Thomas Sunde

SUNDE, OLSON

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 3/12/2011 at 20:24:32

Among the successful and progressive farmers of Ellsworth township is Thomas Sunde, a native of Norway. His birth occurred on the 6th of December, 1859, and he is a son of Lars and Engeborg Sunde, who passed their entire lives in the land of the midnight sun. They had a family of eight children, but only two are now living.

Thomas Sunde obtained his education in the schools of Norway and remained in that country until 1884, when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, having heard much concerning the opportunities here offered the young man of industry and enterprise. For some time he was employed as a farm hand in Grundy county, Illinois, but since 1887 has resided in Emmet county, Iowa. He owns three hundred and twenty acres of rich and well improved land on section 15, Ellsworth township, and his annual income is such as to insure him the comforts of life. He raises stock on an extensive scale and is thoroughly familiar with all phases of that business.

Mr. Sunde was married in 1906 to Mrs. Gertrude (Mathison) Olson, who as a child accompanied her parents, Knut and Sarah Mathison, from Norway to America. Both her father and mother are still living in Grundy county, Illinois. By her first marriage Mrs. Sunde has three children: Torkel, residing in Ellsworth township; Amos T., of Estherville; and Sadie C., at home. To Mr. and Mrs. Sunde have been born two children, Elvin L. and Hazel I.

Mr. Sunde is a republican and has served acceptably as trustee of his township. He is also a trustee of the Lutheran church, to which his wife likewise belongs, and all forces seeking the moral advancement of their community receive their hearty support. The determination, sound judgment and energy which have enabled him to win success have also gained him the respect of those who know him, and added to these admirable qualities are unswerving honesty and a scrupulous regard for the rights of others.

Source: History of Emmet County and Dickinson County Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, The Pioneer Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1917.