EARLY SETTLEMENT — HISTORICAL ITEMS — ORGANIC — EDUCATIONAL — RELIGIOUS — NORMAN VILLAGE

This township lies in the extreme northeast corner of Winnebago county, and comprises all of congressional township 100 north, of range 23. The surface of the township is quite rolling, and the soil is very productive. A few years ago about one-third of the area of the township was covered with a heavy growth of timber, but the woodman's ax has been busy hewing down the giants of the forest for lumber and fuel, until to-day the wooded portion, about one-fourth of the township, is mostly underbrush and scrub-oak. The inhabitants of the township are well-to-do, industrious and hospitable. the stranger always finds the "latch-string" out, and is made welcome to the best in the house.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

This part of history proves at once the most interesting as well as the most instructive. It leads the reader back to primitive days, when the country was just being opened up by the hardy pioneers. The vicissitudes, the discomforts, the disappointments, under which the pioneer must have staggered, come vividly before the mind. And then, as the country comes up, slowly and painfully, as it were, to a certain degree of civilization and improvement, it is noticeable that the excellence, in whatever degree, is due to the energy and enterprise of the pioneer. This township has been settled by a sturdy class of men, who came to stay, and who have wrought prosperity out of the soil.

The first settler to locate in the township was William Tennis, who located 160 acres of land on section 21, in 1856. Mr. Tennis was born in Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Ind. Mr. Tennis is still a resident of the township, having lived on the same farm for over a quarter of a century. He has one of the best farms in the township, comfortable buildings, and has made a good competency for himself and family.

William Tennis is a son of Samuel and Jane Tennis, who reside with our subject, the former aged ninety-three, and the latter seventy-eight years. He was born on the east bank of the Maumee river, near Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Ind., Sept. 30, 1832. In 1855 Mr. Tennis came to Iowa and laid claim to a quarter section of land on Bear creek, east of Forest City, Winnebago county. In 1856 he sold his claim to Judge Robert Clark, then of Mason City, Cerro Gordo county, but of late years a resident of Forest City, Iowa. In 1856 Mr. Tennis laid claim to a quarter section in Norway township, and built a log cabin thereon, 18X24 feet in dimensions. In May, 1857, he attended the land sales at Osage, Mitchell county, and obtained a deed for his land. He immediately returned to Indiana, where he remained until 1859. In that year he took the overland route for Pike's Peak, Col., reaching his destination in 1860. In November, 1864, he returned to Winnebago Co., Iowa, but in 1865 went back to Colorado, where he remained until the fall of 1873. He then came again to Winnebago county, and, in the spring of 18874, made a third trip to Colorado to settle up his business, and returned home to live permanently. Mr. Tennis was interested in several gold mines of Colorado, the largest of which was the "Unexpected." At the present writing he possesses an interest in the Humboldt mine, of Colorado. He owns 320 acres of land, all under cultivation with the exception of ten acres of timbered land. On Sept. 5, 1878, Mr. Tennis was united in marriage with Laura Westbury, of Forest City, Iowa. They are the parents of two children - Lloyd Austin and Lillie Eva. Mrs. Tennis is a member of the M.E. Church at Forest City.

During the same year (1856) the following named came to the township: Colburn Larson, Hans Knudson, Lewis Nelson, Heinrich Larson, Harvey, Knudson, Jasper Fricker and Archibald Murray. Colburn Larson and Hans Knudson are still residents of the township. The former settled on section 15, the latter on section 10.

Lewis Nelson settled on section 22, and made that his home until his death, in 1869.

Heinrich Larson located on the northeast quarter of section 14, remaining there till his demise, which occurred in 1873. His widow still lives on the farm.

Mr. Harvey, whose first name is forgotten, commenced pioneering on the northeast quarter of section 23. In 1862 he died, and his family, except one son and a daughter, returned to the eastern part of the State. The son and daughter are still living on the old place.

Mr. Knudson settled on the northwest quarter of section 11. In 1861 he was killed by being run over by a wagon. His widow still owns and manages the old place.

