Onsgard, Lewis K., 1866-1938.

Lewis K. Onsgard was born on a farm near Spring Grove, Houston County, Minnesota, on January 1, 1866. He was one of eight chilren born to Knute and Bergit Larson Onsgard, natives of Hallingdal, Norway, who came to Minnesota in the early 1850s and were among the early settlers in Houston County. Lewis grew up on his parents' farm. He earned his medical degree from the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1887. He practiced medicine in Harmony, Minnesota, for five years, and in May 1892 moved to Houston, Minnesota, where he took over the practice of Dr. Henry P. Johnson. Onsgard's son Kenneth joined his father in the practice in 1929. Onsgard suffered a paralyzing stroke at about that time and retired from active work. Lewis Onsgard died in Houston of arteriosclerosis on October 24, 1938.

Early in his career Onsgard was appointed local company surgeon for the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway Company (the Milwaukee Road), and served in this capacity for many years. He served on the staff of the General Hospital of Winona, Minnesota, and also served for several years as a member of the local board of health, and as a coroner (1893-1895). He owned a farm that apparently was located somewhere in the vicinity.

Lewis Onsgard married Anna Laugen of Houston in the spring of 1889. The couple had five children: Orrin, who operated a Ford dealership in Houston; Dr. L. Kenneth Onsgard, Houston; Agnes, a piano teacher in Houston; Laura (Mrs. Axel M. Hanson), who taught high school at Albert Lea, Minnesota; and Ruth (Mrs. P. F. Johnson), a school teacher at Bricelyn, Minnesota, at Houston, and perhaps at other places.

From the guide to the Lewis K. Onsgard and family papers., 1875-1946 (bulk 1891-1929)., (Minnesota Historical Society)