Peter Nelson is a native of Sweden who has labored diligently and wisely and is now one of the prosperous landowners of Oneida township. His success is due to his own efforts and good management, and in addition to winning material prosperity he has gained the respect of his fellowmen. He was born July 1, 1867, a son of Nels and Mary E. Nelson, both likewise natives of Sweden, where they passed their entire lives.
     Peter Nelson is one of a family of five children and received his education in his native country. In 1891, when a young man, he emigrated to the United States and made his way to this county, where he worked as a hired hand upon farms for some time. He subsequently rented land for a year, after which he bought eighty acres of land on section 32, Oneida township, where he still resides. He has made a number of improvements thereon and, as he follows practical methods, his labors yield him a good return. He engages in general farming, raising a large number of hogs annually, in addition to the cultivation of the fields, and he also has a dairy.
     Mr. Nelson was married in 1893 to Miss Kersti Oleson, also a native of Sweden, whence she came to this country in 1891. They have become the parents of two children: Nels J., born June 24, 1897, who was graduated from the Cedar Rapids Business College on the 8th of June, 1914; and Betty M., born April 24, 1901, now a student in the high school in Delaware, Iowa.
     The family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church and their consistent Christian lives command for them the respect of all who know them. Mr. Nelson is a republican and takes an active part in local affairs. He is school director and for two years has been a member of the central committee of his party. He has never had occasion to regret his coming to this country, as he has found here opportunities which he has utilized and which have enabled him to attain success, and he has thoroughly identified himself with the life and advancement of his community.