HENDRICKSON, H. O.

HENDRICKSON, BEKKEN, NERESON, OIEN, SATTRE, THORSON

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 3/26/2010 at 12:22:32

H. O. Hendrickson, who is engaged in general farming on section 26, Newburg township, was born September 3, 1866, in Winneshiek county, Iowa, a son of O. and Bereth (Bekken) Hendrickson, both of whom were natives of Norway. The mother came to the new world in 1849 and the father crossed the Atlantic in 1851. They were then but children and after reaching adult age they were married in Winneshiek county, Iowa, in the year 1865. The father was a well educated man, for, having arrived in the United States in early life, he attended American schools. He took an active interest in all public affairs and cooperated in all plans and measures for the general good. He was especially active in his support of the public school system and he did whatever he could to further general progress and improvement. He died in the year 1894 and his widow still survives. They became the parents of five children, namely: H. O.; Ole, who died in childhood; Carrie, the wife of S. Nereson, living in Winneishiek county: Ole, who occupies the old homestead; and Aase Marie, who is the wife of Rev. J. P. Oien, of Hendricks, Minnesota.

H. O. Hendrickson spent his youthful days in the usual manner of the farm-bred boy, dividing his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. After attending the common schools he continued his education in the Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa, and was thus well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He lived with his father until 1894, when he came to St. Ansgar and purchased his present home place. He has since given his time and efforts to general farming, and his business undertakings have proven profitable.

On the 26th of September, 1894, Mr. Hendrickson was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Sattre, who was born and reared in Winneshiek county, Iowa, a daughter of Peter and Martha Sattre, who were natives of Norway. The mother was born September 21, 1844, and came to the United States when a little maiden of but twelve years. The father was born in 1831 and on attaining his majority he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring January 15, 1899. To him and his wife were born eleven children: Severin, who is engaged in the implement business in Madison, Minne­sota ; Ole, who is also located in Madison; Mrs. H. O. Hendrickson; Laurits; Paulina, the wife of H. O. Thorson; Alert and Elmer, who are engaged in farm­ing, and four children who died in infancy. Their parents were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and were well read people, interested in all those forces which work for the uplift of the individual and the betterment of the community. Mrs. Hendrickson acquired a good education in the common schools and is a lady of genuine personal worth, enjoying the friendship and regard of all with whom she has been brought in contact. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children: Otto P., who is engaged in farming; Morris B., who is attending St. Olaf's College; Alfred W., who has passed away; Arnold, who died in infancy; Roy F., who is attending the high school; and Esther V., who is also attending school.

The cause of education has ever found in Mr. Hendrickson a stalwart champion and he does everything in his power to advance the interests of the schools in his community. He has served as a director and treasurer of the school board and also as its secretary. For several years he filled the office of township trustee. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, while his political belief is that of the republican party. Iowa numbers him among her native sons and his entire life has been actuated by the spirit of enterprise and progress which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country. He has lived to witness many changes in his native state during the period of his residence here. He has seen its wild land converted into rich and productive farms, its villages transformed into thriving cities and the work of improvement carried steadily forward until in many respects the great state has come to a point of leadership among the states of the Union. He rejoices in what has been ac­complished and he has ever borne his full part in the work of general improvement.

Source: History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, Vol. II, 1918, page 187