The Carlson Families of Boone County, Iowa

Among the worthy citizens that Sweden has furnished to Boone county is numbered Carl Carlson, one of the old settlers of this portion of the state and a man of strong purpose and upright life, who by his well directed efforts has won success in his business undertakings and gained the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been associated. He was born in Hallon, Sweden. July 11, 1 841. His father, Peter Carlson, was also a native of that country, and there wedded Johanna Carlson. They never left Sweden, spending their entire lives in that land. In their family were four children, of whom two are still living, namely: Mr. Carlson, of this review: and Johanna, the wife of B. S. Busk, a resident of Denmark.

Car! Carlson obtained his early education in the land of his nativity, but his privileges m that direction were somewhat limited, for at the early age of twelve years he left home and began earning his own livclih 1. working as a coachman until twenty-three years of age, when, in 1864, he removed to Copenhagen, Denmark. In that city he was employed in a mill for a year and afterward followed farm work for two years, returning on the expiration of that peri d to Sweden. In his native country be foil,, wed farm work until April, [868, when, believing that be might better his financial o mditii-i' in the new world, he came to the United States, landing at Portland. Maine. Making his way across the country, he took up Ins above in Illinois, where he remained for a short time, and in the fall of [868 he came to Boone county, fowa, where he has since made his home, covering a period of 1 3. At first he rented a farm, which lie operated until 1870, and then turned his attention to work in a mill in Boone, being thus employed for twenty-two years. In 1892 he purchased property and built a mill, which he continued until 1901, when he retired from active life. In the meantime he had met with creditable and gratifying success in his undertakings. His mill was equipped with the latest improved machinery, and his product was of such an excellent quality that the flour which he manufactured found a ready sale on the market. J lis business methods were also such as would bear the closest inspection, and thus he obtained a liberal patronage which brought to him a desirable financial

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As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

CHARLES R. CARLSON.

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J. A. CARLSON.

J. A. Carlson is a farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 34, Harrison township, where he owns a fine farm of two hundred acres. Its present splendid condition is due to his efforts, as when it came into his possession it was raw prairie. Mr. Carlson was born in the province of Jonkoping Liin, Sweden, April 12, 1845, a son of Carl Frederick and Anna Greta (Johnson) Carlson, both of whom spent their entire lives in Sweden. They were members of the Lutheran church and were highly respected farming people. Our subject was one of a family of eight children, of whom one brother and three sisters came to America. Charley J. and Josephine, a widow, are both residents of Chicago.

J. A. Carlson was reared on the home farm in Sweden but came to America in 1868, when a young man of about twenty-three years. He had no capital and began life in this country as a farm hand, working by the month in Princeton, Illinois.. He was industrious and saved his wages and when he removed to Shelby county, Iowa, he had about five hundred dollars in money. He then rented land on shares for two and one-half years and as he was a careful agriculturist his labors were rewarded by gratifying financial returns. In 1876 he came to Boone county, Iowa, and bought eighty acres of land at twelve dollars and a half per acre. In the years intervening since that time he has added to his holdings until he now has title to two hundred acres of land in this county and also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Sanborn, South Dakota, which is operated by his son.

Mr. Carlson was married at Princeton, Illinois, in 1873, to Miss Hannah Samuelson, who was born in 1853 in Sweden and came with a sister to America when about twelve years of age. Her brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Johnson, are now living in honorable retirement at Boone. To Mr. and Mrs. Carlson were born nine children: Emma is now the wife of Samuel Clark, a farmer residing near Riceville, Iowa, and each has a child by a former union. Laura is the wife of Ernest Johnson, who operates a part of our subject's farm on section 28, Harrison township; Eva is the wife of W. H. Wheeler, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Nellie resides at home. Millie is the wife of Charles Richards, of Harrison township, and they have one son. Oscar departed this life at the early age of twenty-seven, leaving a widow, who was before her marriage Grace Johnson. Artie, a resident of South Dakota, married Nellie Smalley, a daughter of R. F. Smalley, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Lester and Reuben, who complete the family, are at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are members of the Swedish Mission church of Boone and follow its precepts in their daily lives. Mr. Carlson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has acceptably served in school and road offices. He is a loyal citizen of his adopted country as he has here found opportunities which he has utilized and which have led him to success and prosperity.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

J. AUGUST CARLSON.

J. August Carlson is one of those sturdy Swedish-Americans who have found in this country the opportunities which lead to success. He is the owner of the Belmont stock farm in Marcy township, which enjoys a reputation that extends far and wide over the state. He also owns two hundred and forty acres on section 22, Amaqua township. He was born in Sweden, May 10, 1858, and is a son of J. P. and Christina Carlson, natives of Sweden. There the mother died in 1868. The father subsequently came to America, locating in DeKalb, Illinois, in 1870. In the fall of the same year he came to Moingona, Boone county. He was a carpenter by trade and for two years continued in that line of occupation, after which he retired, making his home with S..M. Kollin, until his death in 1878.

