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Tobias Swanson
Born May 17, 1868 |
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| One of the well-to-do farmers of Rome township is Tobias Swanson. He was born in Norway, May 17, 1868, and is the son of Swen and Nelleken Dorothe Swanson, both natives of the land of the midnight sun. The mother has passed away, but the father and his six other children are still living in their native country, Tobias Swanson having been the only one who was desirous of starting life afresh in this land of opportunities.
Tobias Swanson had not only received a good common-school education in the old country but had also attended college. In 1888 he started for the United States. Landing upon our shores he made his way to Monticello, Iowa, where he obtained work as a farm hand. After two years he found employment in a creamery of which he was able to take charge after six months' experience. In 1893 he bought half an interest in four creameries and for thirteen years operated them with such success that he was able from time to time to purchase portions of the farm on which he lives today. In 1906 he sold his share in the butter-making business and the next year moved to his farm. The original piece of land has grown to two hundred and forty acres, which are under excellent cultivation and well improved.
On the 25th of July 1900, Mr. Swanson was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Kramar, who was born at Anamosa. Her parents, David and Jane Kramar are also natives of this state and are still living in Olin. Mrs. Swanson was one of five children and through her marriage has become the mother of a daughter, Genevieve, a little maiden of few years but many interesting ways.
Upon being given his naturalization papers, Mr. Swanson chose the republican as the party to whom he would look for political guidance and has since been stanch in upholding its principles. Although he has not given much consideration to public matters, the citizens of Olin, recognizing him as a good man, elected him to the council. He enjoys pleasant fraternal relations with his brother Masons in lodge NO. 200, at Olin, and with his wife belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star. The Olin lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America also includes his name upon its muster roll and finds him a member devoted to its interests and to the welfare of his brothers. The fact of his having been a stranger in a new land did not stand in the way of Mr. Swanson's advancement in the line of work he chose to follow. He applied himself to the tasks before him, and with those accomplished advanced to meet others, and his large tract of land indicates with what success.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 454. |
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© Copyright 1997-2013, The Art Department, © Copyright 2014-2020, Richard Harrison.
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