Arthur W. Swenson
Arthur W. Swenson, well known as a representative of farming
and stock raising interests in the vicinity of Postville, was
born in Post township, a mile and a half north of the city of
Postville, November 24, 1875, his father being Evan Swenson, of
whom mention is made on another page of this volume. At the usual
age he began his education as a pupil in the public school at
West Grove, in Post township, and when not busy with his
text-books he worked in the fields, early becoming familiar with
the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He
continued to work upon the home farm until after he had attained
his majority, spending a year in his fathers employ after he
reached the age of twenty-one. When twenty-two years of age he
rented a tract of land in Post township near the old home, living
thereon for a year. He afterward rented and cultivated a farm of
two hundred acres in Ludlow township, resideing there for a year
and a half. He prospered during that period and with the money
which he had earned, purchased the farm upon which he now
resides, becoming the owner at first of one hundred and sixty
acres, to which he has since added by further purchase from time
to time until he now has a valuable tract of three hundred and
fifty-nine acres, pleasantly and conveniently located within six
miles of Postville. The tract is practically all tillable land.
He operates the farm in a general way, raising considerable
stock. He handles horses, cattle and hogs, keeping a high grade
of shorthorn cattle, and his stock-raising interests constitute a
profitable source of income. He is also a stockholder in the
Farmers Cooperative Store in Postville, in the Farmers Mutual
Telephone company of Postville,and in the Luana Creamery Company
and the Farmers Cooperative Shipping Association at Postville. He
is recognized as a man of excellent business ability,
accomplishing what he undertakes by reason of his unfaltering
perserverance, his keen discrimination and his undaunted energy.
On the 24th of November, 1898, Mr. Swenson was united in marriage
to Miss Nina E. Harris, who was born in Post township and is a
daughter of George W. and Ellen (Laughlin) Harris. Her birth
occurred July 3, 1878, and by her marriage she has become the
mother of five children: Hall LeRoy, born Sept. 27, 1899; Doris
Ellen, born December 14, 1901; Roland Evan, born November 17,
1903; Florence Catharine, born July 23, 1907; and George Wesley,
born October 24, 1910.
The parents are members of the United Brethern Church and Mr.
Swenson belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp of Postville. In
politics he is a Republican and keeps well informed on the
questions and issues of the day, but has never sought or desired
office. He is now serving as school director and the cause of
education finds in him a warm friend. He is interested in all
that pertains to public progress and gives active support of many
measures for the general good. His life has been well spent and
those who have known him from his boyhood are numbered among his
staunchest friends. He has always resided in the county which is
now his home and here he has carefully directed his business
affairs until he has become one of the substantial citizens of
the community.
-transcribed by Sharyl Ferrall, great-grandaughter
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