Charles H. Olson, cashier of the La Harpe State Bank, is a native of Iowa, born at Keokuk, January 9, 1872. He is a son of Gustave and Mary (Johnson) Olson, natives of Sweden who immigrated to America in 1869. In 1874, they came to Kansas, and located in Jewel[sic] county, the father taking a homestead in Center township where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. When the Olson family settled in Jewel county, that section of the State was the frontier of the west. The railroad extended, only, as far as Waterville. This was their nearest trading and shipping point. Charles H. Olson began his education in the district schools of Jewel county, and later attended the Mankato High School. He then entered the Salina Normal University where he was graduated in the class of 1900. While a student at the Normal University, he taught three terms of school, in order to get money to finish his education. After graduating, he taught school a part of a term, but resigned to accept a position with the Mankato State Bank. This institution was re-organized while he was connected with it, becoming the Mankato National Bank, and Mr. Olson became assistant cashier. He remained in that position until January 15, 1905, when he became cashier of the La Harpe State Bank. In fact he organized the La Harpe State Bank while he was still connected with the Mankato National Bank of Mankato. The La Harpe State Bank was organized in December, 1904, with a capital stock of $10,000.00 with the following officers: George F. Fox, president; John W. Laury, vice-president, and C. H. Olson, cashier, and there has been no change in the personnel of the officers since the organization. The bank began business March 6, 1905, in a well equipped banking building. This institution has had a substantial growth since the organization, and is under capable and conservative management. The official report of March 9, 1914, shows the deposits amounting to $86,786.45, with resources of $99,203.45. Mr. Olson was married January 5, 1910, to Miss Florence Roe, daughter of William and Elizabeth (McBride) Roe, natives of Pennsylvania, where the father is engaged in the oil business, and where the family now resides. Mrs. Olson was reared near Oil City, and educated in Grove City, and Pittsburgh, Pa. Mr. Olson has had an extensive experience in the banking business and is well qualified for the responsible position which he holds, and by his straight forward methods has won the confidence of the business public. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, and both he and Mrs. Olson are members of the Eastern Star.