Ole Helgeson

HELGESON, VROLSON, AUSEN, NELSON, HONSEY

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 1/27/2010 at 04:52:48

OLE HELGESON

Ole Helgeson, who follows farming on section 14, Norway township, Winnebago county, is numbered among the pioneers of Iowa, having for sixty years resided within the borders of this state, during which period he has witnessed a marked transformation and in fact has contributed in no small measure to the changes which have been wrought, especially along agricultural lines. He was born in Norway, June 4, 1857, a son of Helge and Chaste Helgeson, who came to the United States with their family when their son Ole was but three years of age. The family home was established in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where the father purchased land and engaged in farming until his death. Both he and his wife were laid to rest in Madison cemetery in Madison township, Winneshiek county, Iowa. They had reared a family of nine children, of whom seven are yet living, five being residents of Winneshiek county, while but two reside in Winnebago county, these being Ole and his sister Christie, who is now the wife of Ole Wangness, of Lake Mills.

Reared under the parental roof, Ole Helgeson attended such schools as were to be found in Winneshiek county in pioneer times, pursuing his studies until he reached the age of sixteen. His undivided attention was thereafter given to farm work for his father until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when he started out in life independently. During the two succeeding years he went from place to place seeking for suitable land which he might purchase, and when twenty-five years of age he took up his abode in Norway township, Winnebago county, purchasing the southeast quarter of section 14, upon which Hendrick Larson had taken up his abode in 1856, being among the first farmers of this section of the state. The work begun by Mr. Larson was continued by Mr. Helgeson, who is today one of the best farmers of the county. He has splendid improvements upon the place, including an attractive residence, large barns and outbuildings and the latest improved machinery. In fact he has secured all the equipments which will facilitate farm work according to modern methods. Only thirty acres of land was broken when it came into his possession and he turned the first furrows in many of his fields. In fact he cleared the remainder of timber and dug out the stumps and brush. Furrows were then turned, harrowing was done and seeds planted. In time good crops were gathered and as the work of cultivation has been continued year after year the soil has become more productive. He practices the rotation, of crops and utilizes all modern methods to keep his farm up to first-class condition. At the time he made the purchase there were log buildings upon the land but these have long since been replaced by modern structures and his home is one of the attractive residences of Winnebago county.

On January 28, 1882, about the time that he removed to this farm, Mr. Helgeson married Miss Margaret Vrolson, a daughter of Jens and Tonie Vrolson, who were natives of Norway and came to the United States in 1869. They resided in Fillmore county, Minnesota, for five years and then took up their abode in Pope county, that state, where they continued to live until called to their final rest. The father was by occupation a fanner. Mr. and Mrs. Helgeson have become the parents of ten children, namely: Clara A., who is the wife of Edward Ausen, of Freeborn county, Minnesota; Henry C., who died at the age of twenty-one years and was buried in Lime Creek cemetery; John O., who married Gertrude Nelson and resides at Thompson, Winnebago county; Tilford O., who married Louise Honsey and makes his home in Norway township; Oscar M., Clarence E., Myrtle V., Gilma T. and James A., all of whom are still under the parental roof; and Mamie, who died in infancy.

In his political views Mr. Helgeson is a republican and has held a number of the township offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. He was school director for many years and president of the board. The family hold membership in the United Lutheran church and their lives are actuated by high and honorable principles. His entire career has measured up to advanced standards of manhood and of citizenship.

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. 251-252.