A. O. Mosstad, Dr.

MOSSTAD, ORSKOW, STEIVOLD, SENDS, PETERS, GUNDERSON, ENGELAND

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 2/4/2010 at 04:54:19

DR. A. O. MOSSTAD

Dr. A. O. Mosstad, of Lake Mills, has built up a large practice as a veterinary surgeon and is highly esteemed not only as a representative of his profession but also as a citizen, for he has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his city. He was born in Norway, January 1, 1864, the ninth in a family of ten children whose parents were Ole and Hannah (Orskow) Mosstad. The father engaged in farming during his active life and passed away in his native country when seventy-eight years old. The mother reached the venerable age of ninety-six years.

A. O. Mosstad attended the common schools until he was confirmed and later worked on farms for others. At length he purchased land which he operated, and while living in Norway he prepared for the practice of veterinary surgery. At the age of twenty-eight years he came to the United States and is the only one of the family to emigrate to this country. He at once made his way to Winnehago county, Iowa, and bought one hundred and sixty acres, which he farmed for two years, or until the death of his wife. He then began the practice of his profession but continued to reside upon the farm for five years, after which he removed to Lake Mills, where he has since resided. He has been very successful in his practice and has prospered financially, being now one of the substantial men of his city.

In Norway Mr. Mosstad was married to Miss Olena Steivold, whose parents remained lifelong residents of Norway. To Mr. and Mrs. Mosstad were born nine children, of whom six survive: Andreana and Carline, both residents of St. Paul, Minnesota; Ole, who is farming near Walters, Minnesota; Lena, now Mrs. Charles Sends, of Spokane, Washington; Edward, a resident of St. Paul; and Hannah, the wife of Abner Peters, of Forest City, Iowa. The wife and mother passed away and is buried near Thompson, Winnebago county. Mr. Mosstad chose for his second wife Miss Mary Gunderson, a daughter of Olaf and Helena Gunderson, of Mount Valley township, this county, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Mosstad died in 1907 and is buried in the United Lutheran cemetery at Lake Mills. She left a daughter, Emma, who is still at home. Dr. Mosstad was married a third time, choosing as his wife Anna Engeland, a daughter of John and Britta Engeland, who lived and died in Norway.

The Doctor is a republican in politics but although he takes the interest of a good citizen in all public affairs he has never been an office seeker. He is a communicant of the United Lutheran church and its teachings have guided his life in all its relations. He has many warm friends and his salient qualities are such as have always commanded respect 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. 549-550.