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Past and Present of
Winneshiek County, Iowa
Volume II
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LAUR LARSEN, D. D.
 Dr.
Laur Larsen, who wears the insignia of a knight of the Order
of St. Olaf, an honor conferred upon him by the king of Norway,
and who for forty-one years was president of Luther College
of Decorah, is an eminent educator and minister of the Lutheran
church whose far-reaching and beneficial influences are immeasurable
by any known standard of man. That his life has wrought for
good in the field of educational and moral progress is indicated
by the hundreds who have sat tinder his teaching as he has
addressed pupils in the classroom or congregations from the
pulpit. His work of uplift and benefit continued during the
period of his connection with journalism, and who can say
where it will end, for association with him means elevation
and expansion and all who come in contact with him feel the
inspiration that comes from his high moral character and lofty
ideals. With all this he is intensely human in his interests
and his sympathies, and it has been his spirit of kindliness
as well as his marked intellectual force that has enabled
him to accomplish the great work which he has done.
Dr. Larsen was born at Christiansand, Norway, August 10,
1833, and is therefore eighty years of age. His father was
an army officer and his mother the daughter of one of the
framers of the Norwegian constitution of 1814. Liberal educational
opportunities were accorded him, and following his graduation
from the theological department of the University of Christiania
in 1855, he worked for two years as a teacher of languages
in Christiania. The great field offered for Christian service
in America proved to him an irresistible call and in 1857
he came to the new world, spending two years in missionary
work in the Norwegian settlements of Rush River, Pierce and
in adjacent counties in Wisconsin. Until 1859 the Norwegian
Lutherans of this country had procured pastors for their congregations
from Norway. As the number of Norwegian immigrants increased
from year to year, the necessity of founding an institution
for the education of their own ministers became more and more
apparent. The ideas of these early Norwegian pioneers were
similar to those of the early pilgrims who founded Harvard
College. It was Dr. Larsen who was destined to carry this
idea to its fulfillment. The first fruition was the founding
in 1859 of a Norwegian professorship at the Concordia Seminary,
a German theological institution in St. Louis. Dr. Larsen
was called as professor to fill this position and moved to
St. Louis, where he lectured principally on the Hebrew language.
When in 1861 the war necessitated the closing of the seminary
the Norwegian population of the middle west decided to establish
their own institutions of learning, with the result that Luther
College came into existence and Dr. Larsen was called upon
to act as its first president. He entered upon his duties
at Halfway Creek, Wisconsin, on the 11th of September, 1861.
The following year the school was removed to Decorah, and
at the commencement exercises of the college in 1911, fifty
years after its founding, he was made president emeritus of
the institution. During the forty-one years of his incumbency
as president even his great capacity for work was put to severe
tests. During the years 1876 to 1903 he served as vice president
of the Lutheran synod. He assisted the pastors of the Decorah
congregation, when called upon to do so, and was often called
upon to fill pulpits on occasions of importance to
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the church. From 1882 to 1884 he served the Lutheran congregation
at Decorah as its pastor. In the years 1868-1888 he was editor-in-chief
of Kirketidende, a work he was again asked to resume when
he resigned his position as president. At the beginning of
January, 1913, he turned over this work to his successor and
is now enjoying a well earned rest having the distinction
of being Decorah's foremost citizen and the "grand old
man" of the Lutheran synod. Dr. Larsen is the oldest
educator among Norwegians of America. He has exerted a great
influence on the life and thought of his countrymen through
his work as a teacher, pastor and editor, and there is hardly
a person of Norwegian descent in America who does not know
him personally or by reputation. He is now living in retirement
near the college where he spent the best years of his life.
His home is a large and imposing residence, a gift to him
from old students and friends, made in 1897. On the occasion
of the celebration of the semi-centennial of the founding
of the Lutheran synod the Concordia seminary of St. Louis
conferred on him the degree of D. D. and later on the king
of Norway made him a knight of the Order of St. Olaf. The
recognition of his life work has thus come to him from the
sovereign of his native land-an honor well merited. The chief
testimonial of his labors, however, is found in the lives
of the hundreds of students who, prompted by his teachings;
have gone out in the world to uphold the high ideals which
he inculcated in their lives, thus proving their worth as
factors in the citizenship of America and as elements in the
great civilizing force which is slowly but surely making the
world better.
