Torkelson, Thomas 1871 – 1922

TORKELSON, HILDAHL, OFSTADAHL, SANDVEN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/6/2015 at 12:15:58

THOMAS TORKELSON.

Among the prosperous farmers of Lincoln township, Winneshiek county, is Thomas Torkelson, who was born on section 10, that township, October 23, 1871. He is a son of Iver and Gjer (Hildahl) Torkelson, both natives of Norway. The father came to America about 1861, locating in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he remained for three years before coming to this county. Settling in Lincoln township, he here followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred March 3, 1897. He was highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him. His wife survives and makes her home with our subject. To them were born five children: Martha, at home; Ellen Maria, the wife of N. J. Ofstadahl, of Cresco; Thomas, of this review; Olena, who married A. K. Sandven, of Streeter, North Dakota; and John G., deceased.

Thomas Torkelson, in the acquirement of his education, attended the district schools near his father's farm and then took a course in Valder College for about two and a half years, graduating in 1897. He then returned to the old home and has ever since cultivated its one hundred and nine acres. The farm shows care and well expended labor and its fields annually bring rich harvests. Mr. Torkelson engages in general farming and also gives considerable attention to stock-raising, deriving a substantial income from both lines of endeavor.

In his religious affiliation Mr. Torkelson is a member of the United Lutheran church and politically he is a republican. He has always taken a deep interest in the progress and welfare of the county, particularly his township, and he is serving now as assessor, having been elected for six terms to this office, his long record standing as evidence of his faithfulness and ability. For three years he was also township clerk and for two years school director of his district, giving thereby evidence of his laudable interest in the cause of education. One of the younger generation, he is progressive and up-to-date in his views and is on all sides accorded respect and esteem for what he has achieved and for those qualities of his character which have made possible his success.

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

United Lutheran Cemetery gravestone
 

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