In June, 1856, Jasper Fricker and family settled on section 33 and commenced making improvements. On New Year's night, 1875, Mrs. Fricker died, and a few years later Mr. Fricker went to Minnesota.

In 1857 there was but one new settler in the township -- Joseph Tennis, who still lives here.

In 1859 Halvor Peterson and Christian Anderson came to Norway township, locating on section 16. They are still residents of the township.

John Iverson came to the township in 1860, locating on the northwest quarter of section 21, where he has sonce made his home.

The year 1862 marks the arrival of Samuel Tennis and his son Joseph, who settled on section 21. Samuel Tennis was among the most prominent of the early settlers, and is noticed elsewhere in this vollume. His son Joseph is still a resident of the township.

In 1863 the number of residents of the township was increased by the arrival of Halvor Larson and H.S. Bottsford. Bottsford settled on section 26 and made that his home until 1869, then sold to Joseph Tennis. He is now in Nebraska. Halvor Larson located on the northwest quarter of section 26, and still makes that his home.

HISTORICAL ITEMS.

The first breaking in the township was done by William Tennis, who also put in the first grain.

The first school house was built in 1859. It was a frame building, and was erected on section 15, in what is now district No. 2. Here Mrs. Nellie Hinman taught the first school in the winter of 1859-60. In 1868 the first school house was torn down and a new one erected.

The first child born in the township was Annie Larson, daughter of Colburn Larson. She was born sometime during the year 1857.

The first death was that of Mrs. C.L. Nelson; died March 14, 1857.

ORGANIC.

Norway township was created by act of the board of county supervisors in June, 1864, and the first election was held shortly afterward, at what is known as the colburn Larson school house. The following were the officers elected: H.S. Bottsford, clerk; Samuel Tennis, justice; Samuel Tennis, John Iverson and Halvor Peterson, trustees.

In 1883 the officers were: S.G. Honsey, clerk; Gilbert Larson and H.M. Aldine, justices; Ole Dahle, Sern Olson and Inglebrit Martin, trustees; E. Moon and Erick Steene, constables.

EDUCATIONAL.

In this respect Norway is not behind other townships in the county. The first school was taught in the winter of 1859-60, and there were twenty-four scholars in attendance. There are five school districts in the township, and in each there is a good school house.

District No. 1 has a school house on section 14. It was first built on section 11, in 1873, at a total cost of $750. In 1881 it was moved to section 14. It is a frame building, 18X28 feet.

The school house in district No. 2 was built in 1868, on the site of the first one built in the township. It is 20X32 feet in size, and cost about $900.

District No. 3 has a school house on section 17, built in 1873, at a cost of $500. It is 18X28 feet.

The school house in district No. 4 is situated on section 29. It was built in 1875, is 18X28 feet in size, and cost about $600.

The school house in district No. 5 was built in 1878 on section 26.

RELIGIOUS.

The Norwegian Lutheran church of Norway township was built in 1873. The edifice is not yet completed, but when finished will cost not less than $6,000. It is situated on prominent ground on section 13, is 40X75 feet, twenty feet high. the steeple is about 125 feet in height. It was mainly through the efforts of Rev. Torgeson, the present pastor, that the church was built, and the present good standing of the society is due greatly to him. The membership now numbers over 200. Rev. Torgeson lives near Bristol, Worth county.

NORMAN VILLAGE.

Norway township has but one village within its borders. Norman, a station on the Minneapolis & St. Louis R.R., is situated in the northeast corner of the township, on section 12.

The first buildings erected were the depot and elevator. The next buildings erected were for business houses, and were occupied by the following persons: Ole Scar, general merchandise; B.O. Rindahl, hotel; and Lewis Arneson, blacksmith. The present number of inhabitants is forty-three. The business interests of the town were represented in 1883 by the following: Emmons Bros., general merchandise; Thomas Wangsness, same; L. Arneson and Arne Enger, blacksmiths; S.R. Cross, grain buyer; T.M. Hogan, hotel and saloon; Stenar Narveson and Andrew Simmons, saloons.

