OLE O. MOEN

Ole O. Moen is prominently known as a breeder and raiser of shorthorn cattle and as a representative of farming interests in Worth county, his home being on section 4, Danville township. He was born in Hallingdal, Norway, in 1863, a son of Ole A. and Bertha (Dokken) Moen, who were also natives of Hallingdal, where the father followed the occupation of farming until he came to the United States with his family, making his way to Danville township, Worth county, where he purchased eighty acres. He then at once began to further develop and improve his farm and was thus actively engaged for a number of years but eventually retired from business life and removed to Kensett. Later, however, both he and. his wife returned to the home of their son, Ole O. Moen, and there passed away. They were consistent members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and Mr. Moen voted with the republican party from the time that he became a naturalized American citizen.

Ole O. Moen was a youth of sixteen years when he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed from Norway for the new world. He, too, made Worth county, Iowa, his destination and became a resident of Danville township. Through the period of his youth he worked with his father in the development of the home farm, of which he afterward took charge, and he has added to the property until he is today the owner of two hundred acres of fine land. In addition he also has a farm in Brookfield township containing one hundred and seventy-two acres and from these properties he derives a most gratifying annual income. He started out in business life in Worth county with an indebtedness and he is today the owner of three hundred and seventy-two acres of valuable fanning land. Moreover, his farms are splendidly improved with good buildings and all modern accessories and there is an air of thrift about the place that indicates both his industry and his progressive spirit. For twenty years he has engaged extensively in the raising of shorthorn cattle, making this the main features of his business. He displays keen sagacity in everything that he undertakes and in business affairs his judgment is seldom if ever at fault.

Mr. Moen was reared as one of a family of six children, the others being Sarah, Arnie, Ole, Ole, second of the name, and Ella. Habits of industry were early inculcated in the family through the wise teachings of the parents and unfaltering diligence has ever remained one of the strong characteristics of Mr. Moen as the years have gone by. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his religious faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. His life has ever been actuated by high and honorable principles and upright purposes and his record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished by persistent effort, determination and energy. He is today regarded as an authority upon shorthorn cattle in Worth county and has done much to improve the grade of stock raised in this section of the state, thereby contributing to the general prosperity of the locality. His plans have been carefully performed and promptly executed and his industry has never faltered in the face of difficulties, which have seemed rather to serve as an impetus for renewed effort on his part, leading to the substantial prosperity that is now his.

SOURCE: HISTORY OF MITCHELL AND WORTH COUNTIES, IOWA, 1918, VOL. II; PAGES 595 & 596

Transcribed by Gordon Felland, October 27, 2006