Buena Vista County, IA
IAGenWeb Project

John Paulson owns and operates a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres situated on section 11, Nokomis township, which has been in his possession since 1884, and until recent years masonry has been the major portion of his labors, the foundation for nearly every building in Alta having been laid by him.  Mr. Paulson was born in Denmark, September 1, 1842.  He there learned the mason's trade and made his home in his native country until he had reached the age of twenty-seven years.  In 1869 he emigrated to the new world and for a time made his home in Chicago, Illinois.  He then went to Texas and was employed on the construction of a railroad there for three years.  On the expiration of that time he went to Fargo, North Dakota, and was there employed at railroad building for one year.  He then returned to Chicago and found plenty of work at his trade, for this was after the great fire in 1871 and there was much building being done.  After a few years spent in that city, Mr. Paulson came to Buena Vista county, Iowa, and in connection with a brother purchased land, which he improved and cultivated for a time.  He then spent five years in Alta, working at his trade, and for three years was engaged in the implement business here, while for several years he gave his attention to buying and shipping stock.  He followed the mason's trade to a greater or less extent until 1905, since which date he has given his entire time and attention to operating his home farm.  On his place may be seen a good house, barns and other outbuildings for the care of stock, for he raises and feeds from one to two carloads of stock each year.  In addition to his farm he also owns property in Alta and is a stockholder in the creamery and the elevator in this village.

Mr. Paulson was married in May, 1882, to Miss Mary Hanson, a native of Denmark, and a daughter of Hans Hanson.  By her marriage Mrs. Paulson has become the mother of six children:  Anne, the wife of Murphy Langlett, a farmer of Elk township; Henry, who wedded Lillie Lindlief, a resident of Nokomis township: and Bert, Lydia, Rebecca and David, all under the parental roof.

Politically Mr. Paulson is a democrat with strong prohibition tendencies.  He has never sought to figure in public life, for his private business affairs have made full claim upon his time and attention.  He is a devoted member of the Free Mission church of Alta.  He has never regretted coming to America, for here he has found the opportunities he sought and making use of these as they have presented, he has gradually worked his way upward until his standing today is that of a substantial, progressive citizen, who commands the good will and confidence of neighbors and friends.