The Nelson Families of Otter Tail County, Minnesota

JOHN G. NELSON.

It may be truthfully said that Otter Tail county has no citizen of whom she has more reason to be proud than John G. Nelson, who carries with him the distinction, now left to few men, of having served in the Federal army during the Civil War. The example furnished by his life is not only an enviable one. but of inspiring character. His influence during an eminently industrious life has made for the prosperity of the community whose business interests he has ever held close to his heart. John G. Nelson, who is known throughout the county in which he lives as Senator Nelson, was born on the 16th of March, 1844. in Fureby, Sweden, and is the sixth in order of birth of the children of N. D. Anderson and Martha Johnson, both of whom were born in Sweden between the years 1807 and 1808. The father of the subject of this sketch, who followed the occupation of a farmer in his native land, came to this country in 1854, bringing with him his wife and their seven children, one of the sons having died in Sweden before the family set sail. Upon arriving in this country the family located in Chiscago county, Minnesota, where the father bought two hundred acres of land for farming purposes, and where he lived until his death, which occurred in Septemher, 1869. Two of the daughters, Helena and Charlotta, died in 1855, aged seventeen and nineteen years respectively. Two other daughters, Christina and Josephine, married and lived in Chiscago county. Christina died in [89.6. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Nelson, mother of John G. Nelson, the subject of this sketch, came to Otter Tail county and lived the remainder of her life with her three sons, Anders P., John G. and Peter ( dying in 1889.

The early education received by John G. Nelson was obtained in the common schools of his native land and in the schools of Chiscago county, Minnesota. As a young man he worked on his father's farm and also at the lumber business whose interests carried him regularly on trips down the St. Croix river.

( )n August 15. 1862, the subject of this sketch unhesitatingly laid aside his business duties and offered his services to save the government, which at that time was in great danger. He enlisted in Company C. Seventh Regiment. Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and during the first four months of service was assigned to Ft. Ripley to guard against attacks by the Chippewa Indians at that point. The government man agreeable settlement at the Chippewa agency with the Indians and Hole-in-the-Day. their chief, after leaving Ft. Ripley, the regiment went to Ft. Snelling and then to Mankato. Minnesota, where the company guarded a number of Sioux Indian prisoners. During the months spent in this locality John (i. Nelson had some of the most thrilling experiences of the war. During Christinas dav and the day following the subject of this sketch was on duty for forty-eight hours, "ii account of trouble with thirty-eight of the Indian-, who were sentenced to be hanged on the 26th of December. The company had charge of building the scaffold where all of the thirty-eight Indians were put tn death at the same time on that date. After the hanging had taken place the regiment guarded the remaining Indians until May of the following year when they took the prisoners by boat from Mankato to Davenport, Iowa, where the_\ were stockaded in charge of Major Anderson. After the return of the company to Mankato they with the balance of the regiment started oil what is known in history as the Indian Expedition of [863, under General Sibley. They marched first to a point about forty miles southeast of Devils Lake. X. I) where they camped. From this camp a detail of two companies of infantry, one company of cavalry, and two held pieces went to Devils lake, where they expected to meet in battle Indians who were reported to he there. In the meantime the main part of the regiment proceeded on to the Missouri river where they fought the battle of Big Mound on July _'4. Mr. Nelson was with the detail sent to Devils lake. On their arrival there, only the son of Little Crow was found, and the detail returned to the camp, where they were rejoined by the regiment, and camp was broken for the long march hack to Ft. Snelling.

They remained at the fort only a short time before leaving for St. Louis. Missouri, where they remained until spring. Upon leaving the West the regiment went to Paducah. Kentucky, where they were in camp three-weeks and then attached to the Sixteenth Army Corps, at that time in command of Gen. A. J. Smith. The next march was to Memphis, Tennessee, and from there to Tupelo. Mississippi, where the regiment fought in the battle of Tupelo, in which General Forrest, the until-then unconquered Confederate general, was decisively defeated in a battle hard fought and lasting three days. They then returned to Memphis for a few days and took part in the Oxford raid. After the Oxford raid. Smith's army started on what is known as Trice's raid through Missouri and Arkansas. The army struck the Mississippi river at Cape Girardeau. From there transports were taken to St. Louis. This was in the latter part of November. From St Louis the army went to Nashville, Tennessee, arriving there on the ist of December, and there joined General Thomas in the defense of Nashville against General Hood. On the 151I1 day of December, 1864. General Thomas made the attack which lasted two days, General Hood being defeated both days. The Southern army under Hood was completely defeated and the turning point in the Western campaign. After this battle they manded to Last Port, Mississippi, where they camped for two months. At die end of that time they left for Vicksburg and from there by boat to

01 rER I All.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

N. P. R. NELSON.

N. P. R. Nelson is one of the most progressive agriculturists of Parkers Prairie township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, as well as one of the most active citizens and is fully worthy of the respect which he receives.

