Commercial enterprise in Kemmerer finds a worthy representative in Oluf Jefson, who is the manager of the Blyth-Fargo-Hoskins Company. In all that he does he is actuated by a spirit of progress and advancement and his experience along commercial lines has made him well qualified for the onerous and responsible duties which devolve upon him in this connection.
    He was born in Bloomingdale, Wis., May 9. 1881, a son of the late John Jefson. who was a native of Norway and came to America in young manhood, arriving during the decade of the '60s. He settled in Wisconsin, where he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred in Bloomingdale, that state, in 1900, at the age of sixty-nine years. He was a successful farmer, wisely and carefully directing his business interests, so that substantial results rewarded his labors as the years passed. In politics he was a stanch republican and took an active interest in advancing the growth and promoting the success of his party. He held at all times to high civic standards and he was a devout Christian man, holding membership in the Lutheran church. His widow still occupies the old home in Wisconsin. She too. is a native of Norway and came to America with her parents in her childhood days, the family home being established in Vernon county, Wisconsin, where she was reared, educated and married.
    Oluf Jefson was the ninth in order of birth in a family of ten children. He acquired a public school education in his native city and afterward attended the Valparaiso (Ind.) University, from which he was graduated on the completion of a commercial course. His early life to the age of twenty-one years was spent upon the home farm. He then entered mercantile circles, securing a clerkship, in which capacity he served for two years. He afterward completed a two years' college course and removed to North Dakota, being employed in a general store in Ledgerwood, that state. He next removed to Green River, Wyoming, and was connected with the office of the Morris Mercantile Company, remaining there for four years. He later became associated with the Blyth-Fargo-Hoskins Company in the capacity of bookkeeper and since the 1^st of September, 1917, has been general manager, in which connection he is directing the policy of the store, which is enjoying a growing trade. He won his present position by reason of his merit and ability. The Blyth-Fargo-Hoskins Company has the largest general mercantile establishment in Lincoln county. The company was organized in 1903 and the firm employs on an average eleven people and carries a complete line of groceries, clothing, dry goods and other general merchandise. Mr. Jefson is thoroughly acquainted with the trade and its possibilities and is proving most capable in his present position as general manager, wisely directing the interests of the house.
    In his political views Mr. Jefson has always been a stalwart republican, supporting the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Fraternally he is a Mason of high rank. He has taken the degrees of lodge, chapter, commandery and Mystic Shrine and he exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, of which he was one of the organizers, and he is interested in all of its plans and projects for the upbuilding of the city, for the extension of its trade relations and the upholding of its civic and municipal standards. He is a man of high personal worth, enjoying the confidence and goodwill of his fellow townsmen, all of whom speak of him in terms of warm regard.