Martin T. Nelson

As printed in 1916

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.

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

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 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.