Olaf A Newman

NEWMAN

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/27/2010 at 14:28:18

Olaf A Newman is recognized as one of the most successful farmers living in the vicinity of Madrid. Starting out in life empty handed he has worked his way upward, ever realizing that industry is a force that will conquer almost any difficulty and surmount almost an obstacle. He was born in Sweden, Mary 10, 1855, and came to America with his parents in 1868, the family home being established at Swede’s Point, Boone county. His father Olaf Newman Sr., was born in Sweden in 1825 and died in Madrid, Iowa. The mother who bore the maiden name of Carrie Marie Pearson, was also born in Sweden and makes her home in Madrid. In their family were three children: Olaf whose name introduces this record, Peter T who was born in Sweden May 5, 1858 and is now residing in Garden township and Sarah who was born in 1865 and died in 1868 while the family were crossing the ocean, into the depths of which her remains were lowered.
The father was a farmer and Olaf A Newman was carefully trained in the work of the fields, remaining with his parents until he reached his majority. He then began learning the carpenter’s trade, which he followed for a number of years. His attention, however is now concentrated upon agricultural pursuits, and he is the owner of 160 acres of choice land on section 24, Garden township, which is well improved, and 80 acres on section 25, Garden township. He likewise has 80 acres on section 35 and an adjoining tract of 20 acres, while in Dallas county he has 85 acres of coal land. His investments have been judiciously made and his property holdings are valuable, returning to him a gratifying annual income. He has developed the land, which he has purchased, has placed many improvements upon it and is now the owner of valuable property.
In Garden township, April 29, 1891 Mr Newman was untied in marriage to Miss Hulda Alsin, who was born in Sweden August 7, 1863. Her parents were among the earlier settlers of Garden township. Unto Mr and Mrs Newman were born three children: Ivan who was born July 3, 1892 in Garden township and passed away on September 23, 1897, Mabel Victoria who was born August 22, 1893, and died October 24, 1894, and Oliver was born December 1, 1896 and is now a high school pupil in Slater and assists his father in the care of the farm.
The Newman home is well furnished and attractive residence. There is an air of thrift, comfort and prosperity which pervades the place, and hospitality also reigns supreme there. Mr Newman deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He was a youth of thirteen years when he came with his parents to the new world. It was not long afterward that he started out in business on his own account and form that time to the present he has made industry the beacon light of his life, for he recognized the eternal principle that industry wins.

1914 Boone County History Book