A. J. CARLSON, who was accounted one of the foremost representatives of agricultural life in Richland township, was born in Sweden in 1850. When a young man of eighteen years he came to the United States, making his way at once to Illinois, and through unremitting labor and frugal habits he saved a sufficient sum to enable him to purchase a farm of eighty acres, which is now a very valuable property in Richland township. Excellent improvements have been made thereon, including the erection of good barns and outbuildings, while the latest improved machinery is used in facilitating the work of the fields and the gathering of the harvests. He bought the farm about seven years ago, previous to which time he had been employed at farm labor or had operated rented land in various parts of the county. He never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for the years witnessed his progress and advancement, resulting in success. His father had died in Sweden, but the mother came to the United States and made her home with her two sons, A. J. and Charles CARLSON. Both are now deceased, however, and the mother passed away about sixteen years ago.
In the year 1877, in Varna, Illinois, A. J. CARLSON was married to Miss Amanda PALM, a daughter of John and Christine PALM, who were early settlers of Roberts township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. CARLSON were born the following named: Edward, twenty-seven years of age, who works on a farm near the home place; Charles August, who is operating the home farm ; Minnie and Elsie, who are also with their mother. The death of the husband and father occurred September 26, 1905. He was building a new corn crib, and met his death through accident, timbers falling upon him. He was a man of excellent traits of character, widely known as a devoted husband and father, a faithful friend and a loyal citizen. Wherever known he was respected and his life was characterized by unfaltering fidelity to a high standard of conduct. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and for years he acted as a school director. His religious faith was that of the Swedish Lutheran church. Men who knew him respected him and had the utmost confidence in his business integrity. His diligence was one of the salient features of his success, and his life record proved that industry is the key which will unlock the portals of prosperity. Although he came to America empty handed, he gradually made advancement, and at his death was the owner of a valuable farm property. Mrs. CARLSON has since carried on the farm with the assistance of her son, Charles August, who, though now only twenty-five years of age, is recognized as a most enterprising, practical and progressive young farmer. The family are all members of the Swedish Lutheran church and have many warm friends in this community.
Extracted July 2011 by Norma Hass from Past and Present of Marshall and Putnam Counties Illinois, 1907.
| Bureau Putnam La Salle | |||
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| Peoria | Woodford | ||
