LARSON, Albert - 1912 Bio (1858-1926)

LARSON, ANDERSON, DUTTWEILER, BALLDOZIER, BALDOSIER, DUNLAP

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/20/2007 at 20:31:23

History of Jefferson County, Iowa -- A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol II
Published 1912, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 323-324

Albert LARSON, a prosperous, well known and respected citizen of Lockridge, has long been actively engaged in business as a carpenter and contractor. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Jefferson county, his birth having occurred in Lockridge township in December, 1858. His parents, Swan and Anna Sophia (ANDERSON) LARSON, were both natives of Sweden. It was in the year 1853 that the father crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Jefferson county, Iowa. He was a basket maker by trade and followed that occupation to some extent. During much of his life he was an invalid, however, and unable to do any heavy work. He operated a truck farm of about twelve acres which he owned in Lockridge township and there passed away in April, 1868. His wife was called to her final rest on the 25th of February, 1901.

Albert LARSON was reared and educated in his native township, pursuing his studies in the district schools. After putting aside his text-books he worked as a farm hand by the month for two years and then became ill with typhoid fever. When his condition permitted he went to Madison county, Nebraska, in the hope that a change of climate might benefit his health and there remained with a married sister for one year. On the expiration of that period he returned to Jefferson county and again secured employment as a farm hand, thus working for three more years. At the end of that time he came to Lockridge and learned the carpenter's trade, serving a three years' apprenticeship. He has since devoted his attention to carpentering and contracting and has won an enviable reputation in this connection. Mr. LARSON owns a fine residence and three lots near the business district and also owns and operates fourteen acres of farm land inside the city limits. He has won a well merited measure of prosperity in the conduct of his business interests and deserves a place among the substantial and representative citizens of his community.

On the 19th of September, 1886, Mr. LARSON was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret DUTTWEILER, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (BALLDOZIER (sic - BALDOSIER)) DUTTWEILER, who were natives of New York and Ohio respectively. Jacob DUTTWEILER accompanied his parents on their westward removal in an early day, the family home being established in Walnut township, Jefferson county, Iowa. As soon as he was old enough he made his way to Nebraska and there followed general agricultural pursuits for one year. Subsequently he was engaged in farming four miles south of Albia, Iowa, for four years and on the expiration of that period returned to Jefferson county, here tilling the soil for one year. In 1878 he became the proprietor of a saloon at Lockridge and thus remained in business until his demise, which occurred on the 4th of June, 1881. His widow, who has now attained the age of sixty-seven years, conducts a hotel in Lockridge. Mr. and Mrs. LARSON have four children, as follows: John N., a young man of twenty-three, who is still under the parental roof; Emma A., the wife of Ralph A. DUNLAP, a general merchant of Rome, Iowa; Karl A., a youth of nineteen, who assists his father; and William L., sixteen years of age, at home.

Mr. LARSON is a republican in his political views and has held the position of constable, while for eight years he served as assessor of Lockridge township. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge at Fairfield, Iowa. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, his wife and children also belonging to the church of that denomination. Jefferson county has remained his home during practically his entire life. He has not only been industrious but has evidenced in his transactions those qualities which make friends and, being upright in his dealings and interested in the moral as well as the financial welfare of the community, he enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.