Solve K. Kolsrud

Solve K. Kolsrud, proprietor of a large and profitable general mercantile establishment in Waterville and one of the prominent, able and public-spirited residents of Waukon, has lived in Allamakee county since 1877. He was born in Norway in 1875 and two years afterward was brought to America by his parents, who came directly to Iowa, locating first in Paint Creek township, Allamakee county, and later settling in Jefferson township on a farm. Their son grew to manhood there, acquiring his early education in the public schools and supplementing this by a course at Decorah Institute and the Upper Iowa University and at Fayette, Iowa, where he took a commercial course. After completing his studies Mr. Kolsrud turned his attention to teaching, following that occupation for several winter terms in different counties of this state and spending his summers during this time in farming.

Solve K. Kolsrud became connected with general merchandising, in which he has since attained prominence and prosperity, when he formed a partnership with Tollef Johnson and under the firm name of Johnson & Kolsrud opened a store in Waukon. After three years he sold his interest in this enterprise and accepted a position with the International Harvester Company, whom he represented as a traveling salesman for six or seven years in northeastern Iowa. He left this position when he was appointed deputy auditor of Allamakee county and did such able and conscientious work in that capacity that after four years he was elected auditor, serving until January 1, 1913, and discharging his duties in a businesslike, able and progressive manner. In December, 1912, he purchased his brother's general store in Waterville and has since continued to conduct it, controlling today an important and growing trade. He keeps a large and well selected stock of goods and the business has steadily expanded since he assumed control, being now a large and profitable enterprise. Mr. Kolsrud makes his home in Waukon, where he owns a neat and attractive residence and where he intends to live for some time to come in order to give his children the benefit of the excellent schools in the city.

In Center township, Allamakee county, on the 14th of June, 1896, Mr. Kolsrud married Miss Gunda Marie Bakkum, who was born and reared in that community. They became the parents of the following children, Agnes G., Katherine Alvira, Stella Grace, Harry Frederick and Lillian. The parents are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Kolsrud is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. Having lived practically all of his life in Allamakee county, he has become widely known here and the fact that many of his stanchest friends have known him since childhood is an indication that his career has been straightforward, honorable and upright in all its relations.

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

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