LARSON, Martin (1847-1925)

MADSON, HENDRICKS, LARSON

Posted By: Robert L. Larson (email)
Date: 6/10/2002 at 20:19:22

LAST OF BUFFALO GROVE PIONEERS

Passing of Martin Larson of Crystal Lake Removes Prominent Man

Came to Hancock County in 1870

Death has removed the last of the Buffalo Grove pioneers. Martin Larson who settled in Crystal township in the Buffalo Grove settlement fifty-one years ago, died at his home in Crystal Lake, Wednesday March 18 following a lingering illness that attached him about Christmas time. Much of the time since he lain unconscious.

Mr. Larson was the sturdy type of men who came from Denmark to make their way in the new land of opportunity and seeing opportunity, he worked faithfully with the implements at hand and made good use of these opportunities. He was known throughout the county as an honorable man, a man of good judgement and his life has been a good one, which younger men could well pattern after.

Rev. Ada Nash of Crystal Lake and Rev. O. Tompson of Britt were in charge of the funeral service and spoke the last comforting to the living who assembled Saturday afternoon to pay last respects to their friend.

The following obituary was read -

Martin Larson was born in Denmark May 16, 1847. He departed this life March 18, 1925, at the age of 77 years, 10 months and 2 days.

At the age of twenty-five years he came to America, locating first at Dunlap Station , Illinois, where he followed farming for two years. In 1874 he came to Hancock County where he has since resided.

He took unto himself a wife in the person of Carrie Madson on January 1, 1875, just fifty years ago last News Years day. Seven children blessed this union, one of whom, August, departed this life twelve years ago. The other children Laurice, Willie, Anne, Olga and Jimmie, with their families all live in Crystal township. there are twenty-eight grandchildren and three adopted grandchildren, also a sister Mrs. Jim Hendricks.

When first married he built a little home at Buffalo Grove, residing there fourteen years, then built up another home at Upper Flat where he resided twenty-five years and moved into Crystal Lake eleven years ago. His son, James, lives on the old home place.

In 1882, Mr. Larson attended court at Garner and walked home in a blinding snow storm. In the early days he walked several times to Forest City pulling a hand sled on which he carried provisions from town to his family.

The Upper Flat Evangelical Free Church was erected on his land twenty-three years ago. Mr. Larson was a faithful and devoted member of this church and had been a member of official board since the church was built. Interment was in the Crystal Lake Cemetery.

Britt News Tribune, Wednesday, March 25, 1925