Jacob M. Carlson

As printed in 1914

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.

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.