He is a son of the late Anders P. Nelson, who was born on January 8, 1835, in Furebu, Smaland, Sweden. Anders P. Nelson came to America in 1854 with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. N. D. Anderson. They were pioneers of Chisago county, Minnesota. Anders P. was a trusted employee of the government when the preliminary survey for the government road was made from St. Paul to Superior City, and continued at this kind of work for three seasons, the winters being spent in the pineries. In 1862 Mr. Nelson led the forces who intrenched the peninsula at Center City against an Indian outbreak which was pending. He was active in politics and a pioneer in many of the important events in the early settlement of upper Minnesota. In 1870 he moved to Parkers Prairie, being one of the first to settle in that fertile country. His home was the scene of many early gatherings, as it was the only one large enough to accommodate a meeting of any size. The first church and school in Parkers Prairie were held in his home and the first political meeting of those times was held there. Mr. Nelson afterward did considerable contract work, getting out a large part of the timber supplies for the Northern Pacific railroad which was being built. Mr. Nelson died in 1914 at Parkers Prairie, where he had moved from the homestead two years before.

N. P. R. Nelson, the subject of this sketch, was the third child of his parents. There were six children in the family. They are all living and are: Mrs. John A. Hawkinson, Mrs. Charles A. Bergquist and X. P. R. Nelson, all of Parkers Prairie; Mrs. C. A. Carlson, of Garrison, North Dakota; J. A. R. Nelson, of Deer Lodge. Montana; and J. G. Vasa Nelson, of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. N. P. R. Nelson was born on May 24. 1873. on the old homestead at Parkers Prairie. He was educated in the common schools of the locality. From the time he was fourteen years of age he practically managed his. father's farm, the father's business of carpenter and contractor taking him away from home a greater part of the time. As soon as he became of legal age his ability as a leader was recognized and he was elected to and held with credit many local positions of honor and trust in school and township affairs.

On December 21, 1898, N. P. R. Nelson was united in marriage to Augusta Sigfrid and their married life has been a particularly happy one. In 1 90 1 Mr. Nelson went to Bismarck, North Dakota, where for two years, in company with his brother, J. A. R. Nelson, he managed the Grand Pacific hotel, a leading hostelry for politicians at the capital city of that state, and there he came to know much about matters which have been of help to him in later life. In 1903 he returned to Minnesota and for three years was agent for the Woodworth Elevator Company at Carlos and Parkers Prairie. In 1906 he went to Detroit, Minnesota, where he was in the mercantile business for a year, but disposed of his interests there in 1907 to accept a position with the North Dakota Grain Company, of Superior, Wisconsin, as traveling solicitor. In 1910 he resigned with this company to return to Parkers Prairie and take up the active management of his farm, where he has since remained.

Mr. Nelson is not only a progressive farmer, but is actively interested in co-operation among farmers along other lines. He is now secretary and treasurer of the Parkers Prairie Co-operative Creamery Company, which he was instrumental in organizing a number of years ago. He is also secretary of the Parkers Prairie Mutual Fire Insurance Company, an organization with over a million dollars of policies and is interested in and was first president of the Parkers Prairie Farmers Telephone Company, the pioneer of a system of co-operative companies which give his home locality a service which has grown from a small beginning to one second to none. Mr. Nelson's counsel and advice are eagerly sought by his friends and acquaintances as being worth while and he is one of the residents of Parkers Prairie to whom they refer with pride.

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have three children: Earl E., born on June 17, 1900; Signe A., April 29, 1904, and Carl C, May 19, 1910.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

MARTIN T. NELSON.

Of the well-known business firms in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, there may be mentioned the firm of Nelson & Thoreson. who operate two distinct lines of business, the Fergus Fuel Company, which deals in coal, lime, plaster and cement, and the Marble and Granite Works.

Martin T. Nelson, the senior member of the firm of Nelson & Thoreson. was born on November 15, 1873, and is the son of Tollef and Marit (Larson) Nelson, the former of whom was born in 1837 and who, in 1856, with his brother, sailed for America. Tollef was then but nineteen years old. With his brother, he landed at Quebec. Canada, and not having enough money to reach their destination they borrow-ed some and by boat finally reached the state of Michigan, after which they worked their way several hundred miles, finally reaching Big Canoe, Iowa, where their uncle lived. They remained with him for a time and then moved to Waseca county, Minnesota, where they worked a farm on the shares for a time. Afterward they came to Freeborn comity and also worked at farming on the shares. Finally, they purchased a yoke of oxen and drove to Tumuli township, in Otter rail county, taking up a homestead near the village of Halt. ml There

Tollef Nelson farmer until his death.

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Martin T. Nelson was reared on the home farm, and after completing his education taught school for two years in Norman county and two years in Otter Tail county. Afterward he engaged in the coal, lime, plaster and cement business and. in 1908, went into the marble and granite business. The title of the firm was originally Partridge & Nelson. This partnership arrangement continued for one year, and afterward Mr. Nelson was alone until 191 2, when he took his present partner into the business.

By his marriage to Gena Molden, the daughter of Olie Molden, Martin T. Nelson has one son, Thomas O., who was born ott September 27, 1907.

The firm of Nelson & Thoreson has been unusually successful in business and has succeeded in building up a large trade and a valuable patronage in this community. Much of this success is due to the splendid ability and genial personality of the senior member of the firm. Martin T. Nelson.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

NELS M. NELSON.

