Hover, Henry A. 1868 –

HOVER, EVENSON, HOYME, LARSON, KESSEY, SHERVIN, THOMPSON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/28/2015 at 12:50:54

HENRY A. HOVER.

Henry A. Hover needs no introduction to the readers of a history of Winneshiek county, for his name has been known and honored in this part of Iowa since pioneer times and his worthy record has added greatly to the credit in which it has so long been held. He is one of the most progressive and able farmers in Pleasant township, his attractive homestead lying on section 8, being visible evidence of his thrift, energy and practical methods in its development. He is a native son of this township, born on a farm about one mile from his present property, on the 4th of April, 1868, his parents being Hover Evenson and Bertha (Larson) Hoyme, natives of Norway, the former born June 15, 1818, and the latter March 14, 1822. Their marriage occurred in that country about 1843 and five years later they crossed the Atlantic to America, settling first in Dane county, Wisconsin, where the father worked at the blacksmith's trade, which he had learned in the city of Bergen, Norway. In 1851, in company with about thirty families, the parents of the subject of this review journeyed overland with ox teams, locating in Pleasant township, Winneshiek county, Iowa, in the same year. Pioneer conditions prevailed everywhere, the land being covered with timber and unbroken and the prairies being sparsely settled. From that time until his death the father remained an honored and respected citizen of this vicinity, leading in all measures and movements for its progress and advancement and taking an active part in the foundation and upbuilding of some of its most notable institutions. He settled on a farm on section 5, Pleasant township, and upon his property built a blacksmith shop, which was the first of its kind in the northern half of Winneshiek county. In early times he operated this during the nights, the days being spent at hard labor, grubbing up the stumps upon his new farm and carrying forward the work of its improvement and cultivation. For a long period he made all the shoes and clothing worn by his family in addition to running the first threshing machine in the county and his indefatigable energy and untiring industry were at length rewarded by a gratifying degree of success. He accumulated large holdings in land, owning at one time three hundred, seventy-eight and a half acres, and he became known as one of the substantial and representative residents of the community which he aided so greatly in upbuilding. Always an active religious worker, he was one of the organizers of the Methodist Episcopal church in Pleasant township and he contributed generously of his time and means to the erection of a church building. He and his wife were regular attendants for many years and in that faith the father died April 17, 1882, his passing taking from Winneshiek county one of its most valued pioneer settlers. His wife survived him for a number of years, dying October 11, 1892. In their family were fourteen children, five of whom are now living: Edwin, who resides in Pleasant township; Sarah, the wife of J. J. Kessey, of Forest City, Iowa; Isabel, who married J. J. Shervin, of Pleasant township; Lewis H., of Wadena, Minnesota; and Henry A., of this review.

Henry A. Hover was born upon his father's homestead in Pleasant township and his childhood was spent amid pioneer conditions then prevailing. At an early age he aided in clearing, breaking and developing the farm and before he had attained his majority was a practical and able agriculturist, possessing a thorough knowledge of the best methods of farm operation. After reaching manhood he went to North Dakota, where he spent a few months, eventually returning to Winneshiek county and settling in Highlandville, where he became interested in the creamery business. With these exceptions, however, he has been farming in Pleasant township during all of his active life and he is today one of the substantial and progressive agriculturists of his native township. He purchased from his father's estate one hundred and sixty acres lying on section 8, Pleasant township, land upon which he had previously assisted in making all the improvements, and here he has since resided, his practical and systematic labors through the years having brought him a gratifying measure of success. For twelve years he operated one of the first steam threshing outfits in this section of the state, but he now gives practically all of his time to the development of his farm. He is treasurer of the Central Telephone Company and his energetic spirit and discriminating business ability have been important factors in the growth of that concern.

Mr. Hover has been twice married. He wedded first, July 6, 1892, Miss Maria Thompson, who was born in Chickasaw county, Iowa, on the 4th of April, 1874, a daughter of Ole and Soneva Thompson, natives of Norway, both of whom have passed away, the mother dying in 1882 and the father July 10, 1894. Mrs. Hover passed away November 8, 1893, leaving one daughter, Maria. On the 1st of January, 1895, Mr. Hover was again married, his second wife being Miss Anna Thompson, who was born December 24, 1869. To this union were born nine children: Beulah Sylvia; Herbert Oliver; Alma Agnetta; Charlotte Amelia; Henry Sylvan; Charles Raymond, who died at the age of three and a half; Anna Olena; Cyrus Reginald; and Everett Le Roy.

Mr. Hover is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has been honored by his fellow citizens by election to practically all the township offices, including township assessor and justice of the peace. He has been road superintendent and is at present school treasurer and he takes a great interest in the growth and progress of this section of the state, the development of which he has witnessed since the early days. He is well known and highly respected throughout his township, being reliable in business, loyal in citizenship and at all times public-spirited and progressive—a native son whose life record is a credit to a name held in high honor here since pioneer times.

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

Coordinator's note: Henry's parents and both of his wives are buried in the Big Canoe Norwegian Methodist cemetery.