Bio: Aanstad, Ole O. (1914)

Contact: Crystal Wendt

----Surnames: Aanstad, Olson, Chrissinger

----Source: History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin (1914) page 622

Ole O. Aanstad, expert accountant and popular fire insurance man of Eau Claire, was born November 8, 1842, at Lorn Gud-in-ansdaleu, Norway, to Grinstad and Martha (Aanstad) Aanstad. He received his early education in his native country, where he lived until 1862, when he emigrated to the United States and to Wisconsin. He spent one summer at La Crosse, Wis., then came to Eau Claire, where he has since resided. After his arrival here, he spent one winter in attendance at the Wesleyan Seminary, which then stood where the high school buildings are now located. He later took a thorough course at the Bryan & Stratton's Business College at St. Paul, from which he graduated in 1866. For twenty years thereafter he was employed as bookkeeper by the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company and for fifteen years served in the same capacity for the Eau Claire National Bank. Prior, however, to his taking the position with the bank and after leaving the employ of the lumber company, he was for several years engaged in the grocery business on Water street. Since 1893 he has been engaged in the fire insurance business, and since its organization in 1908 has been bookkeeper for the Luther Hospital.

In 1866 he married Sarah M., daughter of Torget Olson, one of the pioneer settlers of Eau Claire, and by her had eleven children. Of the seven who grew to maturity Christopher, Caroline, wife of William Chrissinger, Maria, Sarah, Helge and Tovald are living, while Oscar is deceased.

Mr. Aanstad is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Eau Claire county Old Settlers' Association, while in politics he affiliates with the Republican party.