Oscar V. Holmgrain, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of Oscar V. Holmgrain
OSCAR V. HOLMGRAIN was born in Simtuna, Upland, Sweden, March 11, 1852. His father was C. A. Holmgren, musical director. The son studied at the Hudiksvall collegiate school and graduated in the spring of 1871. He went to Upsala in the fall of the same year, for the purpose of entering the university. Failing to secure the needed funds, in January, 1872, he entered as clerk several of the government departments at Stockholm, it being customary to register in two or more departments, thus getting an opportunity to make the best choice. The income being small, he decided to emigrate to America and arrived in New York in May, 1872, secured a position in a wholesale house in Philadelphia, and later in a jewelry store in Pittsburg, Pa. In the spring of 1879, he removed to Rock Island, and served as assistant teacher in Augustana College, while simultaneously studying theology in the Seminary. He was ordained a minister of the Lutheran Church in 1882 and has served the following churches: Beaver and Rankin, Ill., 1882-85; Worcester, Mass., 1885-87; Farmersville, Ford co., Ill., 1887-96; Chesterton, Ind., 1896-1900. Since April, 1900, he has been office editor of the Augustana Book Concern, at Rock Island. Rev. Holmgrain was county treasurer of Ford county, Ill. 1890-1894, secretary of the Illinois Conference 1889-91 and was treasurer of the same Conference 1896-1906.
June 24, 1882, Rev. Holmgrain was married to Jennie Christina Linderholm of Sterling, Ill., born April 25, 1860. Their two sons, Elmer Fredrick and Eric Oscar, were born, respectively, 1888 and 1891.
Source: Olson, Ernst W., and Martin J. Enberg. History of the Swedes of Illinois. Volume II. Chicago, Illinois: The Engberg-Holmberg Publishing Company. 1617 p.
Page(s) in Source: 103-104
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook