Tarkio township has a class of citizens of which it has every reason to be proud as on the whole they are energetic, seeking success in legitimate lines of business and recognizing at the same time their individual obligations to their fellowmen and to the country. Not a few of Tarkio’s citizens come from Sweden and to this class belongs S. A. Youngberg, who is now following farming on section 3. He was born in Sweden in June 1837, his parents being John and Anna Swanson, both of whom lived and died in Sweden. Mr. Youngberg was reared in the place of his nativity and received his mental training in the schools of that land. He remained a resident of his native country until thirty years of age, when in 1867 he sailed for the United States, settling first in Henry county, Illinois, where he lived for six years. During that period he engaged in farming as a renter, after which he came to Page county, Iowa, and, in connection with his brother Henry, purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 3, Tarkio township. They were associated in business for five and six years and S. A. Youngberg then purchased his brother’s interests in the farm. He has resided on this place continuously since coming to Page county and its excellent appearance is indicative of the life of well directed energy and thrift which he has lived.
Mr. Youngberg was married while still a resident of Sweden, Miss Mathilda Johnson becoming his wife in 1863. Their children are seven in number: Charlie and John, who are both residing in Montgomery county, Iowa; Hilma, the wife of Lenus Peterson, of Chicago, Illinois; Lena ; Edward, also of Montgomery county, Iowa; Otto, of Fremont township, Page county; and Arthur, who is working the home farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Youngberg hold membership in the Lutheran church and find its teachings the incentive for righteousness and for integrity. Mr. Youngberg is a republican in politics. Ills record is such an instance as may frequently be found where the sons of Sweden have come to the new world, bringing with them the characteristics of persevering industry and reliability common to the race. He has not sought through speculation or by’ any devious methods the success which is now his but has gained his prosperity and his competence as the reward of earnest, diligent labor that has continued through the passing years.