Oliver J. Larson (1850-1913)

LARSON, MATHRE, ANDERSON, MILLER

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 3/12/2025 at 00:19:59

From Jewell Record February 20, 1913 (page 4)

Oliver J. Larson

Oliver J. Larson, son of Johannes and Elizabeth Mathre, was born in Mathre, Norway, Feb. 9, 185-, and at the age of six years emigrated with his parents to America. The family settled at Lisbon, Ill., where they lived one year, then moved to Hamilton county, Iowa, locating on a farm in Scott township northeast of Randall, where a brother, Andrew J. Larson, still resides. Mr. Larson's father died in 1865, his mother in 1897. He was one of a family of eight children, of whom one brother, Ole J., and three sisters, Enger, Anna and Malinda have died. Three brothers survive, Sam J., living west of Randall, Lars J., living east of Story City, and Andrew J., living on the home farm northeast of Randall.

In June, 1876 he was married to Miss Martha Anderson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ambjorn Anderson, living north of Randall. For a year they lived in the vicinity of Randall, then moved to the farm south of Jewell where the family has since resided, for thirty-six years. To Mr. and Mrs. Larson ten children were born five sons and five daughters, of whom all but one survive and all of whom live at home or near Jewell. They are John O., A. O., Anna (Mrs. J. J. Miller), Martha (who died 3 years ago), Louis, Henry, Elizabeth, Emil, Alydia, and Olive.

As a child Mr. Larson was confirmed in the Norwegian Lutheran church by Rev. Amlund, of Story City, and has been faithful throughout his life to his church vows. For several years past his membership has been in Bethesda church at Jewell, where he has been a faithful and regular attendant.

Oliver J. Larson was throughout his lifetime deeply and intelligently interested in public affairs. He was always one of the leaders in affairs of politics and government in Hamilton county, and his political views have always been respected and his political assistance sought by every person in the county who has been concerned with public affairs. In his own township he has been frequently entrusted by his neighbors with the administration of township affairs in various capacities, as treasurer of the school board, township clerk and township trustee. For two terms, from January 1, 1895 to 1901, he served as a member of the county board of supervisors. At republican political gatherings and conventions for years he has been a prominent figure and his words and influence have carried weight and have always been deferred to to a remarkable extent.

Not only was he a leader in political affairs in Hamilton county, but in all other lines of activity Mr. Larson has always been in forefront of those who stood for progress and enterprise. In every project for the building up of the community his active co-operation has been forth-coming. Ever since the farmers elevator company in Jewell was organized, Mr. Larson's executive abilities have been recognized by winning for him a place as president of that organization.

Throughout the past fall and winter he has been gradually failing, but characteristically refused to consider himself especially sick and only within about ten days of the date of his death did he take to his bed. The end came before many of his friends had really realized that his condition was serious. Death came at 6:20 Thursday morning, Feb. 13, at the age of 63 years and 4 days, from cancer of the abdominal cavity. The funeral services were held Sunday at one o'clock from Bethesda church, conducted by Rev. Norstad, and the boy was laid at rest in Evergreen cemetery in Jewell. The very large attendance and the beautiful floral offerings testified to the depth of the respect and esteem in which he was held by hosts of friends all over Hamilton county, and to the sincere regret for his loss felt by the men who have known and worked with him during his lifetime.

Oliver J. Larson was a good man, a good neighbor, and a good citizen. He has been worthy of the description in every respect and his loss will be deeply felt. Hosts of friends and acquaintances extend their heartfelt sympathy to the sorrowing wife and children in their bereavement, and join with them in mourning his departure.