John E. Larson
Among the citizens of Allamakee county who have made
substantial contributions to the general agricultural development
of this section of the state is numbered John E. Larson, who was
born in the township and on the farm where he now resides in
1861. He is a son of Easton and Johanna Larson, natives of
Norway, who emigrated to America in 1854 and in the same years
settled in Allamakee county, Iowa, the father turning his
attention to farming. He purchased government land and added to
it from time to time, being an extensive property owner and a
prosperous farmer at the time of his death, which occurred in
1888. His wife survives him and resides upon the homestead,
having reached the age of eighty-eight years. To them were born
three children: Mrs. Dorothy Engan, of Winneshiek county; Lucy,
deceased; and John E., of this review.
The last named was reared under the parental roof and from his
childhood has been familiar with the best methods of farming,
having assisted his father with the operation of the homestead.
After the latter’s death he purchased the farm, comprising
one hundred and twenty-seven acres in Waterloo township,
seventy-five of which are in a high state of cultivation. Here he
engages in breeding and raising stock in addition to the
cultivation of the fields and is meeting with that success which
always rewards earnest and persistent labor.
In 1885 Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Johanna
Swenson, who was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, a daughter of
John O. Swenson, who came to this state in the early ‘50s,
among the first settlers. He had previously attempted settlement
in Jackson county, Minnesota, but had been driven away by the
Indians. After his arrival in Allamakee county he turned his
attention to farming here, residing on a valuable and productive
property until his death. He and his wife became the parents of
ten children, eight of whom are still living. To Mr. and Mrs.
Larson were born six children, two of whom have passed away. The
others are: Emelia, born in 1889; Carina, born in 1892; Edgar,
whose birth occurred in 1900; and Ida, whose birth occurred in
1905.
The family are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Larson gives
his political allegiance to the republican party and for four
years rendered the township excellent and effective service as
trustee. He is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, among whom
his entire life has been spent, not only by reason of the success
he has attained along agricultural lines but also because of his
many substantial qualities of manhood.
-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by
Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Diana Diedrich
Return to 1913 biographies index