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William H., Smith, after a long and successful agricultural
career, lives retired in Decorah, enjoying in well earned
rest a comfortable competence. For many years he was engaged
actively in farming a four hundred acre tract of land in Bluffton
township, being one of the important factors in the agricultural
development of Winneshiek county. A native of England, he
was born on March 21, 1837, a son of William and Sarah (Hutton)
Smith, both natives of the mother country. The father was
a tailor by trade and passed away in his native land. In 1855
the mother and six of her children crossed the Atlantic to
the United States and, coming to Winneshiek county, made their
home with George, an elder brother of our subject, who had
previously come to the United States in the late '40s, taking
up a large tract of government land in Canoe township, this
county. Subsequently the mother purchased forty acres of land,
her son William H. taking charge and remaining with her until
her demise in 1862.
He is the youngest of seven children, the remainder all having
passed away. He received his education in England, coming
to the United States when eighteen years of age and locating
in this county, where he later engaged in farming. He purchased
a small farm and as his means increased extended its borders
until he today owns four hundred valuable acres of land on
sections 13 and 14, Bluffton township. Mr. Smith successfully
carried on general agricultural pursuits, specializing in
stock-raising and, employing modern and up-to-
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date methods, derived a substantial annual income from his
property. Obstacles had to be overcome in the beginning, but
by endurance and industry he succeeded in the development
of a valuable farm upon which can be found high-class improvements
and modern and up-to-date equipment. In 1901 Mr. Smith was
enabled to retire from active farm work and he has since resided
in Decorah, renting out his land. He is one of the highly
esteemed citizens of that city and has become connected with
its financial life as a stockholder in the Citizens Savings
Bank. He has never actively participated in politics but is
a strong republican and gave his undivided support to President
Taft. He attends the Episcopal church, in the work of which
he takes an active interest. His six brothers and sisters,
all now deceased were, George, Sarah, Clara, Rebecca, Mathilda
and Ann. Mr. Smith is highly respected and esteemed in Decorah,
where he is widely and favorably known for his many good qualities
of mind and character.
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 The
prosperity of a section is due to the collaboration of many,
but among them always stand forth a few who on account of
their attainments are entitled to special mention, Ben Bear,
who is closely connected with a number of the most important
commercial interests of Decorah and Winneshiek county, is
one of these and while he has attained individual success
and must be considered today one of the most substantial men
of this part of the state, he has by his labors also largely
contributed to general advancement and development. A native
of Germany, he was born in 1853 in Hohebach, Wurtemberg. His
father was Jacob Bear and his mother before her marriage was
Rose Tannebaum, a member of one of the prominent families
of that section of Wurtemberg: The father also was a man of
affairs in his native land where he was extensively engaged
in the grain and wool business.
Ben Bear attended school in Germany until thirteen years
of age, when the spirit to will and to do seized him and,
believing he would find a greater field of opportunity in
the new world, he came at that early age to America. He made
the trip on the steamship Hermann of the North German Lloyd,
the journey consuming four weeks. Indication of the spirit
that then dominated him and has continued to influence his
life is, found in the fact that this United States citizen-to-be
arrived in New York on a Saturday afternoon at four o'clock,
and seven o'clock the next morning found him installed as
errand boy in the general store of Rosenthal & Sulzberger,
doing business at the corner of Fourth street and Avenue D.
Industry and ambition were the keynote of his code and as
his willingness to work, his devotion to the business. and
his ability became recognized he rose successively in this
establishment until he became general manager, the period
of his connection with this firm covering the years from 1867
until 1876. A determination to be master of his own business
prompted Mr. Bear to seek a location in the middle west early
in the latter year, his foresight enabling him to recognize
the possibilities of that great and yet thinly peopled region.
