~Page 664~

Holver H. Paulson

(Biography includes pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Holver Paulson Berkey)

"The methods of making money are not confined to the cultivation of the soil merely, nor to the rearing of superior grades of stock, although both of these are of the first importance and in both H. H. Paulson, owner of the beautiful "Spring Valley Stock Farm," near Ossian, Fayette county, has won marked success and thereby become one of the county's substantial, influential and representative citizens, but the leading farmers and business men of today are also always on the alert for various opportunities in trading and investment. One of the modern men of affairs in every respect who leaves no stone unturned whereby he may earn an honest dollar is the gentleman mentioned above.

Mr. Paulson was born in Dover township, this county, December 31, 1866, on the farm he now owns, and he is the son of Holver Paulson Berkey and Bertha Berkey, both natives of Norway, where they grew to maturity, were educated and married, and from which country they came to America in 1848, locating in Wisconsin, where they remained two years. In 1850 they came to Fayette County, Iowa, locating on the farm where the subject now resides, part of this land having been obtained by them from the government, the place consisting of two hundred and seventy acres, including timber land. The father was a hard worker and he at once began clearing the place, living for some time in a "dug-out" in typical pioneer style; but in due course of time he had a comfortable home and an excellent farm. When Mr. Berkey landed in America with his wife and three children he had the sum of fifty cents, but he was one of those strong characters who never know the meaning of defeat and he finally succeeded in laying by quite a competency. While living in Wisconsin he worked for ten dollars per month until he could get a start. He later built a log house and lived in that until 1868 when he erected the substantial brick house where the subject now resides and here the father lived until his death. His family consisted of eleven children, five of whom died when young, the other six reaching maturity. The father was a member of the Hauges Senate church and in politics a Republican. He was one of the founders of the Hauges church in this country and was very active in its affairs. He served his township as trustee and was school director for a number of years. From 1875 to 1881 he engaged in the mercantile business at Ossian, Winneshiek county, except a short time on the farm. He was an honest, industrious man whom his neighbors highly respected.

H. H. Paulson (the difference in name of Mr. Paulson and that of his father is accounted for by the fact that often the Scandinavians change their name in this country) received a liberal education, having attended the common schools at Ossian when his father was in business there; he also went to the district schools near the home farm, and later took a course in Ainsworth Academy. He purchased the home place in 1887, buying the timber land and all of his mother, and this has continued to be his home to the present time. He has added many valuable improvements to the place and placed it under a high state of cultivation. Stock raising has occupied his attention to a considerable extent for several years. He always keeps a good grade of various kinds of livestock, especially full-blooded Durham Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, also Norman and Clydesdale horses and, as already indicated, his fine place is known as the "Spring Valley Stock Farm," there being no more attractive farm in this part of the county. He has also invested a thousand dollars in the Florida Timber Land Company, representing an interest in one thousand acres of land.

Mr. Paulson was married on September 14, 1898, to Agatha Tinderholt, who was born in Dover township, the daughter of Sorn and Martha (Storghude) Tinderholt, both born in Norway, the father having come to America when seven years of age with his father, who located in Wisconsin, later came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he bought land and there he still lives. The mother of Mrs. Paulson came to America with her parents, who settled in Winneshiek County, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Paulson the following children have been born: Martha Henrietta, Harry Adrian and Elmer Barnard.

Mr. Paulson is a member of the Hauges church, while Mrs. Paulson and her people are members of the Norwegian Senate church. Mr. Paulson is a Republican in politics. He is now school treasurer and township trustee. He was formerly secretary of the local school board and he is now treasurer of the same. He is now serving his second term as trustee of this township. He takes much interest in the advancement of his community and county and he is well and favorably known in this part of the county."