Person:Fredrick Swenson (1)

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The Swenson family originated as the Clumpset family of Skene, Norway. Swen Clumpset Swenson, his wife Randy and four sons: Swen, Knute, Ole and Lorens, emigrated from Norway March 9, 1843. Two more sons, Osmund and Fredrick and a daughter Mary were born here.

The Swensons operated a plumbing and machine shop in Cresco from which a number of inventions were made. The inventions include the Swenson stove, and extension ladder system used by the Cresco Fire Department, and the Faultless Stump Puller which was manufactured in Cresco for many years. Some of the inventions are particularly attributable to Lorens, who outlived his father and brothers by many years. Lorens died in the late 1930'

The father Swen was born Feb. 6, 1807 and died of cholera, along with two of his sons Osmund and Knute, in October of 1854. Randy was born March 10, 1809 and died about 1893.

Fredrick Swenson married Josephine Iverson, whose parents emigrated from Norway about the same time as the Swensons. they had five children: a son Marcus and daughters Alice, Ruth, Lenore, and Florence, all born in Cresco. Fredrick died April 11, 1905. Josephine died in December 1939.

by Richard C. Reed Howard County History, 1989

On Tuesday morning April 11th at 8:25 occurred the death of Frederick Swenson. Deceased was born in North Cape, Racine co., Wis., January 14, 1847. His father's name was Sven Svenson, his mothers name Randys Young Swenson.

He left his Wisconsin home and came to Cresco in 1872, which place he has since made his home. On the 15th day of Sept., 1878 he was wedded to Miss Josefine Iverson. His wife and all his children, five in number, survive him, Marcus, Alice, Ruth, Josephine and Florence. Ole Swenson, Lawrence Swenson and Mrs. Mary Caward mourn the loss of a departed brother.

About two years ago the deceased became afflicted with rheumatism which steadily and surely brought him down. Brights desease hastened the end.

During the many years Mrs. Swenson has lived in Cresco he has been engaged in the manufacture of machinery, mostly of his own invention. the Swenson mower, which was the inventon of himself and his brother Lawrence had a very extensive sale and was manufactured in their own foundry in Cresco. He served several years on the city council, and a man of strict integrity, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need--a good citizen who will be missed not only by his family, but by the whole community.

A short service will be held at the home tomorrow afternoon after which the remains will be taken to the United Lutheran church, where Rev. Hartman will conduct the service at 2:30. Burial at Oak Lawn cemetery.

-Cresco Plain Dealer, April 14, 1905

1. ↑ marta nordbo.ged.

   Date of Import: 12 Sep 2005

2. ↑ marta nordbo.ged.

   Date of Import: 12 Sep 2005

3. ↑ marta nordbo.ged.

   Date of Import: 12 Sep 2005

4. ↑ marta nordbo.ged.

   Date of Import: 12 Sep 2005