Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Portrait and Biographical Record of Northern Michigan Record Pub. Co., Chicago; 1895 [156-157] FRED LINDBLOM. No better citizens have come to Northern Michigan than those who have emigrated from Sweden, and none have contributed more to the growth and development of this locality than the people of that nativity. Possessing the characteristics of industry and energy so natural to the natives of that country, they have made this part of the state one of the most important in the commonwealth. A large number of the residents of Manistee are of Swedish birth or ancestry, and among this number especial mention belongs to Mr. LINDBLOM, the present City Clerk, and also a member of the mercantile firm of THOMAS FINAN & Co., dealers in clothing and gents' furnishing goods at No. 389 River Street. The birth of our subject occurred in Smaland, Sweden, April 4, 1865. In 1872 he was brought by his parents, JOHN and ANNA LINDBLOM, to the United States, the family settling in Big Rapids, Mich. His father served as a drum major in the Swedish army, and with his com- mand was sent to the seat of the Crimean War, but did not participate in any engagements. After coming to this country he engaged in rail- road work for a time, but subsequently bought a farm near Big Rapids, which he cultivated while making his home in the city. His death occurred at that place, when FRED was but twelve years old. Thrown upon his own resources at the death of his father, our sub- ject began to work upon a farm. Later he was employed in a shingle- mill, then in a lumber-mill, and afterward in lumber camps, until he was seventeen, when he obtained a position as clerk in a grocery store. After three years thus spent, he and his brother JACOB opened a grocery store in Big Rapids, and after six months he purchased his partner's interest, continuing the business alone. He had built up a large trade and was well known as a reliable dealer, when he suffered a total loss, through fire, of building and stock. He was then twenty-two years of age, and was obliged to again begin at the foot of the ladder. He began the study of law with ANDREW HANSEN, but discon- tinued his readings after the death of that gentleman. Elected Justice of the Peace, Mr. LINDBLOM served in that capacity for two years, and at the expiration of that time, in 1890, he came to Manistee, where he entered the employ of H. B. LARSEN, a general mer- chant. When that gentleman sold out in 1892, he began to clerk in the furniture store of Stone & Christensen, later was similarly employed by ISADORE STEINHART, and afterward in the clothing store of H. BENDIT, then occupying the building now the headquarters of the present firm. Upon the death of Mr. BENDIT, in February, 1893, our subject assisted in closing up the business, and shortly afterward became a partner with THOMAS FINAN in the present business. They carry a full line of gents' furnishing goods and clothing, and have a large trade among the people of this city and the surrounding country. In April, 1893, Mr. LINDBLOM was elected City Clerk, and the fol- lowing month entered upon the duties of the position. In 1894 he was re-elected, and is now serving in that capacity. His first election was as an independent candidate, endorsed by the Republicans. Sub- sequently he was the Republican candidate, and was endorsed by the Independents. As an official, he is courteous, affable, obliging, and stands high with is associates; while as a business man, his well known principles of honor and integrity, have brought him success. September 23, 1886, occurred the marriage of Mr. LINDBLOM and Miss IDA LUND, of Big Rapids. They are the parents of three children, MAY LILLIAN, GEORGE RUDOLPH and THEODORA. Mr. LINDBLOM is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church, in which he is serving as Trustee. He is president of the Svea Society, a social organization, that owns a fine library and has about four hundred members. In the Independent Order of Forresters he has for two years been Financial Secretary, and was its representative to the High Court. =========================================================================== If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access more information about Manistee County, Michigan by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/mi/manistee/ ===========================================================================