Carl P. Mattson

CARL P. MATTSON is a factor in that sterling element of Swedish people who in the late '60s colonized Saline County, and by their courage as pioneers, their thrift and industry made one the most progressive and richest farming districts of the entire state. Mr. Mattson's posperity, has been growing and increasing as is the case of most of his fellow countrymen, and he has not only accumulated a fine farm at Smolan, but has provided for and reared to useful man and womanhood a large household of children, whom do him credit.

Mr. Mattson was born in te Province of Smolan, a name that was subsequently transferred to the Kansas community. In that Swedish locality he was born August 19, 1849, a son of Carl and Sarah L. (Danielson) Mattson. Both parents were also natives of Sweden. Mr. Mattson grew up on a Swedish farm, was educated in his native language and in native schools, and was eighteen years of age when he came to America in 1867. The first two years in this country were spent at DeKalb, Illinois. There he worked as a farm hand at wages of $18 a month.

In 1869 Mr. Mattson journeyed by wagon in company with John Danielson and a party of other Swedish people to Kansas. For several years he lived at Salina, working there as a stone mason and in other building construction. In 1875 Mr. Mattson located a tract of Government land in Smolan Township and has lived there continuously now for over forty years. Farming and stock raising have constituted his most remunerative activities. The Town of Smolan adjoins his farm on the east, and his home is now a progressive and thrifty center where forty years ago he was living almost on the frontier. When Smolan was established he was chosen as first postmaster of the town and has also borne his share of public duties as township treasurer and member of the school board. He and his family are all active members of the Swedish Mission Church at Smolan.

Mr. Mattson was married May 2, 1875, the same year he took up farming and homesteading, to Miss Anna Louise Pihl. Mrs. Mattson was born in Sweden August 24, 1854, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Pihl. She came with her parents to America in 1868. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mattson at their home farm at Smolan. Their names are: Julia Elizabeth, born May 30, 1876; Ellen Matilda, born February 13, 1878; Oscar Paul, born February 13, 1880; John Cornelius, born May 18, 1882; August Gideon, born May 27, 1884; Selma Sophia, born November 18, 1886; Claudia Anna, born June 21, 1889; Edith Sarah Lydia, born April 6, 1891, and died May 4, 1893; Ruth Catherine, born June 13, 1893, and died June 6, 1898; Evangeline Sarah, born June 26, 1895, and died December 5, 1897; and Ruby Esther, born April 24, 1897.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME 1 & 2
BIOGRAPHIES — VOLUMES 3, 4, & 5
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