Grundy County IL Archives Biographies.....Nelson, John 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 13, 2006, 7:27 pm

Author: History of Grundy County, 1914

Nelson, John, the owner of 160 acres of land located in Garfield Township, on 
which he is carrying on general farming operations, was born in Norway, 
January 27, 1861, and came to this country as a lad of five years, in 1866.  
The father of Mr. Nelson was a farmer in Norway, and on coming to America in 
1866 took up that occupation in Kendall County, Ill., where the mother died in 
1872. In 1887 the father came to Grundy County, and for a number of years 
carried on agricultural pursuits, but moved to Gardner and lived retired for 
ten years prior to his death, which occurred March 23, 1912. He is buried in 
the cemetery near Braceville, Ill. Mr. Nelson married (first) Julia Gundersen, 
and to this union there were born four children: John, Mrs. Carrie Raymer, 
Gunner and Mrs. Anna Milburn. He was married the second time to Carrie Olsen, 
of Kendall County, Ill., and to this union there were born six sons: Nels, who 
is deceased; and Thor, Gerhardt, Martin, Iver and Ben.

John Nelson received his education in the district schools of Kendall County, 
and at the age of eighteen years began to work among the farmers for monthly 
wages. By the time he reached the age of twenty years he had saved enough from 
his earnings to purchase his first team and tools, and had enough left to rent 
land. From that time on his rise was rapid and continued, and in 1900 he 
bought his present handsome farm, a property consisting of 160 acres, all in a 
high state of cultivation. On this land he has made many fine improvements, 
and his house and barns are among the finest farm structures to be found in 
the township.  In 1889 Mr. Nelson was married to Miss Elizabeth Perry, who was 
born in Wales and came to this country alone. Six children have been born to 
this union:  Mrs. Lillian Burkhardt, Eva, Mrs. Mabel Barrett, Guy, Beatrice 
and Della. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson and their children are consistent members of 
the Presbyterian Church, and have taken an active interest in its work. He is 
a Republican in politics, and has served five years as a member of the board 
of school directors. His fraternal connections include membership in the 
Modern Woodmen of America, the Royal Neighbors and the Gleaners. During his 
long residence he has formed a wide acquaintance in Garfield Township, and in 
this he numbers many friends.

page 873

Additional Comments:
Source:  History of Grundy County, Illinois, Chicago: Munsell Publishing Co. 
Publishers; 1914

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