John E. Amundson
Commercial enterprise in Northwood finds a worthy representative in John E. Amundson, a successful furniture dealer whose liberal patronage is well deserved. He was born December 1, 1870, in the city where he still resides, his parents being Engebret and Wilhelmina (Vernson) Amundson. The father was a native of Norway and there learned the cabinetmaker's trade. He was married in his native country and in 1868 came with his family to the United States, establishing his home in Dane county, Wisconsin. There he resided for about a year and in 1869 removed to Northwood, where he engaged in carpentering and contracting. He was active along that line of business until 1883, when he opened a furniture and undertaking establishment in connection with Iver Wambean under the firm style of Wambean & Amundson. The firm of Gordon & Mundson were the first to occupy the store in the conduct of a furniture and undertaking business. They were succeeded by W. L. De Groff and it was Mr. De Groff's interest in the business that Engebret Amundson purchased when the Wambean & Amundson Furniture & Undertaking Company was organized. After a few years Mr. Amundson purchased the interest of his partner and continued in the business until his death, which occurred on the 21st of May, 1913. His widow still survives and has now reached the age of seventy years. Mr. Amundson was a republican in his political views and he belonged to the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which his widow is still a member.
John E. Amundson spent his boyhood in Northwood and at the usual age became a public school pupil, passing through consecutive grades and thus becoming well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. His business training was received under the direction of his father and later he was admitted to a partnership in the furniture and undertaking business, which he still conducts. He is now carrying on the store alone, his mother, however, retaining still an interest in the enterprise, and his patronage has reached extensive and gratifying proportions. He has ever recognized the fact that satisfied customers are the best advertisement and he has therefore put forth every possible effort to please those who have given him their trade. His business methods are thoroughly reliable and he carries an attractive stock.
On December 19, 1913, Mr. Amundson was united in marriage to Miss Florence H. Siverling, a daughter of Joseph and Jennie Siverling. Mrs. Amundson was born in Tennessee, while her father was a native, of Germany and her mother of Wisconsin. In early life Joseph Siverling came to the new world and took up his abode in Wisconsin, where he was afterward married. He then concentrated his energies upon farming, which he followed in that state until his removal to Mitchell county, Iowa. At a later period he removed to Northwood, Iowa, where he engaged in the manufacture of butter, establishing a creamery at Northwood. Still later he removed to Glenville, Minnesota, where he is now living, and is employed as sexton there. To Mr. and Mrs. Amundson has been born one child, Viva W.
Mr. Amundson has always voted with the republican party and is a stalwart champion of its principles. He has served as city clerk of Northwood but has never been ambitious to hold office, preferring that his public duties shall be discharged as a private citizen. Fraternally he is a Mason and he is also connected with the Knights of Pythias. He is loyal to the teachings and purposes of these organizations and he has many warm friends among the membership. A lifelong resident of Northwood, he is widely and favorably known as a progressive business man and as a faithful friend, loyal to every trust reposed in him, whether of a public or private character.
SOURCE: HISTORY OF MITCHELL AND WORTH COUNTIES, IOWA, 1918, VOL. II; Pages 303 & 304
Transcription by Gordon Felland, 7/14/2006