John D. Nelson (1840-1919)

NELSON, REASONER, GASTON, MCCARTHY, HALVERSON, OLSON, WILSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 6/10/2023 at 19:10:08

From The Slater News August 27, 1919 (page 1)

OBITUARY OF MR. JOHN D. NELSON

Made His Home in the Community Northeast of Kelley a Little Over 43 Years.

In the death of Mr. John D. Nelson the community of northeast of Kelley has lost another sturdy pioneer. He was born in the far off land of Denmark in February, 1940. He came to America on May 24, 1863, and settled down on his farm south of Ames, in Story county, in 1866, where he made his home for forty-three years, till death called him suddenly on August 12th, at the ripe old age of 79 years, 6 months and 6 days. He was the victim of heart failure.

He was united in marriage on August 22, 1873, to Miss Rachel Emily Reasoner. To this union were born eleven children, all of whom are married and have homes of their own. They are Mrs. Anna Gaston, Mrs. May McCarthy and Garfield, Arthur and Charley Nelson, all of near Artesian, South Dakota; George Nelson from Little Falls, Minnesota, Mrs. Margaret Halverson, Mrs. Minnie Olson and Levi and Nels Nelson of near Kelley and Mrs. Mina Wilson of Cambridge. All the children were present at the funeral. He leaves besides his wife and the eleven children, one great grandchild, two sisters, eleven nieces and nephews and a host of friends to mourn his sudden demise. Mr. Nelson was a man, diligent in business, and therefore could "stand before the kings," according to Biblical promises. He provided well for his own temporally and spent much of his time visiting among his children.

The funeral was held at the old homestead, a beautiful country home, on Friday afternoon, the 15th. The large attendance present testified to the high esteem in which he was held by his neighbors and many friends. A ladies' quarter from Cambridge sang several selections. "Whispering Hope" was rendered by Miss Wilson and Rev. Bjorlie, who also sang "There's a Beautiful Land On High." Rev. Bjorlie had charge of the services. He was assisted by Rev. Sweihart Lutheran pastor from Nevada. The later made the principal address. Burial was made in the family lot in the Ames cemetery.