Olen O. Larson
A pioneer family in Allamakee county, the Larson have long
been widely and prominently known and members of the family well
deserve mention in its history, being respected, worthy citizens
of Allamakee county during the period of their residence there
and also of other section in which they have lived. Many friends
cherish the memory of representatives of the family who have
passed away, which number includes Ole, called Olen O. Larson, a
son of Ole and Anne Larson and a brother of Louis O. Larson. He
was born February 27, 1852, at the family home on section 17,
Taylor township, Allamakee county, where his parents had taken up
their abode in 1850. His youthful days were spent in farm work
and in attendance at the district schools, while for a long time
he also studied under the tutorship of Professor Thomas J. Healy,
of Lansing. On attaining his majority he started to the west and
after reaching Colorado began operating in the mines. He was well
known in Antonito, Ouray, Silverton, Salida and Animas Forks,
owning some valuable claims in those mining districts. He also
engaged in merchandising in partnership with his brother Stanley
and with J. V. Ainsworth in Friend, Nebraska, and for a time he
edited the Rio Grande Sentinel in Del Norte, Colorado. His
position in business circles is indicated by the following
excerpt from a Salida (Colo.) Paper, written some time prior to
his death:
“Twenty-six years’ successful experience as mining
engineer in the mining camps of Colorado, supplemented by years
of scientific study, has eminently fitted Professor Larson to
take his place in the front rank of mining experts. To his
superior judgment and sound advice are due in a large measure the
present prosperous conditions in Turret and many other leading
Colorado mining camps. As a mineralogist he occupies a front rand
in the mining domain and his opinions are eagerly sought and
acted upon by the capitalists and mine operators of the state.
Being conservative in his methods, he is thoroughly competent to
discriminate in the matter of mining investments on a safe and
prudent basis. His wide experience with the peculiar
mineralogical formations of the various Colorado mining
districts, renders his judgment profound, his reports
unquestioned and his reputation without blemish.”
Mr. Larson passed away on the 26th of August, 1909, at Pojuaque,
near Espanola, New Mexico, after an illness of but three days. He
was then fifty-seven years of age. He left a son, Claude,
twenty-three years of age, who was at the time looking after his
father’s mining interests in Colorado, of Olen Larson had
gone to New Mexico to purchase a fruit ranch. It was while in the
southwest that he was taken suddenly ill and passed away. He
possessed many sterling qualities of character, was thoroughly
reliable at all times and his many qualities endeared him to all
who knew him.
-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by
Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Diana Diedrich
Return to 1913 biographies index