Bringsjord, Tonnes T. 1873 - 1951

BRINGSJORD, SELLEN, RAMSEY, HAUGEN

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/18/2014 at 16:25:49

TONNES T. BRINGSJORD

A member of the Norwegian colony of Winneshiek County, Tonnes T. Bringsjord has done valuable work in promoting agricultural interests in Decorah Township, where until recently he owned a fertile farm of one hundred and ninety acres, located on section 24. As a boy of fifteen, he came to America, empty in pocket but rich in determination, and that he has succeeded thereof his present prosperity is the best proof. Born at Syngdal, Norway, March 22, 1873, his parents were Tobias and Gesena (Sellen) Bringsjord, natives of that country. The father during practically his entire active life followed agricultural pursuits in Norway and there passed away in 1902, the mother preceding him in death by one year.

Tonnes T. Bringsjord was reared under the parental roof and had early instilled into his youthful conscience lessons on the value of thrift, diligence and honesty. He attended school in his native country, discontinuing his lessons early in boyhood in order to assist his father with the farm work. Remaining at home until fifteen years of age, he then came to America and making his way inland located in Winneshiek County, where for four or five years he made his livelihood as a farm hand. Carefully husbanding his savings, he had acquired sufficient means to rent a farm, which he operated until 1906 with such good success that at the end of that time he was enabled to acquire by purchase one hundred and ninety acres on section 24, Decorah township. There he devoted his sole attention to the cultivation of his land, making valuable improvements on the buildings and installing modern, labor-saving machinery. In the spring of 1913 Mr. Bringsjord disposed of this property to good advantage, although he still makes his home on the place and intends in the near future to buy other agricultural property.

In 1892 Tonnes T. Bringsjord was united in marriage to Miss Bertha 0. Ramsey and to them three children were born, Gesena, Amanda and Tilda. After a short illness Mrs. Bringsjord passed away in 1897, deeply mourned by her immediate family and a large circle of friends. In 1899 Mr. Bringsjord wedded Mary O. Haugen, a daughter of Ole and Mary Haugen, natives of Norway, where Mrs. Bringsjord also was born. She was six years old when she was brought by her parents to America. Of this union also three children were born, namely: Melvine and Ole, twins, born September 18, 1900; and Helen, whose birth occurred August 14, 1905.

Mr. Bringsjord is a stockholder in the Ice Cave Creamery Company of Decorah, and also is interested in the Farmers Hog Company. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and politically he is a republican. Enterprising and progressive, he has become a valuable citizen of Decorah Township and by his labors has promoted agricultural growth and development. He is interested in all public enterprises of permanent value and is ever ready to gladly bear his share of time and money in any worthy cause. He is highly respected and esteemed in his community and enjoys the confidence and goodwill of a large circle of friends, who have learned to appreciate his worth and his high qualities of mind and character.

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

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