Ness, Ole J. 1865 – 1955

NESS, HALVERSON, ANDERSON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/16/2015 at 14:36:42

OLE J. NESS.

Ole J. Ness, one of the leading grocers of Decorah, occupies an important position in the business life of his community, having attained success by his industry, perseverance and innate integrity. He was born in Norway, November 23, 1865, a son of John O. and Jorend (Halverson) Ness, natives of the Norseland. The father followed agricultural pursuits in his native country and in 1870 came to the United States, locating at Highlandsville, Winneshiek county, where he purchased land and engaged in farming. Success attended his labors, his means enabling him to retire in December, 1912, when he came to Decorah, where he and his wife now enjoy a well earned rest.

Ole J. Ness attended the district schools in the acquirement of his education, and in his leisure hours and during vacations assisted in the minor duties on the farm, early becoming acquainted with thorough methods of agriculture. After leaving school he continued at home until twenty years of age, when he accepted a position as clerk in the general store of Mr. Schelldorf, of Highlandsville. He remained in that connection for eight years and then came to Decorah, establishing a grocery store on West Water street, which is now occupied by the Selz-Schwab Shoe Company. Later Mr. Ness removed to the store which is now the home of the Public Opinion and in 1909 purchased his present property at No. 400 West Water street, where he has since been located. His store is modern and up-to-date in its appointments and the management leaves nothing to be desired. He carries an extensive line of staples and fancy groceries, meats, shoes and notions, and giving his attention to the smallest detail of the work has by the gracious manner in which he treats his customers and by his fairness and integrity built up an extensive and profitable business.

On June 8, 1893, Mr. Ness married Miss Martha C. Anderson, a daughter of T. G. and Maria Anderson, both natives of Norway, and the former a farmer by occupation. Upon their arrival in the United States the parents located in Highland township, where Mr. Anderson successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He brought his land to a high state of productivity, made high-class improvements and installed such equipment as is considered indispensable to modern agriculture. In 1897 Mr. and Mrs. Anderson came to Decorah, where they both still make their home. Mrs. Ness was born on February 28, 1872, on her parents' farm in Highland township, her marriage to our subject taking place in the Big Canoe church. She passed away unexpectedly, April 14, 1910, deeply mourned by her immediate family and her many friends. She was a woman of many fine qualities of mind and character and rare accomplishments. Mr. Ness is now devoting his life to his children, who are: Melvina, aged seventeen, a student in the Lutheran Ladies Seminary at Red Wing, Minnesota; Janette, born in 1900, attending the Decorah Lutheran parochial school; Thelma, born in 1903, who attends the same school; Mildred, born in 1905, also attending there; and Louise, born January 24, 1907. Two sons of the family have passed away: James Harris, aged five months; and an infant, who died at the time of the mother's demise.

Mr. Ness gives his allegiance to the republican party and holds membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which his wife also was a member, and to which all the children belong. He still owns a half interest in the old homestead in Highland township. He keeps alive the spirit of his native land by holding membership in the Norske Selskab society of Decorah, in which he is popular. Progressive and a successful business man, Mr. Ness is an important factor in the social life of Decorah, receiving the good-will and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact in a business or social way.

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

Decorah Lutheran Cemetery gravestone
 

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