Surnames: Holverson, Brown, Larson, Hauge, McFarland

----Source: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County) Thursday, 11/09/1922

Holverson, John (11 Oct. 1878 - 31 Oct. 1922)

The great reaper of Death has again thrust in his sickle and another has been removed, in the prime of his life, from the walks of men. Human life is no exception to the law of mutation written all over created things. It is appointed unto all men once to die and they are born, they live out their appointed time, by it short of long, and then they pass away. It is written, "My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle -- the eye of him that hath seen me shall se me no more: thine eyes are upon me, and I am not." What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?"

The subject of this sketch was widely known in this community. Though he had not made his home here fro a number of years, he was held in high esteem and his memory was cherished by a large circle of friends in Neillsville and vicinity, for he grew up from youth to manhood in this city.

John Holverson was born in Valor, Norway, October 11, 1878. He was the sixth child and second son of Halvor and Carrie Holverson, and with his parents came to America when he was about three years of age. His father passed away a number of years since, and his mother preceded her son into the great beyond by some four years. At the time of his death, which occurred October 31, 1922, he had been a resident of Scott’s Bluff, Nebraska for a number of years. His age was 44 years and 20 days. Tho he had been a sufferer from disease for a long time, his demise was not expected, and he was taken away in the prime of his manhood.

The deceased had four sisters, three of whom are living. These are Mrs. Hannah Brown of Gliman, Wis., Mrs. Lena Larson, and Mrs. Carrie Hauge, both of this city. The other sister, Mrs. Jane McFarland, died in the state of Washington a number of years since. Two brothers are living, Lewis, of Denver, Colorado, and Henry, of Kelson, Washington.

Mr. Holverson never married. He was a sincere Christian gentleman, and held the confidence to those who knew him. He was confirmed in youth in the Norwegian Lutheran church at Blair, Wisconsin. Throughout his life he bore witness to the sincerity in which he took upon himself the confirmation vows, and strove Christ whom he confessed as his Savior, finding much joy in his service to his Lord. When he was away from the privileges of his own church he fellowshipped with other Christians, and found joy in such associations.

When the Holverson family emigrated to this country they settled at Blair, Wisconsin, where John grew to youth, and at the age of about 15, he came with the family to Neillsville. Some 18 years ago he went to Colorado and entered the employment of the Great Western Sugar Company. Later he was transferred by the company to Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, where he remained till the time of his death. Much of the time in which he served the about company Mr. Holverson was a head of one of the departments. The long service and his position as a trusted employee in this company indicated the confidence which was reposed in the man, and was characteristic of his trustworthy character, his industry and his ability to take care of responsibilities imposed in him. The great corporations of our day do not keep and promote men sentimentally, but because they deem the man they retain and elevate as entirely worth his keep. Mr. Holverson was held in high esteem by those who knew him, and his former associates here fail not to speak well and kindly of him, and they, with his many relatives cherish many precious memories of his life and character which he bore among them.

The funeral services were held from the Presbyterian church at Neillsville Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by the pastor of that church. The burial was made at Levis Cemetery. ***