Bio of Ole Olson (b.1862)Wabasha Co., MN USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Martha J. Berryman Note: This Biography is taken from the book "History of Wabasha County" copyrighted 1920. Olson - Ole Olson, who operates a fine farm of 325 acres in section 37, Lake Township, is a man who has risen to his present position by overcoming many obstacles through force of will and determination. He was born May 8, 1862, in Sweden, not far from the cities of Landscrona and Lund, his parents being Olaf and Eleanor Olson. The father was a poor workman, who, however, owned a small piece of land. He subsequently died in Sweden. The mother was born in Sweden in 1830. She and her husband reared three sons, Ole, Peter and John. John lives in Sweden, but Peter, who, like Ole, came to America, is now a farmer in Lake Township, this county. Ole Olson had to make himself useful at an early age, working as a herdsboy during the summers and attending school winters up to the age of 13 years, when he began working out as a farm hand. At 15 he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, but soon gave it up and went back to the farm. For four years he was coachman for a Mr. Glundtworm, a wealthy Danish landowner, and at 21 entered the employ of another farmer. Every year during this period he had to serve several months in the army, his employer releasing him for that purpose. He remained with the farmer last mentioned for five years and then went back to Mr. Glundtworm as superintendent of his farm, and this time remained with him four and a half years, meanwhile receiving military training in the calvary. On October 30, 1886, he married Olivia Oakeson, who was born in Sweden, September 20, 1861, daughter of Oke and Johanna Pearson, and who had worked for the same employer as himself. By this time Mr. Olson had resolved to emigrate to the United States, but as he was still of military age, neither the government nor the church would grant him permission. He finally got a permit to accompany his wife to this country on his promise to return. They went to Denmark, and from there to Leith and Glasgow, Scotland, sailing for America from the latter port May 5, 1887. They had bought tickets in Glasgow for Minneapolis, which city they reached the latter part of May, the ocean voyage having taken 12 days. In Minneapolis Mr. Olson found employment as a laborer for the city and with Rosehill Nursery Co. On December 13, 1888, he with his wife and child, came to Wabasha County to work the Spotwood farm in Mt. Pleasant Township for a Mr. Smith of Minneapolis. He drew but little of his salary, and after two years, his employer became financially embarrassed, Mr. Olson bought the farm, machinery and stock to save his earnings. In 1895 he sold the farm and deposited his money in the Merchants Bank of Lake City, which failed and he lost all his money. For 11 years he rented the James Lawrence farm. Then in 1906, he rented the Webster farm in section 27, Lake Township, and also an adjoining farm in section 21, the two together having an area of 325 acres, and he has since been engaged in operating this place, having a first class equipment. For his herds of Shorthorn cattle and Chester-White hogs he has thoroughbred sires. He has 11 workhorses and a fine touring car, and as a highly successful general farmer he commands the respect of the community. He was one of the founders and is a member and director of the Farmers' Elevator Co., a member of the Farmers' Shipping Association, and a stockholder in the Security Bank of Lake City. Mr. Olson's record as an American citizen is equally good. He has served efficiently in various capacities in town office and on the district school board, and during the recent world war took a very active part as township chairman of the committees organized to raise funds, leading his forces over the top in every drive, for which he received honorary tokens of appreciation from his fellow citizens and townspeople. In politics he is a Republican. He is associated as a member with various fraternal orders, including the Masons, Oddfellows, the M.B.A., and the Equitable Fraternal Union, his wife also belonging to several. Religiously he was reared a Lutheran, and contributes liberally to the Swedish Lutheran church at Lake City, and all his children were confirmed in that church. They are people of a strong, rugged type, and have reared a large family, having lost only two children in infancy. The following is a brief record of their children: Ellen Marie, born in Minneapolis, July 4, 1888, died in June 1889. Oscar Leonard, born in Mt. Pleasant Township, December 13, 1889, is now a farmer in Pierce County, Wis. Ernest Julius, born July 1, 1892, was drafted for military service, June 24, 1918, was sent first to Camp Grant, at Rockford, Ill., then to Camp Meigs, at Washington D.C., where he received his mechanical training. On September 1, 1918, he sailed from Hoboken, N.J., for England on the Steamship Navassa; was a member of the Mobile Laundry Unit, No. 321, Quartermaster's Department; crossed from Southampton, England, to France and was stationed at Beaume, where he served as fireman. He shipped again for the United States June 29, 1919, landed in New York; was sent to Camp Mills, L.I., and from there to Camp Dodge, IA., where he was discharged July 19, and arrived home July 20. He is now working for the Jewell Nursery Company. John Edwin, born March 5, 1894, is farming in Lake Township. The above mentioned children, except Ellen Marie, were born in Mt. Pleasant Township. The next child, Martin William, was born in West Albany Township, July 3, 1896. He is with the Jewell Nursery. Annie Ellen, born January 22, 1897, is residing at home. Allan Francis, born March 8, 1901, died in June, 1904. James Lester, born March 2, 1904, is attending school. Mr. Olson's mother-in-law, who came alone to this country in 1902, resided with her son Ole until her death on November 25, 1913. Her remains were laid to rest in the Lutheran Cemetery at Lake City. Note: This biography was taken from the book "History of Wabasha County" copyrighted 1920.