N. E. Larson
Through his well directed industry N. E. Larson has attained a responsible position among the citizens of Crawford county and is the owner of a beautiful farm in Otter Creek township which yields a handsome annual revenue.
He was born in Sweden, December 11, 1865, a son of Lars and Mary Larson, both natives of Sweden. The father died in 1868 and in 1877 the mother came with her children to America, settling upon a farm in Crawford county. She passed away March 3, 1905. In the family were three children: Anna, now the wife of Robert Anderson, of Kiron; J. G., of Crawford county; and N. E., the subject of this review.
N. E. Larson was educated in the common schools of Sweden and came with his mother to this country when twelve years of age. After arriving in Crawford county he worked for three years for his uncle and then was employed by other farmers in the neighborhood for two years. Having arrived at an age when he could begin independently with a good prospect of success and being inspired by a laudable ambition, he started out on his own account by renting land. and in 1892 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on sections 13 and 24, Otter Creek township, upon which he established his home. The place is well improved and has been made one of the highly productive properties of the township. He is a good judge of stock, and being energetic, alert and enterprising, he is regarded as one of the substantial men of the community. Independent of his agricultural interests. he is a stockholder in the Farmers Lumber Company of Kiron and a director of the Farmers Telephone Company.
In September, 1888, Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Swanson, who was born in Sweden, a daughter of Nels and Tora (Nelson) Swanson, mention of whom is made in the sketch of N. P. Swanson elsewhere in this work.
Seven children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Larson: Hazel c., who was born August 2, 1889, and is now the wife of Enoch Miller, of Sac county, Iowa; Mae Anna Marie, born April 26, 1891, who graduated from rural schools; Ruth E., who was born December 2, 1892, and is living at home; Julia H., born October 11, 1894; Abbie E., born January 28, 1897; Raymond N., born December 4, 1899; and Esther Matilda, born November 16, 1902.
Mr. and Mrs. Larson are stanch believers in the authority and inspiration of the Bible and are active workers in the Baptist church, in which he is a member of the board of trustees. He gives his support to the republican party, believing that its principles accord with the progress of the age and can best subserve the interests of the republic. He and his wife are at the head of a happy family and they have many friends in this part of the county who enjoy the hospitality of their attractive home.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.