Bio of GUSTAFSON, Oscar G. J. (b.1871), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical

OSCAR G. J. GUSTAFSON - Vol III, pg 597-598
Among the men whose names figure prominently in connection with the development
of lumber interests in the Northwest is Oscar G. J. Gustafson. He started out in
life practically empty-handed but steadily worked his way upward, energy and
determination proving the basis of his success, which was also due to his
recognition and utilization of opportunities. Mr. Gustafson was born in
Jonkop-ing, Sweden, on the 19th of January, 1871, a son of Carl and Margaret
(Carlson) Gustafson. For many years the father was engaged in the operation of a
flour mill in the old country and he was one of the most successful and highly
esteemed citizens of the community in which he resided. His death occurred in
1881. In 1896 his widow came to America and made her home with her son, Oscar G.
J. Gustafson, until she passed away in 1910. To Mr. and Mrs. Gustafson three
sons and three daughters were born, Oscar G. J. being the sixth in order of
birth.
In the acquirement of his early education Oscar G. J. Gustafson attended the
public schools of his native country and at the age of eight years accepted a
position as clerk in a wholesale house in Hamburg, Germany. He remained in the
employ of that concern for fourteen years, his close application to business and
innate ability winning him constant promotion. For some years he was traveling
salesman for the company but in 1893 tendered his resignation and determined to
take advan­tage of the opportunities offered by the new world. Upon arriving in
the United States he at once located in Minneapolis and started to learn the
lumber business, from the ground up. He spent many days in the forests and
logging camps, before railroads had penetrated the country. He continued in the
lumber business, be­coming familiar with every phase of it, and subsequently
formed a partnership with Frank E. and E. H. Day, under the style of the Day
Lumber Company at No. 511 South Third street, Minneapolis. In 1905 he organized
the South Side Lumber Company, with offices at No. 1100 South Third street, and
he is president of this organization. He is the oldest retail lumber salesman in
this city, has proven himself to be a business man of progressive spirit and
unfaltering determination and well merits the success he is enjoying. The best
principles of honor and integrity have governed him in all transactions and he
has won the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come into contact.
In Minneapolis, on the 24th of November, 1920, was celebrated the marriage of
Mr. Gustafson to Miss Ella Cunningham, a daughter of William Cunningham of
Anoka, this state, who was also one of the old pioneer lumbermen of the
Northwest. Mrs. Gustafson is a woman of charming personality and she is active
in the club and social circles of Minneapolis.
Oscar G. J. Gustafson has always given his political allegiance to the
republican party and the principles for which it stands. Although he has never
sought nor desired public preferment, he is ever cognizant of the duties and
obligations of good citizenship and his influence is always on the side of
advancement and improve­ment. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks, holding membership in Minneapolis Lodge, No. 44. As a
public-spirited citizen he is an active member of the Civic & Commerce
Association, and along strictly business lines he is affiliated with the
Minneapolis Retail Lumber Association. His religious faith is that of the
Lutheran church. During the World war Mr. Gustafson gave generously of his time
and money in the furtherance of the government's interests, and was a member of
the Elks committee, assisting in all Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives. For
recreation from his strenuous business duties Mr. Gustafson turns to the great
outdoors and he is particularly fond of fishing and hunting. A man of pleasing
appearance and fine address, Mr. Gustafson has made many friends and he ranks
among the leading citizens of Minneapolis.