Image to the left:
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Mellem - Mr. & Mrs. Gustav Mellem
Charles G. Mellem is a representative agriculturist of Grove township, living on section 31, and belongs to the oldest pioneer family of Worth county. He was born December 23, 1868 on the farm which is still his home, his parents being Gulbrand O. and Carina E. (Swensrud) Mellem, of whom more extended mention is made in connection with the sketch of Ole Mellem on another page of this work. To them were born the following children: Hans, Ole, Elling, Caroline, Andrine, Jennie, Andrew, Lewis, Edwin, Charles, Minnie and Gustav.
Charles G. Mellem spent his youthful days upon the old homestead and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He attended the district schools and afterward spent two winter seasons as a student in Valder College of Decorah, Iowa. In 1902 he was united in marriage to Miss Randine Myli, a daughter of Halgrim and Ingeborg (Teigen) Myli, who are natives of Norway and came to the United states in early life, settling first at Rock Prairie, Wisconsin, whence they later removed to Mitchell county Where their father cultivated a farm for a number of years, while subsequently he took up his abode in Danville township, Worth county. Later he removed to Hartland township in the same county and there he and his wife still reside. Their daughter, Mrs. Mellem, was born near St. Ansgar, in Mitchell county, and by her marriage has become the mother of four children: Hartwick, Carlin, Harold and Clarence.
In his political views Mr. Mellem is a republican, giving stalwart support to the party because of his belief in the efficacy of its principles as factors in good government. He an his wife are consistent members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and they are held in the highest esteem by all who know them because of their many excellent traits of character. Mr. Mellem has always devoted his life to general farming. After completing his education he returned to the old homestead, whereon he has since reside and his labors have brought the place under a high state of cultivation. He has added modern improvements and utilizes the latest improved farm machinery to facilitate the work of their fields, which annually rewarded his labors with good crops. The place presents a most neat and attractive appearance, indication his careful supervision and his progressive methods.
Transcribed by Gordon Felland - July 13, 2005 (pictures added 11/21/06)
The Mellem Homestead