To record the personal career of men who have raised themselves from humble circumstances to positions of responsibility and trust in a community, is no ordinary pleasure. Self-made men, men who have achieved success by reason of their personal qualities and who have impressed their individuality upon the business development and agricultural life of their community, have an important influence upon such institutions as have come within the sphere of their usefulness. Of such, we have the unquestionable right to say is Xels M. Nelson, a prosperous farmer of Aurdal township

Mr. Nelson was hum mi April 4, 1885, in Aurdal township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, on his father's old homestead farm. He is the son of Xels E. and Methe (1 allan i Nelson, who came to America from Norway. Mr. Nelson's father was born in Norway on December 1844, and his mother in the same country on January 6, 1850. Nels E. Nelson, who passed away in this township and count), in [909, was the son of Ingebret and Aaste Nelson, both of whom were natives of Norway, who settled in Aurdal township, Otter Tail county, in 1868. They took a homestead farm of one hundred and sixty acres in this township and here spent the balance of their lives. Before coming to Otter Tail county. Mr. Nelson's father had lived for a time in Goodhue county. He was a typical pioneer of this section, who took a great interest in public improvements. He had one of the best farms in this part of Otter Tail county. Manx years before his death, he erected a magnificent brick house, made of bricks burned on the farm. His wife, now a widow, is still living on the old farm. Mr. and Mrs. Nels E. Nelson were the parents of three children. Anna, Nels and Henry 1'. Hie Nelsons have always been identified with the Lutheran church and have always keen prominent in religious affairs.

Nels M. Nelson, who was reared on his father's old home farm, was educated in the public schools of his home community and. during his boyhood and youth, performed the tasks which generally fall to the lot of the average country boy. In 1 < > 1 j. Mr. Nelson bought the Martin Halverson farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of splendid land. He is a general farmer and stock man and has been very successful, although he is a young man and has many years before him in which to work out his life's success.

On October 25, [909, Nels M. Nelson was married to Anna Golberg, who was born in Olmstead county, Minnesota, in 1889, and who is the daughter of Endrew O. and Mary Golberg. After living for many years in Olmstead county, Minnesota, they came to Otter Tail county, about 1900 and are now residents of Sverdrup township. Mr and Mrs. Xels M. Nelson have two children. Norris and, Kenneth.

Mr. Nelson has always been independent in politics. He cares more for measures and men than he does for parties and party emblems. Bellas served in many positions of trust and responsibility, especially positions of local trust. For a number of year-, he was a supervisor of Aurdal township and, for three years, was chairman of the hoard. He has also served as a member of the school hoard and as clerk of the hoard. Mr. and Mr-. Nels M Nelson are members of the Lutheran church.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

HENRY P. NELSON.

Henry 1'. Nelson, a prosperous farmer of Aurdal township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born on the old Aurdal township farm, August 10, [888; and is the son of Xels E. and Methe ( Ilallan) Nelson, both of whom were born in Norway, the former on December 17. 1844. and the latter on January 6, 1850.

Xels hi. Nelson's parents were Ingebret and Aaste Nelson, both of whom were born in Norway and who came to America and settled in Aurdal township in [868. They took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and both died on the homestead farm. Mr. Nelson's father came from Norway to Minnesota with his parents. He settled in Goodhue county and was also a pioneer in Mirdal township. Later be look up one hundred and sixty acres of land and made many improvements upon the farm, which he acquired from the government. After having made a large quantity of brick, he erected a magnificent brick residence on the farm and lived 111 this home until his death, in 1900. His widow is still living. The) were the parents of five children, Peter, Haldon, Anna. Xels and Henn P. Mr. Nelson's parents were members of the Lutheran church

Henry P. Nelson was educated in the public schools of Mirdal township and reared on tin farm which his parents owned Mr. Nelson himself owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mirdal township, which is a part of the old homestead. He also owns other land in this county. In 1911 Mr. Nelson built a splendid home on the farm. He 1- a general farmer and stockman and has been very successful although he is still a young man.

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Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members of the Lutheran church.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

One of the venerable citizens and successful farmers of Clitherall township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is Jens Nelson, who was born at Skane, Sweden July 21, 1831. He is the son of Nels and Elsie Okeson. who spent their entire lives in Sweden. The father was a farmer and landowner, and was born in 1804. his death occurring in 1851. His wife was born in 1808 and died in 1869. They were earnest and devoted members of the Lutheran church and were the parents of a family of eight children.

Of the children born to Xels and Elsie Okeson. Oke was born in 1826 r Nels in 1827; John, who was born in 1830. is a farmer of Clitherall township; Peter born in 1833, was also a farmer in Clitherall township until his death in 10,13; Burnet was born in 1830; Anna, who was born in [839, married Nels Matheson, and died in Denmark: Louis, horn in 1842, died at the age of seventeen years; Frank, the youngest, was born in 1845.

Jens Nelson was educated in the public schools of his native country, and after his marriage and the birth of four children, and the death of one, emigrated to America in 1870, making the voyage on a steamship. Upon the arrival of the Nelson family in the United States, they settled at Litchfield, Minnesota, where they lived for one year, when they moved to Otter- Tail county, where they homesteaded one hundred and siNty acres of land in Clitherall township The land was largely covered with timber. Mr. Nelson started life in the new country by constructing a dugout, but in 1878 built a log house, which is still standing, and which is still used as a residence.

Jens Nelson was married in his native land to Elna Anderson and to this union have been born, ten children: Nels, who died at the age of three in Sweden; Andrew, who died at Moorhead, Minnesota, at the age of sixteen; Johanna, the wife of Charles Larson, lives at Liberty, Canada; Emma, the wife of William Curinger, lives at Cass Lake. Minnesota; John, who died at the age of eleven; Frank who is referred to later on in this sketch, lives at home and operates the home farm; Ella, who died at the age of nineteen; August, a resident of Lunds Valley, is a wheat buyer; Ida, the wife of William McCormick, lives at Minot, North Dakota; Amanda. the wife of \11toi1 Morrau. lives at Delaware, North Dakota.

