Pearson, Olof

Olof Pearson was born in Carlshamn, Sweden, to parents Per Olson and Hannah Johnson. Left orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his aunt Cecilia Degerlund and learned the shoemaking trade before emigrating to America in July 1886. After landing in New York, he settled in Minden, Kearney County, Nebraska, where he worked in general merchandise for twenty-six years and married Mary Anderson on August 3, 1892.

In 1913, Mr. Pearson relocated his family to California, eventually settling in Kingsburg, Fresno County. He gained valuable commercial experience working in Selma before co-founding the successful general merchandise firm Pearson and Rosander in Kingsburg on March 5, 1919. A father to Pearl, Chester, and Carl, he remained an active leader in the local Free Mission Church and a dedicated supporter of civic progress throughout the region.