History of Wexford County, MI. Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 144 - 145

OTTO HAGSTROM

There is no element in our American citizenship that is of more value than that furnished by Sweden, for the sons of that country possess the characteristics requisite to good citizenship. They are industrious, progressive and thoroughly reliable. One of the renowned travelers who has visited almost every part of the world and visited almost every people on the face of the globe said: "Sweden is the home of the honest man." This element alone in the sons of that country would make them a valued additional to any land. As his name indicates, Mr. Hagstrom comes from Sweden, where his birth occurred on the 22d of March, 1866, his parents being Peter J. and lngred (Larson) Hagstrom, unto whom were born seven children, the subject of this review being the sixth in order of birth. He was a youth of eight years when the family left their native land and sailed for the new world, arriving in the United States in the autumn. They came at once to Michigan and for a year resided near Howard City. In the spring of 1875 they came to Wexford county, and since that time Otto Hagstrom has been a resident of Clam Lake township. His life has been one of industry. For seven years he was employed in the lumber woods and since 1893 he has engaged in general farming. He thoroughly understands the best methods of conducting his farm, of raising crops and placing them on the market so as to bring a good return, and in all his work he is progressive, practical and energetic. In Cadillac, Michigan, Mr. Hagstrom was united in marriage to Miss Ida Johnson, who was also a native of Sweden. They traveled life's journey together very happily for a number of years, but in 1900 were separated by death, the wife being called to the home beyond on the 9th of September of that year. She left four children: John, Adolph, Oscar and Edla, and they also lost one son, Oscar, who died in infancy. Mrs. Hagstrom was a most estimable lady, devoted to her family and faithful in her friendships, and her loss was greatly mourned throughout the community as well as in her immediate household. In his political views Mr. Hagstrom is an earnest Republican, whose study of the questions and issues of the day has led him to the belief that the Republican platform contains the best elements of good government. He is quite active and influential in local political circles and has served as school inspector and highway commissioner. He has also taken an active part in church work and is a member of the Swedish Mission church of Clam Lake, contributing liberally to its support and putting forth effective effort for its growth and progress. In all business affairs he is thoroughly reliable and his word is as good as his bond, his life standing in exemplification of the fact that "Sweden is the home of the honest man." Wexford county has found him a valuable citizen and his many excellent traits of character, his freedom from ostentation, his genial manner and genuine worth, render him popular with a large circle of friends.