Nels S Sydnes 1813-1899

SYDNES, SUNNES, FOSSEL

Posted By: Richard Lee (email)
Date: 11/27/2016 at 22:05:11

Slater News, Thursday, February 2, 1899

Another Pioneer Departed

Thursday morning at the home of his son T. N. Sydnes occurred the death of Nels Sydnes Sr. Although deseased has been in failing health for several years, his last illness was very brief. He was confined to his bed less than a week. Through the kindness of Reinert Sydnes we are able to give the following brief sketch of deceased. Nels Sydnes was born in Fjeldberg, Norway in the year 1813. He spent his childhood and early manhood on his farm home where he was taught such lessons of thrift and economy as are essential to a career in life. At the age of 20 he was married to Miss Martha Fosse, who for a period of 43 years shared with him the joys and sorrows of life. To this union were born five sons and three daughters. Four sons and one daughter still survive. The others together with Mrs. Sydnes have preceded into the unknown hereafter. In 1866 Mr. and Mrs. Sydnes, finding the chances for progress in Norway way too limited, concluded to cross the wide expanse of the Atlantic and seek a home in the land of freedom and unlimited possibilities. Coming directly to Iowa, they settled down on a farm in Polk County. Here they remained for a few years, after which they removed to Story county, where Mr. S. has since resided. In 1876 Mrs. S. was taken sick and death entered the family leaving Mr. Sydnes a widower in which state he remained ever since. Of the four surviving sons, Nels and Reinert are residents of our town and Torres lives on a farm two miles west, while Severt lives in Illinois; the surviving daughter lives in Norway. Deceased was a good citizen and a member of the Lutheran church. Having immigrated to this section while the settlement was in its infancy, he endured many of the hardships of early pioneer life. His days of life were many and often has he undoubtedly yearned for a relief from its burdens. It came at last and his friends, while they mourn his death, rejoice in the belief that he has left this valley of sorrow and been transferred to the land of pure delight, where he together with the saints, sing songs of praise to his Lord Jesus Christ. The remains of the deceased were laid to rest in the Lincoln cemetery. Rev. Gjerstad of Story City officiated at the funeral services.

Notes: Nels S. Sydnes died on January 26, 1899. His tombstone erroneously gives his death year as 1900. His wife’s name should have been given as Martha Fossel. She does not have a stone in the Lincoln Cemetery, which was not in use in 1876. She may have been buried in the Willie Coons Farm Cemetery southeast of Sheldahl, the original Lincoln Church cemetery. Nels’s son Severt (Sjur) spelled the surname as Sunnes.