Bio: Olson, Arne Colbjornson

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

----Sources: Family Records

Surnames: Olson, Johnson

ARNE COLBJORNSON OLSON, a well-known and respected resident of Mayville Township, of which he was a pioneer settler, was born in Norway, in which country he was married to Ellen Johnson. In August, 1871, he set sail for the United States, and on landing in this country lost no time in seeking a home in the Northwest.

Arriving on the site of the present city of Greenwood, Clark County, Wis., Mr. Olson found employment in the lumber camps, and was thus engaged until April in the following year. In that year he was joined by his wife and son, Oluf, who had followed him to the United States. He then homesteaded eighty acres of land in Mayville Township, one mile north of where the village of Curtis now stands. The tract was wild, and the surrounding country equally so, and long years of hard labor lay before him ere he could hope to be the owner of a fertile farm. With nothing but his hands he grubbed in his first crops, having erected a log dwelling, and from that time on he labored assiduously in the work of home-building. The soil was good and in time his industry showed results. The cultivated area of his land increased, new buildings were erected, and Mr. Olson was no longer residing in a log cabin and living from hand to mouth, but had a good residence, substantial barns and outbuildings, and a bank account. There he still resides with his son, Otto, in a good brick house, with two large barns, and is one of the prominent citizens of his township, having served a number of times in public office.

Born Feb. 4, 1843, he is now in his 75th year and, in spite of his many years of hard labor, is still well preserved and able to enjoy the good things of life, of which he has an abundance. His wife, who was born Jan. 1, 1845, died Jan. 15, 1904. In addition to the son, Oluf, who was born in Norway, seven others were born to them in Clark County, namely: John Louis, Anton Emil, Peter Moses, Morris Lauritz, Julius, Andrew Frederick and Otto S. Mr. Olson is a member of the Lutheran Church, in the faith of which his children were brought up, and in which at various times he has held office.

Source: 1918 Biographical History of Clark Co., WI; Compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge, Chicago
and Winona, H. C. Cooper Jr., & Co.