Ole H. Olson

Ole H. Olson ( born September 19, 1872 in Mondovi, Wisconsin, † January 29, 1954 in New Rockford, North Dakota ) was a U.S. Representative from 1934-1935 and the 18th Governor of the State of North Dakota.

Early years and political rise

Ole Olson attended Concordia College in Moorhead (Minnesota). In 1892 he moved to the Eddy County in North Dakota. There he managed a thriving farm. Olson's political rise began in 1916 with his election to the House of Representatives from North Dakota. There he remained until 1919. Between 1919 and 1931 he was a member of the State Senate. In the 1932 elections, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota.

Governor of North Dakota

After the sitting governor William Langer had been deposed after a conviction for fraud, Olson had to take over his office on July 18, 1934, and complete the remainder of the term. His short tenure coincided with a period of political and economic crisis in North Dakota. Politically, the state still suffered under the contrast between progressive and conservative forces. Economically could only gradually recover from the effects of the Great Depression. There were protest marches, and once even had to use the National Guard Governor Olson to hold a demonstration in front of the Capitol under control.

After the end of his tenure, Olson retired from politics. He was working as a farmer again and took on several committees of the interests of agriculture. Ole Olson died in January 1954. He was married to Julia Ramberget, with whom he had ten children.