Seltzer, O. C. (Olaf C.), 1877-1957

Olaf Carl Seltzer was born in Copenhagen, Denmark on August 25, 1877, the son of Carl adnd Julia (Neilsen) Seltzer. While still in his teens, he studied at the Technical Institute of Copenhagen. After the death of his father in 1892 he came to the United States with his mother and settled in Great Falls, Montana, in 1892. He worked as a ranch hand for the next year. He then worked as a machinist for the Great Northern Railroad; the Butte, Anaconda, and Pacific; a railroad at Lethbridge, Alberta; and then again for the Great Northern. He took up art as an avocation and became good friends with artist Charles M. Russell. In 1921 left the railroad and devoted full time to art. During World War II he taught machine work at the Great Falls high school and worked in the machine shops of the air base in Great Falls. He died on December 16, 1957.

From the description of Olaf C. Seltzer letters, 1948-1949. (Montana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 739946217

Western painter, illustrator; Great Falls, Mont.

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark. Came to U.S. at 14 years. Followed in the style of Charles M. Russell.

From the description of Olaf Carl Seltzer papers, 1926-1935. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122394742