It is a trite saying that there is always room at the top, but few young men seem to fully comprehend this, or else they lack the perseverance and determination that work for advancement and success in a business way. Realizing the opportunities that lay before him, H. Rasmusson has steadily progressed in his business career until he is now numbered among the leading merchants of Rawlins, where he is conducting a well appointed furniture store. In addition he carries on an undertaking and embalming business and in both branches is meeting with well merited success.
    Mr. Rasmusson is a native of Denmark. He was born November 21, 1851, his parents being Ole and Katherine Rasmusson. In 1888 the father came to the new world on a visit, but afterward returned to Denmark, where he was engaged in the building business, devoting his attention to that pursuit until called to his final rest in 1889. For two years he survived his wife, who passed away in 1887. They were the parents of four children, Martin, Peter, Ludwig and H. Rasmusson of this review, who is the eldest.
    At the usual age H. Rasmusson became a pupil in the public schools of his native country and he remained a resident of Denmark until early in 1872, when, having attained his majority, he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for America on February 29^th, attracted by the favorable reports which he had heard concerning business opportunities in the new world. Landed at Portland, Maine, from one of the old Allan Line of steamers, he made his way across the country to Chicago, where he was employed at cabinet making, continuing his residence in Chicago and at South Bend. Indiana, until 1881. That year witnessed his arrival in Wyoming, at which time he took up his abode in Laramie, where he entered the employ of the firm of Holliday & Stryker, with whom he remained until his removal to Rawlins on October 10, 1881, when he embarked in business on his own account as a furniture dealer and undertaker. He is today one of the oldest furniture dealers of the state in years of continuous connection with the trade and is also the oldest undertaker. His furniture business in volume as well as in age exceeds that of almost any similar enterprise in Wyoming. He carries an extensive and well selected stock of goods, representing the leading manufacturers of the country, and his reasonable prices and straightforward business methods have won for him a patronage which is most gratifying and substantial. He has concentrated his attention largely upon the management and control of his business and has always maintained the highest standards in the personnel of the house, in the line of goods carried and in the character of service rendered to patrons. The undertaking department of the business is in every way up-to-date and its equipment is second to none in the state, whether it refers to mechanical appliances or the highly competent and capable service of the attendants. Mr. Rasmusson has other important interests, being president of the Pine Grove Live Stock Company, of which his son is manager. This company was incorporated in September, 1909, and is entirely controlled by Mr. Rasmusson and his family. While he acts as the president, Mrs. Rasmusson is the treasurer, the daughter, Mabel F., the secretary, and Arthur H., the manager. The corporation controls close to ten thousand deeded acres and it also makes use of six thousand acres under lease, its land being mainly located in Carbon and Sweetwater counties.
    In April, 1885, Mr. Rasmusson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Alice Haigh, of Chicago, Illinois, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Haigh, of that city. Three children have been born of this marriage. Mrs. Alice Firestone is the wife of W. S. Firestone, by whom she has a son, Henry Winfield, born March 31, 1918. She was born in Rawlins in 1889. Arthur H. was born in Rawlins in 1891 and is now manager of his father's ranch. He married Edna, daughter of Edward M. Tierney, of Rawlins, and has a daughter, Kathryn Alice, born November 4, 1917. Margaret was born in 1895, and is clerking for her father. The children were provided with liberal educational opportunities, attending the high school of Rawlins.
    Mr. Rasmusson has long been a valued citizen of Wyoming and has been identified with many events which have had to do with shaping the policy and directing the interests of his community and of the state. Since attaining his political franchise by becoming of age Mr. Rasmusson has been a stanch democrat. having cast his first presidential vote for Horace Greeley. Ever since he has ably and resultfully supported his party, having taken a very active part in the political life of his section. For six terms he served as mayor of Rawlins, his long continuance in the office being proof of his marked capability and the trust reposed in him. He was also for one term county treasurer. The last time that he was a candidate for office there were only three democrats elected in the entire county, of whom he was one. He served as city treasurer for five terms and his official service has ever been characterized by the utmost devotion to the general good. No one has ever questioned his integrity in public office, and although they may disagree with him in political opinion they recognize his fidelity to the trusts reposed in him. In the year 1903, at the time of the great mine disaster at Hanna, in which one hundred and sixty-eight miners lost their lives. Mr. Rasmusson was called upon to take charge of the work of bringing the bodies to the surface and preparing them for burial. It required six months before the last body was recovered. It nearly resulted in the death of Mr. Rasmusson but the work was ultimately accomplished, although it proved a most nerve racking experience.
    Mr. Rasmusson was appointed by Governor Carey a member of the state board of embalmers and was reappointed to the position by Governor Kendrick. In 1916 Mr. Rasmusson was elected secretary of that body and he now fills this position. He has been the president of the Wyoming Funeral Directors Association since its organization and is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association of North America and a member of its executive committee. For thirty-seven years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also is identified with the Woodmen of the World and is a charter member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church, to which all of his family belong and of which he is a very loyal adherent, being liberal in his contributions toward the support of the organization.
    His entire life has been actuated by high and honorable principles and all who know him speak of him in terms of warm and enduring regard. He is one of the pioneer merchants of the state and an honored citizen, well meriting the confidence and goodwill his fellow townsmen so freely accord him.