Fretheim, Henry H. 1864 - 1940
FRETHEIM, ANDERSON, SEVERSON
Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/25/2014 at 17:15:35
Henry H. Fretheim, who since 1906 has owned and operated a fine farm of two hundred and seventy acres on section 21, Madison township, is well known in agricultural circles of this vicinity as a practical and successful farmer. He is one of Allamakee county's native sons, born February 2, 1864, his parents being John and Carrie (Anderson) Fretheim, natives of Norway. The father came to America at an early date and, settling in Allamakee County, purchased land, which he improved and operated for a short time. Eventually he sold his holdings and moved to Winneshiek County, where he purchased one hundred and fifty acres in Madison Township. Upon this property he has since carried forward the work of improvement and development and upon it makes his home today.
Henry H. Fretheim was reared and educated in Madison township, having been only three or four years of age when his parents removed to Winneshiek County. At the age of fifteen years he moved to Allamakee County and there operated land which his father owned until he was twenty-two years of age, when he returned to Madison Township, renting his uncle's farm. After one year he went to Howard county, Iowa, and after renting a tract of land in that vicinity for two years moved to Chickasaw county. At the end of a similar period of time he returned home and again took up his residence upon his uncle's farm, which he continued to develop for four years thereafter. He then went to Texas and worked in his father's interest for two years in that state, being influenced in removing from it by the losses he incurred in the Galveston flood. Again returning to Winneshiek County, he farmed on rented land for nine years and then traded a farm which he owned in Minnesota for the property which he now owns. This tract comprises two hundred and seventy acres on section 21, Madison Township, and upon it he has made substantial improvements, erecting fine barns and outbuildings.
In April, 1886, Mr. Fretheim was united in marriage to Miss Annie Severson, a daughter of Ole and Sarah Severson, natives of Norway, who came to America at an early date and engaged in farming in Allamakee County, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Fretheim became the parents of seven children, five of whom are still living, Clara, Sandra, Olaf, Myrtle and Johnnie. Two other children, Johnnie and Eda, have passed away.
Mr. Fretheim gives his political allegiance to the Republican Party and is a devout member of the Lutheran church. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Hog Buying Company of Decorah and his ability is recognized and respected in business circles. For several years past he has been influentially associated with the agricultural development of this township and he is a man whose high character and sterling qualities have always merited him the respect and con¬fidence of his fellow citizens.
Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913
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