( )f these children. Frank V, who was born on the farm where he now

378 OTTER TAIL riU'VTY MINNESOTA;

lives, and which he now operates, was educated in the public schools of his home township, and reared to the life of a farmer. Since he was old enough he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and during the past eight or ten years, has rented the farm of his father. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a constable in Clitherall township.

Jens Nelson was i nc of the founders of the Swedish Lutheran church 111 Clitherall township, of which his family are devoted and earnest members.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

['rank Nelson was educated in the public schools of his native land and was reared on his father's farm. When he was old enough be engaged in farming, and in 1869 came to America on a steamship. Upon his arrival in the United States, be settled first at Litchfield, Minnesota, where F01.1 time be worked on a railroad. Frank was the first member of the Nelson family who came to America. In 1871 be removed to Otter Tail county and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 29. of

Clitherall township. The farm was heavily timbered at the time Mr. Nelson purchased it. and it was necessary to clear this land before crops could be raised, hi the meantime he erected a log house, which has since been destroyed. For about twenty years after coming to America. Mr. Nelson was engaged in clearing and improving his land, and his farm is now in good condition, and he has occupied it ever since his removal to this county. He is a general farmer and stockman, and has been most successful in his operations.

In 1875 Frank Nelson was married to Annie Peterson, who died in [886, leaving four children: Leonard, who is a clerk in a hardware store in Clitherall; Joseph, a farmer living in Dakota: Oscar, who lives at home, works on neighboring farms; Emily, who died in 1905.

In [887 Mr. Nelson was married to Hannah Peterson, and to this union have been born eight children: Agnes, the wife of Richard L. Gilles; George, who is a telegraph operator at Black River Falls, Wisconsin; while five children. Eddie, Harry, Arthur, Esther and Ernest, are living at home with their parents. John, another child, died in infancy.

Mr. Nelson has always voted the Republican ticket since coming to the United States. He and his family are earnest and devoted members of the Swedish Lutheran church of Eagle Lake township, and take an active interest in religious affairs, and contribute liberally to the support the church.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

NILS H. NELSON.

As an extensive farmer and stock raiser and a man who has large interests in business circles in Otter Tail county, as well as a citizen who has served in various public offices and has taken an active part in the affairs of the community, Xils 11. Nelson has a prominent place in the record of valued citizens of this community.

Xils H. Nelson was born in Norway, at Gansdahts, Prestegjeld, Gudbrandsdelm, near the town of Lillehammer, May 10. [853, the son of Hans and Randi (Gunderson ) Nelson, both of whom were natives of Norway, the father horn on April 17, 181 7. and the mother on December 8. 1810. Hans and Randi Nelson, following their marriage, bought a farm in Norway, where they engaged as farmers until the year 1869, when they came, with their children, to America, and settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where they bought the improvements of a land squatter, in sections 17, 19 and 20, of Tordenskjold township, and lived there until the opening of United States government land to homesteaders and then they took up one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township, a place on which they built a log cabin for a home, together with other necessary improvements. On this farm Hans and Randi Nelson lived for the remainder of their lives. Hans Nelson dying in the year 1902, at the age of eighty-five years, and his wife, Randi, dying in the year 1880. Hans Nelson and his wife were among the most highly respected of the community and they took an active part in the founding of the Free Lutheran church of Minnesota. In politics, Hans Nelson was a Republican. To Hans and Randi Nelson were born two children. Nils H., of this sketch, and Randine, who died at the age of forty, unmarried.

Nils H. Nelson was educated in the public schools of Norway, where he attended classes until, with his parents, he came to America and then for a time studied in the schools of Otter Tail county, Minnesota. After his schools davs. Nils H. Nelson helped his father on the farm for some years and later became the owner of the home place, land to which he added sixty acres adjoining, on the west and the north.

Nils H. Nelson has taken an important part in the public life of Tordenskjold township and Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where for more than thirty-two years he has held the office of township clerk. Mr. Nelson has served as treasurer of the school district in which he is located and for some time he served his county as deputy county treasurer. In church circles. Nils H. Nelson is affiliated with the Lutheran church, an organization for which he served as treasurer. In business life, Mr. Nelson is no less conspicuous, for he is a stockholder in the Otter Tail Co-operative Store, in the Farmers Elevator Company, in the Creamery Company and in the Telephone Company, of Otter Tail county.

On December 28, 1878, Nils H. Nelson and Maren Ilansina Rasmussen were married; she being a native of Denmark, the daughter of Jorgen and Christine Rasmussen, who came to America about the year 1866, and lived for a time at Cleveland, Ohio, and then, in the year 1871, they moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and settled in section 20, of Tordenskjold township, where they took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land, and where Jorgen and Christine Rasmussen lived until May 23, 1914, when Jorgen Rasmussen died, at the age of ninety-two years, his wife, Christine Rasmussen, having preceded him in death about four years, she dying on August [3, [910, at the aye of eighty-two years.

