Wesley A Swanson

SWANSON

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/17/2010 at 13:10:30

Wesley A Swanson is a representative farmer of Grant township, living on section 20. He was born in Webster county, Iowa December 1, 1872, and his name indicates his Swedish descent, his parents being John and Sarah Swanson, both natives of Sweden. They came to America about the year 1870 and established their home in Webster county, Iowa, where they lied for several years. In 1874, they became residents of Grant township, Boone county, where the father rented land for two years. During that period he carefully saved his earnings with the hopes of later purchasing a farm and at the end of that time was enable to invest in 40 acres of land on section 6, Grant township. As his financial resources increased he extended the boundaries of his place until he is now the owner of 280 acres of valuable land, which he has developed bringing his fields to a high state of cultivation.
Wesley A Swanson was reared and educated in this county, having the usual experiences of the farm lad. He remained with his parents until he attained his majority and the, ambitious to engage in business on his own account, he rented a farm and has since carried on general agricultural pursuits. He is now operating 120 acres belonging to his father in law, and he also owns 80 acres lying partly on section 19 and partly on section 20, Grant township. His father in law’s place is also on section 20. Mr Swanson has brought the farm to a high state of cultivation and his methods are very practical, with the result that good crops are annually produced. Everything about the place presents a neat and attractive appearance, and his work is productive of good results. In addition to raising the crops best adapted to soil and climate, he is also engaged in raising shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. Mr Swanson is also a stock holder and one of the directors of the Farmers Elevator Company of Boxholm and is also a stockholder in the Farmers State Bank of Boxholm.
On March 26, 1896, Mr Swanson was united in marriage to Miss Lorena Wilson, a daughter of Olaf and Anna Wilson, who were natives of Sweden and pioneer settlers of Boone county, where they followed farming for many years. They are now living retired in Dayton, Iowa. Mr and Mrs Swanson are the parents of seven children, namely: Gladys, Agnes, Lloyd, Harold, Francis, Everett, and Leverne. The family attend the Lutheran church, which fact indicates the religious faith of the parents. Mr Swanson gives his political support to the republican party and is serving as one of the trustees of his township, having filled the office for two years. This is the only position the has sought, however, as he has always desired rather to give his attention to business affairs, and in the management of his farming and stock raising interests he has met with creditable and substantial success.

1914 Boone County History Book