J. August Carlson

As printed in 1914

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.

As printed in History of Boone County, Iowa (1914). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.