O. M. Oleson
Stod, Trondhjem

From History of the Scandinavians and Successful Scandinavians in the United States, comp. by O.N. Nelson, 1897. p. 265-266

Oleson, O. M., state senator and druggist - Fort Dodge (Iowa) - born 29 June 1849 in Stod, Trondhjem stift, Norway. After having received a common school education, he was engaged in floriculture in Kristiania for two years; came directly to Fort Dodge in 1870, where he farmed for a couple of years; graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, in 1877, where he received two gold medals for excellent scholarship; had a drug store in Omaha, Neb., for two years, having since been in the same business in Fort dodge. Oleson was one of the chief organizers of the commission of pharmacy in the state of Iowa, and was the first commissioner of pharmacy, being appointed by Governor Gear. In 1891 he was elected state senator, being the first Scandinavian in Iowa who had been elected to that position, although there have been fourteen or fifteen in the lower house. Oleson has been affiliated with the Democratic party, without, however, being a partisan, as he is very independent in his political views. As an illustration of his popularity and ability, it may be mentioned that in 1894, the Democratic party nominated him to represent Iowa in the United States Congress.  He declined the honor.  He has taken great interest in the welfare of the Scandinavians in his vicinity; is quite an able musician, being one of the most active men of the Northwestern Scandinavian Singers Association, and has organized the Grieg Mandskor, a singing society in Fort Dodge, of which he is musical director.