Grundy County IL Archives Biographies.....Ness, Nels L 
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Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com March 25, 2006, 10:38 pm

Author: Bio/Gen Record LaSalle/Grundy 1900

NELS L. NESS.

Grand old Norway has contributed many of the best citizens that America, and 
particularly Illinois and the great northwest, can boast. Almost without 
exception, the sons of that far-away land, upon their arrival in the United 
States, enroll themselves under the banner of the stars and stripes and 
loyally support the laws and institutions of this country, both in peace and 
in war. And it is a fact too well known to need pointing out, that there are 
no more honest, industrious and universally upright citizens, both in their 
native land and in the land of their adoption, than the strong, sturdy sons of 
Norway. 

The father of our subject, Lars Ness, was a farmer in Norway, and there 
married Martha Ness. They had five children, of whom only one, the eldest, 
John L., still makes his home in the land of his birth. Anna, the only 
daughter, is the wife of John Felow, of Nettle Creek township, and the two 
youngest members of the family, Oliver and Ole, are deceased. In 1865 Lars 
Ness and wife came to America, and thenceforth made their home with their son, 
Nels L. The mother departed this life in March, 1890, and the father died in 
September, 1892.

The birth of Nels L. Ness occurred in Norway, July 25, 1833, and his education 
was such as the common schools afforded. He began to be of material assistance 
to his parents in the care of the farm when he was a mere child, and from that 
time until he was eighteen years of age he remained at home. The attractions 
of a sea life had always appealed to him, and at length he could no longer 
resist his inclination. Shipping aboard a vessel engaged in trade along the 
coasts of Norway, he continued to follow the calling of a sailor for fifteen 
years, during which time he became thoroughly familiar with the ports of 
Sweden, Norway and Denmark, and all of the seas, bays and fiords of that 
celebrated region. In 1862 he crossed the Atlantic ocean, with a view to 
taking up his permanent residence here. Liking the country, he stayed, and for 
about two years worked for farmers in Nettle Creek township. Then, for the 
ensuing eight years, he rented a farm, at the end of which period he had 
accumulated sufficient money to permit of his purchasing a homestead. This 
place, of which he became the owner in 1872, comprises one hundred and sixty 
acres, is situated in Nettle Creek township, and has been his home ever since.

In all of his struggles to gain a livelihood and competence Mr. Ness has been 
aided by his estimable wife, whose fortunes were united with his in 1861. She 
formerly bore the name of Rachel Onvek, her parents being Jim and Mary Onvek, 
all natives of Norway. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Ness has been blessed with 
six children, named as follows: Ole, Jim, Lars, Nels, Mary and Oliver. Ole 
married Jane Thompson, who is deceased; Jim wedded Susie Hanson, and lives in 
Iowa; Mary, the wife of Hans S. Hanson, also is a resident of Iowa; Lars chose 
Leverine Hanson for his wife, and their home is near Lisbon, Illinois; and 
Nels, who wedded Carrie Nelson, dwells in the same locality. The father is a 
Republican in politics, and religiously he is a member of the Lutheran church.

Oliver N. Ness, the youngest child of our subject, was born on this farm, on 
the 22d of December, 1876. He received a good education in the public schools 
of this neighborhood, and under his father's instruction mastered the details 
of agriculture. He has always resided upon the home farm, and is a practical 
business man. In 1896 he married Julia Gunderson, a daughter of Gunner and 
Stena (Burson) Gunderson, natives of Norway. The father is still living in 
this county, but the mother is deceased. One child, a little daughter, Ruth, 
was born to the young couple on the 24th of July, 1898.

Additional Comments:
Source:  Biographical and Genealogical Record of La Salle and Grundy County, 
Illinois, Volume 11, Chicago, 1900, p730-732

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