Ernest Olson (correct spelling) was born September 12, 1909 in Inwood, New York City. He had three siblings, a brother Edwin born around 1920, and two sisters, one who married a Jack Degman. Their father was a Swedish immigrant who died around 1930, and their mother died around 1925.
Ernest was raised as a Methodist. He graduated from grammer school at the age of 15. He was married and divorced before the age of 29. In 1938 he was living at 1050 Beach 21st Street in Far Rockaway with his sister, Mrs. Jack Degnan. He had worked as a carpenter for Jack Pomeranz at 1125 Beach 25th Street also in Far Rockaway, making $42 a week.
For whatever reason, Ernest had been unemployed for six months when on the night of September 22, 1938 Ernest (while intoxicated) broke into a deli. He was found guilty of attempted burglary in the 3rd degree, and sentenced to five years in prison. He was received at Sing Sing on October 31, 1938. When the census was taken on April 18, 1940 he was in Great Meadow Prison in Fort Ann, New York. He must have been a model prisoner, because he received a reduction in his sentence of "one year, seven months, 18 days."
Ernest registered for the draft May 6, 1942. He was once again living with his sister Mrs. Degman, at 1306 Bayport Place in Far Rockaway. He had a job working for Fred Copson at 790 Lanette Avenue. He was described as 5' 8" tall, weighed 175 pounds, with brown eyes, brown hair, and a ruddy complexion.
In 1950 Ernest had moved to Miami, Florida, where he shared a home with his brother Edwin. Both were divorced, and Edwin worked as a"warehouseman" for a flooring company, and Ernest found employment as a carpenter in the construction trade.
Ernest received his Social Security number before 1951 in New York, and his last residence was in New York City.
Ernest Olson died on November 28, 1980 at NYC Health and Hospitals/Bellevue. He was buried December 17, 1980 on Hart Island.
Sources: Ancestry.com; US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014; NY State Birth Index, 1881-1942; NY, US, Sing Sing Prison Admission Registers, 1865-1939; US, WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947; 1940 and 1950 US Federal Censuses; NY, US, Discharges of Convicts, 1882-1915.