PETER L. OLSON

Sacramento County

Biographies

PETER L. OLSON

PETER L. OLSON.--Peculiar interest always attaches to the life-history of the American of foreign birth who, identifying himself with his adopted country, loyally takes up arms in defense of its institutions. Such is the life-history of Peter L. Olson, a Spanish-American War veteran, who for years served his country in camp and field. He is a native son of Sweden, born in the city of Helsingborg, on August 1, 1872. His father was a well-known Swedish contractor and builder. Both parents passed away in the old country and were laid away to rest in a quiet, favorite spot. Peter L. Olson was the oldest of their nine children. He was reared in his native city in Sweden, and there attended the excellent schools for which that country is noted. In May, 1888, he emigrated to America and located at Manchester, Iowa. Although educated in the schools of Sweden, he here attended the public day schools at Delaware, Iowa, the evening schools in Dubuque, Iowa, and later the army school in Augusta, Ga. He came to have a great love for the land of the Stars and Stripes, and in 1894 he became an American citizen. For several years he was employed at railroading in Minnesota and Illinois. In 1897 he enlisted in the United States Army, in the Hospital Corps, being stationed at Augusta, Ga., and also served in Cuba. At the end of three years he was honorably discharged at Augusta, and the same day he reenlisted in the same corps. He was sent on the hospital ship "Relief" through the Mediterranean Sea and Suez Canal to Manila, P.I., where he took part in subduing the Filipino insurrection. Afterwards he served on transports between Manila and United States ports, making nine trips across the Pacific, and one round trip from Manila to New York. He also served on the "Relief" on its trip to Taku, China, at the time of the Boxer War, in 1900. On being returned to the United States he landed at San Francisco and was sent to Fort Snelling and later to Fort Keogh, Mont.; and while there his second enlistment expired. On being mustered out he immediately reenlisted and obtained a furlough of four months, with permission to go beyond the seas. He made a trip to his old home in Sweden, where he spent a pleasant time visiting relatives and friends, and on his return he again reported for duty. He had been given permission to report to any post in New York harbor. Thus it came to pass that he reported for duty at Governor's Island, and later he was stationed for eight months at the Statue of Liberty, a very instructive and agreeable experience. Thence he was transferred to Fisher's Island, where he served the balance of his third enlistment, being mustered out on February 12, 1905. During his eight years of service in the United States Army he had traveled much and circumnavigated the globe twice, gaining useful experience and imbibing much general knowledge which has since served him in good stead. He served as a non-commissioned officer, and also studied at the government school for nurses and pharmacists.

On settling down to civil life, Mr. Olson was married in New York City, in 1905, to Miss Signe G. Johnson, of that city. She was a womanly woman, and their union has proved a happy one; their home at 3158 C Street is the scene of cordial hospitality. After his marriage, Mr. Olson immediately took up his residence in Sacramento. He was for one year in the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad shops, and then for a period of six years was in the freight depot of the same company. He then entered the employ of the city of Sacramento in the cemetery department, and there continued efficiently until 1920, when he resigned to accept his present position as superintendent of the Masonic Lawn Cemetery, which had then just been started. Mr. Olson has since planted the trees and shrubbery, and completed the many improvements that make the Masonic Lawn Cemetery one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the capital city, and one in which the citizens, as well as himself, take much pride.

Mr. Olson was made a Mason in Tehama Lodge No. 3, F. & A.M., Sacramento; and he is also a Scottish Rite Mason. He is a past commander of J. Holland Laidler Camp No. 5, United Spanish War Veteran; while Mrs. Olson is a member of Cynthia Moore Auxiliary, the United Spanish War Veterans, as well as of the Eastern Star. Both are members of Zion Lutheran Church in Sacramento, of which Mr. Olson is secretary and trustee. Mr. Olson has been a close observer and is well-read and well-posted; and it is a pleasure to visit and converse with him and his interesting wife.

Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.

Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Pages 622-625. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.