Buena Vista County, IA
IAGenWeb Project

Charles F. Olson is a worthy representative of the farming and stock-raising interests of Coon township, where he operates a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which is under a high state of cultivation.  He was born in Black Hawk county, Iowa, February 21, 1878, a son of Rev. Fred and Hannah (Jacobson) Olson, both of whom were natives of Denmark.  The father was a soldier in the Danish army and also served two years in the German army, during which time he received a gun-shot wound in the head.  He came with a company of emigrants to America, believing that he might belter provide for his family in the new world.  Finding employment here, he returned to the old country for his family, and upon once more reaching American shores made a permanent location in Black Hawk county, Iowa.  For a time he followed the carpenter's trade and also engaged in farming, in 1902 he came to Buena Vista county and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he later sold and invested his money in one hundred and sixty acres in Grant township.  The father spent his last years as a traveling missionary for the Baptist church and his work in this connection was of far-reaching benefit and influence.  Crowned with honors and years he was called to his final rest January 14, 1908, when he had reached the age of seventy years.  His widow still survives and yet makes her home on the farm in Grant township.  The family of Rev. and Mrs. Fred Olson numbers six children, as follows:  Lena, the wife of Andrew Jeansen; Minnie, the wife of Valentine Nelson; Mary, the wife of Charles Hansen; Charles F. of this review; and William and Walter, who follow farming in Grant township.

Charles F. Olson, whose name introduces this record, attended the district schools of Black Hawk county to the age of fourteen years.  His boyhood and youth were spent on the home farm, during which time he assisted his father in the work of the fields.  When he had attained his majority he started out upon an independent career and was employed as fireman by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company.  After a time, however, he once more returned to the home farm and assumed its management, being thus engaged until the time of his marriage.

Mr. Olson gives his time and attention to the operation of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Coon township, this property being well improved, while the land has been placed under a high state of cultivation.  He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and each year harvests abundant crops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields.  He also raises good grades of stock and this branch of his business is proving a profitable source of revenue.

Mr. Olson was married September 14, 1904, the lady of his choice being Miss Meta Jensen, who was born in Denmark and whose parents are farming people of Coon township.  The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Olson was blessed with one daughter, Edna.  Mr. Olson gives his political support to the republican party but has never been active as an office seeker.  He is a member of the Baptist church and is highly esteemed in the community in which he has so long made his home.