Читать книгу History of Fresno County, Vol. 5 - Paul E. Vandor - Страница 31

A man who has attained, in a few years, an enviable success in the commercial and banking circles of Kingsburg, Cal., is A. T. Carlson, a native of Sweden, where he was born on September 12, 1872. He has been a resident of the United States most of his lifetime, as his parents brought him to Barnes County, N. D., in 1880, when about eight years of age. He was reared in Barnes County, and after finishing his education in the public school of his district he engaged in farming. In 1903, A. T. Carlson took a trip to California and while visiting Kingsburg. Fresno County, he became favorably impressed with its location and climatic advantages. With keen foresight he could discern the future possibilities. Returning to North Dakota, he sold his interests and moved to California, and during the fall and winter of 1904-1905 he was engaged in farming.

Mr. Carlson soon engaged in the hardware and furniture business, in Kingsburg, with J. F. Nelson. In the spring of 1906, he purchased the interests of his partner and became sole owner of the business, which he has continued ever since, as the Kingsburg Hardware and Furniture Company. Since he took charge of the business its growth has been phenomenal. Inheriting the characteristic zeal and thrifty habits of the Swedes, and acquiring the hustle and acumen of the man of affairs in the great West, it is but natural that we find him today one of the most progressive and successful citizens of Kingsburg. The rapid growth of the business necessitated larger quarters; the first building was 36 x 50 feet which soon became too small. In 1909 the first enlargement was made, but in 1917 it became necessary to practically rebuild, and the new building is now 88 x 100 feet. The new store-room is one of the finest and best equipped in the San Joaquin Valley, in the hardware and furniture line. With its up-to-date cases and displays of fine merchandise, the store is very attractive.

Additional evidence of Mr. Carlson's exceptional ability is found in the fact that he is first vice-president of the Kingsburg Bank, which he was instrumental in organizing, and which now has the largest deposits of any bank in Kingsburg. He is public-spirited and is ready to aid in the furtherance of the educational, religious, and commercial interests of the community.

A. T. Carlson was united in marriage with Miss Emily Nyberg, of North Dakota, who is also a native of Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are the parents of four children: Adolph A.; Nannie; Mildred; and Esther. Mr. Carlson and wife are leaders in the work of the Swedish Free Church at Kingsburg, which has recently built a new church edifice. Mr. Carlson was active in the incorporation of the town of Kingsburg and was elected to the first board of city trustees and served five years, serving as chairman of the board one year, a position equivalent to the office of mayor.