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O. E. Oleson

A man who stands in the front rank of successful men in his county, one who has himself worked his way to this position, whose time and labor spent on his farm have rewarded him proportionately, until now, in spite of early struggles, he can spend the remainder of his life surrounded by every substantial comfort, enjoying the confidence, respect, and esteem of those who know him, taking part in the more important business operations of his community such a man is the subject of this sketch. He is one of those who have found their Norwegian blood not a detriment, but an aid, in working out a successful career in life.

O. E. Oleson was born in Clayton county, Iowa, July 9, 1855, the son of Emrick and Gunil (Swinson) Oleson, natives of Norway, who came to this (Clayton) county in the fifties, and here died. They came to Rock Prairie, Wisconsin, on arriving in this country, but did not remain there long until the desire for some of Iowa’s land brought them here. Emrick Oleson was a farmer, a Republican, and a member of the Lutheran church.

O. E. Oleson was born and brought up on a farm, and educated in the parochial and common schools. He has followed farming all his life, owns the farm of one hundred and forty-seven acres on which he lives and four hundred and eighty acres in Minnesota. His farming has been general in character, as the soil of this portion of the state is best suited to that style of farming. In 1885, O. E. Oleson was married to Caroline Jacobsen, born in Norway, and the daughter of Erick and Bollete Jacobsen, who came to Fayette county among the early settlers and here both died. To this marriage there have been born two daughters, Ellen and Gussie. Mr. Oleson is a Democrat, a conscientious party worker, and was elected to the office of township trustee by his party, retaining the office for six years and faithfully performing his duties as such. He is a director in the Elgin State Bank and a stockholder in the Clermont State Bank. Prosperity has crowned his efforts in every line. His business sagacity, his good understanding of the conditions about the county, and his strong sense of responsibility have contributed to the success of all his operations. For his true worth and many pleasant traits of companionship he is deservedly held in great esteem by those who know him.

~transcribed for Fayette County IAGenWeb by Nancy Schroeder