Canuteson, Ole
Waco, McLennan County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Ole Knudson was born in 1832 to Knud and Anna Knudson in Norstrokke on Norway's Karmoy Island. In 1850, the family, changing their name to Canuteson, moved to Illinois, where Ole wed Ellen Maline Gunderson, also of Nordstokke. At the urging of immigration promoter Cleng Peerson, the family moved to Texas, settling near Dallas. They then moved with other Norwegian families to establish Norse Community in Bosque County (northwest of Waco). There, Ole was a blacksmith and mechanic, making farm implements. He also served as postmaster and community leader. In 1868, he and his family moved to Waco, where he operated a successful machine shop and metal foundry. (2005)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born on Norway's Karmøy Island in 1832, Ole Knudson emigrated with his family to Illinois in 1850, Anglicizing the name to Canuteson. Drawn on by immigration promoter Cleng Peerson, they joined other Norwegian families in founding the Norse community of Bosque County, where Ole worked as a blacksmith, postmaster, and leader. In 1868 he moved to Waco and built a thriving machine shop and metal foundry.
Why it matters
His path traces the Norwegian settlement of central Texas and the immigrant artisans whose mechanical skills helped industrialize a frontier economy.
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Related people
- · Ole Canuteson
- · Cleng Peerson
Themes & tags
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