Memorable Manitobans: Jon Olafsson (1850-1916)

Editor, poet.

Born in Iceland in 1850, he gained a reputation early in life as one of Iceland's most colourful journalists, but being forced to emigrate to North America in 1872 to flee the Danish authorities. Briefly interested in settling Icelanders in Alaska, Olafsson eventually returned to Iceland, and then back to North America, becoming the editor of Lögberg and later Heimskringla in Winnipeg, in addition to pubishing a monthly cultural journal, Öldin. He was the father of Asta Austmann Oddson. Eventually, he returned to Iceland and became a member of the Icelandic parliament.

Sources:

The Icelandic Emigration, http://servefir.ruv.is/vesturfarar/e/personur.html

We thank Jodine Chase for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Kris Keen and Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 22 July 2020

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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