Marcellus/Marcelius Olson (1834-1922)

OLSON, LURA, MOLAND, MAALAND, EVENSON, DALE, ANDERSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 3/18/2024 at 18:33:18

From Story City Herald January 11, 1923 (page 2)

MARCELIUS OLSON

Marcelius Olson, son of Andreas Olson and Jorina Olson Lura, was born in Stavanger, Norway, August 3rd, 1834, and died in Story City December 19, 1922. He was at this time 88 years, 4 months and 16 days old.

In 1854, when 20 years of age he immigrated to America with his father, two brothers, Jeremiah and Ole J. Olson and two sisters, Mrs. Abel Olson and Mrs. Joachim Evenson. He made his home in Chicago upon arriving here and after five years stay at that place he moved to Lisbon, Ill. Here he was united in holy marriage with Ingeborg Moland from Aardal, Norway. The Reverend P. Rasmusson officiated at this union. Six children, four of whom still live, were born to this marriage. These four are Lena Olson, Story City; Mrs. J. B. A. Dale, Dunseth, N. D.; Mrs. A. G. Anderson and Malvin Olson of Fergus Falls, Minn.

In 1866 he undertook a long, slow journey westward with a team of horses from his home in Illinois to Story county, Iowa, where he lived until his death in 1922. He bought a farm one mile west of Roland, at which place he lived until 1899 he moved to Story City, where he has since resided. While living on his farm near Roland he was a member of Salem's Congregation, and was an active member holding many responsible offices. While at Story City he was a member of the Bethel Congregation and was highly loved and esteemed.

About eight years ago he was deprived of his sense of sight but even though his physical sight was darkened his spiritual sight shone bright enough to enlighten his dreary path, as he was a very sincere Christian from his youth and on.

Besides his wife, four children, fourteen grandchildren he also leaves to mourn his loss, two brothers: Jeremiah Olson, Roland, and Ole J. Olson of Redfield, S. D.

Funeral services took place at Bethel church, Story City, Iowa. Besides his children and son-in-law, A. G. Anderson, a large number of relatives and friends from far and near were present to pay their last tribute to their old honored friend. He now rests beside his father in the Roland cemetery until resurrection morn. Blest be his memory. Rev. G. O. Paulsrud and Rev. Sandven officiated at the funeral.