John and Clarence Hendrickson

John and Clarence Hendrickson are representative farmers living on section 36, Fertile township, Worth county. These two brothers are operating what is known as the old home farm of the Hendrickson family. They are both native sons of Fertile township, the former having been born May 16, 1880, while the latter was born on the 21st of March, 1882. They are sons of Henry and Betsy (Anderson) Hendrickson. The father was born on the Atlantic ocean, June 10, 1845, while his parents were en route for the new world and the mother's birth occurred in Norway, September 15, 1842. The Hendrickson home was established in Winneshiek county, Iowa, in the year 1852, at which time the northern section of the state gave little indication of its future development and improvement. There were rolling prairies stretching far and wide, with little token of the plow, with no barrier fences for miles, spangled in June with a thousand flowers and in December covered with one unbroken sheet of dazzling snow. The work of development and improvement had scarcely been begun and the Hendrickson family became active factors in the agricultural progress of that section of the state. The mother of Clarence and John Hendrickson came to America to join a sister in Winneshiek county in the year 1865, and becoming acquainted in Iowa, Mr. and Mrs. Hendrickson were married in Northwood in 1873. After their marriage they settled in Fertile township, where they continued to reside until called to their final rest. The death of the father occurred on the 5th of May, 1917, and his wife passed away about three weeks before, her death occurring on the 11th of April. Mr. Hendrickson owned three hundred and twenty acres of valuable farm land at the time of his demise, Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and were people of the highest respectability who enjoyed the warm regard, confidence and goodwill of all who knew them.

John and Clarence Hendrickson were pupils in the district schools near the old home and afterward attended the Valder Business College at Decorah, Iowa, both graduating in the year 1902. On reaching manhood the sons took charge of the old home farm, which they have since operated in partnership, conducting their interests under the firm name of Hendrickson Brothers. In addition to further developing and improving the old home property they also purchased one hundred and eighty-one acres adjoining the farm in 1907 and up to the present time they have operated five hundred and one acres of land, but on account of the shortage of labor at this time, owing to the fact that so many men have been called to the colors, they are now renting a small part of their land. They make a specialty of breeding and raising high grade Hereford cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs and they are conducting an extensive dairy business as well. Every branch of their business is proving profitable, for they are men of enterprise whose plans are capable of being carried forward to successful completion. Their farm presents a most neat and thrifty appearance and indicates their practical and progressive methods. They are constantly studying to improve their crops, their herds and their dairy business and they are both acknowledged men of sound judgment and keen discrimination. John Hendrickson, in addition to his other interests is vice president of the Farmers' Savings Bank of Hanlontown.

Both of the brothers are republicans in their political views and the family are of the Norwegian Lutheran faith. The name of Hendrickson has long been a respected and honored one in northern Iowa, for from pioneer times down to the present representatives of the name have figured in connection with the development and progress of this section of the state. The work instituted by their grandfather and carried on by their father is being further promoted by them and they have ever been persistent, resolute and energetic workers, possessed of a progressive spirit that is ruled by more than ordinary intelligence and good judgment.

SOURCE: HISTORY OF MITCHELL AND WORTH COUNTIES, IOWA, 1918, VOL. II; PAGES 418 & 419

Transcription by Gordon Felland, 10/5/2006