Oscar Solomonson

SOLOMONSON, HAUGLAND, ROSHEIM

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 1/17/2010 at 07:44:46

OSCAR SOLOMONSON

Oscar Solomonson, a well known and highly respected farmer of Newton township, Winnebago county, living on section 1, was born on the 30th of August, 1879, in the township where he yet makes his home, his parents being Ole and Karie (Haugland) Solomonson, who were natives of Norway. Leaving the land of the midnight sun in 1866, the father came to the new world and established his home in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he was employed for a few years. However, he carefully saved his earnings, for he was ambitious to have a farm of his own, and when he had gained a little capital as the result of his industry and economy he purchased forty acres of land, which he cultivated for five years. In 1876 he arrived in Winnebago county and purchased land in Newton township, which he improved and cultivated throughout his remaining days, winning a place among the valued and substantial farmers of the district. He died April 5, 1909, but his widow still survives.

Oscar Solomonson was reared and educated in Newton township, pursuing his studies in the district schools, while vacation periods were spent largely in the fields, so that he early became familiar with the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. He remained with his parents until he attained his majority and then purchased eighty acres of land on section 33, Logan township. This he cultivated for six years, when he sold out and purchased his present place of one hundred and sixty acres on section 1, Newton township. He has developed this farm to a considerable extent and has now cultivated it for seven years, bringing the fields to a high point of productiveness in the cultivation of corn, wheat and other cereals. The place is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and he utilizes the latest improved machinery to further his work. He is actuated by a spirit of cooperation and progressiveness and has become a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Lake Mills, in the Farmers Elevator Company of Scarville and in the Lake Mills Creamery Company.

On the 7th of October, 1908, Mr. Solomonson was united in marriage to Miss Gena Rosheim, by whom he has four children, namely: Ole, Iver, Cora and Beilnda. The parents hold membership in the Lutheran church and are loyal to its teachings. Mr. Solomonson is a republican in his political views and is now serving as one of the trustees of Newton township. His has been an active and well spent life. He has always lived in Winnebago county and his friends, who are many, speak of him in terms of high 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. 452-453.