Somehow he had heard of Decorah and he decided upon this
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place as a likely location. Arriving here in the twilight
of a March day, he was out early the next morning before most
people had greeted the new day and rented from the late Cyrus
Adams the old wooden structure that occupied a portion of
the ground which is now covered by Mr. Bear's magnificent
store building, and there he opened a clothing store. This
act was thoroughly characteristic of the man. The following
year the building was destroyed by fire but, not daunted by
this disaster, Mr. Bear immediately occupied the Asseln building,
now used as the Morrison furniture store, but when Mr. Adams
rebuilt on his lot Mr. Bear moved back to his original location,
and has continued to occupy it since that time. Several years
ago he purchased the property and lots adjoining and as his
business grew he enlarged his quarters, making his store one
of the largest and best of its kind in Iowa. In the direction
of this large establishment with its many departments he displays
that management which only comes from a master mind. The organization
is considered one of the most efficient and thorough, and
Mr. Bear's methods serve as an example to others. The sales
force of the establishment is discriminately selected by Mr.
Bear, who has fomented a spirit of cooperation among his employes
and the management, which is seldom to be found in such large
institutions.
In 1884 Mr. Bear was married to Miss Antonia Homberger, of
New York, and his family life is ideal in its happiness. Three
children were born to them: Gertrude, the wife of D. S. Benjamin,
of Springfield, Illinois; Dot, who married S. G. Heller, of
Chicago; and Alexander, who makes his home in New York. In
his household warm hospitality is bestowed upon friend and
guest and kindness and consideration for those upon whom fortune
has not smiled is a precept that is practiced in its best
and most helpful sense.
Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Bear's record in regard
to growth and improvement is one of which any good citizen
might be proud. He has been identified with every movement
that has tended to upbuild the city and, liberal in the expenditure
of time and money, has taken the initiative along many lines.
He was president of Decorah's first electric light company,
was active in promoting the building of the Winneshiek county
courthouse and was an important factor in making possible
the erection of the Grand Opera House of which he is associate
manager. He was one of the leading spirits in the building
of the Winneshiek Hotel and is president of the company that
operates this first-class house. When the question of a federal
building for Decorah came up it was he who materially helped
in securing the desired location now occupied. For several
years Mr. Bear was president of the Winneshiek County Fair
and under his direction it was an unqualified success. At
present he is treasurer of the Decorah Commercial Club and
in fact anything that is undertaken for the good of Decorah
and Winneshiek county finds a willing spirit in Mr. Bear.
In his affairs he is prompt, straightforward and businesslike,
and in no way is this more clearly evidenced than in the conduct,
of his business. Beginning in a small way he has applied incessant
industry, keen foresight and fair and square methods to his
transactions and by his honorable course has built up a business
that is accorded first place in northeastern Iowa and is favorably
known throughout this state, Minnesota, the Dakotas and even
Montana. In another two years Mr. Bear will celebrate his
fortieth anniversary, of active business, life in Decorah,
an occasion not only of significance to him, but to the city
at large,
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who will heartily join in the jubilee. Another side to his
life is his interest in literature as exemplified by the fact
that during his residence in New York he was a prominent member
of the Irving Literary Union, and was a very active participant
in an organization known as "The Boys." The term
"captain of industry" finds justification in the
life record of Mr. Bear, especially if we apply the word industry
in its first and original sense, for he is a man who by the
sheer force of his will, his ability and his initiative has
built up an enterprise of which the city of Decorah is proud.
That his qualities are of a character far beyond those possessed
by the majority no one doubts, but in manner Mr. Bear never
indicates that he recognizes or knows aught of his own superiority.
Ever moving, he has pushed on, never losing sight of the goal
before him, conscious that his aim was justifiable and' his
course honorable. The years have proven the worth of his labors
and his record reflects credit and honor upon the city that
honors him.
