Olesen, Peder Christian, 1845-1938.

Peder Christian Olesen, the son of Ole and Ella Christiansen, was born near Esbjerg, Denmark on May 29, 1845. At the age of 14 he was apprenticed to learn the tailor trade, but he never followed the profession. Under the Danish law requiring compulsory military training he spent 22 months in the army.

In November 1872 he became the first, and only, member of his family to emigrate to America. After spending one year in Illinois he journeyed west where he spent time railroading in California and Nevada. He came to the Inland Empire in 1879 and settled in Moscow in 1881 where he worked with Charles Moore managing a flour mill. He acquired property in and around Moscow and assisted others, many around Grangeville, by loaning money.

On March 24, 1892, he married Margaret Elizabeth Teare, 1860-1948, who was born at Ballaugh, Isle of Man and came to the United States in 1890. They had one daughter, Ella Letitia.

Peder Olesen was a member of Paradise Lodge no. 17, A.F. & A.M., being the first initiate after its installation.

He died January 17, 1938.

Ella Letitia Olesen was born in Moscow, Idaho, March 12, 1894, the only child of Peder Christian and Margaret Elizabeth (Teare) Olesen. She attended Moscow schools and graduated from the University of Idaho Preparatory School in 1911. She attended the University of Idaho, and although she never graduated, was considered a member of the class of 1915 and attended its reunions.

She was appointed to the stenographic staff of the university on July 1, 1915, and from May to September 1918 was secretary to the Home Economics Director, U.S. Food Administration for Idaho. On October 1, 1918 she was appointed secretary to University President Ernest Lindley, a position she held until being appointed Recorder on October 1, 1920. She also served as the first secretary of the administrative council created to head the junior college which existed at the university at one time. Her title as Recorder was changed to Registrar in 1924 and she remained in that office until her resignation in August 1944.

In 1971 she established a scholarship for young women, with preference given to those from Denmark and the Isle of Man. Olesen Hall, a residence hall for women at the University, is named for her. In February 1981 she established a trust fund for the University of Idaho Library, the income of which is used for the purchase of library books and materials.

She enjoyed traveling, often going by freighter, collecting fabric and momentos as she went. She had a large collection of teaspoons representing the countries she visited.

She was a member of the Methodist Church, to which she donated an organ, the Order of the Eastern Star, and a life member of the Latah County Pioneer Association.

She died in Moscow on February 4, 1985.

From the guide to the Papers, 1887-1984, (University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives)