OLSON, Gilbert H. (1844-1896)

OLSON

Posted By: Paul Nagy, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/1/2012 at 23:33:16

Hon. G. H. Olson
August 22, 1844 - February 6, 1896

Olson is Dead.

Hon. G. H. Olson was born at Hallingdal, in Norway, August 22nd, 1844, and died at his home in Barton township, Worth county, Iowa, February 6th, 1896, aged 51 years, 5 months and 14 days.

Mr. G. H. Olson was married to Miss Bertha Mikkelson in 1868, and the result of this happy union was five children. Mr. and Mrs. Olson emigrated to America shortly after their marriage in 1868 and located in Dane county, Wisconsin. He moved to Mitchell county, Iowa, in June, 1869. He removed with his family to Worth county in 1876 and purchased a farm in Barton township, where he resided until his death.

Mr. Olson was an industrious, honest, intelligent and successful farmer, and filled various offices of trust and responsibility. He helped to organize the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Worth county and was one of the directors. He helped to organize the Greeley Farmers Alliance and was its president. He was a delegate to the first People’s State Convention of Iowa, held at Des Moines, on June 3, 1891. He was nominated as the People’s candidate for representative of this district in 1891, and also in 1893 on account of being honorable, up right, trustworthy and qualified to represent with dignity and honor this district in the legislature of Iowa. Mr. Olson was an active, earnest, well-informed and wide-awake reformer for several years and contributed a number of able articles on reform principles. He placed patriotism above greed, humanity above selfishness, and country above party. He stood unflinchingly for home, country, and humanity. Let us emulate his virtues. He did what he could for the cause of humanity.

“Olson is Dead.” THE INDEPENDENT. Forest City, Iowa: 13 Feb 1896, p. 5.