Carl H. Olson

OLSON, BOLSOE, OLSON

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 3/5/2011 at 07:10:49

Prominent among the energetic, farsighted and successful business men of Estherville is numbered Carl H. Olson, who is the proprietor of a well equipped jewelry store, carrying a large and attractive line of goods. His progressive spirit has enabled him to work his way steadily upward in a business way and he has been dependent upon his own resources from the age of fifteen years. A native of Norway, he was born in Christiana, June 22, 1871, a son of Nels and Karn (Bolsoe) Olson, both of whom were natives of the land of the midnight sun, where they spent their entire lives, the father there engaging in business as a tailor.

Carl H. Olson was reared and educated in Norway and when a youth of fifteen years began learning the jeweler's trade, which he followed in his native country until he attained his majority. He then bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for America, hoping to benefit his financial condition by the opportunities offered in the new world. He located first at Moscow, Idaho, and there secured employment in a jewelry store, remaining in that city until 1896, when he removed to Milford, Iowa, where he was employed until 1898. He then came to Estherville, where he worked at the jewelry business for three years and then started a store on his own account. His first location was in the building now occupied by the drug store of Charles Kane and later he was where Strube Brothers' music store is now seen. In September, 1916, he removed to his new store and now has a thoroughly up-to-date jewelry establishment, carrying a large and attractive line. His reasonable prices, honorable dealing and earnest desire to please his patrons are the qualities which have secured to him a growing and representative trade, making him one of the prosperous merchants of his adopted city.

In October, 1907, Mr. Olson was married to Miss Anna Olson, a daughter of Halvor and Annette Olson, the latter now deceased. Her father is still living and is engaged in farming in Emmet county. Mr. and Mrs. Olson hold membership in the Lutheran church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is a loyal son of his adopted country, striving ever to further the interests and welfare of city and state. He has never regretted his determination to come to the new world for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has made steady advancement along business lines.

Source: History of Emmet County and Dickinson County Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, The Pioneer Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1917.