BIOGRAPHIES:  Iver PEDERSON, Ettrick, Trempealeau Co., WI

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This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:  
Nance Sampson, Trempealeau Co. WIGenWeb Coordinator,  1 June 2001      
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Iver Pederson, founder of Ettrick, merchant, manufacturer, Indian fighter 
and veteran of the Civil War, was a splendid example of the descendants of 
the Vikings who fought their way to America, and with no other assistance 
than their native ability and capacity for hard work established for 
themselves an enviable position in this new country.  He was born in Biri, 
Norway, March 13, 1842.  He was there reared amid rugged conditions, and 
acquired such education as the parish afforded.  In 1859 he came to America 
and located in Westby, Vernon County, this State, where a number of his 
countrymen had preceded him.  Only three years later, in 1862, he responded 
to Abraham Lincoln's call for troops to defend the Union and enlisted in the 
now-famous Company K, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in which he 
served until the close of the war.  Immediately after its organization the 
company was sent to the frontier to defend the white settlers against the 
Sioux Indians.  In 1863 the regiment was sent to Columbus, Ky., and joined 
the expedition against Vicksburg under command of Gen. Jeremiah Rusk.  From 
Vicksburg the regiment was sent to Jackson, Mo., later returning to 
Vicksburg, and from there being sent to join Sherman's army in its march to 
the sea.  After the general review at Washington, Veteran Pederson returned 
to Vernon County.  From there, a short time later, he moved to Coon Valley, 
La Crosse County.  It was in 1867 that he began his career in Trempealeau 
County by establishing a store at Frenchville in company with Ole Skow.  Two 
years later he sold this store to Mrs. Skow and moved to what is now the 
village of Ettrick.  After homesteading a farm, which now includes the 
village site, he opened a store in 1870 and engaged in the general 
mercantile business.  Later he platted the village and increased its 
material prosperity by erecting a flour mill and woolen mill and a creamery.  
Here he continued to spend the remainder of his life.  After a long and 
useful career, in which he had done much to increase the material prosperity 
of his village and county, he died Sept. 29, 1914, and was sincerely mourned 
by a wide circle of friends and associates.  Mr. Pederson was married at 
Ettrick to Mary Nelson, who was born in Biri, Norway, Nov. 15, 1852, and 
came to this county with her father in 1861.  Mrs. Pederson, who proved a 
loyal helpmate and faithful mother, still resides at the family home at 
Ettrick.  Their union has been brightened with five children.  The olders, 
Peter, died in infancy.  Albert M. is still conducting the store and mill at 
Ettrick.  Emma is the wife of P. M. Benrud, of Frenchville, Ida is the wife 
of Carl Aaby, who is associated with Albert M. Pederson in the mercantile 
business.  Anna is the wife of Morris Berge, a druggist at Elk Mound, Wis.

--From the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," pages 379 - 380.

Link to more history from the Ettrick area - 
http://www.rootsweb.com/~witrempe/histories/bcvhistory.htm