T. B. Hermanson

T. B. Hermanson, who died upon his farm on section 2, Paint creek township, in 1909, was one of the progressive, prosperous and highly respected agriculturists of this district. He was born in Hallingdal, Norway, April 25, 1840, and was a son of Buerden Hermanson, who was also a native of Norway. When the son was but six years old he was brought to America by his parents, who settled first in Rock county, Wisconsin, but in 1850 came to Allamakee county, Iowa, locating on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Paint Creek township. They were among the earliest settlers in this county and the land of which the father became the owner was wild and undeveloped when it came into his possession. The first home of the family was a dugout which was later supplanted by the pioneer log house, and the family experienced many of the difficulties and hardships incident to frontier life. The parents both passed away on this farm, after which T. B. Hermanson took charge of it, continuing in its operation throughout his remaining years. Systematic and methodical, industrious and enterprising, he applied himself with characteristic zeal to his agricultural pursuits and as the years passed his well directed efforts were resultant of a most gratifying success.

He was married in 1865 to Miss Ragna O. Ellefson, a native of Norway and a daughter of Ole and Ingeborg (Halverson) Ellefson, by whom she was brought to America in early life. Her parents were early settlers of Allamakee county and after a residence of many years here went to South Dakota to visit a daughter, during which visit both passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hermanson were born twelve children, as follows: Rachel, the deceased wife of John Ralsdon; Louis, of Waukon, Iowa; Inger, the wife of G. S. Kolsrud; Ben, residing in Glenburn, North Dakota; Herman, of Maddock, North Dakota; Henry, of Paint Creek township; Halvor; John, deceased; Sophia, who married Leonard Tysland, of South Dakota; Halvor, deceased; Helma, clerk for Spinner Brothers, of Waterville, Iowa; and Tolmine, a nurse, who resides at home.

Mr. Hermanson passed away on the home farm on the 27th of April, 1909, in the faith of the Lutheran church, to which his wife, who still survives, also belongs. He was a republican in politics and a public- spirited citizen who had the interests of the community deeply at heart. His honorable principles and upright life won him many friends in Allamakee county, and with his passing the district lost one of its most honored and respected residents. His widow still resides on the homestead farm.

Halvor Hermanson, who succeeded his father in the ownership of the farm, was educated in the district schools near his home and also attended business college at Waukon in the pursuit of a commercial course. He now carries on general farming on the home place, which is in excellent condition, having been highly improved and brought under a good state of cultivation. Young and progressive, he is bending his efforts to its further development, and its attractive and well kept appearance is a credit to his well directed labors. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, and, like his father, he supports the principles and candidates of the republican party, feeling that the platform of that political organization is most conducive to good government. High purposes have ever governed his life and he is proving himself a worthy son of an honored father.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Jan Miller

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