Rusten, O. C.

O. C. Rusten, born in Valders Ettenalen, Norway, on April 12, 1858, was the eldest son of Christian and Sarah Rusten and grew up assisting his father with farming and lumber. Seeking better economic opportunities, he immigrated to America in 1880 and arrived in Soldier, Iowa, where he initially worked as a farm hand for low monthly wages. Through thrift and hard work, he eventually purchased land in Iowa, built attractive farm buildings, and successfully raised corn, hogs, and cattle. After selling his Iowa properties, he decided to move to the Pacific Coast and arrived in Fresno, California, in 1901.

Upon his arrival in Fresno County, Mr. Rusten briefly owned land near Easton and worked in local packing houses before purchasing twenty acres in the Helm Colony in 1902. He developed this property into a thriving vineyard by planting malagas, Feherzagos, and muscats alongside a small peach orchard. As a progressive viticulturist, he became an original member of the Melvin Grape Growers Association and joined both the California Associated Raisin Company and the California Peach Growers, Inc. In his personal life, he was married to Annie M. Rye in 1888, supported the Lutheran Church, and actively engaged in civic life as a Republican.