William Hans Olson

As printed in 1909

WILLIAM HANS OLSON.

William Hans Olson carries on general agricultural pursuits on a well improved tract situated in Grant township. Bucna Vista county. He was born in Buchanan county. Iowa. December;il. 1881. a son of Rev. Fred aiul Haniuih (Jacobson) Olson, both of whom were natives of Denmark. The father was a soldier in the Danish army and also served two years in the German army, during which time he received a gunshot wound in the head. He accompanied a party of emigrants to America, believing that he might better provide for his family in the new world. Finding employment here, he returned to the old country for his family and upon once more reaching American shores made a permanent location in Rlackhawk county, Iowa. For a time he followed the carpenter's trade and al.so engaged in farming. In 1902 he came to Buena Vista county and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he later sold and invested his money in one hundred and sixty acres in Grant township. The father spent his later years as a traveling missionary for the Baptist church and his work in this connection was of far-reaching benefit and influence. Crowned with honors and years, he was called to his final rest January 14. 1908, when ho had reached the age of seventy years. His widow still survives and nskes her home on the farm in Grant town.ship. The family of Rev. and Mrs. Fred Olson nund)crs six children, as follows:

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William H. Olson pursued his studies for four years in the schools of Cedar Falls. Iowa, and after the removal of the family to Buena Vista county he continued his studies in the schools of this section. After completing his studies he gave his father the benefit of his services on the home farm until he reached the age of twenty-one years, when he started out to face the responsibilities of life on his own account. He first went to Council Bluffs and for a time was employed in an implement house there. Not finding city life congenial, however, Mr. Olson then resumed farming pursuits in Grant township and has since been thus engaged, his labors resulting in a gratifying measure of success. In addition to general farming lie raises stock to some extent, keeping high grade shorthorn cattle.

Mr. Olson established a home of his own by his marriage on the:ilst of December. 1901, the lady of his choice being Miss Carrie Nelson. She was born in DeKalb County, Illinois, July 11. 1882. and was married at Storm Lake, Iowa. Her parents now make their home in Coon township. The home of;\Ir. and ]Mrs. Olson has been blessed with a little daughter. Helen Euth, born August 8, 1905.

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As printed in Past and present of Buena Vista County, Iowa (1909). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.