Simen Overby, one of the early settlers of Trempealeau Valley and one of the oldest businessmen of the Valley and Taylor passed away at his home in Taylor on Tuesday, February 23, 1925, after a long suffering of infirmities of old age complicated by a severe case of kidney trouble. Deceased had been gradually failing for the past several years but not until three weeks prior to his death was it necessary for him to be confined to his bed. During his last few days of life, he suffered intense pain, but like the staunch old pioneer and Christian that he was, he bore the suffering without a murmur. His age was 83 years, 3 months and 14 days.

Mr. Overby was born at Tyldalen, Osterdalen, Norway on November 9, 1843, the son of Olaf/Ole Simonson and Sigrid Arneson Overby

His youth was spent in Norway. In 1866 the urge to settle in America took root and he came here, settling first at Racine. A few months later he came to the Town of Springfield in Jackson County settling at Mound Spring which at that time was thriving settlement near where the Trempealeau Valley Lutheran church now stands. This settlement had been established for about ten years. His ambition lay in a business career and he secured employment for a man who was conducting a shoemaking shop in the settlement. He later opened a shop of his own, making boots and shoes for the early setters. He was also appointed postmaster at Mound Springs and continued to serve in that capacity until he moved to Taylor. When the Green Bay and Western was completed through Trempealeau Valley and Taylor in 1873, he was quick to see the advantage of locating at Taylor and consequently moved his shoemaking shop here, constructing a small building for this purpose on the site where now stands his large apartment residence. He continued as postmaster here and in the meantime he purchased a building owned by a Mr. Fenny adjoining his shoemaker shop. He then added a line of general merchandise to his shoe business, adding to his stock of goods and store building as the necessity warranted. In 1905 he retired from active business life, having built up a large and thriving business. He had also engaged in the feed business, running a mill and elevator where he bought grain. This latter business, was later purchased by a farmers stock company, Mr. Overby retaining an interest in the concern until his death. His name is still connected with the firm name and will no doubt go down in the history as a memory to this thriving and hustling businessman of Taylor, whose activities no doubt helped to make the business life of Taylor what it is today. Aside from his business activities he still found time to serve the community in an official capacity. He was assessor of the Town of Springfield for many years and also Town Treasurer for a number of years. He was also a director of the school board for several terms.

On February 20, 1872 he was married at Taylor to Miss Ellen Fenny. She died on February 20, 1885. He is survived by two sons,

1. Theodore S. Overby of Finley, North Dakota and

2. Olaf S. Overby of Taylor.

He was again married on November 13, 1890 at Taylor to Miss Nikoline Simenson of Chicago.

He is survived by his widow and three children were born to their union -

3. Miss Mary Ellen Ruth Overby (1893-1986) of Washington,,D.C., died Haines City, Florida;

4. Miss Sigrid Judith Overby of Boscobel, Wisconsin and

5. Martin Overby of Fairmont, Minnesota.

He also leaves as the last survivor of his father's family, one sister, Mrs. Barbro Tofte of Albert Lea, Minnesota.

The funeral services were held Monday, March 1st at the new Lutheran church. Rev. Blaness of South Haven, Minnesota, officiating in Norwegian and Rev. O.O. Lovaas in English. Both paid a glowing tribute to the memory of the departed. Interment was made at the Hjerleid (Woodlawn) cemetery.

The funeral services were largely attended, but on account of the stormy weather many who had wished to attend were no doubt forced to remain at home. Thus another of the first settler in this valley has passed into the Great Beyond. There are now only a few of the very first settlers left.

THE TAYLOR HERALD -MARCH 12, 1925