Ness, Peter J. 1877 – 1957
NESS, HOLVERSON, PETERSON, WILLIS
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/17/2015 at 14:40:32
WILLIS & NESS.
The leading furniture and undertaking firm of Decorah is that of Willis & Ness, who have a modernly equipped, up-to-date store on East Water street, in its appointments and stock rivaling any metropolitan establishment. The firm is composed of two young, progressive business men of modern policies, who have attracted to them a large and profitable trade.
Peter J. Ness, member of the firm of Willis & Ness, was born in Highland township, Winneshiek county, November 9, 1877, a son of John O. and Jarend (Holverson) Ness, natives of Norway. The father was a farmer in his native country, coming in 1870 to the United States, making settlement at Highlandsville, Winneshiek county, where he purchased land and engaged in farming. As the years passed his labors brought results and in December, 1912, he retired to Decorah, where he and his wife now live in well earned retirement.
Peter J. Ness attended school in Highland township and assisted his father in the farm work until nineteen years of age, when he came to Decorah to accept the position of clerk with his brother, O. J. Ness, who conducted a grocery store here. In this relation he remained for seven years, being then enabled to establish a bakery shop which was located one door west of his present place, and for six years successfully conducted a bakery, selling out at that time. After a short vacation he formed, in July, 1911, a partnership with Mr. Willis, as a result of which their present furniture and undertaking business was established.
Mr. Ness was married on May 30, 1900, to Miss Isabella Caroline Peterson, a daughter of Ingebret and Carrie Peterson. The father was an agriculturist of Canoe township, Winneshiek county, and passed away before the birth of the wife of our subject. Mrs. Peterson has also passed away, her death occurring in the home of Mr. Ness in Decorah in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Ness have one child, Ruby Idella, born on Christmas day, 1901. She attends the parochial school of the Norwegian Lutheran church of Decorah. Mr. and Mrs. Ness are both devoted members of the United Lutheran church of Decorah, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest.
To attain the highest degree of efficiency in the undertaking business Mr. Ness recently attended the Hohenschuh & Carpenter College, of Des Moines, Iowa, where he took a course in embalming and upon graduation received his diploma in 1912. Socially he is connected with the Norske Selskab Society of Decorah. A public-spirited and progressive man, he takes a deep interest in all movements affecting the welfare of his community, and can always be found in the front rank of those who advocate measures for improvement and betterment.
Lawrence B. Willis, the other member of the firm, was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, on November 16, 1875, a son of John and Elizabeth (Jones) Willis. The father is a native of Yorkshire, England, coming to the United States in 1844 and locating near Racine, Wisconsin. He is a carpenter and cabinet-maker by trade and there he followed this occupation. He and his wife, who is also a native of the mother country, are living today at Boscobel, Wisconsin. The marriage of the parents took place in Wisconsin on October 6, 1869. In their family were five children, of whom four are now living as follows: Lawrence B., of this review; J. R., of Muscoda, Wisconsin; Mrs. Erma Remington, of Excelsior, Wisconsin; and Mrs. J. T. Tuffey, of Chicago, Illinois.
Mr. Willis of this review attended school in Boscobel, Wisconsin, and subsequently assisted his father in the carpenter and cabinet-making business. He later worked with his brother, John R., who was a wagonmaker by trade. In these connections he laid the foundation to the success which later was his in the furniture business. He next entered the grocery line, being so engaged for five years. In 1900 he was employed by J. R. Muffley & Sons, of Boscobel, Wisconsin, who were engaged in the undertaking and furniture business, there remaining for four years. He took a course in embalming in the Hohenschuh & Carpenter College of Des Moines, Iowa, graduating in 1911. In 1910 Mr. Willis came to Decorah, buying and conducting a bakery, but shortly thereafter, in July, 1911, entered into partnership with Mr. Ness in the operation of a furniture establishment.
On February 13, 1899, Mr. Willis was united in marriage to Miss Edna Hammond of Boscobel, Wisconsin, a daughter of Monteville Hammond, who died when Mrs. Willis was but a year old. Mr. and Mrs. Willis have one daughter, Kittie, born May 18, 1904, who attends public school in Decorah. Mr. Willis is a republican in his political affiliations, and both he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which they give their moral and material support. Fraternally Mr. Willis is prominent, being a member of the lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Decorah, belonging also to the Rebekahs and Encampment of Boscobel, and is also a member of Decorah Lodge No. 443, B. P. O. E.; the Modern Woodmen of Boscobel, Wisconsin; and the Woodmen of the World, of Decorah. Mrs. Willis belongs to the Rebekahs and Royal Neighbors.
The furniture store of Willis & Ness is excellently appointed and they carry a large and complete stock, being able to fill any demands made upon them by their patrons. The line of goods they handle is so extensive that a storage annex is needed, which is situated across the street from their store. They have built up a reputation for a straightforward policy, honest dealing and honest goods at honest prices, which has brought them a gratifying and steadily increasing patronage. Both young men devote their entire attention to the management of their establishment, which not only is bringing them a gratifying income but is an important factor in the commercial development of Decorah and Winneshiek county.
Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913
Decorah Lutheran Cemetery gravestone
Winneshiek Biographies maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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