Henry I. Martinson

MARTINSON, VEGURN, DAHLE, HOLSTAD

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 1/11/2010 at 18:04:30

HENRY I. MARTINSON

Henry I. Martinson resides on section 27, Norway township, on the old family homestead on which his birth occurred January 9, 1870. He has always resided in Winnebago county and is a representative of one of its old and valued families. His parents were Ingebrit and Gertrude (Vegurn) Martinson, who were natives of Norway, where they were reared and married. Before they came to the United States two children were born to them: Ole, who is now living in Norway township; and Carrie, the wife of John N. Dahle, living near Kiester, Minnesota. After crossing the Atlantic the parents had five children and all are still living in Winnebago county with the exception of Carrie and Anna, who is the wife of Gilbert Holstad and is a resident of Worth county, Iowa. On reaching the new world Ingebrit Martinson made his way to Wisconsin but after a brief period spent in that state came to Winnebago county, Iowa, where he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land on section 27, Norway township. Later he bought forty acres adjoining and upon that farm continued until his death, which occurred December 7, 1911. He had long been a resident of the county, where he was known as an energetic and progressive farmer. His widow still survives and makes her home with her son Henry, enjoying good health at the very advanced age of ninety-one years.

Henry I. Martinson was reared in Winnebago county when it was a frontier district and he pursued his education in the pioneer schools, continuing his studies to the age of sixteen years. His attention was afterward given in undivided manner to the work of the home farm and upon reaching the age of twenty-five years he rented the farm from his father and has since occupied and cultivated it. It is now a splendidly improved property and in its well kept appearance indicates his careful supervision.

In 1896 Mr. Martinson was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Holstad, her parents being John and Julia Holstad, natives of Norway. After coming to the United States they established their home in Worth county, Iowa, where the father passed away, his remains being interred in the cemetery near Northwood. The mother is still living and makes her home in Northwood. Mr. and Mrs. Martinson have three children, Ingvald J., George and Gladys B., all at home.

The family attend the Synod Lutheran church, in which the parents hold membership. Mr. Martinson has voted with the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and keeps well informed concerning the questions and issues of the day. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, recognize in him a reliable business man and substantial citizen. There have been no spectacular phases in his life record, but he has been loyal to duty in both public and private life and his chief characteristics are those which everywhere awaken confidence and regard.

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. 369-370.