TOFTE, Alfred J.

TOFTE, SCOTT

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 8/17/2007 at 10:07:26

Alfred J. Tofte, actively engaged in the cultivation of a farm of eighty acres on section 25, Amsterdam township, Hancock county, was born in Norway on the 30th of December, 1882, a son of Lars and Inga (Scott) Tofte, both of whom were natives of Norway. On coming to the new world they did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made their way at once into the interior of the country, settling near Morris, Illinois, where they resided for sixteen years and then came to Hancock county, where the father purchased eighty acres of land on section 25, Amsterdam township, for which he paid forty-two and a half dollars per acre, although the land is worth very much more than that at the present time. He farmed until his death on October 20, 1912.

Alfred J. Tofte acquired his education in the schools of Gardner, Illinois, which he attended until he reached the age of fourteen, after which he gave his undivided attention to work upon the home farm for four years. He then engaged in tiling for six years and his entire life has been one of unremitting industry and toil. On the expiration of that period he rented the home place in Amsterdam township and has since given his attention to its further cultivation, being now actively and successfully engaged in general farming. The plans which he follows and his systematic methods of developing his fields result in the production of good harvests and his work is attended with success.

Mr. Tofte is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has been a supporter of the republican party. He is loyal to any cause which he espouses, for he never allies himself with any interest without firm belief in its worth. He is now well known in Hancock county as an enterprising and progressive agriculturist and he enjoys the good will and respect of his fellow townsmen.

Source: History of Winnebago and Hancock Counties, Iowa, Vol. II, 1917, page 436.