Charles Rosen

ROSEN

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/8/2010 at 17:36:03

In the business world Charles Rosen has worked his way upward step by step, his ability increasing through the exercise of effort, and although he started out empty handed, he is now at the head of a profitable and growing harness business conducted under the firm name of Charles Rosen & Company. He was born in Sweden November 17, 1851, a son of Mr and Mrs Carl Carlson who were also natives of that country and never came to America. The father was a farmer by occupation. In 1870 Charles Rosen and his two brothers came to the United States, Charles making his way to Des Moines, Iowa, where he remained for a brief period. He then went to Lost Grove, this state, where he was employed as a farm hand for six months. On the expiration of that period he removed to Boone, Iowa and entered the employ of Oscar Nelson in the harness business, remaining with him for six months. His employer then went into bankruptcy, leaving Mr Rosen stranded. He then entered another harness shop, where he was to receive a salary of six dollars per month. However, he was raised one dollar for the first month and another dollar for the second moth, his salary then remaining eight dollars per mot for some time. Eventually, however he was paid fifty dollars after he had learned his trade. On leaving Boone he came to Ogden, where e had charge of a harness business form 1875 until 1897 when his employer died. He then purchased the stock and has since conducted the store, making it one of the important commercial enterprises of the state. On January 2, 1903, he admitted John A Peterson to a partnership under the firm name of Charles Rosen & Company. They carry an extensive line of harness and horse goods and a complete line of shoes. Theirs is the only business of the kind in Ogden, and their trade is growing month by month. They draw their patronage form a wide surrounding territory, and their sales now reach a gratifying annual figure.
In 1878 Mr Rosen was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Rundberg, a daughter of John Rundberg a native of Sweden and a pioneer of Boone county, who is now deceased. Unto Mr and Mrs Rosen have been born four children: Lillian E who has passed away, Walter M cashier of the city State Bank of Ogden, and Edna and Clarence at home. Mr Rosen owns a fine residence in eastern part of town, and the spirit of hospitality there reigns supreme. He votes for the republican party, and upon its ticket has been elected to some local offices. For nine years he served as a member of the city council and exercised his official prerogatives in support of many measures of the general good, seeking to promote matters of reform, progress and improvement in his city. For an extended period he has been a member of the school board, and the cause of education has found in him a stalwart champion. His religious faith is that of the Swedish Mission and high and honorable principles actuate him in all of his relations with his fellowmen. Upon the sure and safe foundation of integrity in business he has built his success, and those who have known him and watched his career speak of him in terms of high regard.

1914 Boone County History Book