S. G. Honsey

HONSEY, BREKKE, HELGESON

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 1/16/2010 at 17:56:53

S. G. HONSEY

For many years S. G. Honsey was one of the most influential and public-spirited citizens of Norway township, Winnebago county, his home being on section 25. He came from the land of the midnight sun, his birth occurring in Viksogn, Norway, July 21, 1845, but his parents, Gutterm and Anna Honsey, never left their native land, making their home in Norway throughout life. S. G. Honsey was about fifteen years of age when he and his brother, T. G., crossed the ocean and settled in Winneshiek county, Iowa. In 1871, however, they removed to Winnebago county and together purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Norway township. This they operated in partnership until 1880, when the land was divided and S. G. Honsey eventually became the owner of two hundred acres of very valuable and productive land lying on the north half of section 25, the north half of the northeast quarter of section 36 and the southeast corner of section 25, Norway township, where he had forty acres. He continued to carry on farming with good success until his death, which occurred on the llth of January, 1916. His remains were interred in the Lime Creek church cemetery.

In 1879 Mr. Honsey was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Brekke, a daughter of Ingebrikt and Johanna Brekke, who were early settlers of Winnebago county. Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Honsey one is deceased, George having died at the age of two years. Those living are: Gustav, now a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota; Albert, who is now operating the home farm; Selmer, also a farmer of Norway township; Louise, the wife of T. O. Helgeson, a farmer of Norway township; and George, at home with his mother and brother Albert.

On becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States Mr. Honsey cast in his lot with the republican party and became quite prominent in local affairs, serving as county supervisor several terms. He also filled many township offices with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. His religious connection was with the United Lutheran church.

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. 433-434.