Edwin O. Olson

Edwin O. Olson was born March 1, 1895, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, the son of Martin and Ragna Olson. A lifelong connection to Stoughton would eventually make him a familiar figure in the community as a businessman, veteran, National Guard officer, and early leader of American Legion Post 59.

Edwin graduated from Stoughton High School in 1913. When the United States entered World War I, he served in the U.S. Army and was a Sergeant with Company I, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32nd “Red Arrow” Division. The 32nd Division, composed largely of Wisconsin and Michigan National Guard troops, served overseas during the war and became one of the best-known American divisions of the conflict.

Following the war, Edwin continued his military involvement with Stoughton's Company I of the Wisconsin National Guard. By 1924, he was serving as a Second Lieutenant under Captain Hans C. Larsen, with fellow Post 59 Commander Fred J. Mattingly serving as First Lieutenant. Edwin continued advancing through the ranks and eventually became Captain and commander of Company I. A 1939 photograph of Company I, Third Battalion, 128th Infantry, identifies Captain Edwin O. Olson as the unit's commanding officer. He remained company commander until retiring from the National Guard in 1941 with the rank of Captain.

Edwin was also part of the early history of Otis Sampson Post 59. He served as Post Commander in 1922, only a few years after the American Legion was established and while the young Stoughton Post was still developing its role in the community.

On December 30, 1918, Edwin married Ruth Hougen in Stoughton. They raised three children, Sherman, Edwina, and Marian, and remained married for more than 65 years.

Outside of his military and Legion service, Edwin spent much of his career in the clothing business. He operated Edwin O. Olson & Son Clothing Store in Stoughton until 1927. He later managed the University Co-op Shoe Department until returning to Stoughton in 1946, when he and his son Sherman opened Edwin O. Olson & Son Clothing Store in Madison.

Edwin remained connected to veterans and community organizations throughout his life. He was a member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, the Olson Post of the Veterans of World War I, and the Stoughton Barracks.

Edwin O. Olson died unexpectedly on June 27, 1984, at the age of 89. He was laid to rest at Sunset Memory Gardens in Madison.

From his World War I service as a Sergeant in the 32nd “Red Arrow” Division to his later command of Stoughton's Company I and his leadership of Post 59, Edwin Olson's life reflected a commitment to military service that extended across more than two decades. His story also preserves an important connection between Post 59 and Stoughton's long National Guard tradition.