E. J. Westerberg

WESTERBERG, HOCKINSON, JOHNSON, PEARSON

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 1/10/2010 at 06:57:02

E. J. WESTERBERG

E. J. Westerberg, living on section 5, Ellington township, Hancock county, was born in Sweden, although from the age of ten years he has been a resident of Iowa and through all the intervening period has been identified with agricultural interests, being now owner of the Lilac Stock Farm, a valuable property which constitutes one of the attractive features of this section of the state. His birth occurred on the 21st of December, 1871, his parents being John and Anna (Hockinson) Westerberg, who are also natives of Sweden, where they remained until 1882, when they brought their family to the new world. They did not tarry on the Atlantic coast, but made their way at once across the country and are still residents of Winnebago county, Iowa, their home being now in Forest City. They became parents of two sons, the younger being Olaf, who is also living in Ellington township, Hancock county.

E. J. Westerberg was largely reared and educated in Winnebago county and his youthful experiences were those of the farm bred boy. He attended school in the winter months and through the summer seasons worked in -the fields, remaining at home until he had attained his majority. He did not seek to change his occupation, finding in farm work a congenial pursuit, and as soon as possible he purchased property, becoming owner of what is known as the Lilac Stock Farm, a valuable tract of three hundred and twenty acres, which he has improved with fine buildings. He has an attractive residence, substantial barns and sheds and modern machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, raising the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate. He also makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock of all kinds and this branch of his business brings to him a very substantial financial return annually.

In 1894 Mr. Westerberg was united in marriage to Miss Alice Johnson, a native of Sweden and a daughter of Martin and Carrie (Pearson) Johnson, who were also born in the same country, where the father still makes his home, but the mother has now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Westerberg have become the parents of six children: Adolph B., Nettie F., Mamie A., Rollie H., Harry A. and Violet E. Mr. Westerberg and his family are members of the Baptist church and guide their lives according to its teachings. His political endorsement is given to the republican party, and while never seeking office, he has served for several years as school director and is much interested in having in his community schools that will furnish an adequate preparation to the young for life's practical and responsible duties. He is a self-made man, for all that he possesses and enjoys has been acquired through his own efforts since he attained man's estate, assisted by his estimable wife, who has indeed been a helpmate to him. Diligence and persistency of purpose have constituted the foundation upon which he has builded his success.

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. 338-339.