Born in the Town of
Christiana,
Dane County, Wisconsin, Severson grew up on his father's farm and then went to Stoughton Normal Institute, Red Wing College,
Drake University and then received his law degree from
University of Wisconsin Law School. He also taught school and was principal of a school in
London, Wisconsin. Severson practiced law in
Iola, Wisconsin, and was district attorney of
Waupaca County, Wisconsin from 1908 to 1916 and was a
Republican. Severson was president of the Iola State Bank and the Herald Publishing Company. Then from 1918 to 1938, Severson served in the
Wisconsin State Senate and was involved with the
Wisconsin Progressive Party. In 1938, Severson was elected a
Wisconsin Circuit Court judge ==References==