Rodvang, Ole O. 1850 -

RODVANG, OLFSEN, HAAVE, RANUM, TUFTY

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 2/25/2014 at 21:27:23

OLE O. RODVANG

Ole O. Rodvang, who has lived in Springfield township since 1854, is now classed among the representative and successful farmers of this vicinity, operating the property upon which his parents settled in pioneer times. His name has long been an honored one in this community and his record is an added credit to it, since his life has been in all its relations upright and straightforward. He was born in Norway on the 6th of January, 1850, and is a son of Ole Olfsen and Marit (Haave) Rodvang, also natives of that country, the former born November 18, 1818. and the latter, April 25, 1813. They came to America in 1852, having taken passage on a ship which they and other emigrants had chartered. However, they were late in getting aboard and the ship began the journey without them, circumstances which proved extremely fortunate for the Rodvang family, as the vessel was wrecked in mid-ocean and all on board were lost. Mr. Rodvang eventually chartered another vessel and after eight weeks upon the ocean the family landed at Quebec, Canada, August 17, 1852. They pushed on to Buffalo, New York, where they took passage on the steamer Atlantic, going by way of Lake Erie to Detroit. Michigan. On the way the ship collided with another vessel and went down with its five hundred passengers, of whom only two hundred were saved, the Rodvang family being among those to escape. They lost all of their possessions and were taken to Detroit, whence they finally made their way to Koshkonong Prairie, Wisconsin, arriving there September 26, 1852. In the spring of the following year they came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and in 1834 the father purchased land in Springfield township, buying eighty acres to which he steadily added as his financial resources increased until he owned two hundred and forty-six acres. His land was purchased from the government at one dollar and a quarter per acre and Mr. Rodvang improved and developed it to such an extent that it became finally one of the most valuable tracts in this section of Iowa. He operated the property until May, 1876 and then sold the farm to his son. The father passed away on the 4th of March, 1884, at the age of sixty-five, and was survived by his wife until June 4, 1902, her death occurring when she was eighty-nine years of age.

Ole O. Rodvang was reared and educated in Winneshiek county, attending district school in Springfield township and afterward Luther College and the Decorah high school. From his childhood he assisted with the operation of the homestead, learning the best agricultural methods by practical experience upon the farm, and in 1876 he purchased his father's property, which he has operated and developed since that time, its excellent condition testifying to the fact that he is a practical, careful and able farmer.

On the 10th of May. 1873, Mr. Rodvang was united in marriage to Miss Inger Gunderson Ranum, who was born in Aurdal, Norway, June 24. 1854, a daughter of Gunnar and Barbara Ranum, natives of Norway. The father died in that country on November 10, 1865, and the mother afterward married Ole Tufty, with whom she came to America in 1867. They purchased a farm in Glenwood township, Winneshiek county, and later bought land in Springfield township, near Nordness, which Mr. Tufty developed and improved until his death. He passed away in December, 1881. and his wife. February 24, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Rodvang are the parents of eight children: Matilda, born January 18, 1874: Bertha O., born July 24. 1876; Oscar O., born July 28. 1878; Amanda M., born October 18, 1880: Gunhilde T., December 12. 1882: Lena C., December 21. 1884; George Olaf, May 2, 1886; and Inger C., whose natal day was December 4, 1895.

Mr. Rodvang is a stockholder in the Nordness Creamery Company and the Decorah Cooperative Company. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and he has rendered his township excellent service as trustee and road supervisor. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen who takes a commendable interest in public affairs and during the long period of his residence in this part of the slate has gained the respect, regard and high esteem of all who have been in any way associated with him.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913