KLEMESRUD, Harald Knudsen

KLEMESRUD, HERMANSEN, MAAKESTAD, GROV

Posted By: Deidre Badker (email)
Date: 5/29/2014 at 18:41:36

Harald (Haral) Knudsen Klemesrud was born June 1, 1859 at Klemetsrud, Hedalen, Sor Aurdal, Oppland, Norway to Knud Hermanson Klemesrud and Liv Haroldsdatter Grov, the oldest of their eight children.

He emigrated in 1867 to Black Earth, Dane, Wisconsin with his parents and sister Carrie. In 1868, his parents moved their family west to Cedar, Mitchell, Iowa where they first lived with the Docken (also known as Tidemansen) family in a small cabin on the Docken farm while constructing their own home.

Harald's father bought land on Section 14-97-18 in Cedar township and began building his farm.

Harald was confirmed on October 11, 1874 at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church at Meroa, Cedar, Mitchell, Iowa.

Found in the 1870 to 1885 censuses living at Cedar, Mitchell, Iowa:
1870: Canute Haroldson 36, Leve Haroldson 35, Harold Haroldson 12, Carrie Haroldson 5, Herman Haroldson 3.

1880: Knud Hermanson 46, Liva Hermanson 45, Harl Hermanson 21, Carrie Hermanson 16, Herman Hermanson 13, Martin Hermanson 9, Liever Hermanson 6, Gabriel Hermanson 1.

1885: Knud Hermandson 53, Let Hermandson 52, Harol Hermandson 25, Carra Hermandson 19, Herman Hermandson 18, Martin Hermandson 13, Sever Hermandson 10.

In 1888, Harold bought 119 acres from T. R. Davis of County of Sanborn, Territory of Dakota.

He married Ingeborg Severine Maakestad on May 25, 1890 at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, Meroa, Iowa.

The couple had 10 children, 3 dying in infancy. They named their farm the "Midway Farm" as it was equal distances from each of their parents' (Knud Klemesrud and Ole J Maakestad) homes.

Found in the 1895 - 1920 censuses living at Cedar, Mitchell, Iowa:
1895: Harald Klemesrud age 34.

April 1900: Haral Klemesrud 40, Ingeborg S Klemesrud 34, Lillie C Klemesrud 8, Cora O Klemesrud 16, Herbert I Klemesrud 4, Olaf K Klemesrud 2,Clarence G Klemesrud 1 mo, Henry A Rier 26 (hired man).

1910: Haral B Klemessud 50, Belle Klemessud 44, Lillie Klemessud 18, Cora Klemessud 16, Herbert Klemessud 14, Olaf Klemessud 12, Clarence Klemessud 10, Theodore Klemessud 8, Ruth Klemessud 6, Lloyd Klemessud 3.

1915: Harald Klemesrud age 55.

1920: Harald K Klemesrud 60, Ingeborg S Klemesrud 54, Lilly C Klemesrud 27, Herbert I Klemesrud 24, Olaf K Klemesrud 21, Clarence G Klemesrud 19, Theodore S Klemesrud 17, Ruth J Klemesrud 15, Lorin H Klemesrud 11, Eleanor H Klemesrud 9.

In 1899, Harald bought 40 acres adjoining his land on the northeast, from his parents. This had a house which was moved home and made into a chicken house. Mr. and Mrs. Mike Brakken lived on this place in the 1890's.

In 1904, he bought an additional 60 acres adjoining his farm on the north from Nick J. Johnson and wife Caroline. This had a house and other buildings.

In 1909, the former Johnson house was moved across the field in two sections, and joined at either end of the one the Klemesrud's were living in. The basement was enlarged; a hot water furnace was installed; running water, bathroom fixtures added, and gas lights put in.

Found in the 1925 & 1930 censuses living at Osage, Mitchell, Iowa:
1925: Harold Klemesrud 65, Ingeborg Klemesrud 59, Lillia Klemesrud 32, Ruth Klemesrud 21, Lorin Klemesrud 17, Elnore Klemesrud 13.

1930: Harald K Klemesrud 70 Ingeborg S Klemesrud 64, Lillie C Klemesrud 37, Ruth J Klemesrud 25, Lorin H Klemesrud 22, Eleanor H Klemesrud 19.

In 1933, some of the farm buildings burned and Harold was rebuilding them at the time of his death.

Their first windmill was of wood. After many years, it was replaced by a taller one of steel. Buildings were added and built by Harold and sons. Harold had learned the carpentry trade from his father. He also had purchased a well drilling device, which came in very handy as people developed homes and farm sites.

Harold was a farmer, carpenter and thresher man for 38 years. The farm, now owned by Harald's descendants, has been in the same family for about 126 years, receiving a Century Farm Plaque from the State of Iowa in 1998.

Harald Knudsen Klemesrud died October 28, 1935 at Osage, Mitchell, Iowa and is buried at the Rock Creek Lutheran Cemetery, Meroa, Iowa.

Find A Grave Memorial#471526674 with photo of his gravestone.

Obituary can be found in Mitchell Co Gen Web: http://iagenweb.org/boards/mitchell/obituaries/index.cgi?review=264848