Stanley Larson

As printed in 1913

STANLEY LARSON.

Members of the Larson family have indeed reason to feel proud of the family history, for representatives of the name have been most loyal to all the principles of honorable manhood and citizenship. Ole Larson, the founder of the family in Allamakee county, had eleven sons and daughters, who spent their childhood in Taylor township. Those who grew to maturity proved in later years their worth in various localities in different walks of life. Of this number was Stener, called Stanley Larson, the third child in his father's family. He was born at Rotnem, Gol, Hallingdal, Norway, December 4, 1842, and was the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Larson, whose emigration to America in 1849 was followed by removal from Wisconsin to Iowa in the spring of 1850.

Upon the old homestead farm on section 17, Taylor township, Stanley Larson grew to manhood with the usual experiences that fall to the farm lad, his time being divided between the acquirement of an education in the district schools and the work of the fields. He continued to assist his father until he was about twenty-one years of age, when he turned his attention to the insurance business and in connection therewith removed to the west. In 1879 he became a resident of Saline county, Nebraska, locating at Friend, where he conducted a general merchandise store for several years. At length, however, he tired of the business and, having in the meantime saved considerable money, he removed to Tobias, Nebraska, in 1884. and there established the People's Bank. For twenty years he was at the head of that banking institution and in that time became acquainted with and was known to nearly every person in his section of the state. About two years prior to his demise he disposed of his interests in Nebraska and because of his health removed to Boise, Idaho, hoping to be benefited thereby. He held extensive interests in several mining properties in that state and was also financially connected with numerous industries. Still seeking health, he went to Pendleton, Oregon, but the change did not bring the benefit that he desired and on the 7th of June, 1906, he departed this life, his remains being returned to Saline county, Nebraska, for interment in the J. V. Ainsworth lot in the Tobias cemetery.

He was spoken of in terms of highest praise and warm regard by all who knew him, and it is said that he never turned a deaf ear to the appeal of the needy and that no one ever left his door hungry. He was a member of the Presbyterian church but displayed no narrow denominational spirit. No good work done in the name of charity or religion sought his aid in vain. He was always among the foremost in the support of any good cause and he gave most liberally of his means to any worthy project tending to the moral development of the community. He was for several years, prominently connected with Sunday school work and did much to further that branch of Christian activity. Thus he left behind him a good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches. He was also a most earnest advocate of the temperance cause and at one time was prohibition candidate for secretary of state in Nebraska. It seemed that no one need ever question his position, it was a foregone conclusion that he was to be found on the side of right, truth and justice.

As printed in Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement (1913). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.