JOHN SOCKERSON, Sanders Volume III, Jefferson Co., MT USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, 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. Files may be printed or copied for personal use only. "List transcribed and organized by Ellen Rae Thiel, thieljl@aol.com All rights reserved." Copyright, 1998 by Ellen Rae Thiel. This file may be freely copied for non-profit purposes. All other rights reserved. JOHN SOCKERSON: - pg 1339 From Sanders Volume III History of Montana published 1913 Montana has furnished the opportunities for many successful careers, and one that is noteworthy and deserves mention in this history is that of Mr. John Sockerson, of Basin, who has been identified with this region for a quarter of a century. Prosperity and many friends have come to him, and all his success is the result of his own efforts and character. A native of Sweden, he was born near Stockholm on the 13th of December, 1860, and was reared and received his education in that country. In 1880, when he was twenty years old, he immigrated to America, and at Manistee, Michigan, found employment in the lumber camps. During the next four years his industry and ability found favor with his employers, the Lewis Sands Lumber Company, which company in 1884 sent him up into the northwest to take charge of their saw mill and lumber camp on the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway at Maple Creek. This responsible place he filled for three years, an din 1887 decided to see and explore the Northwestern country. Buying a team of mules, with wagon and outfit, he drove across country to Fort Assiniboine, and thence to Helena, Montana, where he arrived after a month's journeying. At Helena he engaged in the teaming and transfer business, an did very well at it for a year or so. He then sold out, and moving to Elk Park, engaged in the wholesale wood business, which he continued four years. It was then that Mr. Sockerson removed to Basin, where he has since been one of the leading citizens and business men. Within a year after his arrival he erected the first brick business block in town. He is now one of the large owners of property both in the city and county, and also has substantial investments in productive mining property. Fraternally Mr. Sockerson is affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and in politics is Republican.