Ellingson, Erick O. 1855 - 1944
ELLINGSON, MELINLONG, ENGERBROCKSEN, OPSTAHAL
Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/24/2014 at 21:35:55
Erick O. Ellingson has valuable farm property in Sumner and Lincoln townships, owning one hundred and sixty acres in the former and fifty-five in the latter. He was born in Illinois, in Boone County, on February 15, 1855, and is a son of Ole and Sarah (Melinlong) Ellingson, natives of Norway, who came to America about 1848, locating in Illinois. There they are still living, the father having followed agricultural pursuits during his entire active life. In their family are nine children: Edward, of South Dakota; Elizabeth, at home; Erick O., of this review; Ellen, who married Iver Engerbrocksen, of Franklin County, this state; Nels, of Capron, Illinois; Lena, at home; Joseph, of Capron; John, of Boone County, Illinois; and Emma, at home.
Erick O. Ellingson remained at home until twenty-one years of age, having received his education in the neighboring schools and having learned agriculture under the guidance of his father. At that time he came to Winneshiek County, where he remained for one year and then proceeded to South Dakota, where he proved up a claim, which he later sold. Returning to Winneshiek County, he then bought one hundred and sixty acres on sections 1, 11 and 12 in Sumner Township. He has made excellent improvements on his land, erecting substantial barns, a silo, modernly appointed home and other necessary buildings. He has installed most up-to-date machinery and does everything to enhance the value of his farm and improve its appearance. He also owns fifty-five acres in Lincoln Township, upon which place he intends to settle when he retires from active labor on the larger place. He has built thereon a new and modern home which he soon expects to occupy. He engages in general farming and also gives close, attention to stock-raising.
On September 20, 1884, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ellingson to Miss Margaret Opstahal and to them have been born five children: Ole Alfred, deceased; and Edwin, Elmer, Birdie Seleta and Albert Julius, all at home.
Mr. Ellingson has by his example done much toward setting a standard for successful agricultural methods and has otherwise exhibited a worthy public spirit. He is progressive in all that he undertakes and also has carried his enterprising spirit into the political field, having embraced the doctrines of the progressive party. He has always been interested in anything that tended to better conditions in Winneshiek County and his district and four years has served as road supervisor. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and he has ever been active to help in the spread of his religion and to support allied societies and charitable institutions. He is highly respected by all who know him and the confidence which he enjoys is well bestowed upon him, for he is a man of the highest qualities of mind and character, and there has never been a shadow of a doubt as to the righteousness or sincerity of purpose of his actions.
Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913
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