Carl O. Thompson

THOMPSON, HOLSTAD, JOHNSON, LARSON

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 1/11/2010 at 17:59:13

CARL O. THOMPSON

Carl O. Thompson is a well known and prominent resident of Norway township, Winnebago county, where he has been called upon to fill various public offices by his fellow townsmen, who recognize his worth and ability. His attention is given to general agricultural pursuits and he is now the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land in Norway township, his home being on section 27.

Mr. Thompson was born January 13, 1861, in the country of Norway, and is the only living child of Ole and Ingeborg Thompson, although two other children passed away in infancy. The father was a blacksmith by trade. He was twice married and by his first union had a daughter, Julia, who is now Mrs. John Severson of Norway township. In the year 1866 Ole Thompson brought his family to the United States and, making his way across the continent, established his home in Norway township, Winnebago county, purchasing one hundred and forty acres of land on section 27 that is now in possession of his son Carl. He endured the hardships and privations of pioneer life during the period of early development here, but he resolutely faced conditions and bent his energies to the development and improvement of a farm with the result that in course of time his land became a valuable and productive property. He devoted his attention to its cultivation until his life's labors were ended in death August 22, 1891. His widow survived him for a considerable period and passed away August 1, 1905, when she was laid to rest by his side in Lime Creek cemetery. He was a republican in his political views and his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Synod Lutheran church.

In his youthful days Carl O. Thompson attended the early schools of the county, which were then of a somewhat primitive character, as the work of organization and development in the school system had scarcely been begun. After reaching the age of sixteen years he did not go to school any longer but concentrated his entire attention upon the farm work and was in his father's employ up to the time of his marriage. He had reached the age of twenty-three years when in 1884 he wedded Anna Holstad, a daughter of Ole and Anna Holstad, who resided near Northwood in Worth county, Iowa, but have now passed away, their remains being interred in Somber cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson became the parents of nine children, of whom one has departed this life, Hilma, who was the sixth born and who died at the age of eighteen years. The others are: Ole, who is married and lives near Lake Park, Minnesota; Ida B., the wife of Burton Johnson, a farmer of Bristol township, Worth county; Oscar, who is married and makes his home now in St. Paul, Minnesota, but expects soon to be ordained as a Lutheran minister and will locate at Chinook, Washington; Albert T., at home; Clara, the wife of Alfred Larson, living near Grantsburg, Wisconsin; John B., Amanda and Alice, all at home.

Following his marriage Mr. Thompson began farming on his own account and the success which has come to him is the direct reward of his earnest and persistent labors. He is now the owner of the old homestead of one hundred and forty acres, which has been in the possession of the family for more than a half century, and he also owns the west half of the northwest quarter of section 33, Norway township, and a quarter section of land in Becker county, Minnesota. He has led a life of thrift and industry, and that his farm work is diligently prosecuted is manifest in the excellent appearance of the place with its growing crops, its modern machinery and fine improvements in the way of buildings. Mr. Thompson is now president of the Farmers Elevator Company of Lake Mills and of the Norway Farmers Union Telephone Company and is secretary of the Lake Mills Creamery Company.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are well known in Winnebago county and have a large circle of warm friends. They hold membership with the Synod Lutheran church and Mr. Thompson gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has filled all of the township offices save that of justice of the peace and for six years he was a member of the county board of supervisors. He is now serving as school treasurer, and in public office he has made a creditable record by reason of his promptness and fidelity in the discharge of duty. Those who know him esteem him as a man of sterling worth and one who has contributed in no small measure to the upbuilding of this section.

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. 360-361.