Ole J. Arenson (1846-1931)

ARENSON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 10/3/2022 at 09:36:09

Ole J. Arenson
(August 28, 1846 – May 12, 1931)

From the "land of the midnight sun" Ole Arenson came to America and has found in the business advantages of the new world the broader and better opportunities which he sought. Beneath the stars and stripes he has labored energetically, and his efforts have been rewarded by a handsome competence. He is a devoted citizen of his adopted land and Calhoun County numbers him among her progressive farmers. Born in Norway, August 28, 1846, he is a son of Andrew and Isabel (Olsen) Arenson, the latter a daughter of Peter Olsen. The father was a farmer and fisherman and died in Norway about 1876, while his wife passed away when our subject was only about four years old. In their family were the following named: Mrs. Oldina Jacobson, a widow living in Norway; Erik, who resides upon the old home farm in that country; Sophia, who became Mrs. Olson and died in Norway; Lottie, the wife of William Fragan, a farmer of Winnebago County, Iowa; Ole, of this review; Christiana, the wife of E. Ericson, a farmer of Worth County, Iowa. In the schools of his native land the subject of this review pursued his education, and at the age of fifteen began following the life of a fisherman and sailor, being thus employed until twenty-three years of age. In 1869 he made his way atone to America, for he had heard favorable reports of the advantages which this country offers to young men of ambition and determination. Making the long voyage across the Atlantic he took up his abode in Iroquois County, Illinois, where he began working as a farm hand for thirteen dollars per month. He received that wage for four months and later was paid twenty dollars per month, being employed at farm labor for two years. In 1871 he rented a farm in the same county, continuing its cultivation for five years. In 1876 he visited his native land, making the trip to recuperate. He remained about two months and in the autumn returned to Iroquois County, Illinois. The following year Mr. Arenson kept bachelor's hall, but on the i8th of October, 1878, he was married to Mrs. Annie Larson, who was then a widow. By her first husband she had one child, Charles Larson, who was born August 28, 1877. Mrs. Arenson is a native of Sweden and her maiden name was Annie Peterson. She is the eldest in a family of six children, whose parents were Ulrik and Ulrika Peterson, also natives of Sweden. The other children of the family were: John, a farmer residing in Martin County, Minnesota; August and Charley, who are living in Michigan; Hulda; and Edward, who resides in Martin County, Minnesota. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Arenson were born nine children as follows: Albert, who was born October 5, 1879; Amanda, who was born February 7, 1881, and was married February 6, 1901, to H. V. Julius; Victor, who was born March 31, 1883; Henry, born March 24, 1S86: Lawrence, born November 30, 1888: Warner, born August 17, 1890: Ruth, born August 28, 1891; Agnes, born January 20, 1895; and Roy, born March 23, 1901. All were born in Iroquois County, Illinois, with the exception of Roy, who was born in this county. Upon the farm which he rented Mr. Arenson remained from 1877 until 1895, a period of seventeen years, and on the 28th of February of the latter year he removed to Calhoun County, Iowa, taking up his abode upon the farm which he had purchased the previous fall. It is a tract of two hundred and forty acres on sections 2 and 11 , Greenfield Township. Much of the land had been placed under cultivation at the time he made the purchase, but he had to break sixty acres. The place is pleasantly situated and upon it are good substantial farm buildings. The fields return to him a good income and his well directed labors have made his farm a productive and valuable one. From a humble financial position he has arisen to one of affluence. He has encountered obstacles and discouragements, but with resolute spirit he has labored to overcome these and the result has been the acquirement of gratifying success. In his political adherence Mr. Arenson has always been a Republican, and while living in Illinois he served as school trustee and road supervisor. He takes quite an interest in church and he and all of his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. For about five years he has been a class leader and recently he was elected superintendent of the Sunday school. To the support of the church he contributes liberally, and his influence has ever been on the side of right. 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 and making the most of these he steadily worked his way upward. He possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of the people of his native land, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Calhoun County. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S.J. Clarke, 1902, p.380]