Gunder Narvesen
Gunder Narvesen is a resident farmer of Lincoln township, Worth county, his home being on section 5, and like many other of the substantial citizens of northern Iowa, he comes from Norway. His birth occurred at Kroedsherd, in the land of the midnight sun, on the I2th of March, 1842, his parents being Narve and Roenog (Gunderson) Narvesen, who were also natives of Norway, where the father followed the occupation of farming until 1873, when he came to the United States, making his way to Iowa. He took up his abode at Decorah, Winneshiek county, and was employed at farm work in that vicinity. Both he and his wife there passed away. After attaining the right of franchise through the processes of naturalization he gave his political allegiance to the republican party and both he and his wife were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
Gunder Narvesen, their son, spent his youthful days in Norway, where he was reared in the usual manner of the farm-bred boy of that country. He was more than thirty years of age when he came with his parents to the United States. He, too, began earning his living in this country by work as a farm hand in the vicinity of Decorah, Winneshiek county, where he remained for five years. He then removed to Lincoln township, Worth county, and invested his savings in one hundred and sixty acres of improved land, which he continued to cultivate for two years. .He then sold that property and bought eighty acres, upon which he now resides. He erected new buildings thereon and has added to his holdings from time to time until his farm now comprises two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land. He also has a farm just across the road of eighty acres and his holdings are thus extensive and are valuable. The eighty-acre farm also has good buildings upon it and in fact both places are equipped with every modern facility and improvement. Everything about his place is indicative of his progressive spirit, and his practical methods have brought splendid results in the attainment of success.
In 1875 Mr. Narvesen was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Olson, a native of Winneshiek county, Iowa, and a daughter of Lars and Hilda (Stoebe) Olson, who were natives of Norway and came to the United States in early life. Making his way to Worth county, Iowa, the father purchased land which he continued to develop and improve throughout his remaining days, Both he and his wife have now passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Narvesen have been born six children: Nadel, now deceased; Nettie; Tilla and Regina, twins; Gilbert; and Carl.
The parents are consistent members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and in his political faith Mr. Narvesen is a republican, having always supported the party since coming to the new world. He has never had occasion to regret the decision which he and his parents made to try their fortune on this side of the Atlantic, for he has found here the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has made steady progress toward the goal of prosperity. He has now reached the age of seventy-six years and is the possessor of a handsome competence that supplies him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He is most pleasantly situated in an attractive home and amid pleasant surroundings will spend the evening of his days attractive home and amid pleasant surroundings will spend the evening of his days.
SOURCE: HISTORY OF MITCHELL AND WORTH COUNTIES, IOWA, 1918, VOL. II; Pages 625 & 626
Transcription by Gordon Felland, 8/17/2006