James C. Nelson This biography appears on page 1029 in "History of South Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. II (1904) and was scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net. This file may be freely copied by individuals and non-profit organizations for their private use. Any other use, including publication, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission by electronic, mechanical, or other means requires the written approval of the file's author. JAMES C. NELSON, of Yankton county, was born in Denmark, August 30, 1868, and is a son of Nels and Julia (Anderson) Olsen, who came to this country when their son James was only about five years of age. On the 4th of July, twenty-nine years ago, they arrived in Yankton county and the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land near Tabor, investing the money which he fad brought with him from his native country. In the family were nine children, namely: Ola, John, Dora, Christina, Cecelia, Fred, James, Andrew and Helena. Of this number Andrew is now deceased. The parents are both living, their home being now in Yankton. Mr. Olsen has now retired from active business and enjoys the fruits of his former toil. He has reached the age of seventy- five and his wife is now seventy-one years of age. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in the summer of 1903, and although now well advanced in years both are enjoying good health.. In the public schools of South Dakota James C. Nelson was educated therein continuing his studies until he reached the age of sixteen. He afterward, however, became a student in Yankton College, where he remained for two years and thus with a liberal mental discipline he was well prepared for the active affairs of life. Upon leaving college he turned his attention to farming in connection with his brother Andrew, who is now deceased. In October, 1897, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Burton and they have become the parents of three children: Bessie, Robert and Edith, all of whom are at home. The farm property of the subject comprises three hundred and sixty acres of land, a part of which is under cultivation, while the remainder is used for pasturage purposes. He raises considerable stock, having now one hundred head of cattle ready for the Chicago market. In his business affairs he is active and honorable and whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion. About eight years ago he planted a number of apple trees and now has a good orchard. In public affairs he is energetic and his. labors have been of marked benefit along many line of progress. He has been a member of the school board for three terms of six years and has been assessor for seven or eight years. In politics he is a Republican, recognized as one of the active workers for the success of his party, yet he has never been an aspirant for office nor sought official preferment as a reward for his party fealty.