Carl Autley EKLUND, the son of Bengt August Carlson EKLUND [1863, Sweden - 1956, Creston IA] and Amanda Christine ANDERSON EKLUND [1874, Sweden - 1949, Creston IA], was born August 8, 1895. He lived his whole life in Union County, Iowa. Carl spent his early years around the Creston area [Union County, Iowa], but moved with his parents to the "home place" in 1908. B. A. and Amanda lived on the "homeplace" until 1940 when they moved back to Creston.

Pearl Frances JOHNSON, the daughter of C. I. JOHNSON and Ida Florence (JOHNSON) JOHNSON, was born September 11, 1899. She had three brothers, George, Sevric, and Lorange, and one sister, Florence (Mrs. Avery SANDERSON), all deceased. Another sister, Ida, died giving birth to a daughter, Opal Leona, and another brother, Carl, died in infancy and is buried in the Spaulding area.

Frances' mother passed away when she was ten. C. I. married Anna PEARSON. She was remembered with special fondness by the grandsons. Carl and Frances were married June 24, 1919. Carl served in World War I [PFC Co. E 88th Infantry]. The George HOFFMAN farm (where Herman REIMER lives now [1987]) is where they made their first home. While living there two sons were born. They were Clarence Arthur (Olie), born February 22, 1921 - living at rural Shannon City, Iowa and Raymond Carl (Bill), born September 10, 1924 - died February 26, 1984.

From 1935 to 1940 Carl and Frances and the boys lived on the C. I. JOHNSON farm in Section 14, Grant Township. That is where Wayne and Marie Pitkin currently live. In 1940 they moved to the "home place" where they lived until 1964 when they built a new home across the road.

Carl was very active in the community, serving on various boards and committees in and around the area. His favorite, however, was the Union County Fair Board and the 4-H program for young people. He served as president of the fair board for many years. He was initiated as an Honorary 4-H member of Union County in 1959 at the annual countywide rally day.

Frances was an avid quilter and embroiderer. She belonged to the South Valley Quilters for years and her embroidery work was just as pretty on the back as it was on the front. The granddaughters especially remember and cherish the pleated gingham skirts that were cross-stitched and had pulled work on the border. They were beautiful and represented hours of work.

Carl passed away December 8, 1971 and Frances passed away February 21, 1978. Their final resting place is Oakland Cemetery at Shannon City, Iowa.

SOURCE: Arispe Centennial: 1887 - 1987 p. 120. 1987

Transciption by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2010