E. C. Nelson Biography


	This biography appears on page 1019 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915) and 
	was scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				E. C. NELSON. 

	On the roster of efficient and public-spirited officials of 
Turner county appears the name of E. C. Nelson, who has served two 
terms as county treasurer. He was born in Denmark, December 11, 1879. 
His father dying before the son was born, he was reared in the home of 
his maternal grandparents, Peter and Petranilla Nelson. With them he 
came to the United States in 1887 and located in Mecosta county, 
Michigan, whence in the same year they moved to Turner county, South 
Dakota. Until he was nineteen years of age he remained upon the farm 
and attended district school, supplementing this by one year at the 
Baptist College at Sioux Falls. When he began his independent career he 
became connected with the grain business and followed this as an 
employee for nine years. In May, 1908, he was appointed deputy county 
treasurer and in 1910 was elected treasurer of Turner county, serving 
by reelection since that time. He has proven capable, conscientious and 
reliable in the discharge of his duties and his record is a credit to 
his ability and his public spirit. In 1915 he removed to Wakonda where 
he is associated with the Wakonda State Bank as vice president. 

	Mr. Nelson has been twice married. In 1908 he wedded Miss Byrde 
Hirst, a daughter of W. J. Hirst of Parker. She died in the spring of 
1909 and on the 11th of December, 1912, Mr. Nelson married Miss Stella 
Grieve, a daughter of F. A. Grieve of Parker, South Dakota. Mr. Nelson 
is connected fraternally with the Masonic lodge of Parker and is noble 
grand in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He gives his political 
allegiance to the republican party and in addition to his present 
office has held other positions of trust and responsibility. He has 
served as city auditor and city assessor of Viborg, and has been a 
member of the republican county central committee and a delegate to 
numerous county conventions. He has accomplished a great deal of 
important work in the public service and his record has been one of 
straightforward and conscientious endeavor in whatever position he has 
been found.