, operated rented land, but in 1881 he bought forty acres on section 23, Linden township, and deeded the tract to his mother. Later eighty acres was acquired and was deeded to Mr. Indvik of this review and his brother, H.J. Indvik. They farmed in partnership for a number of years, but early in 1892 dissolved their business connections. Our subject then bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 14, Linden township, and not long afterward was married. From time to time he has purchased additional land and now holds title to four hundred and eighty acres. The improvements upon the place are up-to-date in every respect and in his methods Mr. Indvik has shown himself practical and progressive. He specializes in breeding and raising high grade shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs and finds a ready market for his stock. He also raises some grain to sell and has so wisely managed his affairs that he has gained financial independence. He is likewise interested in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery of Thompson and in the Farmers Elevator of Thompson and considers the stock which he owns in those concerns to be an excellent investment.

In June, 1892, Mr. Indvik was united in marriage to Miss Martha Bjelland, of Forest township, who, however, was born in Norway. She remained in her native country until young womanhood and then came to the United States. She has become the mother of four children, as follows: Isabelle S., who is a graduate of Waldorf College of Forest City and is a teacher in the district schools; Sidney J. and Ellen M., both of whom are attending Waldorf College; and Johan H., who is a public school pupil.

Mr. Indvik is a strong republican in politics and is now serving as a member of the board of township trustees. He is also on the school board and for a number of years was the president of that body. He and his family are communicants of the Lutheran Synod and the work of that church is furthered by their hearty support. In all that he has done has manifested a tendency to advance the general welfare and has been a consistent and effective worker for progress along material, moral and civic lines. He numbers as his friends practically all his acquaintances and the high esteem in which he is universally held is the natural result of his ability and integrity.

Source: History of Winnebago and Hancock counties, Iowa, 1917, Vol. II, pg 42-43