Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

Oscar W. Helberg, who is successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising on two hundred acres of land, situated on section 16, Nokomis township, has made his home in Buena Vista county since 1881, coming here from Chicago, Illinois, where he was born August 6, 1873, a son of N. P. and Christena (Helgerson) Helberg, both of whom were born in Sweden.  The father came as a young man to the new world, and locating in Chicago, there worked at the carpenter's trade, which he had learned in his native country.  He was married in that city and there made his home until 1881, in which year he removed to Buena Vista county, having in the meantime made a trip here and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, paying for the same nineteen dollars and a half per acre.  Upon taking up his abode thereon he at once began to develop and improve the land and when he found himself in possession of the necessary funds, invested in eighty acres adjoining his first purchase.  He later built a good residence, two good barns and other substantial outbuildings, and made his home thereon until 1901, when he purchased land in Chisago county, Minnesota, his farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres.  He built a residence in the town of Lindstrom, and there makes his home, deriving his income from the rental of his farm.

Oscar W. Helberg was a little lad of eight years when the family removed from Chicago to Buena Vista county, so that he was practically reared in this state.  He was educated in the common schools and also enjoyed a year's study in Highland Park College, at Des Moines, where he took a course in electrical engineering.  After completing his studies he spent six years in Chicago, three years of which he was in the employ of a wholesale house and three years worked at railroading.  It was while making his home in that city that he was united in marriage on the 24th of May, 1899, to Miss Kate C. Mahn, who was born and reared in Buena Vista county.

Following their marriage the young couple located in Chicago, where they lived for two years, subsequent to which period he brought his young wife to Buena Vista county and located on his present farm, comprising two hundred acres, located on section 16, Nokomis township.  He is engaged in general farming but makes a specialty of raising and feeding cattle for the market and this branch of his business is proving successful.  He is also a stockholder in the Alta creamery.

Politically Mr. Helberg is a republican but has never been an aspirant to public office.  His fraternal relations are with the Ancient Order of United Workmen.  He is wide-awake and alert, utilizing the opportunities as they come to him, and today he finds proper place with the county's substantial and progressive citizens.