Z. Severson, postmaster and general merchant at Stavanger, Illinois, is a prominent and well-known factor in the little town in which he lives, he having filled the position of postmaster here for a dozen years and having been in the business here for a longer period. A review of Mr. Severson's life, briefly given, is as follows:
Z. Severson was born in Norway, May 18, 1841, a son of Severt and Sophia Severson, and was reared and educated in his native land, learning there the trade of shoemaker. On reaching manhood he thought to better his condition by emigration to America and accordingly landed here in due time and set to work to make a home and accumulate a competency. His store and residence in Stavanger he built in 1883. He keeps a well equipped general store, his stock including groceries, boots and shoes and a general line of dry goods and notions, and by his honorable and upright business methods he has established and maintains a large trade, which extends for miles in every direction. He was appointed postmaster in 1887, and that he has since filled the office is evidence of his prompt and faithful service in the same.
Mr. Severson has been twice married. In Norway, in 1864, he married Miss Margaret Peterson, who died in Grundy county, Illinois, in 1881, leaving three children, viz.: Thomas, who has a store in Nettle Creek township, Grundy county; and Samuel and Magnus, at home. In 1882 Mr. Severson wedded Miss Sarah Johnson, like himself a native of Norway, she having come to this country since grown.
He and his wife are members of the Methodist church at Stavanger, and his political support is given to the Republican party.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 51-52.
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