Swan Nelson (1843-1924)

NELSON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 10/3/2022 at 09:34:05

Swan Nelson
(September 1843 – August 26, 1924)

The citizenship of America is of a complex character, but no element has been of more value than that which has been furnished by Sweden. The sons of that kingdom, characterized by thrift, enterprise and the qualities which make up noble manhood, have come to this country determined to make the most of their opportunities, and with unfaltering purpose they have overcome all difficulties and obstacles and advanced steadily to success by perseverance, capable management and honorable methods. Such has been the history of Swan Nelson. As the architect of his own fortunes, he has builded carefully and his example may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. His parents were Nelse and Magnell (Nelson) Swanson. They, too, were born in Sweden and there their marriage was celebrated. The father was a fanner by occupation, following that pursuit throughout his entire life. He died in 1870 and the following year his widow came to America, spending her last days in Calhoun County, where she died in 1891. They were the parents of ten children, of whom two sons and a daughter died in infancy, while Nelse died in Sweden at the age of twenty-eight years. Nellie, who died in April, 1883, was the wife of Peter Peterson, who is now living in Manson. Betsey became the second wife of Peter Peterson and they have a pleasant home in Manson. Cecelia is the widow of Elias Swanson, who died in 1902, at their home in Manson. Swan is the next in the family. John Olean was married in Moline, Illinois, and after the death of his first wife he married again, and is now living in Moline. Peter, a twin brother of John, married Augusta Nelson, and they also reside in Moline, Illinois. To a limited extent Swan Nelson attended school in Sweden but acquired the greater part of his education as he stood by the side of his mother's spinning wheel. She taught him as best she could, and in the school of experience he has also learned valuable lessons. He worked as a farm hand in Sweden and there learned and followed the wagon-maker's trade. In the year of 1869 he came to America, settling in Pocahontas County, Iowa. Having but ten cents remaining when he reached Fort Dodge, he purchased a loaf of bread and then walked to Bellville Township, settling on section 34. He secured a homestead claim of eighty acres of raw prairie land and with determined purpose undertook the task of converting it into a productive farm, fencing and improving it. He broke the land with a yoke of oxen, and a brother who worked in Moline, Illinois, sent him a plow, while another brother sent him the money with which to purchase a stove. With such slight assistance he made his start in his new home, living in a sod house. As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life he chose Miss Cecelia Nelson, their marriage being celebrated in Fort Dodge, Iowa, September 13, 1869. The lady was born in Sweden, September 6, 1835. They were betrothed in their native land and came on the same ship to America. Her parents were Nelse and Lucy (Anderson) Mounson, both natives of Sweden, in which they spent their entire days, the father devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits. He died in 1848 but his wife survived him many years, passing away in 1881. In their family were the following children: Malinda, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Anna, the deceased wife of John Olson, who has since married again and resides in Sweden; John, who died at the age of five years; Andrew, who married Betsey Olson and is living in Manson; Ingred, who came to America in 1868, but no news has since been heard of her; Carrie, who is the widow of Nelse Berg, and resides in Sweden; Cecelia, the wife of our subject; Peter, who was killed in Hawaii about 1890; and Nellie, who died at the age of twenty-six years, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson took up their abode on the homestead farm, living in a sod house in the true manner of the pioneers. He tilled the land with the aid of his ox-team and they did their trading in Fort Dodge. Mr. Nelson added to his landed possessions until he now owns one hundred and sixty acres in Pocahontas County, one hundred and twenty acres in Calhoun County and a quarter section in McCook County, South Dakota. He labored honestly and energetically and annually added to his income. In August, 1899, he put aside business cares and with the capital he had acquired retired to private life. He is now living in Manson in the enjoyment of the fruit of his former toil. Eighteen years previous to this time he had purchased three lots in Manson and on this he built a handsome modern residence with excellent improvements. It is equipped with the latest facilities and accessories, including electric lights and telephone and the house is heated with hot air. His new home is one of the most comfortable, desirable and attractive modern residences in Calhoun County. Mr. Nelson is a man of excellent business ability and executive power. He is resourceful and enterprising and his wise counsel has proved an important factor in the successful conduct of a number of enterprises. He was formerly a stockholder in the State Bank of Pocahontas County and is now a stockholder in the Central Telephone Company. On the l0th of May, 1899, he organized the Mutual Fire & Tornado Association, of which he is the vice-president and he has contributed in a large measure to its successful conduct. The business is now in a most flourishing condition, a large number of policies being written each year. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson has been, blessed with four children, all of whom are yet living: Neleus Monnott, born in Pocahontas County, May 4. 1870, is engaged in real estate, loan and insurance business in Salem, South Dakota. He is also a justice of the peace and notary public and fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows' society, in which he has taken the Rebekah degree. In his political affiliation he is a Democrat. August Leonard, the second son, was born October 8, 1871, and is now engaged in the practice of law in Fort Scott, Kansas. Mollie, born July 7, 1873. is with her parents. Axel Aniel, born October 2, 1875, was married January 4, 1899, to Selma Petrie and they reside on his father's farm in Pocahontas County. They have two children: Sebert Leroy, born December 28, 1900, and Mangell Ruth, born August 24, 1901. Mr. Nelson is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and past chancellor of his lodge, while in religious faith he is connected with the Swedish Lutheran church, of which he is one of the trustees.
In politics he is a stanch Republican and in 1884 was elected supervisor of Pocahontas County in which office he served for two
terms. For eighteen years he also was justice of the peace and has filled all the township offices. He has been notary public and for sixteen years was school treasurer. No higher testimonial of his faithful and capable service can be given than the fact that he has been so long in office. He is widely recognized as one of the leading members of the Republican party in Calhoun County and his opinions carry weight and influence. He is a patriotic citizen placing the country's good before partisan feeling and the general welfare before self-aggrandizement. He is very popular in political circles and enjoys the regard of those who differ from him politically. Mr. Nelson is also numbered among the honored pioneers of the county. When he came to this portion of Iowa, it was indeed wild and unimproved. Deer were still hunted in the locality. Prairie chicken, duck, turkey and every wild game were found plentiful, in fact were so numerous that it was a difficult matter to raise grain. The courthouse of Pocahontas County was then at Rolf and was built by John F. Duncoinbe and John Stockdale, who received twenty thousand acres of swamp land for building the bridge across the Des Moines river and building the courthouse. No native born citizen is more loyal to her institutions than is this adopted son, whom Sweden sent to the new world. Improving his opportunities here and making the most of his advantages, he has steadily advanced and today he stands among the men of affluence who owe their success to honorable business methods. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S.J. Clarke, 1902, p.380]