From: History of Chippewa and Lac qui Parle Counties, written by

Moyer and Dale in 1916

Gustav Eliason

Gustav Eliason, pioneer banker of Chippewa county, was born in Norway on February 17, 1848, son of Elias Knutson and Olena Christopherson, both natives of Norway, the father born in 1820, the mother in 1812. They were farmers in Norway and came to America in 1877. They located on a farm in Grace township, Chippewa county, and established their permanent home there, and there they spent the rest of their days. Their children were: Christian, Andreas, Gunhel, Gustav, Martin, Olavaus and Ole.

Gustav Eliason received his early education in the public schools of Norway. In early life he left his home and school studies, abandoned the more quiet inland environments, and went to sea. He engaged as an apprentice on a merchant marine vessel with a view of becoming a sailor. For seven years he followed this occupation, the first six years he sallied out of Norway for foreign countries. At the end of this time he was mate of the vessel and experienced in all the duties and hardships incident to a sailor’s life. In 1871 he came to America and followed his vocation on the Great Lakes for one season. He then concluded to abandon "life on the ocean wave" and seek a location inland, where the waving prairie grass and the products of the cultivated soil did most abound. He lived for a short time in Iowa, and, in March, 1872, he came to Montevideo, Minnesota. After looking about he found a satisfactory homestead near Watson, on which he located. He proved up his claim, as required by the homestead laws at that time. During that time he clerked in retail stores in Montevideo, and engaged for a time in the implement business. In 1878 he entered in a partnership with Louis Meldal and established the Bank of Montevideo. They also engaged in the lumbar business in Montevideo. He is also one of the pioneer bankers of the town. In 1908, March 2, the Montevideo bank was incorporated under the name of the Eliason State Bank. He is also interested in the lumber business with O.T. Oxness, in South Dakota; and with Oxness Brothers in Saskatchewan, Canada. He has large farming interests in Chippewa and Lac qui Parle counties, to which he gives attention in addition to his other business.

In 1872 Gustav Eliason and Sophia Lund, daughter of Seaman Lund, were united in marriage. To this union six children have been born: Adolf O., Emma S., SimonG., Millie, Wilhelm, who died young, and Agnes.

Mr. Eliason is a member of the Lutheran church, being a charter member of the first congregation of that faith established in Montevideo. Politically, his affiliation is with the Republican party.