The Family of John A. & Emma (Golackson) Iverson

Transcribed by Janet

                       Mr. & Mrs. John A. Iverson

John Alexander Iverson, a prosperous farmer of Dewhurst Township, was born on a farm in Jordan Township, Green County, Wis., Nov. 9, 1859, son of Iver and Bertha (Stardal) Iverson, natives of Bergen, Norway, who came to America about 1840, and after their marriage in this state, settled on a tract of wild land in Green County. Here he built a log house and began work with an ox team. Milwaukee was the nearest market, and he drove there with his cattle about twice a year to procure groceries and other supplies, also hauling wheat to market. There he and his wife spent their lives, he serving as chairman of the township board much of the time and thus as a member of the county board. He was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, which he served as a trustee. His death occurred when he was 68 years old, his wife dying at the age of 47. Their children were: Betsey, John, Marcus, Albert, Emma, Anna, Chris, Sophie and Mollie. John A. Iverson grew to manhood on the farm and after he became a young man entered the employ of the McCormack Binder Company at Milwaukee, remaining with them for four years. He had attended district school for three years, and later took a three years' course at Milton College. On his father's death he returned home and took charge of the farm, being thus occupied for three or four years. Then for the next three years he operated a rented farm in Green County.

In 1894 he came to Clark County, homesteading 160 acres of land in Section 14, Dewhurst Township, he and his wife being accompanied by their son Roy, who still resides on the homestead. The tract of which he took possession was a wilderness and there were no roads in the vicinity. He had a pair of horses, and soon after arriving here he bought a cow, but one of his first acts was to build a shanty in which to reside, and a log stable. A substantial log house was later erected, which has been since enlarged and improved into a fine farm house. Mr. Iverson has also built a basement barn, 36 by 74 feet, and set. out spruce trees and evergreens about the yard, the general appearance of the farm, which is known as "Mound View," being very picturesque. He keeps a good grade of Holstein cattle and Duroe-Jersey hogs, and is doing a good farming business.

He is a man of considerable prominence in his community and county, having been especially active in Republican political circles. In 1903 he was elected as chairman of his township and served nine years, being re-elected in 1915 to serve in 1916. Both in the township and as a member of the county board, his work in this capacity was most efficient. In 1905 he was elected county coroner, and served in 1906, 1907 and 1908, being re-elected in 1917 and still serving. For many years he has been a member of the Columbia School District. In business affairs he is also a leader, being president of the cheese factory at Columbia, which he helped to build.

He and his family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Iverson was married Jan. 4, 1886, to Emma Golackson, born in Green County, Wis., March 15, 1871, daughter of Golack and Marie (Peterson) Golackson, natives of Norway, now residing in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Iverson have two children. Roy is associated with his father in farm work. Ruth, born in Dewhurst Township, is the wife of William Gregory, of Humbird. It is interesting to note that as late as 1916, Mr. Iverson killed a bear a mile west of his farm.