This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RMunns7272 Surnames: Solberg, Anderson, Levy, Smith, Deming, Francis, Crookston, Rublee, Sewell, Johnson Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.lacrosse/2332/mb.ashx Message Board Post: >From "History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin", 1881, p. 791 - 792. City of La Crosse CHARLES B. SOLBERG. In and near La Crosse are a very large number of Norwegians, and they are among the most industrious and thrifty class of people. This is true whether they be farmers, mechanics, professional men or merchants. Among the last class of business men in the city of La Crosse, the two most successful are Norwegians, and one of them is the subject of this sketch. A native of Lillehammer, he was born Aug. 20, 1835. His parents were Ole N. and Mary (Anderson) Solberg. His father was a merchant in his younger days, but, on immigrating to this country with his family in 1853, purchased land near La Crosse and opened a farm; which he still cultivates. Both he and his wife are living, and are hale, industrious, well-to-do people. On reaching La Crosse, Charles accepted a clerkship from John M. Levy at a salary of $8 per month; he was afterward employed by the following firms, succeeding each other in the same house and business; R. R. Smith & Co., Deming & Francis, J! ohn B. Crookston, F. M. Rublee & Co. and Dick Sewell. In 1861, Mr. Solberg rented a store, and with about $2,000 capital, opened a grocery trade, a business which he has since followed with marked success. In 1864, he started a branch house in Decorah, Iowa, which he sold to his brothers in 1866. He who, twenty years ago, began business for himself in a two-story store, 20x60 feet, now has a store three stories above the basement, averaging 50x150, and usually containing from $40,000 to $60,000 worth of merchandise. This growth in business is purely the result of close attention and care, and prudence and honesty in all its details. There is not a more thorough business man in La Crosse. In politics, Mr. Solberg is an ardent Republican. He discharges his duty faithfully as a citizen, but does not covet office. He has, however, held some useful positions in the municipality of La Crosse; has been on the Republican State Central Committee and was a Presidential Elector in 187! 6. He, however, allows neither politics nor anything else to interfere with his business. On the 21st of December, 1861, he was married to Miss Alice Johnson, of La Crosse, they have had six children, five of whom are still living. [I am not related to this family and have no further information. I'm posting this as a service and hope it helps!] Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.