Charles O. Olson

OLSON, KNEBERG, BECKJORDAN

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 2/6/2010 at 07:15:50

CHARLES O. OLSON

Charles O. Olson, well known in Lake Mills, is now living retired, although for many years he was actively connected with the farming interests of Winnebago county, his well directed energy, thrift and enterprise bringing to him the success that now enables him to enjoy many of life's comforts. He was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, December 29, 1860, a son of O. E. and Louise (Kneberg) Nelson, who were natives of Norway and in 1847 came to the new world, settling in Dane county, Wisconsin, where the father followed the occupation of farming until his death. He passed away, however, in the same year in which his son Charles was born (1860), while his widow survived until November, 1887.

Charles O. Olson was reared and educated in the county of his nativity, spending his youthful days with his grandparents, with whom he remained until he attained his majority. He then rented land in Dane county which he continued to cultivate until 1888, when he removed to Winnebago county and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 28, Newton township. With characteristic energy he began to till and improve the farm and his business affairs were e-o carefully and wisely managed that each year he was able to add to his savings and at length he bought one hundred and sixty acres more on section 9, Newton township. He continued to cultivate both places until 1913, when he retired from active farm work but still continued to occupy the old homestead for three years more. In 1916, however, he removed to Lake Mills and purchased a nice residence in the north part of the town. There he still resides and is enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He rents both of his farms and from these properties derives a substantial annual income. While upon the farm he made a business of raising hogs and shipped a carload and a half annually. He also engaged in dairying and at times milked thirty cows. He is now a stockholder in the Leland Creamery Company.

On April 17, 1880, Mr. Olson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Beckjordan and to them were born nine children: Bennie M., Gust O., Clarence E., Josie Emma, Walter S., Palmer Carl and Myrtle L. I., all of whom are yet at home; and Josephine and Charlotte, who died in infancy.

Mr. Olson has long given stalwart support to the republican party. He served as road overseer in Newton township and for many years filled the office of school director, taking an active interest in upbuilding the educational facilities of the district. The family are members of the United Lutheran church. Mr. Olson's life has long been guided by high and honorable principles, making him a man whom to know is to respect and honor. In all of his business affairs he has been found to be thoroughly reliable and his diligence and determination have brought to him the success which is now his.

Source: History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II. Pioneer Publishing Company (Chicago), 1917. pp. 545-546.