John Larson, Postmaster of the village of St. Olaf, Clayton County, is much esteemed in this locality, and possesses the confidence of all with whom he associates. He is popular in his official capacity, and is discharging the duties of the position with characteristic fidelity and greatly to the satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Larson is also part owner of a creamery near this place, which he rents, and his son Oliver manages the general store which he established in St. Olaf.

Like many of the best residents of this county, our subject was born in Norway, the date thereof being April 7, 1841. He is the son of Peter and Bertha Larson, also natives of that country, where they were farmers by occupation. The parents emigrated to the United States in 1849, and after landing in New York City, made their way directly to Wisconsin, where they remained for a short time. In the spring of 1850 we learn that they came to this county, making settlement in Farmersburg Township, where Peter Larson entered a tract of wild land, consisting of a quarter-section, on which he erected a rude log cabin. In this cabin the family made their home for twelve months, when a more comfortable structure was built, in which the father passed away, aged fifty-nine years. The mother is still living, spending her time visiting her children.

The parental household consisted of nine children, of whom four sons and four daughters are yet living. John, of this sketch, when old enough rendered his father very material aid in clearing and cultivating their new farm in this county, and remained at home until his marriage, when twenty-five years old. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Agnetha Christianson, was likewise a native of Norway, and was the daughter of Hans and Olena Christianson, who came to this country in 1858. The mother departed this life after coming to America, but Mr. Christianson is still living and is in good circumstances.

To our subject and his estimable wife there has been granted a family of twelve children, of whom nine are still living: Bertha, Mary, William, Olver, Louis, Alice, Joseph, Perry and Lawrence. Soon after his marriage Mr. Larson purchased a farm in Farmersburg Township, upon which he made his home for several years, when he rented the tract and became the proprietor of an estate located in Hancock County, this state, which he cultivated with good success for three and one-half years. At the expiration of this time he disposed of his farm and returned to the old homestead, making his residence thereon for a twelve-month. Then selling out, he invested his means in two hundred and ninety acres near the village of St. Olaf, and soon thereafter, forming a partnership, engaged in the creamery business. He still has an interest in this concern, although he does not give his time to its operation other than to have a general superintendence of affairs. The general store of our subject is in a good location, and is well patronized by the citizens of St. Olaf.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Larson, together with all their children, are prominent and efficient members of the Lutheran Church. In his political relations our subject is a true blue Republican, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln.

~source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties; Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894; pg 425-426
-transcribed by Sharyl Ferrall