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NORTHWESTERN
IOWA
ITS HISTORY AND TRADITION
VOLUME III
1804-1926
M. M. ELK
M. M. Elk, one of the substantial business men of Galva, has made his own
way in the world and represents that type of well bred foreign born American
citizen whose inherited tendencies of industry, enterprise and integrity have
contributed so largely toward the development and prosperity of our nation. A
native of Sweden, he was born March 31, 1854, and his parents, Morton Larson
and Annie Johnson, were lifelong residents of that country. They had seven
children: Lewis, Peter and Ernest, all of whom are deceased; M. M.; Beatrice,
the widow of Nesls Johnson, of Sweden; Johanna, who still resides in that
country; and Annie, who has passed away.
M. M. Elk was educated in his native land and in 1870 severed home ties,
responding to the lure of the new world. His brother had preceded him to the
United States in 1869 and both adopted American names after coming to this
country. Our subject was engaged in farming near Princeton, Illinois, for seven
years. In 1876 his brother came to Ida county, Iowa, acquiring a quarter
section of land, and he was later joined by M. M. Elk, who was a partner in the
transaction. For several years they were associated in the operation of the
place, which they converted into a fine ranch, supplied with many modern
improvements. M. M. Elk was identified with agricultural activities of that
district until 1917, when he purchased land near Galva, and is now the owner of a
desirable farm of two hundred and ninety-four acres. He utilizes scientific
methods and through systematic work has brought his land to a high state of
productivity. He is also president of the galva Union Elevator and a
salacious, farsighted business man, well able to cope with modern commercial
conditions.
On February 18, 1890, Mr. Elk married Miss Ida Jacobsen, and eight children
were born of their union, namely; Mable, who is the wife of Ray Walter, of
Harlan, Iowa; Florence, a resident of Long Beach, California; Clarence C.,
cashier of the State Bank of Galva; Lewis, Vernie and Ruby, all of whom are
deceased; Harold, who lives in Galva; and Ethel, who is engaged in teaching at
Arlington, Illinois.
Mr. Elk reserves the right to vote according to the dictates of his judgment, regarding the qualifications of a candidate as a matter of first importance, and is liberal and broadminded in his views on all subjects. He has ever
placed the general welfare before personal aggrandizement, and he has held every office in the township. He has been a member of the local school board and was assessor in 1892. He served for sixteen years as secretary of the
Farmers Elevator Company and has been the recipient of many important trusts, all of which he has discharged with ability and fidelity. He is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and conforms his conduct to the teachings of the Methodist church. Correctly understanding life's values and purposes, Mr. Elk has wisely conserved his powers, and although he has reached the age of seventy-two years, he still remains at the helm of his business, wisely directing his affairs. His devotion to duty, public spirit and strict honesty are well known to the residents of Galva and Ida county and have met with a rich return of personal regard.
posted at this site with Debbie's permission
Deborah
see: http://www.iagenweb.org/history/index.html
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