Andrew Carson (1865-1939)

CARSON, PETERSON, SWANSON, CHRISTIANSEN, OLAUSON, CARLSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 9/13/2024 at 19:51:27

From Story City Herald February 2, 1939 (page 2)

ANDREW CARSON

Andrew Carson, a native of Sweden, was born on the 25th day of October, 1865, and after sojourning on earth for a period of 73 years, 2 months and 22 days, passed on to his eternal reward Monday noon, January 16, 1939. Having been in his usual state of health he attended to his tasks about the home that morning as had been his custom, but during the forenoon he became ill and at midday "he was not, for God took him."

When a young man of 18 years of age he left the land of his nativity and migrated to America, locating first at Dows. Two sisters, who had left the home in Sweden, had located at Dows, he decided to try railroading and subsequently came to Story City, where he was then employed by the Iowa Central railroad, now the M. & St. L. He remained in the service of this railroad until he was retired a few years ago.

After he had made his home at Story City for 8 or 10 years, he was transferred to State Center in 1895 or 1896. In 1921 he was again transferred, when he left State Center and moved to Newton and little later he resided in New Sharon. After about two years of residence in this latter place he, with his companion, came to Story City about 10 years ago, where he lived until the time of his death.

He was first married to Anna Peterson at State Center in 1896. To them were given two children, a daughter and a son. After enjoying the blessings of home life with his first wife for a period of about six years she was taken from him by death leaving him with two small children. On Dec. 24, 1921, he was married a second time, when Freda Swanson became his companion, who now survives him.

While living at State Center he united with the Methodist church of that place, and upon coming to Story City his church membership was transferred to Grace Evangelical church. He was vitally interested in matters pertaining to the kingdom of God, and loved his Bible which he preferred to read in his native language. He endeavored to live the Christian life to the best of his ability, for he was a firm believer in the redemption thru Christ our Lord as disclosed in the Gospel.

Mr. Carson was of a quiet disposition, unassuming and therefore never conspicuous in his activities. Because of having been employed continuously for that long period of time by the same company, during which time he was several times advanced in positions, he gave evidence that he was a faithful diligent and dependable servant giving a good account of himself. Now after having made his contribution he passed on, leaving the work to others.

He is survived by his sorrowing widow; one daughter, Dora M. Carson of Elmhurst, Ill.; a son, Ben O. Carson of Cedar Rapids; four sisters, who are Mrs. Justine Christianson of Oslo, Norway, Mrs. Sofia Olauson living in Sweden, Mrs. Charlotte Carlson of Easton, Maryland, and his youngest sister, Matilda, residing also in Sweden, and two grandsons. Two sisters have preceded him in death.