To Nils II. and Maren Nelson were born the following children: Ilarald, who for some time attended the state agricultural college at Minneapolis, and who now lives at home: Ragna, a dressmaker of Fargo, North

Dakota; Lucy Cecelia, who lives at home; Clara, who married Edwin Wagstrom, and lives in Maplewood township, on a farm; Agnes, who lives at Fargo, North Dakota; Pauline, who is a teacher in the public schools of Otter Tail county; and Helen, who lives at home.

In politics and in private life, Nils H. Nelson fills an important place in the community and is among those men who have the respect of the entire county and district Well and favorably known, he is one of those citizens of whom the township and county may rightfully be proud.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

In Eagle Lake township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, few men have taken a more active part in general affairs and for the promotion of the general] welfare than has Jonas Nelson, successful farmer and extensive stock raiser. Interested in these things which work for the material progress of the community and giving of his time and effort in church work for (he advancement of the mora! life of the vicinity, and giving of his training and experience towards the instruction of the youth in the locality, this worthy citizen is one who has an important place in the social and official affairs of Otter Tail county.

Jonas Nelson was born in Sweden on March 25, 1840, the son of Niels Martinson and Anna Hokinsdalter, who were natives of Sweden, in which country Nels Martinson was a farmer until his death, in 1873. In the family of Nels Martinson and Anna Hokinsdalter were nine children, three of whom came to America.

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[870. in 1N71 he took a homestead of eighty acreof land in Eagle Lake township. With the aid of a brother and a yoke of oxen, which were their joint possession, they broke up the soil, built a log house, twelve by fourteen feet, where they lived and engaged in general farming, their efforts meeting with success. Jonas Nelson prospered and he now is the owner of two hundred acreof well-tilled and well-improved land, on which he follows a general agricultural lite, together with dealings in live stock which he raises 1 'ii his farm.

On December 31, r88o, Jonas Nelson was married to Celia Person, and to this marriage have been horn the following children: Garfield (deceased 1. Andrew S.. Paulina, Joseph, Elemor l charlotte, Victor. Hilda M. and Carl Julius.

In church circle- Jonas Nelson is known as a leader and as an active and successful worker in the Swedish Lutheran church, he having occupied nearly all of the officeof this church, and for more than seven years has been a popular and efficient teacher of the Sunday school. Politically and officially, Mr. Nelson also is prominently affiliated. For ten years he served satisfactorily and efficiently as justice of the peace, and for some yearhe has filled the office of township clerk-. He has also served his township as assessor. In 1880 he was census enumerator; in 1890 he also filled the same office. Wherever called upon, or in whatever capacity, Mr. Nelson has been willing to serve, even to the point of sacrifice, as a result of which he has won the esteem and gratitude of the township and county.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ARTHUR W. NELSON.

The subject of the following sketch was born and has spent his entire life in Parkers Prairie township, where he has become a potent factor in the business progress, handling a full line of the most approved agricultural implements, and doing a prosperous business, all of which is the result of his upright dealings and affable manner in the treatment of his many customers.

Arthur W. Nelson, implement merchant, Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail county, was born on October [6, [876, in Parkers Prairie township, and is a son of Carl G. and Christina Nelson. He was educated at the public schools of Parkers Prairie, and as a young man followed farming on the old homestead in partnership with his brother, Alec, for about ten years. In 1908, he went into the general farm implement business for himself, which he still follows, doing a remunerative business, in addition to which lie owns a forty-acre farm on the outskirts of the village, where lie now resides. Politically, Mr. Nelson is an independent voter, and in religion he is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church.

Carl G. and Christina Nelson were both born in Sweden, where they followed farming, coming to America about 1861. making their first residence in Washington county, Minnesota, ami locating later at Parker's Prairie, Otter Tail comity..Minnesota, in 1870. Here they took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, where Mr. Nelson followed agriculture for the remainder of his active life. During the latter part of his life he spent three years in Florida and Kansas. He was one of the hard-struggling pioneers, and was always a public-spirited man. Carl G. and Christina Nelson were the parents of seven children: Peter, John, Ida and Cronnett, all deceased: and Alexander. Edward and Arthur W. Mr. Nelson was a member of the Swedish Lutheran church at Parkers Prairie, of which he was one of the builders.

Arthur W. Nelson was united in marriage on December 22, 1903, with Mabel Hawkinson, daughter of John Hawkinson, whose life history is presented elsewhere in this volume. One child has been born to this marriage. Everett Nelson.

Mr. Nelson is one of the public-spirited young men of the community, and has earned the high regard in which be is held by all who know him.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

A sketch of the life of Nels Nelson would he incomplete without reference to his father, John Nelson, whose rare qualities of prudence and industry have combined to make him one of the most esteemed citizens in the community in which he lives. John Nelson was born in the southern part of Norway, not far from Stavanger. in 1844. and is the son of Nels Salveson and Bertha Johnson, also natives of Norway. Nels Salveson. who was a farmer and a landowner, died in his native country in 1868 and his wife passed away in 1856. The couple reared a family of six children, as follow: Sarah (Mrs. Thomas Thompson), died in Norway; Kan also died in her native country, at the age of twenty years; Inga, the wife of Verman Sigredson, is buried in Norway, and Bertha, the wife of Lars Oftedal, resides in Norman county, Minnesota; Sam follows the occupation of farming near Like Ida, in Becker county. Minnesota, and John is referred to in the next paragraph.