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 Decorah
is much indebted for its advancement and expansion, to the
enterprise and ability of Harry J. Green, for he is not only
foremost as one of the progressive newspaper men of the city
but has also been closely connected with its public life,
having served in various important positions and occupying
at present the executive chair, doing valuable work in promoting
public interests. Not only has he been prominent in local
politics but has actively participated in the affairs of the
nation as a member of important republican committees and
conventions. He was born in Wyoming county, Iowa, August 3,
1875, the third son of the Rev. and Mrs. H. H. Green, and
in his boyhood days removed with his parents successively
to Toledo, Nashua, Janesville, Plainfield and Epworth, Iowa,
at the latter place attending Epworth Seminary. In 1890 he
moved with the family to Decorah which has since been his
home. After a year spent in the Decorah high school he entered
the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, from which institution
he received his diploma and the degree of B. A. upon his graduation
from the classical course. Returning to Decorah he entered
the employ of the Decorah Journal to learn the printer's trade
and a few months later became connected with the Decorah Public
Opinion, a new paper which was then established in this city.
In May, 1896, Mr. Green purchased a half interest in the paper,
F. L. Akers becoming his partner, and this relationship continued
until April, 1900, when he bought out the interest of Mr.
Akers. Since that time Mr. Green has conducted the paper alone
as owner and editor, building it up in its various departments
until it is now one of the most valuable weekly newspaper
properties in Iowa. His editorial style is clear and to the
point and readily conveys to the reader the position the paper
takes upon any public question. The news service is comprehensive,
naturally giving to local affairs a wide berth. As the circulation
has increased by leaps and bounds the advertising space has
expanded and the Decorah Public Opinion is readily conceded
to be one of the most valuable mediums for the merchant through
which to reach the public.
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On August 3, 1898, Mr. Green was united in marriage to Miss
A1lie Tracy and unto them were born three children, Marian,
Harold and Margery. Mrs. Green passed away on May 16, 1911.
A modern newspaper man and a man of ability, experience,
clear perception and progressive tendencies, Mr. Green has
become well known in lines outside of his profession. He is
prominently identified with various fraternal organizations.
He is a thirty-second degree Mason and was for five years
master of Great Lights Lodge, No. 181, has served as high
priest of King Solomon's Chapter, No. 35, R. A. M., and is
now captain general of Beausant Commandery, No. 12, K. T.
He is a charter member and was the first foreman of Oneota
Homestead, Brotherhood of American Yeomen, and is now serving
as sovereign commander of Decorah Lodge, W. O. W. He was last
year Chancellor Commander of Decorah Lodge; No. 230, K. P.,
and at this writing fills for the third time the position
of exalted ruler of Decorah Lodge, No. 443, B. P. O. E. He
has held official positions in various other lodges both in
local and national organizations. In 1901 he was elected commander
of the division of Iowa, Sons of Veterans, and in 1906 was
one of the organizers of the Homesteaders, a fraternal insurance
society, and has since that time served as a member of its
board of directors.
A man of force and conviction, he has readily attained an
important position in political life and served for several
years as chairman of the republican county central committee,
being in 1904 elected delegate from the fourth Iowa district
to the republican national convention in Chicago. With the
interests of Decorah he has been closely connected, ever exerting
unflagging energy in incorporating or promoting measures for
the benefit of the city. When the park board was created he
became one of the first three park commissioners, doing valuable
work in this capacity towards beautifying the city, having
at that time charge of the establishment of the present city
park, which in its size and arrangement is worthy of a city
of much larger size and stands as a monument to the earnest
efforts of the first board, to which Mr. Green belonged. As
secretary of the Decorah Commercial Club he has done valuable
work in promoting trade expansion by creating a spirit among
its members of working together for the general benefit. Upon
the death of Mayor F. W. Daubney in November, 1912, he was
elected mayor of Decorah and is now bending his efforts to
wise administration, giving the city the benefit of his long
experience along public and semi-public lines. A great many
measures are now under contemplation promoted by him and his
term of office gives fair promise of being one of the most
valuable in furthering the interests of the city along material,
intellectual and moral lines.
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