Aaker, Helge H. 1859 -

AAKER, JUVE, GILBERTSON, BOTKINS

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/13/2014 at 19:41:46

Among the men who have promoted agricultural progress in Winneshiek County is Helge H. Aaker, who holds title to three hundred and fifty acres, comprising the old home farm, which he acquired from the other heirs by purchase, his father having originally bought the property from the government. One hundred and sixty acres of it is located on section 1, Sumner Township, eighty acres in Lincoln Township and one hundred and twenty acres in Calmar Township. Mr. Aaker was born on this farm on December 21, 1859, a son of Hans O. and Rachel (Juve) Aaker, both natives of Norway. The parents came to" America in 1848, locating in Wisconsin, but in 1851 they removed to Winneshiek county, where the father took up land on section 1 in Sumner township. There he passed his life, gradually bringing his land under cultivation until in the place of wild prairie land he owned a productive farm. The old log house which served as the first family home, and which the father himself built shortly after he had taken up the land with the government, still stands. At his death he left three hundred and fifty acres. He passed away in September, 1900, his wife having preceded him by over five years, her death occurring on February 27, 1895. To their union were born ten children: Rachel, deceased; Alice, who married G. G. Gilbertson, of Ada, Minnesota; Ole, of Twin Valley, Minnesota; Helge H., of this review; Hans, of North Dakota; Maria, who married Gilbert Botkins, of Lincoln township, this county; Annie and Isabelle, deceased; and a son and daughter who died in infancy.

Helge H. Aaker has spent practically his whole life upon the old homestead, where he was reared and educated, early becoming acquainted with thorough agricultural methods. After the death of the mother, in 1895, he bought out the other heirs and now owns all of the three hundred and fifty acres. His fields are in a high state of productivity and his buildings substantially constructed and modernly equipped. The latest machinery can be found upon his place and he ever follows the most approved methods in order to increase his yield and enhance the value of his land. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and along both lines has been more than ordinarily successful. His political affiliation is with the Republican Party and he has given evidence of his interest in the cause of education by serving as a school director. He continues in the faith of his fathers, being an attendant and member of the Lutheran church. Highly esteemed by his friends and neighbors, Mr. Aaker occupies an enjoyable position among his fellow citizens, and such prosperity as has come to him is well merited, as it is the outcome of his own continuous efforts.

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