MICHAEL NELSON, b 29 Mar 1851

NELSON, DAMGAORD, GOSCH, TITJA

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 7/13/2004 at 16:20:11

Michael Nelson, wagon and carriage builder and general blacksmith, is a man of ability and enterprise, and is successfully carrying on an extensive business in Maquoketa. He was born in Denmark, March 29, 1851; and that land was the home of his forefathers, from time immemorial. His grandfather, Nels Nelson, spent his entire life there; but his father, Jis Nelson, who was reared in the place of his birth, and there followed the stone-mason's trade many years, finally came to the United States, in 1875, and settling in Maquoketa, lived here a few years, employed at various kinds of work, and died here in 1884. The mother of our subject still resides here. To her and her husband were born seven children, as follows: Nels, Henry, Mathias, Peter, Dora, Anne Marie (Mrs. Damgaord), and Michael.

Michael, of whom we write, grew to an active, self-reliant manhood, in the land of his nativity, and besides receiving a substantial education in its chools, was carefully trained at home to a life of industry, frugality, and honesty; and he attributes his success in after life to the fact that in coming in contact with the world, he has not departed from his early training. In 1871 he boldly resolved to emigrate to the United States of America, to see what life might have in store for him here, and, if possible, to improve his financial condition. On his arrival in this country he made his way to this State, and settled in Charlotte, Clinton County. He found himself a poor boy in a strange land, unable to speak or understand the language of the people; but he had a brave heart and willing hands, and seeking work at whatever he could find to do, soon found employment on a farm. He was thus engaged for six weeks, and then for two weeks on a railway. After that he began to learn the trade of wagon-maker at Charlotte. He remained there one year and then came to Maquoketa, where he has ever since made his home. He did journey work at his trade until 1877, and in the meantime he wisely saved his earnings, and in that year was enabled to establish himself in business in a small way. He rented a small shop on Olive street, between East Platte and Pleasant street, and by close attention to his business, and making it a point to turn out nothing but good, substantial work, and endeavoring to give his customers entire satisfaction, he gradually built up quite a large trade, and was so prospered in his enterprise that in 1888 he was obliged to provide himself with larger quarters. He then erected his present building, which is of frame, two stories in height, 32x50 feet, with a blacksmith shop attached. He does custom work, manufacturing carriages, wagons, etc., and in connection does general blacksmithing and carriage-painting.

Dec. 4, 1881, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Christiana Gosch, a native of Germany, who came to America with her parents, Peter and Anna (Titja) Gosch. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have a cozy, attractive home, which is the center of true hospitality; and their happy household is completed by the two children that have been born of their union - Nina and Willie. Both Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are stanch members of the Lutheran Church.

Mr. Nelson is classed among our self-made men, who have made a success of life while still young. He is a man of sober judgment, of keen foresight, and of prompt business habits. His credit stands high in financial circles, and he is well liked in society for his pleasant manners and intelligent conversation.

("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)