Ole Samulson, 1860

stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org on Sun, 11 Feb 2001

OLE SAMULSON, a prosperous farrner residing in Section 6, Worden Township, was born in Foldeslen, Norway, June 23, 1860, son of Samuel Olson and Annie (Sanden) Olson. Ole came to America with his father in 1884, and bought forty acres of land in Section 6, Worden Township, this county, later increasing the size of his farm by the purchase of an additional eighty acres. The father made his home with him until his death in 1906, at the age of 90 years, having been a widower for many years, as his wife died in 1876. There were four children in the family: Giva, Ole, Samuel and Andrew. Giva, the only daughter, is now deceased. Samuel and Andrew are farmers, one in Worden Township and the other in Thorp Township, their farms adjoining each other. Ole started farming in Worden Township, he began in practically the same manner as a pioneer, as his land was all wild. One of his first acts was to build a log cabin in which to live, and then he immediately constructed a log barn. From that modest beginning he has advanced by degrees, clearing his place and erecting new buildings as needed, until he now has a well improved and productive farm. In 1899 he built his present residence of lumber cut on his farm. In 1906 he erected a barn 38 by 96 feet in size, with stone basement, the latter having concrete floor, and provided with fifty cattle stalls.

He has also a concrete silo of 150 tons' capacity. Mr. Samulson raises Guernsey cattle, having three full-blooded bulls, one of which took the championship at Stanley Fair in 1916. He has also been awarded many prizes for his fine stock. He milks twenty cows and his principal crops are hay, corn, oats and barley. Mr. Samulson is also president of Stanley Dairy and Warehouse Company, of Stanley, Wis., the creamery of which turn out 1,100 pounds of butter a day. This means a payment to the farmers of $100,000 for the years business. The warehouse business amounts to $25,000 a year, This concern was established in 1909, and is owned by the farmers, the butter being shipped to Chicago.

Mr. Samulson is a Republican in politics. He was elected chairman of Thorp Township board in 1894, and in 1894 and 1901 chairman of the Worden Township board. He was also supervisor of assessments of Clark County from 1901 to 1907, and has acted on equalization committees for a number of years. For nineteen years he was clerk of the school board of District No. 7, and from 1901 to 1904 was justic6 of the peace. His religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran Church, and he is a member also of the Independent Scandinavian Workingman's Association Lodge at Stanley.

Mr. Samulson was, married May 17, 1893, to Petra Dahl, who was born in Minnesota, daughter of Nels and Ronnog (Kliven) Dahl. Her father came to America in 1873, and two years later settled in Polk County, Wis. In 1891 he moved to Chippewa County, this state. He died in January, 1909, but his wife is still living. Their children were: Petra and Norman, the latter now residing in Chippewa County, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Samulson have three children--Selma, born April 16, 1894; Alva, born June 17, 1903, and Richard A., born Dec. 29, 1899, who died Sept. 25, 1901. Selma and Alva reside at home with their parents.