In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1868
From History of Otter Tail County, Minnesota : its people, industries, and institutions : with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families (1916)
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 History of Otter Tail County, Minnesota : its people, industries, and institutions : with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families (1916). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1916. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.