Ludvig Jacobson

JACOBSON, NELSON, HELLEN, ERICKSON, TALKENSON

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 5/27/2007 at 16:13:49

Ludvig Jacobson is actively engaged in farming on section 1, Linden township, Winnebago county, and he displays the characteristics of industry, energy and thrift which have ever dominated the Norwegian people. He was born in Norway, April 10, 1863, and is a son of Jacob Erickson and Christina Talkenson, who were also natives of that land. They crossed the Atlantic to America in 1886 and made their way westward to Iowa, establishing their home in Story county, where they spent their remaining days. They had a family of ten children of whom two are now living.

Ludvig Jacobson was reared and educated in Norway, remaining in that country until he reached the age of nineteen years. He then determined to try his fortune in the new world, thinking that he might enjoy better opportunities on this side of the Atlantic than he could obtain in Norway. He made Story county, Iowa, his destination and there he remained for twenty-four years. He also spent four years at Crookston, Minnesota, but in 1909 he came to Winnebago county and purchased his home farm which is situated on section 1, Linden township. He carefully tilled the soil and as he prospered he added to his holdings by investing in one hundred and six acres on section 6, Forest township. He, therefore, owns today a valuable property of two hundred and sixty-eight acres, which is splendidly improved with good buildings. In addition to his substantial residence there are large barns and sheds that give ample shelter to grain and stock. He makes a specialty of raising cattle, hogs and horses, and this branch of his business constitutes an important source of his revenue. He uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and annually he gathers good crops.

In Story county, Iowa, Mr. Jacobson was united in marriage to Miss Kate Nelson, a native of Denmark, and to them have been born ten children: Emil, Carl, Engvil, Clara, the wife of Levi Hellen, of Minnesota; Anna at home; John, Lewis, Ludvig, Rasen, and Hannah. The parents are members of the Lutheran church, to which they give generous support while faithfully following its precepts, in politics Mr. Jacobson is a democrat but never seeks nor desires office, preferring to give his undivided thought and attention to his business affairs. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as his fortune has all been won since he came to America. Gradually he has worked his way upward, leading a most active life, and day after day he has cultivated his fields, cared for his crops and performed other farm work. His life record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what can be accomplished through persistent purpose.

Source: History of Winnebago and Hancock Counties, Iowa, Vol. II, 1917, page 76.