Danielson, Gustaf Herman (1883- 1971)

Gustaf Danielson.

Saskatchewan Archives Board R-A692

Born in Sweden in 1883, Danielson immigrated to the United States in 1901 and to Saskatchewan in 1904 and homesteaded south of Elbow. Danielson was active in community organizations. He was a Wheat Pool delegate and served on the board of the Davidson Co-operative Association for over forty years. Danielson was elected to the RM council for seven years and an additional eight years as reeve. He spent seven years on the school board and thirty-eight years on the Davidson Hospital Board. Danielson was elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in 1934 as part of the Liberal sweep of the province. In 1938, he narrowly won re-election, defeating Conservative leader John Diefenbaker. In 1944 he was one of five Liberals elected and one of only three with previous legislative experience. His attacks on T.C. Douglas' policies and his length of service in the Legislature made him a prominent figure in the province. In 1964, Progressive Conservative leader Martin Pedersen defeated Danielson. Ironically, it was the election that saw the Liberals returned to power after twenty years in opposition. In July 1971 Danielson died at his home in Davidson. With thirty years in the Legislature, Danielson still remains the chamber's longest serving member.

Brett Quiring