Odden, Charles J. 1856 – 1930
ODDEN, FLATLAND, HOTVET
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/18/2015 at 12:26:31
CHARLES J. ODDEN.
The old Odden homestead of one hundred and eighty acres is included within the farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres which is now owned and operated by Charles J. Odden, presenting a neat and attractive appearance which indicates his careful supervision and progressive methods. The farm is situated on section 19, Glenwood township, and it was upon this place that he was born August 27, 1856, his parents being John and Torgun Odden, who were natives of Norway. The year 1853 witnessed their arrival in the United States and after residing for a short time in Illinois they continued their westward journey to Winneshiek county, spending their remaining days from 1855 upon the farm now occupied by their son Charles. The father, however, passed away at a comparatively early age—thirty-two—his death occurring in 1862. The mother long survived and died in 1906 at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a lifelong farmer and was an industrious, energetic man. His political support was given the republican party and both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. They had a family of four children: Anna, who is living with her brother Charles, the second in order of birth; Julia, the deceased wife of Ole Flatland; and John, whose home is in Madison township.
At the usual age Charles J. Odden entered the public schools and when not busy with his text-books his attention was largely given to the work of the fields, so that he had broad, practical experience when he began farming on his own account. His place is appropriately named Evergreen Farm and is pleasantly situated on sections 17, 19 and 20, Glenwood township, not far from Decorah. To the original homestead of one hundred and eighty acres he has added by purchase until now two hundred and twenty-five acres are included within the boundaries of the farm which is one of the well improved properties of the district, the careful management bestowed upon it being indicated by its well tilled fields and the good grade of stock raised. In addition to his agricultural interests Mr. Odden is connected with the Decorah Ice Cave Creamery Company and is a director of the Decorah Farmers Cooperative Company.
On the 25th of May, 1898, Mr. Odden was united in marriage to Miss Elise Hotvet, who was born in Glenwood township, January 12, 1877, a daughter of Charles and Emma Hotvet, the former still a resident of Glenwood township but the latter now deceased. Mr. and Mr. Odden have five children, John Cornelius, Albert Theodore, Elmer Charles Ingeman, Arthur Gerhard Benjamin and Harold Melvin.
Mr. Odden voted with the republican party until the new progressive movement was instituted, since which time he has been allied therewith. He and his family belong to the Lutheran church and stand for progress and improvement along all the lines which affect the general interests of society. Steadily he has worked his way upward, improving the opportunities which have come to him, and his energy and persistency of purpose have made him not only a successful business man but also a valued citizen of the community.
Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913
Glenwood Lutheran cemetery gravestone
Winneshiek Biographies maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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