Alley, B. F. and Munro-Fraser, J. P.  "History of Clarke County, Washington
Territory : compiled from the most authentic sources ; also biographical
sketches of its pioneers and prominent citizens." Portland, Or. : Washington
Publishing Co., 1885.

OLIFF OLSON - Was born in Sweden and came to the United States when about
fourteen years of age.  After staying some time in New York he proceeded to
Illinois  where he resided about six years, and in the spring of 1852 started
for the Pacific Coast, by way of the plains, with the Huntington family.
Arriving at The Dalles, November 17, 1852, he there remained assisting in the
care of the cattle until the following spring, at which time he came to the
Cowlitz river.  Here he worked for H. D. Huntington for about six months, and
then was occupied in various places until the spring of 1854 when he commenced
running a "batteau" for the Hudson Bay Company between the Cowlitz and
Milwaukee.  Afterwards he started the first store in Monticello in 1855.  In
1856 he plied a canoe from Monticello to the old Cowlitz Landing, near where
Toledo now stands, an opposition line, and finally driving his opponents off the
field, he continued the transport business in solitary possession, both by water
and pack trains.  In 1858, with H. D. Huntington and Charles Holman he brought
the steamer "Cowlitz" up te river and put her on the line between Monticello and
Portland.  After owing three steamboats the concern was sold to Ike. Smith, when
Mr. Olson entered the employ of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company.  In 1867 he
was washed out at Monticello, losing about four thousand dollars worth of
property.  In 1868 he bought the ranch of Nathaniel Stone, paying seven thousand
dollars therefor.  In 1879 he purchased the store of the Messrs. Catlin and has
since conducted the business.  He married Eunice, daughter of Benjamin
Huntington, and has ten surviving children, viz: Clara, Mary, Jerusha, Millie,
Maud, Belle, Benny, Charlie, Katie and Bessie.

Submitted by: Jenny Tenlen

* * * * 

Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies
Project.  Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the
individual featured in the biographies.