Martha Knudtdatter (Ersland) Nelson (1843-1908)

ERSLAND, NELSON, KALSEM

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/15/2011 at 21:19:18

From Nevada Representative January 10, 1908

OBITUARY

Death of Mrs. Andrew Nelson.

Mrs. Andrew Nelson, wife of the widely known farmer and polician living a little south of Cambridge in Polk county, died a few days ago. She was a sister of Mrs. Oley Nelson of Slaer in this county, and was well known in the southwestern part of this county. Her death is reported thus in the Capital:

Martha, the wife of Andrew Nelson, a leader of Polk county Norwegians, died Tuesday night at the family home two miles south of Cambridge, in Polk county. She had been ill for some time and death was expected. Her husband and the seven children were at the bedside. Mrs. Nelson was 66 years old. She was born January 28, 1843, in Norway. Eleven years later whe was brought to America by her family on a trip in an old sailing vessel. The voyage was one of those long ones of the pioneer days. It lasted 11 weeks. The family settled in Story county finally, after a residence of year in Illinois. The journey overland was made with an ox team. The daughter Martha married Andrew Nelson on September 20, 1866. Mr. Nelson was at that time a wealthy real estate dealer, already influential. Later the young couple came to Polk county, where the family home was established and has been sontinued. Seven children and the husband survive Mrs. Nelson. They are: Three daughters, Mrs. Anna Kalsem, Mrs. Carrie Kalsem and Mrs. Jennie Nelson; and four sons, Seward, Newton, Martin and Andrew, Jr. who is a teller in th Home Savings bank. The family is one of the first of the Norwegians. Mr. Nelson is extremely wealthy and is a leader of his nationality. He was at one time a member of the board of supervisors and chairman of that body.

The funeral will be held Sunday morning. Early services will be said at the home, and the formal funeral will be held from the Huxley church. Interment will be made in the old family burying ground.