Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

A well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section 29, Maple Valley township, stands as a monument to the thrift and energy of Peter Larson, who came as a youth of eighteen years to America from his native country, Sweden, where he was born on the I8th of July, 1851, a son of Lars Johnson and Svenborg Swenson, who became the parents of four children.  The mother had four children by a previous marriage.  Mr. Johnson was a farmer by occupation.

Peter Larson acquired his education in the schools of his native country and was there reared to the age of eighteen years, when, foreseeing that there was no future for him there and having learned of the opportunities to be enjoyed in the new world, in 1869 he emigrated to the United States.  He made his way to Ogle county, Illinois, where he was employed at farm labor for eight years.  During this time he also attended school in order to acquaint himself with the English language with the aim ever before him of some day possessing a farm.  He carefully saved his earnings and in 1879 came to Buena Vista county and purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, Maple Valley township.  He has made many improvements here, has laid tile, and he built a house, barn and outbuildings, which not only added to the attractive appearance of the place but to its value as well.  He is engaged in raising wheat, corn and oats and also raises Poland China and Duroc Jersey hogs and good grades of horses, feeding all his grain to his stock.  He has been very successful in life and deserves great credit for what he has accomplished since taking up his residence in Iowa.

Mr. Larson chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Ida Johnson, who was likewise born in Sweden, a daughter of John Johnson.  Their marriage occurred December 24, 1883, and they are the parents of three living children:  Clare Victor, who is on the home farm; Limea Cynthia and Uno Severin, also at home.  They also lost an infant daughter.

Mr. Larson is an independent republican and while he keeps in touch with the progress that is being made along political lines, he has never sought nor desired public office.  He is a member of the Lutheran church at Alta, in the work of which he takes an active and helpful part.  He is well known among the substantial residents of Iowa and commands the respect and esteem of all with whom he is brought in contact.