Alfred J. Clauson
Among the leading men of Stockholm township Alfred J. Clauson has won recognition by special ability both as a farmer and a public official.
He is a native of Sweden, born October 20, 1865, a son of C. F. Clauson, who is a son of Claus and Anna Clauson, both of whom died in the old country. There were eight children in their family, two of whom besides C. F. are now living, namely: Swan A., who still makes his home in Sweden; and Charlotte, the wife of N. P. Ericksen, of South Dakota.
C. F. Clauson was educated in the common schools of his native land and continued in Sweden until 1868, when he came to America, locating in Stockholm township, Crawford county, Iowa. He is now living upon the old homestead, which comprises three hundred acres and is one of the valuable farms of the township, having been greatly improved under his directions.
He was married in Sweden to Miss Helen Pearsen, a daughter of John and Sarah Pearsen, and to this union eleven children were born, six of whom are now living, namely: John A. and Alfred J., both of whom make their home upon their father's farm; William, of Crawford county; Edward, of Kiron; Ida, the wife of Ed Anderson, of Crawford county; and O. E., also of this county.
The beloved wife and mother passed away in April, 1892. She was a woman of excellent character and many admirable attributes which greatly endeared her to those with whom she was associated. Mr. Clauson is a member of the Baptist church and politically gives his support to the republican party. He has served as school director and road superintendent, displaying the same interest in public affairs that he exercised in his own business. For more than forty years identified with Crawford county, he is justly regarded as one of its leading and substantial citizens. He has shown those elements of courage, energy and perseverance which are so important in accomplishing worthy objects in life, and his success in his adopted country is the result of the wise application of those principles. He is now living retired and younger members of the family have assumed the responsibilities and labors necessary in the maintenance of the farm.
Alfred J. Clauson, whose name introduces this review, came to America with his parents in early childhood and was reared in Stockholm township. He was educated in the public schools and continued to assist his father upon the home farm until twenty-seven years of age, when he began farming upon his own account by renting land.
After two years he rented the old homestead, upon which he has since lived. He makes a specialty of raising red polled cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, and as he understands how to take care of farm animals and handles only the best grades he has met with deserved success. The position he has attained in the respect of those who know him is the result of faithful application and a deep interest in a work to which he is devoting the best energies of his life.
In 1893 Mr. Clauson was united in marriage to Miss Lottie Anderson, who was born in Sweden in 1866. Five children have blessed this union, namely: Edith, Ethel, Ruth, Lillie and Myrtle.
Mr. and Mrs. Clauson are active members of the Baptist church of Kiron and are rearing their children in the same faith and also giving them every desirable advantage of education. Politically he supports the republican party and has been very active in its councils in his part of the county. He served as township clerk one term, justice of the peace two terms and is now member of the school board and assessor of the township, having filled the latter position very acceptably for the last nine years. He is a man of high character and great perseverance and he generally succeeds in what he undertakes. He is thoroughly practical in his work and his name is associated with improvement in public as well as in private affairs, no man in the township ranking higher than Alfred J. Clauson.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.