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1900 Whiteside Bios > Oke Holmquest

Biographical History of Whiteside County, IL 1900

Biographical Record of Whiteside County 1900

pp277

Oke Holmquest is a man whose successful struggle with adverse circumstances shows what can be accomplished by industry and economy, especially if a sensible wife second his effort to secure a home and competence. Coming to the new world without means, he has labored earnestly and his well-directed efforts have been crowned with success for he is now the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred acres on section 14, Prophetstown township.

 

Mr. Holmquest was born in Sweden, December 20, 1834, and as his parents died during his childhood, he has been dependent upon his won resources for a livelihood from an early age. In his native land he worked on a farm, in a factory, or at anything which he could find to do, and as his time was wholly taken up in this way, his educational advantages were necessarily limited. His knowledge of the English language has all been obtained through his own unaided efforts since coming to this county.

 

In 1868, with the hope of benefiting his financial condition, Mr. Holmquest came to America, taking passage on a vessel from Denmark to Liverpool, England, whence he crossed the Atlantic to Boston. He proceeded at once to New York, and on west to Princeton, Bureau county, Illinois, where he found employment at ditching and followed that employment for about two years, making fair wages. He then rented land near Yorktown and engaged in farming in Bureau county for three years. Coming to Whiteside county, in 1874, he bought two hundred acres of raw land, which he broke, fenced, ditched and improved, transforming it into one of the best farms on the locality. He paid eight hundred dollars toward the county ditch which runs through is farm. Upon his place he has erected a good set of farm buildings which stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise.

 

In Princeton, Bureau county, Mr. Holmquest was married, in 1875, to Miss Ida Olson, also a native of Sweden, and to them have been born three sons, namely: Albert and Oscar, who have started out in life for themselves, and Anton, who is still at home. In making his farm what we today see it,Mr. Holmquest has been ably assisted by his family. He and his wife attend the Lutheran church of Prophetstown, and he affiliates with the Democratic party, particularly at national elections.

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