The public schools of Norway furnished the elementary educational advantages lor John Nelson, who worked on a farm after completing the school course. The voyage in America, which was made in 1N69, occupied one month on the ocean. For two years after his arrival in this country he resided in Vernon county, Wisconsin, the community to which he was first attracted. Tintrip to Otter Tail county was made in a covered wagon, drawn by a team of oxen, and the time required to traverse the distance, which seems short in this day of rapid travel, was live weeks. In Scambler township, Mr. Nelson took a homestead claim on one hundred and sixty acres of land, in section 4. His first years of labor in this community were eventful with all tin incidents common in the life of a pioneer. He had to live through the disappointments of crop failures and the draw hacks of rough winter weather. Before retiring from active farm work. Mr. Nelson added-me hundred and sixty additional acres to his original homestead, lie has since divided part of the land among his children and at the present time makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Simon Olson, who lives on the home place. John and Johanna Sophia Nelson were the parents of the following children: Nels, the subject of this review; Kari, who died at the age of twenty-three; Sarah, who died at the age of twenty, and Betsey (Mrs. Simon Olson), who, with her husband, lives in Scambler township, on the homestead belonging to her father.

The birthplace of Nels Nelson is in Vernon county, Wisconsin, where he was born on Tune 2, 1870. He was brought to Minnesota when only one year old, and after reaching the age of seven attended the public schools of Scambler township. He went to farming soon after he had finished school and in 1890 came into possession of eighty acres of land, to which tract he added eighty acres more. Upon this farm Mr. Nelson put many modern improvements and continues to live on the place at the present time. In iqoo he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 9, of Scambler township, and still continues to manage the addition. Mr. Nelson has never allowed himself to be wholly occupied to the point of narrowness with the duties of farm life. He has taken an active part in the industrial affairs around him and has, as a consequence, been honored with school offices. He has served as treasurer of the school district and as supervisor of the township in which he lives. He and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

To the marriage of Nels Nelson and Bertina Carlson, a native of Cormorant township, Becker county, the following children have been born: Selma Carlotte, Edwin, John, Neil, Tyler, Samuel, Julia, Walter and Birdie.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

OLE CHRISTIAN NELSON.

Prominent in the business life of P.cattle Lake, Minnesota, is Ole Christian Nelson, who has been continuously engaged in the mercantile business at Battle Lake since the early eighties and who is now doing business in Battle Lake under the firm name of O. ( '. Nelson & Company.

Born on February 17, [857, in Norway, Ole Christian Nelson is the son of Nels and Helena (Johnson) Nelson, also natives of Norway, who were born in [827 and [825, respectively. Mr. Nelson's father was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1899. On September 15, 1901, Mrs. Helena Nelson came to Battle Lake. Minnesota, and died here on October 16, 1901. They were the parents of five children, of whom two, both named Martenns. are deceased. The living children are, Ole Christian, Josephena and Hans.

Ole Christian Nelson was educated in the public schools of Norway and was confirmed in the Lutheran church at the age of fifteen years. He worked in the lumber-mills and on the railroads of Norway until the spring of t88o, when he came to America and settled at Stillwater, in Washington county, Minnesota, where he was employed by Isaac Staples until [881, when he moved to Fargo, North Dakota. On July o. 1 SN 1, Mr. Nelson moved to Battle Lake, Minnesota, and for a time, stopped with Han- Gilbertson. He got employment here on the railroad and worked until October 8, [88l, when he returned to Washington county, Minnesota, to work for Mr. Staples. In March. iKK_>. Mr. Nelson came hack to Battle I.ako ami has resided here ever since.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

XELS W. NELSON.

To the combined efforts of the representative and progressive business men, is the success of a community due. and to this class belongs the subject of this sketch.

Xels \Y. Nelson, clothing merchant, Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, was born March 13, 18(14. at Decorah, Iowa, and is a son of Knute and Gunel (Holen) Nelson. His education was obtained at the public schools of Ridgeway, Iowa, where he lived with his grandfather Nelson, assisting him on the farm. In 1X84. he went to South Dakota, engaging his services as a clerk in a country store. In 1887 he went to Dell Rapids, South Dakota, where he clerked for about eleven years, and in the fall of 1902, he came to Pelican Rapids, and on October 17. of that year, he opened a clothing store, in which business he is still engaged.

Knute Nelson, father of Nels was born in Norway, as was also his wife, Gunel Holen. He was educated in the public schools of Norway, and came to America in 1859, locating for one year at Decorah, Iowa. In [860, he moved to Rushford, Minnesota, where he spent the remainder of his life. About 1806, the cholera struck Rushford. and Mr. Nelson's brother, his wife, eldest daughter and youngest son. all died within three weeks. To Knute and Gunel ( 1 Iolen ) Nelson were born the following children: Pars, Martha, deceased: Bertha, Xels \Y., and Andrew, deceased.

Xels W. Nelson was united in marriage, November 15, 1893, to Carrie Blanes, to which union have been born three children, Guy, Ferdinand, and Cathleen.

Mr. Nelson is an intelligent, wide-awake men-bant, ami a pleasant man to meet, to which characteristic is largely due his business success His reputation for square dealing has also had its share in building up his business.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

EDDIE N. NELSON.