J. August Carlson attended the schools of his native country and as a boy of twelve years came with his father to America. He again took up his lessons here, completing his education in the English schools. He began his career as a farm hand and it is interesting to note that he has worked and lived on section 4 in Marcy township for thirty-nine years. He continued in the employ of others until 1883, removing in that year onto the farm which he had acquired in 1881 and which comprises one hundred and three acres on section 4, Marcy township.

He immediately gave his sole attention to the improvement of his property and has ever since continued on the same place. His farm is known as the Belmont stock farm, and Mr. Carlson has become recognized as one of the most proficient stock-raisers and dealers in his section of the state. He has taken more premiums and prizes on stock than any other man in Boone county. Close application, thrift, industry and judicious management have been the factors in his success. He also owns two hundred and forty acres on section 22, Amaqua township, which are highly improved and net him a considerable income. He gives particular attention to Duroc Jersey hogs, and Percheron horses and shorthorn cattle and has taken a number of prizes on this stock.

In February, 1883, Mr. Carlson was united in marriage to Miss Ida C. Wiebig, a daughter of Jonas and Maria (Danielson) Wiebig, natives of Sweden, where the mother died in 1872. The father came to America in 1889 and located in Clinton. Iowa, but after a short time came to Boone county, where he gave his attention to farming for while. He then removed to Nebraska, taking up a claim in that state, and there he died in 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson became parents of eight children as follows: Henry W., Albert J., Arthur W., Elmer A., Raymond F., Alice C, Clarence E. and Carl J. Mr. Carlson served as trustee of Marcy township for twelve years and is now treasurer of the school board, manifesting thereby his deep interest in the cause of education. Politically he is a republican, and his religious faith is that of the Swedish Mission church. Most of his attention is given to his important stock-raising and farming interests, yet he is always ready to concern himself about public questions and to give material and moral support to movements which promote growth and advancement. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and very popular in this lodge. Great credit is due him for what he has achieved, for he came to this country empty-handed and has attained a substantial position among the residents of Boone county.

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JACOB M. CARLSON.

Since 1908, Jacob M. Carlson has been the county supervisor for Douglas township. He rendered such distinguished service in his first term that he was reelected and is now closing his second term to the entire satisfaction of his constituency. Mr. Carlson was connected with various business interests in Madrid, particularly the grain and mercantile business. He now, however, gives most of his attention to his official position. His parents were Carl J. and Bertha (Nelson) Johnson-Carlson, natives of Sweden, who both died in that country, the former reaching the venerable age of ninety-three years. They had seven children: Adolph, Nels, Mrs. Anna Schenader, Peter and Charles, of Hamilton county, Iowa; Gustav, of South Dakota; and Jacob M., of this review. All were born and educated in Sweden.

Jacob M. Carlson was born in Ostergotland, Sweden, November 9, 1858. He came to America when about twenty years of age, in 1878, and located at Swede Point, Boone county, Iowa. For six months he worked as a farm hand in Garden township and then accepted a position as clerk in the general merchandise business of William Johnson, of Madrid, with whom he continued for two years. At the end of that time he was employed for a year by M. J. Sellen. Having gained in experience and having mastered the language, he then engaged in the grocery business in partnership with George W. Briggs, under the firm name of Briggs & Carlson, but sold out to Mr. Briggs in 1885. In that year he entered the service of Crary Brothers of Boone, for whom he conducted a hardware store in Madrid. In 1887 Mr. Carlson purchased what is now known as the Watt Webb farm in Douglas township and operated this farm. He bought and sold grain at the same time, making his business headquarters at Wheeler's switch. He secured from the railroad a flag station at this place, which greatly facilitated the shipping end of the business, and also bought grain for the McFarland Elevator Company, thus continuing for three years. He then sold his farm to Fred Johnson and removed to Madrid, where in 1892, with John A. Johnson, he entered the mercantile business. They built in conjunction the brick block where Johnson & Johnson have their present general merchandise business. Upon the dissolution of the partnership Mr. Johnson retained the store building and Mr. Carlson received the stock of goods. Buying the Crary Brothers" brick building, he removed his goods there and successfully conducted his store until 1908, when he sold his stock to E. O. Kinsey, who at present is at the head of that business. In all his undertakings Mr. Carlson proved himself an able and honest merchant. He was successful because he had executive ability, a capacity for detail and because the underlying qualities of his character are above reproach. In November, 1908, Mr. Carlson was elected to the county board of supervisors and now his second term of office is drawing to its close. He has always championed the people's interests and has secured many advantages for his constituency.

