Carl Johan Carlson was known as "CJ" and he married Mrs. Benson – Christina Benson. They had the hotel in Strandquist called The Portland Hotel and Christina ran it.

The Strandquist Press (newspaper)
Strandquist, Minnesota
Published: August, 1933

Carl J. Carlson Is Called By Grim Reaper

Carl J. Carlson, hotel keeper, and for many years, a member of the local section crew, died at the Warren hospital at 11 o'clock Friday evening. Overheating and resulting complications are given as cause of death.

Mr. Carlson had an attack of heat prostration while working on the section about a month ago and had been suffering some from the effects until the Saturday preceding his death when he became suddenly worse. He was taken to the Warren hospital Thursday evening, but he was so weak, nothing could be done to save his life and he passed away at about 11 o'clock Friday evening.

Carl J. Carlson was born at Jamtland, Sweden on June 30, 1881 and was at the time of his death, 52 years old. He came to this country when he was a young boy and has lived in this community since that time.

Of a kind and quiet disposition, Mr. Carlson was loved and held in high regard by his family and friends who sincerely regret his sudden departure.

Besides a host of friends, he leaves to mourn his passing a loving wife, two children, P. and P., seven brothers namely, Zachery, Emanuel, Peter, Otto, Olaf, Oscar and Alfred; one sister (Anne) Mrs. Gust Onger; four step-children, (I.) Mrs. C. Anderson, B., M., E. of California, also a brother-in-law W. Nordlund of this place.

Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Swedish Lutheran Church and interment was made from the Mission church cemetery, Rev. Robert Ericsson officiating.

Pallbearers were Zachary, Peter, Emanuel, Olaf, Oscar and Alfred, brothers of the deceased.

The Press joins their many friends in extending sincere sympathy to the bereaved family in their hour of trial and sorrow.

[Names of living edited.]