Larson, Carl L. 1847 –

LARSON, HANSON, PEDERSON, INGVOLDSTAD

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/5/2015 at 13:30:41

CARL L. LARSON.

One of the foremost industries of Decorah, Iowa, is the Lutheran Publishing Company, and one of the oldest, most faithful and most capable employees of that large institution is Carl L. Larson, foreman of the extensive bookbinding department of this publishing house. Born in Christiania, the beautiful capital of the kingdom of Norway, November 25, 1847, he is a son of Christian and Mary (Hanson) Larson, natives of the northland. The father was a musician, an art which he always followed in the old country, where he passed away in 1872, his wife surviving until 1878.

Carl L. Larson was reared in his native land and received his education in the excellent schools of his native country. He there subsequently learned the bookbinder's trade, and when in 1868 he came to America he located at Madison, Wisconsin, where he followed his vocation for two years, at the end of which period he returned to Norway, there remaining two years. In 1873, however, he returned to America, seeking the large opportunities held out by the middle west, and located in Decorah, where he entered the employ of a Mr. Isberg, with whom he remained for four years, his employer selling his interests to the Lutheran Publishing Company in 1877 and Mr. Larson remaining with the new concern. For thirty-six years he has faithfully fulfilled his various duties and has gradually risen to the position of foreman of the large bookbinding department of this important publishing house, having charge of a large number of employees and directing the many operations of the department.

In August, 1867, Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Pederson, a daughter of Lucas and Anna Pederson, both natives of Norway, where they spent their entire lives. Mr. and Mrs. Larson were the parents of ten children: Frank; Louis; William; Hjalmar; Sophia, the wife of William B. Ingvoldstad, of whom more extended mention is made in another part of this work; Carl; Herman; and three, who died in infancy. Mrs. Larson passed away in 1887 and in 1891 Mr. Larson wedded again, his second union being with Miss Paulina Pederson, a sister of his first wife. She also passed away in 1910.

Politically Mr. Larson is a republican and his religious adherence is given to the Lutheran church. At one time he owned residential property in Decorah, but of late has disposed of his holding and now makes his home with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Ingvoldstad. He is well known and popular in Decorah, where he has made his home for many years, and where he is highly esteemed and respected for his sterling traits of character.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913