Olson, William Olaf (1833-1930)

OLSON, HJELM, PETERSON, ATKINSON, BENSON, MCNUTT, HAYES

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

Stratford Courier
May 29, 1930

A FORMER RESIDENT DIED IN DES MOINES MONDAY AT 97 YEARS

William Olson, Early Settler of this Community, Died of Pneumonia on Monday

William Olson died at his home in Des Moines Monday night after several days of illness with pneumonia. A number of years ago he had a stroke of paralysis from which he never fully recovered. For many years Mr. Olson was a resident of this community living on a farm which is still known as the Olson farm and which is located on the Stratford-Boone road. He was one of the early settlers here coming here about 1856. He was 97 years old on February 4 last.

Funeral services were held in Des Moines yesterday after which the remains were brought to the South Marion cemetery and after a short service interred in the burying ground which for many years was known as the Olson cemetery and which was at one time a part of the farm which he owned.

Stratford Courier
June 5, 1930

OBITUARY

William Olson

William Olson was born in Helsingland, Sweden, February 4, 1833. He came to the United States with his parents in 1849 and located first at Galva, Ill. He came to Iowa in the early fifties, making his home near Stratford, and in a section which was then known as Swede Bend. the last twenty-nine years his home has been in Des Moines.

On Jan. 20, 1863, deceased was united in marriage to Lena Sophia Hjelm. To this union was born ten children, one of whom with the wife and mother preceded him in death. When a Swedish Methodist church was organized near Stratford, Mr. Olson became one of the charter members. He never transferred his membership from that church but was a faithful attendant at a church in Des Moines so long as he was able to be about. He lived a Christian life of that all who knew him will bear testimony. A spirit of contentment and good cheer bore daily witness to a devout life. Seldom have we had a man so bright and cheery on all occasions and in all kinds of conditions. It was a tonic to visit with him. Through his long life Mr. Olson was blessed with good health. He belonged to a sturdy race. Of late years, however, by reason of an injury, he was confined to his home. For about one year he was unable to walk. Tender care was given him by sons and daughters and everything was done to make his last years happy and comfortable. About ten days ago he was stricken with pneumonia to which he succumbed and passed away peacefully, May 27, 1930, at 1:?? a.m., at the ripe age of 97 years, 3 months, 23 days.

The departed one is deeply mourned by five sons: William, Frank, Oscar, Lewis and August; and four daughters: Mrs. O.E. Atkinson, of Boone; Mrs. Mellie Benson and Mrs. Anna McNutt, of Des Moines, and Mrs. C.B. Hayes, of Birmingham, Ala. Also by five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held in Des Moines Wednesday forenoon and the remains taken to the South Marion cemetery where, after a short service, they were laid to rest.