William H. Selberg
Allamakee county numbers among her progressive and substantial
farmers and her successful native sons William H. Selberg, who
owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on
section 18, Jefferson township. He was born in Ludlow township,
March 20, 1868, and is a son of Henry Selberg, a native of
Germany, who remained in that country until he was fifteen years
of age. He then crossed the Atlantic with his parents and after
his arrival settled in Wisconsin, where he grew to maturity. His
marriage occurred in that state and he later moved to Iowa,
buying one hundred and sixty acres of land in Ludlow township,
this county. Upon this he continued to reside for a number of
years, carrying forward the work of improvement and development
until his death.
William H. Selberg, is one of a family of seven children. He was
reared upon his father’s farm and educated in the Ludlow
township district schools. From his childhood he assisted in the
operation of the homestead and for a time managed it in
partnership with his brother. However, in February, 1901, he
purchased the farm upon which he now resides, this property
comprising one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land on
section 18. He has repaired the building and remodeled the house,
has fenced the entire place with woven wire, and has made many
other substantial improvements, adding materially to the value
and attractiveness of this property. In addition to general
farming he engages also in stock-raising, keeping fine herds of
shorthorn and polled cattle and raising also Chester White hogs
and high-grade horses and sheep. For the past fifteen years he
has operated a model sanitary dairy and milks at the present time
from fifteen to twenty cows. The dairy products are sold to the
Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of Waukon, in which he is a
stockholder.
Mr. Selberg married Miss Lisette Straate, who was born and reared
in Jefferson township, and they have become the parents of two
sons, Elmer C. and Leo H. Mr. and Mrs. Selberg are members of the
German Reformed church of Waukon and are people of exemplary
character, holding the respect and high esteem of all who know
them. Mr. Selberg is independent in his political views,
supporting always men and measures which he deems most worthy
without regard to party lines. He has remained a resident of this
community from his birth to the present time and enjoys an
enviable reputation as an enterprising agriculturist and a
representative citizen.
-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by
Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Diana Diedrich
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