Nels O. Hove
Nels O. Hove is now a retired farmer of Worth county, living in Northwood, where he occupies an attractive modern home, which is one of the visible evidences of his life of well directed energy and thrift, his individual effort and business ability bringing to him the measure of success which he now enjoys and which enables him to rest from further business cares. He was born in Grove township, Worth county, on the nth of January, 1865, and is a son of Ole and Carrie Hove, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work in connection with the sketch of their daughter, Mrs. R. P. Johnson.
The youthful days of Nels O. Hove were spent upon the home farm with the usual experiences that come to the farmbred boy. He attended the district schools, wherein he mastered the elementary branches of learning, and later he became a student in the Northwood high school. When his textbooks were put aside he concentrated his attention upon farm work and took charge of the old homestead property, which he continued to develop and improve until 1911. Year after year he carefully tilled the soil and gathered good crops and his wise management of his business affairs brought to him a very substantial and creditable competence. In 1911 he took up his abode in Northwood, purchasing his present home, which is one of the modern and attractive residences of the city. He still owns his farm, which comprises two hundred and eighty acres of rich and valuable land, from which he derives a substantial annual income.
In 1912 Mr. Hove was united in marriage to Miss Julia Butler, a daughter of Iver and Carrie (Wiggins) Butler and a native of Kensett township, Worth county. Her father came to the United States from his native land of Norway in early life and settled in Wisconsin. He afterward enlisted for service in the Union army and at a later period he became a resident of Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Hove was born one child, Julia A. The wife and mother passed away March 31, 1914, at the age of thirty-nine years, and left behind her many warm friends who esteemed her highly because of her many sterling traits of character. Mr. Hove is a republican in his political views and has never been an aspirant for office. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and its teachings have guided him in all of his life's relations, making him a man worthy of the confidence, goodwill and respect so uniformly entertained for him.
SOURCE: HISTORY OF MITCHELL AND WORTH COUNTIES, IOWA, 1918, VOL. II; Pages 300 & 303
Transcription by Gordon Felland, 7/14/2006