The postoffice was established in 1879, with Ole Scar postmaster. He served one year and was succeeded by Thomas Wangsness, who served two years, and was succeeded in the fall of 1882, by C.O. Klaver, the present incumbent.

The Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad was built through the township in 1879, and runs through the eastern tier of sections from north to south. S.B. Tannyhill was the first depot agent at Norman. He remained one year.

John A. Simon is one of the most substantial farmers in Norway township. He located here in 1868, and now owns 120 acres of land, all under cultivation, and valued at $20 per acre. He was born in Boone Co., Ill., July 29, 1844. His father died in 1846, and his mother, Betsey (Tisdel) Simon, subsequently married Nevy Kanutson, of Boone Co., Ill. They lived happily together until their death, which occurred in the spring of 1883. When thirteen years of age, John A. Simon came west, and located in Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where he lived four years. He then went to Winona, Minn., and three years later accompanied a man, named Matthews, back to Illinois. In 1867 he returned to Winneshiek Co., Iowa, and went from thence to Rushford, Fillmore Co., Minn. The year following (1868), he located on section 36, of Norway township, where he has since resided. In 1872 he married Annie Lindseth, of Worth Co., Iowa. They have five children - Annie Levisa, Rachel Bertina, Alita, Arnfen and Olef. Mr. Simon is republican in politics, and has held the offices of assessor and road commissioner. Himself and wife have been members of the Lutheran Church of the Synod for about fourteen years. Mrs. Simon's father, John Lindseth, is still a resident of Norway. Her mother resides with her.

Michael J. Holstead, one of the well-to-do farmers of Norway township in tis county, was born in Bergen stift, Norway, the 5th day of November, 1837. He lived in the old country until 1867, when he came across the ocean to America, and settled in Winneshiek Co., Iowa. He lived in that county about one year, when he came to this county, locating in Norway township, on section 26, and bought 166 acres of land on sections 25 and 26. In 1863 he was married to Martha Thorson, of Norway. The result of this union is five children - Thomas, Julia, John, Edward and Susan. His father died in 1881 in the old country. His mother is still living. Mrs. Holstead's parents came to this country and located in Winneshiek county, but died some years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Holstead belong to the Lutheran Church of the Conference. He is a republican in politics, and has held the office of school director two years since coming to this county. He has always been a farmer and raises considerable stock, hogs, cattle, sheep, horses, etc., a large amount of which he raises for sale.

Bendick Hermonson, one of the old settlers of Norway township, was born in Bergen stift, Norway, on the 2d day of February, 1829. He lived in the old country until 1864, when he emigrated to this country. He located in Winneshiek Co., Iowa, at Burr Oak Springs. He lived there until 1870, when he removed to Winnebago county and located on section 28, Norway township. He then bought 160 acres of land on section 27, all of which is under cultivation. Mr. Hermonson was married in 1856 to Johanna G. Rollinson, of Norway. The result of this marriage was fifteen children, thirteen of whom are living - Lewis B., Henry B., Andrew B., Martin B., Thomas B., Albert B., Guttern B., Annie B., Lena B., Caroline B., Bertina B., Tilda B. and Mary B. Mr. and Mrs. Hermonson are members of the Lutheran Church of the Conference of Lake Mills. His parents died a number of years ago. Mrs. Hermonson's mother is dead, but her father lives in Winneshiek county. Her father was the first man who settled in Chicago, Ill.

T.G. Honsey was born in Norway Dec. 27, 1842, and came to America in 1861. In February, 1872, he came to Winnebago county, with his brother, and has since followed farming. He was married May 20, 1874, to Ture Wangsness, of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Honsey are the parents of five children - Annie, Gustof, Bertine, Henry and Josephine. Mr. Honsey came to American in limited circumstances, but by hard labor and judicious management has accumulated a comfortable property, and to-day is one of the well-to-do farmers of Norway township. Mr. Honsey is a member of the Lutheran Church where his family worship. In politics he is a republican and has held several local offices of trust in the gifts of the people.

