Ole Scar
SCAR, NELSON
Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall (email)
Date: 5/30/2006 at 07:01:12
Scar, Ole, merchant -- Lake Mills -- born 11 Aug., 1845, in Söndre Aurdal, Valders, Norway. After having received a common school education, he graduated from the state military academy in Kristiania at the age of twenty; served in the army with the highest ranks of a non-commissioned officer for about one year; emigrated to America at the age of twenty-one, settling in Dane county, Wis., where he remained for about two years, clerking in stores; then went to Osage, Iowa, where he also clerked.
In 1871 he decided to go to California and dig gold, in which he succeeded; visited Puget Sound and took a preemption in Olympia, Wash. This property, located in the heart of the city, he still owns.
After having remained on the Pacific Coast for two years, he went to Lake Mills, Iowa, and has been there ever since, being one of the pioneers of the city, and has done more than any other man to build up that city. Scar opened up a general merchandise store at once, which he has continued ever since.
In 1884 he went into partnership with his brother-in-law, N.I. Nelson, and the firm now does an annual business of about $100,000; they not only run a general merchandise store, but also a gent's furnishing establishment and cold storage.
Besides, Scar owns a great deal of real estate all over the United States; has been a member of the city council for years, and had held other positions of trust and honor, in spite of the fact that he is one of the few Democrats in a large Republican community. He is a member of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church, having been secretary and trustee of his home congregation. Scar is a bachelor.
~source: History of the Scandinavians in the U.S.; Compiled & Edited by O.N. Nelson; Vol II; 1897; Biographies of Scandinavians in Iowa; pg 283-284
______________________________________________~photo added 11/18/2009, contributed by Ken Moen
~source of photo: Scarville, Iowa Book 1899-1999
~note: The town of Scarville, Iowa is named after Ole Scar.
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