(from a book of Biographies of Idahoans published by Lewis Publishing Co. in 1899) 

The hope of reward is the spur of ambition, and honorable ambition is the keynote of success.  Without it business would flag.  Enterprise and energy would stagnate and advancement would be little, if any, but permeated by this element the world moves on to better things, to greater achievements and more enduring success.  It is this same ambition that made Mr. Fredrickson one of the leading businessmen of Malad.  His career is one into which has entered many picturesque elements.  He went forth in his early youth to win a place for himself in the world, he has been identified with the pioneer interests and development of the north west, and has attained success and honor through well directed and conscientious effort.  He is now Mayor of the city and well deserves the prominent place which is accorded him by his fellow townsmen. 

Mr. Fredrickwon was born in Denmark, Oct. 26, 1849, and is of Danish, and Swiss descent.  His father, Christian U. Fredrickson was also a native of Denmark, and his mother was a native of Sweden.  They were married in the former country, and their two children , a son and a daughter, were born to them. 

In 1862 they came to America, bringing with them their two children.  They had been converted to the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints in Denmark and left that land in order to join the  colony of their people in Utah.  They settled in Grantsville, Utah and from that place moved to Lake Point, where, for some years, the father engaged in farming.  Subsequently they came to Malad where the father died in 1897 at the age of 87 years.  His wife passed away at the age of 74.  Their daughter, Mary, is now the wife of Thomas Jenkins. 

Mr. Fredrickson of this review attended school in Denmark until his 12th year, and was a student in the schools of this country for six months, but is largely self educated, having acquired his knowledge through reading, observation and in the school of experience.  He began to earn his own living when only 13 years of age, and since 1870 has been a resident of Malad.  For some time he engaged in freighting, hauling supplies from Corinne, Utah to the mining camps of Montana, and later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits.  He secured 70 acres of land, a part of which is now within the corporate limits of Malad, and began breeding draft horses and driving horses.  To him is largely due the introduction of fine horses into this country and the improvement of the grade of stock here raised.  He has prospered in his undertakings and is the owner of a valuable ranch of 80 acres three miles west of the city, together with much desirable city property, including one of the best homes in Malad which was erected in 1885. 

Mr. Fredrickson was married in 1870 to Miss Annie Johnson, a native of Sweden.  They have had 12 children, eight of whom are living, namely, Charles, John, Grace, Maud, Elsie, Ida, Gladys and Jonas.  Charles has passed away since that time. 

In his political affiliations Mr. Fredrickson is a Republican, and on that ticket he has twice been elected to the very important office of county commissioner, discharging his duties in a most creditable manner.  He was also elected a member of the first state legislature of Idaho, and in 1897 was appointed Mayor of Malad.  Soon afterward he was elected to the office, and is now serving his third year as executive, his administration being practical, progressive, and commendable.  He takes a deep interest in the welfare of the place and uses official prerogatives to advance those measures calculated to prove public benefit.  In business he has given close attention to his interests, and by this industry and integrity has achieved a well earned success.