F. A. Samuelson

SAMUELSON, SWENSON, JOHANSEN, LARSDATER

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 2/6/2010 at 08:31:36

F. A. SAMUELSON

F. A. Samuelson, residing on section 30, Mount Valley township, is today one of the leading cement contractors of Winnebago county. His early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in Sweden, October 1, 1859, a son of Samuel Johansen and Marie Rebecca Swenson, who spent their entire lives in that country. There Mr. Samuelson was reared and educated, attending the common schools of his native land for some years.

Believing that he could better his financial condition in the new world, he came to the United States in the spring of 1883 and continued his journey westward to Iowa. After spending a couple of days in Fort Dodge he proceeded to Winnebago county, where he has since made his home. He had previously learned the stone mason's trade in Sweden and on his arrival here went to work at that occupation. At the end of two years he purchased twenty acres of land in Mount Valley township, which is today a part of his present farm, and erected thereon a residence which has since been his home. In the intervening years he has bought and sold considerable land but still owns the old home farm, which now comprises eighty acres under excellent cultivation. The place, however, has been operated almost wholly by hired help while Mr. Samuelson has continued to work at his trade of stone mason. For the past seven years he has been one of the prominent cement contractors of Winnebago county, having done much of the foundation and sidewalk work of Forest City.

Mr. Samuelson was married in Norway in 1881 to Miss Christina Larsdater, by whom he has had twelve children, those still living being S. Martin, proprietor of a poolroom in Forest City; Ludwig G., at home; Gilbert, a farmer of Winnebago county; Frances A., at home; Christian, who assists his father in the cement business; and Algot N., attending school.

The family hold membership in the Lutheran church and are highly respected by all who know them. In politics Mr. Samuelson is a republican and he takes a commendable interest in public affairs. His business life has been above reproach and he well merits the success that has come to him, as it is due entirely to his own untiring efforts and good management.

Source: History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II. Pioneer Publishing Company (Chicago), 1917. pp. 93-94.