Halvor O. Kvambeck

KVAMBECK, HALVORSON

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 1/10/2010 at 08:01:13

HALVOR 0. KVAMBECK

Halvor O. Kvambeck, who is devoting his time and energies to general farming on section 35, Norway township, has spent almost his entire life in Winnebago county and throughout the entire period has devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. He was born in Norway, January 3, 1864, a son of Ole S. and Ingeborg (Halvorson) Kvambeck, who were farming people there. They came to the United States when their son Halvor was but two and one-half years old and for a year resided near Northwood, in Worth county, Iowa, where the father had a brother who was engaged in farming. The next year, however, they removed to Winnebago county and Mr. Kvambeck purchased the north half of the northeast quarter of section 35, Norway township. It was then a tract of raw land, but he immediately began to develop and improve the place, in which he soon wrought a marked transformation. He also bought the north half of the northwest quarter adjoining section 35 and likewise purchased thirty-seven and one-half acres on the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 36, Norway township, and devoted his remaining days to the cultivation of his farm. In the fall of 1906 he suffered serious injuries through the attack of a bull, which caused his death on the 3d of November. His widow survived him for about four years, passing away October 11, 1910, and both were laid to rest in the United Lutheran cemetery at Lake Mills. In his political views Mr. Kvambeck was a republican and always supported the party from the time that he became a naturalized American citizen. His success was the direct result of his own labors. He worked diligently and persistently and as the years passed on won a substantial measure of prosperity. To him and his wife were born five children, one of whom died when but three years of age. Those still living are Simon 0. and Halvor 0., who are farming together; Christina; and John, who is also upon the old homestead. The three brothers are associated in the work of the farm, while the sister manages the household affairs.

Halvor O. Kvambeck spent his youthful days under the parental roof and his experiences were those which usually fall to the lot of the farm bred boy. He attended the early schools of the county until he reached the age of sixteen years and afterward worked for his father until the letter's death. He and his brothers have continued upon the home place and he now owns the southwest quarter of section 36, Norway township. He is financially interested in the Farmers Elevator, the Farmers Lumber Yard at Lake Mills, and the Lake Mills Creamery Company. He has led a life of diligence and thrift and his energy and industry are the basic principles of the success which has come to him. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party. He is now town clerk and served for three or four terms on the school board.

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. 346-347.