On December 19, 1880, Jacob M. Carlson was married at Swede Point (Madrid) to Miss Tilda Sell, who was born in Sweden, August 2, 1862. She came with her parents to America in 1870, the family locating in Rockford, Illinois. Her father, C. G. Sell, was also a native of Sweden and was a carpenter by trade. He came to Boone county in 1871 and located on a farm west of Madrid, passing away in that city. February 9, 1899. Mrs. Carlson's mother, Johanna (Johnson) Sell, was born in Sweden and died in Madrid in July, 1913. They had seven children, of whom three are living, namely: Mrs. Tilda Carlson; Mrs. Hulda Hoover, of Madrid; and Mrs. Nellie Erickson, also of that city. The four eldest, Sophia, Carolina, Louise and Charles, are deceased. All were born in Sweden with the exception of Mrs. Erickson. who is a native of Boone county. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson have five children, who were born in Madrid and reared there. They all graduated from the Madrid high school. They are: E. C, now a traveling salesman for the Washburn-Crosby Milling Company of

Minneapolis, residing in Madrid; Harry Robert, born February 8, 18.4, who is engaged in the general merchandise business in Madrid; Clarence, born October 2, 18.S6, assistant cashier in the Farmers Savings Bank of Madrid; William Arthur, lion May 5, i88g, a clerk in E. Hancock's clothing store in Madrid; and Anna Sell Dora, born December 19, 1891, who resides with her parents.

Jacob M. Carlson is a republican and loyal to the standards of that party. He has been a member of the town council of Madrid, rendering valuable service, and as county supervisor continues his record as an efficient official. Mrs. Carlson is a member of the Swedish Mission church of Madrid, while Mr. Carlson belongs to Star Lodge, No. 115, A. F. & A. M., and the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has held various fraternal offices. Mr. Carlson owns several tracts of real estate in Douglass township and has personal and business property in Madrid. He has acquired a competency because he is industrious, energetic and thrifty. His well furnished home is the meeting place of his many friends, who often enjoy the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Carlson.

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ERNEST C. E. CARLSON.

The name of Ernest C. E. Carlson figures prominently in connection with commercial activity in Boone, where he is now conducting business as a partner in the firm of S. A. Nelson & Company. He is a self-made man and his life record should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what may be accomplished when ambition points out the way and when energy and determination lead to the goal of success. He was born in Sweden, March 28, 1864, and is a son of Charles J. and Anna Sophia (Carlson) Carlson, who were also natives of that country. In the year 1885 they crossed the Atlantic to the new world, and the father continued farming in America until called to his final rest on the 22d of April, 1912. His widow survived until the 20th of May, 1913. In their family were two children: Ernest C. E.; and Caroline, now the wife of Charles Olson, of Boone.

Ernest C. E. Carlson pursued his early education in the public and high schools of Sweden. He was a young man of about twenty-one years when the family came to the United States, and after arriving on this side the Atlantic he devoted some time to general agricultural pursuits. In 1889 he accepted a clerkship in the grocery store of A. T. Davis and later purchased the business, which he conducted alone until 1890, when he consolidated his interests with those of C. V. Nelson and Alfred Zandell, the business being then conducted under the firm style of Nelson, Zandell, Carlson & Company. Two years later Mr. Carlson disposed of his interest to his partners and devoted the succeeding year to the improvement of his education. Lie then purchased another store, which he conducted under the firm name of Carlson & Company until 1894. He then joined forces with Alfred Recksen and S. A. Nelson. In 1897 he was appointed deputy treasurer of the county and served for four years. Within that period Alfred Recksen retired from the company and the business has since been conducted under the firm name of S. A. Nelson & Company, Mr. Carlson remaining as one of the partners. They carry a large and well selected stock of general merchandise, and the neat and attractive arrangement of their store and their reasonable prices have secured for them a liberal and well merited patronage, which is increasing year by year.

On the 28th of May, 1890, Mr. Carlson was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Peterson, a native of Sweden, and unto them have been born eight children:

Harold E., born August 13, 1891; Walter A., born February 2, 1893; Dora E., July 24, 1897; Gerhard M., February 15, 1900; Eldon L., February 1, 1903; Eveline J., April 4, 1906; and Bernadine I., January 23, 1911. A daughter, Ruth E., passed away June 29, 1906.

In his political views Mr. Carlson is an earnest republican but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies and efforts along other lines. He is the president of the Swedish Mutual Insurance Company and secretary of the Swedish Old People's Home. He belongs to the Swedish Mission and is an elder of his church. He takes an active and helpful interest in the moral progress of the community and his influence is always on the side of right, reform, truth and justice. In his business career he has gone upon the principle that a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and he has never sacrificed honorable dealing to a desire for gain.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.