Olaf H. Eliason, an energetic and successful business man and progressive citizen, was born on his father's homestead in Hawk Creek township, this county, Sept. 17, 1892, son of Hendrick and Lisa Eliason, the pioneers. He was reared on the home place, passed through the district schools, took a year's course in the agricultural department of the University of Minnesota, and spent two winters in taking commercial courses at the Minneapolis Business College. For a while he was employed around Grand Forks, this state, as a carpenter. It was in 1900 that he came back to his native township and purchased 120 acres in section 1 and 12, where he engaged in general farming. He began his career as a grain dealer in 1903 when he became a buyer for the Farmers' Elevator at Sacred Heart. In 1908 he purchased the McIntire & Ferich elevator and started in business for himself. In 1909 he moved his family to the village. In 1911 he purchased the Minnesota Falls elevator in Wang township. In March, 1915, he trade his elevator at Sacred Heart for a farm, the elevator going to Ole Collin. Mr. Eliason still owns and conducts the Minnesota Falls elevator, employing a buyer while he himself looks after his numerous other interests. For some time he was interested in real estate, his office being at Sacred Heart. In 1916 he bought out the livery, dray, and ice business of Anderson & Jordet at Renville, where he now lives. He has taken an active interest in the upbuilding of Sacred Heart, was recorder in 1914-15, and is now a member of the villlage council. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Norwegian Lutheran church of America.

Mr. Eliason was married June 13, 1900, to Carrie Myra. She died Jan. 23, 1905, leaving a daughter, Constance Oliala, born Jan. 20, 1905. On June 2, 1909, Mr. Eliason married Veva Artnzen, born Sept. 6, 1878, daughter of Arnt and Hedvig (Hansen) Artnzen. To this union have been born four children: Alford Harry, born May 5, 1910; Ray Luverne, born April 5, 1912; Roy Harvey, twin of Ray Luverne, died Jan. 3, 1913; and Stella Ruby, born May 8, 1914. Mrs. Eliason is a gracious lady of many accomplishments. She attended the district schools of Hawk Creek township, and also the public schools of Minneapolis, and then entered the Willmar Seminary at Willmar, Minn., where she completed the course in four terms. Then she became a successful teacher in Renville county, a vocation she followed for seven years. One of her feats of which her friends are the proudest is the fact that in 1906 she went to Williams county, North Dakota, and proved up on a homestead which she still owns. Subsequently she taught another year in Renville county.

Mr. O. H. Eliason and Family