Grain dealer, farmer and merchant. Eddie N. Nelson, a prosperous young citizen of Clitherall, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born on February 18, 1883. in Nidaros township. He is the son of Even and Anna (Halverson) Nelson, both of whom were born in Norway. Even Nelson was the son of Thorwald Nelson, who came to Minnesota in pioneer days and who died at Breckenridge. Mr. Nelson's maternal grandparents. Even and Ingeborg Halverson, came to America in 1871 and settled in Nidaros township. Otter Tail county, on a homestead farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Tt is there that the widow now lives. Her husband died in 1885.

Mr. Nelson's father came to Minnesota with his parents when still a small boy. He was married in this county and died in Xidaros township. His widow is living near Vining on a farm. Eddie N. Nelson was the only child born to his parents. After the death of his father. Mr. Nelson's mother was married to Edward Olson, and to them were born nine children, Inga, Fred, Carl, who died in infancy; Amelia, Eva, Wilma, Mabel, Hazel and Inez.

Eddie N. Nelson was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools of Vining and at Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he attended business college. He began working in the elevator ami lumber yard at Eldridge and Medina. North Dakota. He later worked in the elevator at Sheyenne, North Dakota. In fact, Mr. Nelson was employed at Sheyenne from 1904 to [913. He was also assistant cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Sheyenne during his residence at that place, also manager and secretary of the Equity Elevator and Trading Company for two years, from 1910 to 1912.

In [913.Mr. Nelson mack trip to Arkansas, where he remained for a short time. He next lived at Borap, Norman county. Minnesota, and, after one year, in 1914, came to Clitherall and became the manager and secretary of the Clitherall Grain Association. Mr. Nelson owns a homestead farm in Benson county. North Dakota, a tract of eighty acres situated two miles from Sheyenne.

In 1904 Eddie N. Nelson was married to Pearl Colcord, who was born near Pittsburg, Kansas. March 4. 1888, and who is the daughter of Ivory A. and Elizabeth (Preston) Colcord, of Gravette. Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Eddie N. Nelson have three children, Arthur Evan, Pela Edith and Edgar Norman.

Fraternally, Mr. Nelson is a member of Century Podge No. 60, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at New Rock ford, North Dakota. He is a Republican in politics and, while a resident of Sheyenne, North Dakota, was secretary of the Eddie county Republican central committee. For two years he was a member of the Republican state central committee.

In addition to his position as secretary and manager of the Clitherall Grain Association, Mr. Nelson is also engaged in the farm machinery business at Clitherall. He handles the Stillwater line of machinery and enjoys a good business in this community.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

I. EMIL NELSON.

A successful farmer and a man who by the quality of his life has made a host of friends and has won for himself a place of respect and esteem in Otter Tail county is J. Emil Nelson, who was born in Meeker county, Minnesota. September 19, 1886, the son of Hans and Anna (Johnson) Nelson, both of whom were born in Sweden, where they lived until the year 1880. and then came to America, landing at Quebec, Canada, from which they went to the state of Minnesota and located near the town of Litchfield, where Hans Nelson was employed in the town of Litchfield ten years, until his death, in the year i8qo. Following the death of her husband Anna (Johnson) Nelson, with her family, continued to live near Litchfield, where she purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres of land, on which the family lived for ten years, after which they disposed of their land in that locality and moved to Wadena county Minnesota, there buying one hundred and sixty acres of land in Leaf River township, a place where Anna (Johnson) Nelson and her family lived for three years, and then disposing of this land they came to Otter Tail county Minnesota, and bought a farm 111 sections 26, 27 and 34, in Compton township, where they now live. To the marriage of Hans and Anna (Johnson) Nelson were born the following children: Nels Alfred. John Emil and Fritz Edwin, all of whom are married.

J. Emil Nelson was educated in the common schools of Meeker county,

Minnesota, after which he. with his brothers, helped in the farming of the home farm, later J. Emil taking possession of the home place, where he now engaged in general agricultural pursuits. Mr. Nelson now cultivates two

(36b) hundred acre of land, on which he produces good crops and where he has a well improved and modern farm.

On September 20, 101 1, J. Emil Nelson was married to Tova Lauritzen, who is a native of Denmark, and to this marriage have been born two children, Kenneth Raymond and Lesley Emil.

J. Emil Nelson is a man who, though having taken no special part in the political or public life of the community, has been a good and capable citizen of the county, and is a man whose interest in the welfare of the life and activity of the community is unquestioned.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Jens Nelson, a prosperous farmer of Tordenskjold township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is a native of Sjalland, Denmark, where his birth occurred on January 2Q, 1870. Mr. Nelson is a son of Nels and Sophia (Nelson) Jensen.

Nels Jensen and wife were born, reared and spent all their lives in Denmark. The former was a laborer and a soldier in the War of 1863-64 against Germany. He is still living at the advanced age of eighty-two years and is in good health. His wife died about 1907. Nels Jensen and wife were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom were daughters and two sons. Nine of these children remained in Denmark. One daughter, Helena, came to America, and after arriving in this country, was married to N. P. Gloier, and they are residents of Brooklyn, New York.

