John H. Larson (1862-1925)

LARSON, WALKER

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 10/5/2023 at 19:30:06

From The Slater News April 29, 1925 (page 4)

OBITUARY OF J. H. LARSON

J. H. Larson was born at Fjeld Haugan, Norway, July 30, 1862. When at the age of four years old he accompanied his parents to America. They took up their residence at Lisbon, Illinois, where they remained three years. At the age of seven his parents moved onto a place near Gilbert and from there onto a farm in Hardin county, where he lived till eighteen years old. At that time he was tendered a position in Oley Nelson's store at Sheldahl, which he accepted. He worked for Mr. Nelson nine years, moving with him to Slater. In 1890 he bought a half interest in the lumber business of A. K. Ersland. Later he acquired his partner's interest and conducted the business under his own name, by which it was known at the time of his death.

On December 28, 1898, he was united in marriage to Miss Ella Walker, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Torkel Walker. To this union were born six children, all of whom are living. They are sons, Cecil, Leslie and John and daughters Miriam, Margaret and Dorothy. The family made Slater their home till 1918, when they moved to Ames to take advantage of the superior school advantages which the college there offered. Because of the health of one of the boys, Leslie, the family moved to Colorado Springs in 1921. He having fully recovered from the bronchial trouble, it was the plan of the family to have Leslie relieve his father at Huxley in June, that Mr. Larson might spend the summer months with the balance of the family back here within a year, providing the son's health continued good. After locating at Colorado Springs the family joined the First English Lutheran church at that place, a membership which they still hold.

During his long residence in Slater, Mr. Larson took an active interest in its welfare and served its people in many capacities. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers Savings bank and served it as its president for many years, a position which he held at the time of his death. He served on the town council and was mayor of Slater for ten years. He also served on the school board and was its president for many years. He was the prime mover in the organization of the Slater Mutual Telephone company and was at the head of the organization from the time it was organized till death called him. He also served the people in many other capacities in addition to caring for his own business and his interests in lumber yards in nearby towns.

In the death of Mr. Larson education has lost a staunch friend, one who at all times sought to advance its interests. To his forethought can the schools thank for the present school grounds. he could have sold the acreage for resident lots, but refused to, saying that the school would some day need them. Later years proved the correctness of his thoughtfulness. The church, too, had a staunch supporter in Mr. Larson, he being a very liberal contributor to its various activities. His heart, too, went out to charity and benevolent institutions had in him a warm friend. He was a very valued member of the Slater I. O. O. F. and Rebekah lodges, organizations in which he always took a keen interest. All will remember him as a man true to all his obligations, devoted to his family and friends, big hearted and whole-hearted, a man whom Slater will miss for many years to come.