Martin Alfred Carlson Obituary
New Ipswich Historical Society
March 25, 1927
Death of Martin A. Carlson
Martin Alfred Carlson died suddenly Friday, March 25. He went to his workshop and mill, across the street from his home, to work in the morning as usual. Later he returned to the house, remarking to Mrs. Carlson that he did not feel well, and he died at 10 o'clock.
Mr. Carlson was born in Guttenberg, Sweden, in 1859. He was an expert cabinet maker and learned his trade in his father's shop in Sweden. Starting to work as a child, he worked there until he was 19 years of age, when he left his native land, and came to Boston, where he carried on a wood-working business for many years. His work was mostly the re-production of antique furniture. He married Miss Eva Bjorklund of Somerville, Mass., in 1912, living there until coming to New Ipswich, about 10 years ago, and purchasing the property formerly owned by Charles Taylor in Smithville.
Mr. Carlson was of an artistic temperament, and a great lover of nature and beautiful surroundings. His devoted wife survives him. He also leaves three sisters, Mrs. Altin, and Mrs. Borgh of Boston, and a married sister in Vermont, and a brother, Carl Carlson of Arlington, Mass.
The funeral was held Sunday after- noon. The minister, Rev. Warren G. Lynes, conducted an impressive ser- vice. Out of town relatives present were Mrs. Altin and Mrs. Borgh of Boston, his niece's husband, Herbert Toom's of Boston; Mr. and Mrs. John Olson of Brookline, Mass.; Carl Carlson, of Arlington, Mass.; Mrs. Eric Whittemore and Miss Ruth Whittemore.
The bearers were John Olson, Carl Carlson, Herbert Tooms, Edward Wheeler, Guy Blanchard, Alfred Woodward and Charles Blomfeldt. Relatives and friends bore the casket from the house to the cemetery, followed by friends and neighbors carrying the flowers. Many little Finnish children gathered at the grave with the mourners, to show their respect for Mr. Carlson.
Photo Archives
Carlson residence in Smithville (the red house on Taylor Road)
James Roger diary entry
5th April 1913
Cloudy morning, fair afterwards, wind variable east to west. David fixing up one of the incubator lamps which started smoking this morning. Finally transferred the eggs to another incubator. He took fowls to Miss Barr and Mrs. Parker, and went for grain in afternoon. I picked two fowls and carried leaves to henhouse. Also swept Church and lit furnace fire. David helped to pull an auto which had stuck somewhere near G. Sargent’s.
Martin came to the US in 1879, became a citizen in 1904, and resident of NI in 1917. The obit makes it sound like he came alone but he had 3 sisters and 2 brothers all here in the US. Did they come as a group? Did Martin's parents come also?
I love walking Taylor Rd and always admired the Taylor house. It seems like 'social distancing' was practiced then as well. Where are the men?