Biography - Peter Olson
PETER
TRUED OLSON, the son of Trued Olson of Hastveda, Skane, Sweden, was born
there Feb. 10, 1860. His father died in the old homestead in 1902. The son
has enjoyed no education beyond that obtained in the common school of his
native place, supplemented by a couple of years in our public schools
subsequent to his arrival in America in 1879. For three years he lived in
Henry co., Iowa, then, in 1882, located in Galesburg, which became his
permanent home. The same year he adopted the brick mason's trade, which he
followed for the next ten years.
Having become familiar with the various phases of building construction Mr. Olson in 1892 embarked in business on his own account as contractor and builder. Since then a number of the large buildings in Galesburg have been erected under his supervision, bearing testimony to his practical skill in his chosen vocation. Among these are several public buildings including a half dozen school houses, bank and office buildings and private residences.
Mr. Olson is devoted to the Lutheran faith and for a number of years has served as a trustee of the First Swedish Lutheran Church. He is not active in politics and has never sought public office, but his citizenship is unimpeachable. He has found no time to devote to fraternal societies and orders, living, as he does, for his business and his family. The latter consists of a wife and five children. Carolina Charlotta Edoff, daughter of Per August and Maria Charlotta Edoff of Galesburg, born April 16, 1865, became his wife in November, 1889. The children born to them were seven in all, viz.: Oscar Mauritz, 1890; Agnes Mildred, born 1892; Carl Nathan, born 1894; Hilda Maria, born 1896; Ernst Joshua, born 1898, deceased; Ellen Olivia, born 1901; Ruth Carolina, born 1903.
Extracted 17 Sep 2016 by Norma Hass from the History of the Swedes of Illinois, published in 1908 by Engberg-Holmberg Publishing Company, Part 2, Knox County, pages 30-48.
