Carl Carlson

CARLSON

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/11/2009 at 16:37:47

Carl Carlson, Among the worthy citizens that Sweden has furnished to Boone county is numbered Carl Carlson, one of the old settlers of this portion of the state and a man of strong purpose and upright life, who by his well dirested efforts has won success n his business undertakings and gained the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been associated. He was born in Hallon, Sweden July 11, 1841. His father Peter Carlson was also a native of that country and there wedded Johanna Carlson. They never left Sweden spending their entire lives in that land In their family were four children, of who two are still living namely Mr Carlson, of this review and Johanna the wife of B S Busk a resident of Denmark.
Carl Carlson obtained his early education in the land of his nativity, but his privileges in that direction were somewhat limited, for at the early age of twelve years he left home and began earning his own livelihood, working as a coachman until twenty-three years of age, when in 1864 he removed to Copenhagen, Denmark. In that city he was employed in a mil for a year and afterward followed farm work for two years, returning on the expiration of that period to Sweden. In his native country he followed farm work until April 1868, when believing that he might better his financial condition in the new world he came to the United States, landing at Portland, Maine. Making his way across the country he took up his abode in Illinois where he remained for a short time, and in the fall of 1868 he came to Boone county, Iowa where he has since made his home, covering a period of almost thirty-five years. At first he rented a farm which he operated until 1870 and then turned his attention to work in a mil in Boone, Being thus employed for twenty-two years. In 1892 he purchased property and built a mill, which he continued until 1901, when he retired from active life. IN the meantime he had met with creditable and gratifying success in his undertakings. H is mill was equipped with the latest improved machinery, and his product was of such an excellent quality that the flour which he manufactured found a ready sale on the market. His business methods were also such as would bear the closest inspection and thus he obtained a liberal patronage which brought to him a desirable financial boom.
On March 27, 1868 in Sweden Mr Carlson was united in marriage to Miss Marie Anderson who was born August 1, 1841, a daughter of Ander Anderson. Her mother bore the maiden name of Breta Larson, and was a resident of Hallans county, Sweden. Both of her parents died in their native country. In their family were six children, of whom five are yet living, namely: Anna Breta, the widow of Gust Johnson a resident of Sweden, Louisa, Matilda, and Adolphus who are also living in that country and Mrs Carlson. The marriage of Mr and Mrs Carlson has been blessed with seven children, but only three of the number are now living. Charles born December 21, 1868, died May 20, 1895, Matilda, born October 13, 1870, died November 27, 1895, John A born November 2, 1872 died December 225, 1881, Eda Wilhelmina born May 9, 1875, is connected wit the millinery store in Boone, Elvira Matilda born May 13, 1878 is the wife of John Doud of Cedar Rapids, Iowa Joel E born November 21, 1880 is secretary of the Doud Milling Company of Boone, Iowa, Minnie Mabel born Dec 18, 1882 died October 1, 1899.
The parents are members of the Evangelical Mission church and Mr Carlson is a stanch Republican in politics. He owns his own home in Boone, and one other residence, his property being the visible evidence of his life of usefulness and energy. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought which by the way are always open to an ambitious energetic man and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward. He possess the resolution perseverance and reliability so characteristic of people of his nation and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Boone county.

1902 Boone County History Book