IAGenWeb Project - Allamakee co.

Arthur W. Swenson

 

Arthur W. Swenson, well known as a representative of farming and stock raising interests in the vicinity of Postville, was born in Post township, a mile and a half north of the city of Postville, November 24, 1875, his father being Evan Swenson, of whom mention is made on another page of this volume. At the usual age he began his education as a pupil in the public school at West Grove, in Post township, and when not busy with his text-books he worked in the fields, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He continued to work upon the home farm until after he had attained his majority, spending a year in his fathers employ after he reached the age of twenty-one. When twenty-two years of age he rented a tract of land in Post township near the old home, living thereon for a year. He afterward rented and cultivated a farm of two hundred acres in Ludlow township, resideing there for a year and a half. He prospered during that period and with the money which he had earned, purchased the farm upon which he now resides, becoming the owner at first of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he has since added by further purchase from time to time until he now has a valuable tract of three hundred and fifty-nine acres, pleasantly and conveniently located within six miles of Postville. The tract is practically all tillable land. He operates the farm in a general way, raising considerable stock. He handles horses, cattle and hogs, keeping a high grade of shorthorn cattle, and his stock-raising interests constitute a profitable source of income. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Store in Postville, in the Farmers Mutual Telephone company of Postville,and in the Luana Creamery Company and the Farmers Cooperative Shipping Association at Postville. He is recognized as a man of excellent business ability, accomplishing what he undertakes by reason of his unfaltering perserverance, his keen discrimination and his undaunted energy.

On the 24th of November, 1898, Mr. Swenson was united in marriage to Miss Nina E. Harris, who was born in Post township and is a daughter of George W. and Ellen (Laughlin) Harris. Her birth occurred July 3, 1878, and by her marriage she has become the mother of five children: Hall LeRoy, born Sept. 27, 1899; Doris Ellen, born December 14, 1901; Roland Evan, born November 17, 1903; Florence Catharine, born July 23, 1907; and George Wesley, born October 24, 1910.

The parents are members of the United Brethern Church and Mr. Swenson belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp of Postville. In politics he is a Republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has never sought or desired office. He is now serving as school director and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. He is interested in all that pertains to public progress and gives active support of many measures for the general good. His life has been well spent and those who have known him from his boyhood are numbered among his staunchest friends. He has always resided in the county which is now his home and here he has carefully directed his business affairs until he has become one of the substantial citizens of the community.

-transcribed by Sharyl Ferrall, great-grandaughter

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