Nelse Maakestad “Nels” Johnson (1839-1924)

JOHNSON, LOTHE, ULLENSVANG

Posted By: Eileen Reed
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:47

Nels M. Johnson was born July 26, 1839, at Maakstad [Maakestad], Hardinger [Hardanger], Norway. At the age of sixteen he was confirmed by Rev. Nels Koren. Soon after, he commenced a seafaring life on the coast of Norway and later to Russia, Sweden, Germany and Denmark. In 1861 he commenced to go to a navigation school, which he completed in 1862. After this he secured a position on the ship Victor Emmanuel, sailing from Bergen to New York with emigrants. He remained away from Norway two years, sailing between America. England, Mediterranean Sea and Cuba. In the winter of 1864 he returned to Norway, stayed until spring, when he secured work again, on the same ship. At Montreal he left the service of the ship and went to Chicago. There he had his headquarters while sailing on the Great Lakes until 1871.

In 1872 he was united in marriage to Margarete Ullensvang, and the young couple left for Iowa and bought a farm, where he resided until his death Feb. 4, 1924. His wife died the 19th of March, 1908. Since that he lived with his daughter, Mrs. Dan Lothe, and son, Lars. He had been failing in health for the last three years and suffered a great deal at times.

Mr. Johnson was a devout Christian, who led an exemplary life as a father and citizen, and who we feel made the world better for having lived.

He leaves six children: Rev. John of Wakonda, S. D., Magnus of Cedar Rapids; Martin of Kenyon, Minn., Mrs. D. Lothe, Selma and Lars, of Thor; seven grandchildren, one brother in Norway and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, conducted by his pastor, assisted by his son, John, and Rev L. Ullensvang, a brother-in-law from Canada. –Thor News

The Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, February 14, 1924

[Transcriber’s Note: Transcribed as published. First name taken from 1880 U. S. Census Record, Middle name taken from 1951 Iowa, U. S., Death Records for his son, Martin O. Johnson]