C. C. Narum
The field of business is an unlimited one and the man of energy and progressiveness who combines industry with initiative can always win success. This truth is again and again demonstrated in the record of such men as C. C. Narum. who is now one of the leading druggists of Worth county, conducting a profitable and growing business in Northwood. He is one of the county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Lincoln township on the 25th of December, 1880, his parents being Christopher and Kristi (Moen) Narum, both of whom are natives of Norway, where they were reared. They had reached young manhood and womanhood when they came to the United States. Mr., Narum settling in Worth county, Iowa, while Mrs. Narum, who was then in her maidenhood, became a resident of Fillmore county, Minnesota, whence she afterward removed to Worth county. While a resident of Minnesota she became the wife of a Mr. Baken, by whom she had five children, two sons and three daughters. The death of Mr. Baken occurred in Minnesota and she afterward became the wife of Christopher Narum.
The only child of the second marriage is C. C. Narum of this review. Both of his parents are still living. He was reared in the family home and the district schools afforded him his early educational opportunities, which were supplemented by study in the high school at Kensett and by a commercial course in the Nora Springs (Ia.) Seminary. Following his graduation from the latter institution as a member of the class of 1896 he returned to the home farm, whereon he remained for a short time, and later he was employed by the Farmers Cooperative Grain & Live Stock Company of Kensett. He was thus engaged for a few months, after which he returned to the old home farm and gave his attention to its further development and improvement until 1904. Anxious to make advancement along educational lines and thus qualify for other business activity, he then entered the State University at Iowa City and took up the study of pharmacy. While a student there he was elected to the varsity football team and contributed materially to its reputation and success during the seasons of 1904 and 1905. After the completion of his studies there he served an internship as pharmaceutical dispenser in the State University Hospital for one year and on the expiration of that period, in 1906, he was given the degree of Ph. G. In June of the same year he accepted a position as pharmacist with the Perkins Drug Company of Odebolt, Iowa, and remained with that firm for about eighteen months. In January, 1908, he came to Northwood to accept a position in the drug store of George Emery and the following September he established business on his own account, buying the drug store at Hanlontown, Worth county. He remained in the management of his business there for three years and on the 1st of January, 1913, he purchased his present drug business in Northwood and placed a man in charge of the Hanlontown establishment. He then removed to Northwood to look after his business here and has since given his attention to the careful management of his store, which is attractively appointed in its fixtures and in all of its equipment. In 1916 he sold his Hanlontown store and has since concentrated his efforts upon the development of the business at Northwood, where he now enjoys a large and very substantial trade. His business methods are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and his energy and intelligent direction of his efforts have brought to him his present gratifying success.
On the 18th of March, 1908, Mr. Narum was united in marriage to Miss Ida Klove, the ceremony being performed at the home of the bride. Her father was L. D. Klove, who was one of the pioneer merchants of Northwood. Mr. and Mrs. Narum now have three children: John Carlyle, Charlotte Janet and Margie Louise.
Mr. Narum is well known in Masonic circles, holding membership in Northern Light Lodge, No. 265, A. F. & A. M., and Heredom Chapter, No. 135, R. A. M. He is likewise identified with Mason City Lodge, No. 375, B. P. O. E., and with the Sons of Norway and he and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. He possesses many of the sterling qualities that characterize the sons of Norway and their descendants. In business he has prospered by reason of his unfaltering determination and his record indicates the possibilities for the achievement of success when one starts out in life empty-handed. His is the substantial success of an honest man in whose life business ability and a recognition of public duties and obligations constitute an even balance. Without that quality which leads the individual to greet everyone as a valued friend, he is nevertheless appreciative of true worth on the part of others and true worth can always win his regard and friendship.
SOURCE: HISTORY OF MITCHELL AND WORTH COUNTIES, IOWA, 1918, VOL. II; Page 250
Transcribed by Gordon Felland, February 16, 2006