History of Wexford County, MI. Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 131 - 132

JOHN A. GUSTAFSON

The little country of Sweden has long been noted for the industry, thrift and sagacity of her many sons who have invaded the borders of American soil, so in epitomizing the review of the subject of this text, the following is offered in a brief and plain manner, shorn of any ostentation or laudatory remarks. Mr. Gustafson was born in the little province of Sodermanland, in the adjacent territory of the beautiful capital city of Stockholm, September 5, 1856, and his boyhood was spent until the age of sixteen in his native land. His education while not of a collegiate nature, was of a practical line, which has served him in the later years of his busy life. It was in the month of September, 1872, when he decided to cast his lot in America, and his objective point of location was the little village of Clam Lake, now the city of Cadillac, Wexford county, Michigan. While yet a young man Mr. Gustafson was amongst the early founders and settlers of Cadillac. One year after his arrival in Wexford county he entered the employ of Cloud & Ballou as an apprentice to the tinner's trade. In 1879 he severed his connection with the above establishment and went to Big Rapids where he was employed for two years, then in 1881 he returned to Cadillac and was at once employed by John M. Cloud, with whom he remained till he embarked in business for himself. Eight years later, in 1889, he formed a partnership with Andrew Olsen, and engaged in the grocery business under the style of Olsen & Gustafson. The firm thus continued business until January 1, 1891, when it was dissolved by mutual consent, and Mr. Gustafson, the following March, became associated with John Johnson in the hardware business. The latter business continued until 1901, Messrs. Gustafson & Johnson purchasing good business property in an excellent location in Cadillac. In 1901 the partnership was dissolved, and since that date Mr. Gustafson has been conducting a heating and plumbing establishment and is now conducting a general hardware store. Mr. Gustafson's tastes runs mostly to mechanics and in this line of business he has been remarkably successful and his standing and business reputation is such as is recognized by the better class of the commercial world. Mr. Gustafson, while deeply engrossed in his work, has also found time to give his support to those measures and enterprises which tend to elevate and advance the usefulness of the municipal government of the city of Cadillac. In the spring of 1895 he modestly accepted the office of alderman, to which he was chosen by the elective vote of the citizens on the Democratic ticket. He, like many other of his countrymen, has taken a positive and emphatic stand on the excellence of the city schools and has served on the board of education. He is of the opinion that the universal education of the masses is the keynote of stability of the great republic. Mr. Gustafson is a believer in true Christianity, and for years has been an earnest advocate of the teachings of the Swedish Lutheran church, and the Sunday school, which is the great aid to the church, has found in him a worthy devotee. On the 23d day of September, 1881, the subject wedded Miss Amanda F. Monson, and three children have graced their marriage, viz: Mabel O., Carl A. S. and Harold J. G. By his industry and his integrity of character, Mr. Gustafson has gained the esteem and confidence of the citizens of Cadillac and it is a pleasure to print the above resume, brief as it may be, of this worthy Swedish-American citizen.