K. J. Aldal

ALDAL, VATA, NELSON

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 12/30/2009 at 11:48:47

K. J. Aldal, devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits on section 23, Norway township, has spent much of his life in Winnebago county and is a native son of Iowa. He was born in Winneshiek county, February 10, 1855, a son of John K. and Susan (Vata) Aldal, who were natives of Norway. They came to the United States in youth and the father made his way to Koshkonong, Wisconsin, where he afterward purchased a farm upon which he resided for several years. It was during his residence in that state that he was married. Removing westward to Winneshiek county he purchased a farm upon which he lived for about twelve years, and then went to Mitchell county, Iowa, where in 1864 he purchased land. Upon that place he continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred March 20, 1882. His widow survived for more than a quarter of a century, passing away on the 7th of May, 1908, the remains of both being interred at St. Ansgar, in Mitchell county.

K. J. Aldal pursued his education in the pioneer schools of Iowa until he reached the age of seventeen years after which he worked for his father until he reached the age of twenty-five, and during the last two years of that period he farmed the southwest quarter of section 24 and the east half of the southeast quarter of section 23 in Norway township, Winnebago county, the father having purchased this land in 1874. K. J. Aldal put all the improvements upon the place and after cultivating the land for his father for some time purchased the property and has since resided thereon. He has converted it into a rich and valuable farm which responds readily to his care and cultivation, producing excellent crops, so that his business is now one of importance in the community.

On the 13th of June, 1880, Mr. Aldal was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Nelson, a daughter of Tor son and Susan Nelson, of Freeborn county, Minnesota, both now deceased, their remains being interred in the United Lutheran cemetery near Emmons, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Aldal have become the parents of nine children: John, who is living in Saskatchewan, Canada; Theodore, at home; Stephen, who resides in Norman county, North Dakota; and Sylvia, Joseph, Minnie, Clarence, Mabel, and Sarah, all of whom are yet under the parental roof.

The parents are members of the United Lutheran church and are people of sterling worth who enjoy the confidence and warm regard of all with whom they are brought in contact. Mr. Aldal votes with the republican party but is not an office seeker, preferring to do his public duty as a private citizen. He is loyal to the best interests of the community and co-operates with all those forces which mean most in advancing the welfare of the community. In his business affairs he has displayed sound judgment as well as enterprise and industry and, starting out in life empty handed, he is today one of the substantial citizens of Norway township, owning one of the best farms in Winnebago county.

Source: History of Winnebago and Hancock Counties, Iowa, Vol. II, 1917, pg 95-96