John H. Mortenson

MORTENSON, PETERSON, PAULSON, SORENSON, SMITH

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 12/31/2009 at 09:00:46

JOHN H. MORTENSON

Among those who in former years were actively identified with the business development and progress of Hancock county was numbered John H. Mortenson, now deceased. He resided on section 30, Crystal township, where he followed general farming. He was born in Denmark, December 8, 1866, a son of Christian and Maren (Peterson) Mortenson, both of whom were natives of that country, whence they came to the new world in 1870. They first took up their abode in Winnebago county, Iowa, where their remaining days were passed. There they reared their family of nine children, four of whom are yet living.

John H. Mortenson was a small child when brought to the United States, so that his youthful days were passed in Iowa amid the experiences and environment of farm life. He early learned much concerning the work of the fields and he always followed general agricultural pursuits. In 1891 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Paulson, who was born in Denmark, a daughter of Jens and Christina (Smith) Paulson, who in 1871 came to the United States, establishing their home upon a farm in Winnebago county, Iowa. Later, however, they returned to Denmark, where they spent their remaining days. Mr. and Mrs. Mortenson became the parents of four children: Emily J., the wife of Edmond Sorenson; Jens C.; Ethel C., now attending the high school at Britt; and Stella H.

It was after his marriage that Mr. Mortenson purchased the farm upon which his widow now resides, becoming the owner of the property in 1892. He afterward purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Linden township, Winnebago county, and at the time of his death was the owner of four hundred acres of rich and productive land in northern Iowa.

Mrs. Mortenson attends the Lutheran church, where Mr. Mortenson also worshiped. In 1897 he became a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Thompson and was a member at the time of his death. He passed away on the 19th of January, 1917, at the age of fifty years, and was laid to rest in the Crystal Lake cemetery. His had been an active and useful life and diligence and enterprise had brought to him the measure of success which he enjoyed. He left a good farm to his widow, who still conducts the place and is showing good business ability in its management.

Source: History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II. Pioneer Publishing Company (Chicago), 1917. pp. 272-275.

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