S.G. Honsey was born in Norway, July 21, 1845. He emigrated to American in 1861 and located in Calmar, Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where he engaged in farming. In February, 1872 he came to Winnebago county with his brother, T.G. Honsey. They bought a farm in partnership and worked it together until the fall of 1879, when they divided their land, and he now lives on section 25. His farm consists of 140 acres. Mr. Honsey is a member of the board of supervisors of Winnebago county, besides holding other local offices. He was married July 19, 1879, to Katarina Brekke. She was born in Illinois. When a mere child her parents emigrated to Worth county, remaining there four years, when they removed to Winnebago county and settled on section 36, where Mrs. Brekke died, in May 1874, and the father in December, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Honsey are the parents of two children - Gustof I. and Albert J. They are members of the Lutheran Church.

James Price resides on section 35, where he located in 1875 and has since been engaged in farming. He was born at Sault de St. Marie, in the northern peninsula of Michigan, May 18, 1837. His father, James Price, was a soldier in the regular army, and shortly after our subject's birth removed to Niagra, Canada, thence to St. Paul, Minn., and subsequently to Prairie du Chien, Wis. In 1840 he assisted in the erection of Fort Atkinson, Winneshiek Co., Iowa, and afterwards was stateioned at Fort Winnebago, in Wisconsin, where he received an honorable discharge, and a year later was "called up higher" to receive his reward. His widow married George West, of Fort Winnebago, a few years later, and they removed to Dane Co., Wis., and settled on a farm. James Price, Jr., went to Osage, Iowa, in 1854, and in the spring of 1861 joined his broth-in-law, E.D. Hinman, at Bristol, Worth Co., Iowa. In the fall of that same year he enlisted in the 14th regiment, Iowa Volunteers, and served on the frontier at Forts Randall and Sully, Yankton Agency, and participated in the campaign at Devil's Lake and Mouse river. After the close of the war he again joined Mr. Hinman at Lake Mills, Iowa, and then engaged in railroading. In 1870 he settled down to a more quiet life, and in March, 1871, married Caroline E. Cuffle, of Pearl Rock, Iowa. That same year he bought forty acres of land on section 3, of Center township, and in 1875 purchased eighty acres on section 35, of Norway township, where he has since made his home and cultivated his land. Mr. Price is connected with the republican party; was justice of the peace six years, and township trustee two years. In 1881 he received an appointment as railway postal clerk in the United States service, and was on the route between Albert Lea, Minn., and Fort Dodge, Iowa, for about seven months. Mr. Price is a member of Sully Post, No. 180, G.A.R., of Lake Mills, Iowa, and is its present commander. His mother is a member of his family circle. Mr. and Mrs. Price have three children - Jane, Nettie and Edward. The family are members of the M.E. Church at Lake Mills.

Samuel Kirkwood Gregg, editor of the Independent Herald, at Lake Mills, was born Aug. 25, 1859, in Marion Co., Iowa. When he was but eight years of age his parents removed to Calhoun county, in the same State, where they now reside. Calhoun county at that time was newly and sparsely settled, hence educational advantages were limited. Samuel had no opportunity of attending school until nearly twelve years of age. His father losing his health in the late war, made it necessary for his sons to give move time to the imporvement of the farm, which aain deprived him of the privilege of an early education; but being desirous of reaching out and becoming something more than a plodding farmer, he read and studied every available book, becoming thus a self-educated man. In the spring of 1881 he traveled through different States, and finally returned to Iowa. He then began teaching a country school near Forest City, in Winnebago county. In the fall of 1882 he became an assistant local editor of the Review, at Forest City, where he remained until Jan. 1, 1884, when he purchased the Independent Herald, assuming editorial charge of the paper. Mr. Gregg is a young man of indomitable pluck, one who has at heart the interest of the community in which he lives. It is his greatest diesire to secure and retain the good will and friendship of the common people, doing more to that end than to advance his personal interests. The Herald, under his management, will be a success.

¹History of Kossuth, Hancock and Winnebago Counties, Iowa. Springfield, Illinois: Union Publishing Company, 1884. 928-33.