Jens Nelson was educated in the common schools of Denmark, and when he was twenty-one years of age came to America, settling in Tordenskjold township, where lie worked for the farmers of the neighborhood for about two years. Afterward Mr. Nelson purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 10. and has lived here ever since. The farm was originally wild land, and had only a small log house on it in the way of improvements. Only about twenty-two acres of the farm had been cleared, but at the present time there is a tine house and a magnificent bank barn with a concrete foundation em the farm. There is also a concrete chicken house, and all of the outbuildings are substantial and convenient for modern farming. The house was erected in 1001 and the barn in tqoq. There is a beautiful avenue of oaks leading from the road to the house, and Mr. Nelson has also set out evergreens and box-elders, adding much to the beauty and attractiveness of the place. He has an orchard of fifty apple trees, and is engaged in mixed farming, 111 which he has met with a very commendable degree of success. On August 9, 1892, Jens Nelson was married to Johanna Christina Christensen, a sister of H. C. Christensen and C. H. Christensen, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are the parents of five children. Marie, George, Christine, Lauritz and Herbert.

Both Air. and Mrs. Nelson and family are members of the Free Lutheran church, in which they take an active and interested part. Mr. Nelson is independent in politics. He is an enterprising farmer, a good neighbor and a good citizen, and enjoys the confidence of many friends and acquaintances.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

One of the most prosperous farmers and landowners of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, a man who has made a notable success of agricultural pursuits, is David Kelson, the subject of this sketch. Progressive and modern in his methods, as a result of which he has become a man of considerable means, he has proved himself to be of value to his community.

David Nelson was born in Sweden on March 6, 1853, the son of Nels and Lllen Erickson. His father was a general worker, who lived in Sweden during his entire life. He and his wife. Ellen, were the parents of ten children, of whom David came to America.

David Nelson was educated in the public schools of his native country, after which, in the year 1887. he came to Mnerica and located in Eastern township. Otter Tail count), where he purchased forty acres of land, later purchasing one hundred and twenty acres mure, which he cultivated, prospering to the point that a short time later he was able to buy two hundred acres of land in another part of Eastern township, all of which he cares for and cultivates to a high state of production. Mr. Nelson, with a true progressive spirit, has placed extensive improvements on his farms, and takes pride in his efforts to make his farms second to none in the community.

In 1880 David Nelson was married to Betsey Nelson, and to this marriage have been born the following children: Kate, Ellen, who died at the age of seven years; Anna, who died at the age of two years; Ellen, Anna, Xels, Matilda, Arthur, Hilding and Dortha. Mr. Nelson and his family are well-known members of the Swedish Lutheran church.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Xels Nelson, farmer, Eagle Bend, Eastern township, Otter Tail county, was born on February 15, 1866, in Sweden, and is a son of Nels and Ellen (Nelson) Christianson. His education was received at the public schools of Sweden, where, as a young man, he learned the blacksmith trade, which vocation he followed until he came to America in 1887, at which time he located at Litchfield, Minnesota, where he did mason work for six years. Mr. Nelson then lived in Minneapolis for about twelve years, after which he bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located in section 13, Eastern township, Otter Tail county. He moved to this farm in 1904, which has since been his home. Mr. Nelson rubbed this farm and put all the improvements on it, including good buildings of every description, and is now engaged in general farming and stock raising, keeping ten dairy cows. He is a member of Swedish Lutheran church.

Nels Christian, father of the subject of this sketch was born in Sweden. His wife Ellen (Nelson) Christianson, was also a native of that country, where they both lived ami died. Mr. Christianson followed the vocation of a miller all his life.

Nels Nelson was united in marriage, June 30, 1894, with Emma Swanson, who was burn on January 1, 1863, in Sweden. This union has been best with seven children: Ellen, who died when two years of age; Hilma, Ellen, Algot, Hazel, Helmer, who died when three and one-half years old, and Gladys, all of whom became members of the Swedish Lutheran church.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOHN P. NELS( )N.

John P. Nelson, well-known implement dealer of. Minora. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is a native of Sweden, born on March 20, 1868. the son of Nels and Pdlen Person, both of whom were natives of Sweden, and who came to Henning township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1888. Upon coming to this county, Mr. Nelson's parents purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Henning township and here Mr. Nelson's mother died in ion. at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. Nelson's father is now living on the old farm and is sixty-eight years old. He sold the farm, however, to his son, Peter P. Nelson. There were seven children in the Nelson family. Ellen, who is the wife of John Brogart, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; John P., the subject of this sketch; Hans, who is deceased; Nels, Gustine, Peter P., and Ingre.

John P. Nelson was educated in the public schools of Sweden and in 1887 came to America and settled in Henning township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where for some time he worked by the day and by the month on farms in Henning township. After a time, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 31, of Amor township. In 1912 Mr. Nelson sold this farm and the same year moved to Almora and engaged in the implement business. He also purchased a blacksmith shop, to which he built an addition for his implement business. Since [912, Mr. Xelson has been engaged in the implement business and is also manager of the blacksmithing business. He is a stockholder in the Minora Co-operative Creamery Company. Mr. Nelson owns a residence'in Almora and it is here that the family lives.

John P. Nelson was married to Jennie Axlena Osterberg, who was born in New Jersey. She is a daughter of Alfred and Ellen Osterberg. They immigrated from New Jersey to Douglas county Minnesota, and it was there that Mrs. Nelson's mother died. Her father is still living and is a farmer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. John P. Nelson have six children, Joseph. Millie, Leonard, Reuben, Violet and Vernon.

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Nelson are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Nelson has served as treasurer of the school board and has been more or less active in politics ever since coming to Otter Tail county. He is a well known and popular citizen in Almora and vicinity.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.