Bergan, Martin C. 1868 - 1950

BERGAN, WEGAN, NELSON, BARLOW

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/17/2014 at 10:11:59

Martin C. Bergan, who has spent his entire life on the farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he now operates on section 2, Springfield Township, is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as a representative agriculturist and progressive citizen. His birth occurred on the 9th of May, 1868, his parents being Ole and Carrie (Wegan) Bergan, both natives of Norway. In 1850 the father emigrated to the United States and located in Wisconsin but a short time later came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, purchasing land in Springfield township which he began to clear and improve. The operation of that place claimed his time and attention throughout the remainder of his life and his efforts as an agriculturist were attended with a gratifying measure of success. The farm is now in possession of our subject. Ole Bergan passed away in October, 1906, while his wife had been called to her final rest in December, 1904, the community thus losing two of its most esteemed and honored pioneer settlers.

Martin C. Bergan was here reared and educated, pursuing his studies in the district schools. After putting aside his text-books he was associated with his father in the operation of the home farm and in 1896 purchased the property, comprising one hundred and sixty acres. He has since been active in its further cultivation and has improved the place to such an extent that it is now lacking in none of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. His farming interests have returned to him a gratifying annual income and he has long been numbered among the prosperous and respected citizens of his native county. He is a stockholder in the Nordness Creamery Company, the Nordness Telephone Company and the Farmers Hog Company of Decorah.

In June, 1896, Mr. Bergan was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Barlow, a daughter of Swen and Anna (Nelson) Barlow, both of whom were natives of Norway. They immigrated to the new world in an early day, locating first in Wisconsin and subsequently coming to Winneshiek County. The father purchased and improved a farm in Calmar Township, operating the same successfully and continuously until the time of his death, which occurred on the 10th of October, 1892. His widow still resides on the old home place and is now seventy-six years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bergan have been born ten children, as follows: twins who died in infancy; Agnes C, who is fifteen years of age; Myrtle E., who passed away in 1900; Eleanor M., eleven years old; Orville S., Mervin Lester and Beatrice M., who are eight, five and three years of age respectively; Mabel Violet, who is one year old; and Mildred Viola, twin sister of Mabel, who died on the 29th of June, 1912.

Mr. Bergan gives his political allegiance to the Republican Party, casting his ballot in support of its men and measures. In religious faith he is a Lutheran. His entire life has been spent within the borders of Winneshiek County and he enjoys the respect and confidence of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

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

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