Gunwall, George 1864 –

GUNWALL, OLSON, STRAU, INGREBREITSON, VAAGAN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/16/2015 at 11:06:37

GEORGE GUNWALL.

George Gunwall, who is engaged in farming in Sumner township, Winneshiek county, is a son of a pioneer who came to this region when there was but one log cabin in Decorah. George Gunwall was born on June 14, 1864, in Lincoln township, Winneshiek county, a son of Gunwall Olson and Isabel (Strau) Gunwall, both natives of Norway. They crossed the Atlantic in search of better opportunities in 1848, locating for three years in Wisconsin, whence in 1851 they came to Winneshiek county, settling in Lincoln township. There was only a log cabin in Decorah, where now stands a flourishing city, when they came to this county. The father during his active life successfully followed agricultural pursuits. Both parents are now deceased. In their family were eight children: Tilda, the wife of I. Ingrebreitson, of North Dakota; Ole, of Williston, North Dakota; Carrie, also of that state; Nels, of Lincoln township; a son and a daughter, both of whom died in infancy; John, who resides in North Dakota: and George, of this review.

The last named remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he became self-supporting by collecting cream through the section, being so occupied for three years. He then followed agricultural pursuits for two years, removing at the end of that period to North Dakota, where he made his home for ten years. The following three years he spent in Winnebago county, Iowa, and then returned to Winneshiek county, where he acquired forty acres of land on section 2, Sumner township. He has since given his sole attention to the improvement of this property with excellent success, his fields yielding him annually valuable crops.

Mr. Gunwall was united in marriage to Miss Julia Vaagan and to this union were born ten children: Ruth, Alma and Clara, deceased; Selma, John and William, at home: Arthur and Beatrice, deceased; Wallace; and one son, a twin brother of John, who died in infancy.

Although Mr. Gunwall has of late, devoted himself entirely to his farm labors, he is a stone mason by trade and followed that pursuit for some time. He is now doing general farming and as he is diligent and industrious, his labors bring him gratifying returns. He follows the best approved methods, his fields are well under cultivation and his buildings in good repair. Politically he is independent, preferring to reserve his own judgment in his support of candidates. He has been road supervisor of his township and has also served on the school board, doing as much as was in his power for the promotion of educational facilities. He is a member of the Lutheran church, in the work of which he takes an active and helpful interest. A man of worthy character, he is highly esteemed and respected in his locality and has made many friends.

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