Otto H. Swenson

SWENSON, OLSON, LUND

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 2/7/2010 at 07:09:42

OTTO H. SWENSON

Otto H. Swenson, successfully engaged in the hardware business in Thompson, is one of Winnebago county's native sons, his birth occurring in Forest township, July 10, 1874. His parents, Hans and Theodora (Olson) Swenson, were born, reared and married in Decorah, Winneshiek county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming for five years. In 1872 he brought his family to Winnebago county and purchased land in Forest township, which he at once began to improve and cultivate. He has since resided upon that place and has now reached the age of seventy-three years. His wife passed away on the 16th of June, 1913.

Reared on the home farm in Forest township, Otto H. Swenson pursued his studies in the district schools of the neighborhood and when not in school assisted his father in the work of the farm until twenty-two years of age. He then bought a tract of land in Newton township, Winnebago county, whereon he engaged in agricultural pursuits for eight years. At the end of that time he rented his farm and removed to Thompson, where he became interested in the windmill and pump business. Seven years later he sold out to his brother and for the past seven years has engaged in the hardware business on quite an extensive scale. He carries a large stock and occupies a double store room. In business affairs he is notably prompt and reliable and has therefore built up an excellent patronage.

Mr. Swenson was married on the 19th of August, 1896, to Miss Ida Lund, by whom he has four children, namely: Helmer, born July 15, 1897; Melvin, November 28, 1898; Edith, December 22, 1903; and Orville, June 25, 1906. The family hold membership in the Lutheran church, and Mr. Swenson affiliates, with the republican party. His fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability, elected him a member of the town council of Thompson, in which he served for twelve years with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, and for ten years he also served as trustee of King township.

Source: History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II. Pioneer Publishing Company (Chicago), 1917. pp. 218-219.