P. Cornelius Olson, assistant cashier of the Racine City Bank, was born in this city July 2, 1871, his parents being Peter M. and Christine Olson, both of whom were natives of Porsgrund, Norway. In that country they were reared and married and during the ’60s they crossed the Atlantic to America, making the voyage on a sailing vessel. Two of their children died while en route and were buried in the ocean. The father was a sailor, devoting his life to that work and to carpentering but for some years he has lived retired, having now reached the eightieth milestone on life’s journey, while his wife is eighty-five years of age. They have for a half century been residents of Racine, where they are widely and favorably known, and both are consistent members of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal church.
P. Cornelius Olson passed through intermediate grades from the primary to the high school in Racine and was graduated with the class of 1888. He then became connected with manufacturing interests as an employee of the firm of Foster & Williams and later he engaged in railroading with the Chicago & Northwestern. In 1897 he became an employee of Armour & Company at their Racine plant and worked his way upward to the position of cashier in the office here. He resigned that connection in 1913 to become assistant cashier of the Racine City Bank, in which capacity he is now serving, and his efficiency and capability are greatly appreciated by the bank officials and directorate.
On the 16th of June, 1897, Mr. Olson was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Johnson of Racine, and they have a daughter. Valerie. Mr. Olson belongs to the Royal Arcanum and his political views accord with the principles of the Republican Party but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, as he has always preferred to concentrate his efforts upon his business affairs, knowing that if he would win success it must be done through persistent effort, close application and indefatigable industry.