Bio of OLNESS, Theodore T. (b.1880), 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
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Vol II, pg 657
THEODORE T. OLNESS
Norway has contributed many substantial citizens to the United States and among
them must be mentioned Theodore T. Olness, president of the H. S. Johnson
Company. He was born in Bergen, on the 13th of August, 1880, a son of Theodore
and Sophia Olness, likewise natives of Norway. They came to the United States in
1882 and located in Goodhue county, Minnesota. The father is engaged in farming
there and is readily conceded to be one of the most representative citizens of
the community in which he resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Olness five sons and three
daughters have been born, Theodore T. being the fifth in order of birth.
In the acquirement of his early education Theodore T. Olness attended the public
schools of Minneapolis and subsequently took a business course. After putting
his text­books aside he entered the employ of the Wyman, Partridge Company and
was a mem­ber of the clerical department for five years. At the termination of
that time he resigned his position and became associated with the John F. Wilcox
Company, a con­nection he maintained for eighteen years. In 1920 he became
interested in the H. S. Johnson Company and since that time has been active as
president. Mr. Olness is a man of quick perception and innate executive ability
and under his excellent manage­ment the company is enjoying increased business.
On the 16th of January, 1903, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Olness and Miss
Genevieve L. Roberts of Detroit. Her death occurred on the 14th of September,
1922, and came as a severe shock to her family and many friends. To their union
one son was born, John T., who is a student in the University of Minnesota.
The religious faith of Mr. Olness is manifest in his membership in St. Mark's
Episcopal church and he is a generous contributor to its support. He is a
prominent and active member of the St. Anthony Commercial Club and the
Manufacturers Club, also the Minneapolis Civic & Commerce Association. Socially
he is identified with the Old Colony Club and the Minneapolis Athletic Club. For
recreation Mr. Olness turns to outdoor sports and he is particularly fond of
hunting and fishing. During the World war he gave generously of his time and
money in the furtherance of the government's interests and took an active part
in the promotion of all bond drives and other worthy causes.