Peter T. Nelson

As printed in 1914

PETER T. NELSON.

Peter T. Nelson, a resident of Boone for the past forty-five years, has been actively engaged in the lumber business here for three decades and is now at the head of the well known firm of P. T. Nelson & Sons. His birth occurred in Sweden on the 28th of March, 1845, his parents being Thorkel and Ellen (Peterson) Nelson, who were likewise natives of that country and have passed away. To them were born six children, as follows: Nelse, Andrew T. and Olaf. all of whom are deceased; Peter T., of this review; John T., a resident of Los Angeles, California; and Hans T., living in Boone, Iowa.

Peter T. Nelson became identified with the milling business when a youth of sixteen and was thus engaged until he had attained the age of twenty-three. In 1869 he emigrated to the United States and took up his above in Boone, Iowa, being here employed at railroad work for three years. Subsequently he spent twelve years at the tailor's trade and on the expiration of that period embarked in the lumber business, in which he has been engaged continuously and successfully since. He purchased an interest in the Farrow Lumber Company and in 1905 bought out his associates and admitted his two sons, Emil L. and Alfred E., to a partnership. The firm has since conducted business under the style of P. T. Nelson & Sons and is a successful enterprise, its members being widely recognized as men of excellent executive ability, sound judgment and unassailable integrity.

On the 26th of November. 1872, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Norlin, who passed away in 1893 and who bore him six children, namely: Charles and Edward, both of whom are deceased; Emil L. and Alfred E., who are associated with their father in business; Nellie, the wife of A. F. Nelson, of Boone; and Arthur, who has passed away. On the 6th of January, 1897, Mr. Nelson was again married, his second union being with Miss Augusta Gustafson.

In his political views Mr. Nelson is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. He has never sought nor desired the honors and emoluments of office, preferring to devote his entire attention to his business interests, which have brought him well merited prosperity. He is now the only surviving organizer of the Swedish Mission church and still resides on the same lot where he was first married more than four decades ago. Coming to the new world in early manhood, he eagerly availed himself of the opportunities here afforded and worked his way steadily upward to a foremost place among the substantial and respected citizens of Boone county.

As printed in History of Boone County, Iowa (1914). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.