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1915 History

1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa

Page Index:

Mrs. Marshall | Mayne | Mickelson | C. Miller | Mork
Morris | Mortenson | G. Nelson | Nielsen | Nissen | Nyrup

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Mrs. Hester Marshall

The women of the pioneer days of Shelby county, Iowa, are entitled to as much credit for the advancement of this county in every way as are their brothers, husbands and sons. The present generation has little knowledge of the terrible experiences which the anxious wives and mothers spent in this county during the sixties, seventies and eighties. Many of the women of those years are still living and one of them, who died in the fall of 1914, is Mrs. Hester McFadden Marshall. She came from a distinguished family of Irish descent. Her forefathers came to this country immediately after the close of the Revolutionary War and located in Pennsylvania.

The late Mrs. Hester M. Marshall was born July 13, 1847, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and died in Shelby county, Iowa, October 23, 1914. She was the daughter of Joseph and Mary McFadden. Her father was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1794, and her mother was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, April 8, 1811. The father of Joseph McFadden was Dr. William McFadden, a physician in Dublin, Ireland, and when he heard that peace had been declared between Great Britan and America, in 1781, he declared that he would never give another physic in Ireland. Accordingly, he at once left the land of his birth and came to America and settled in Pennsylvania.

Joseph McFadden was reared to manhood in Pennsylvania and married his first wife, Rachel Newell, in that state in 1822. After her death he married Mary Jamison in 1838, and to these two marriages fourteen children were born, all of whom are deceased. Joseph and Mary McFadden came to Illinois from Pennsylvania in 1866 and in 1872 located in Audubon county, Iowa, where they lived until their death.

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Marshall
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Hester McFadden was married March 30, 1887, to Andrew Marshall, who was born January 8, 1837, and was the son of William and Eliza Marshall, of Ohio. Andrew Marshall was reared to manhood in Ohio and in 1857 came to Illinois, where he found work as a farm hand. He was married, first, to Martha McDonald, of McDonough county, Illinois, and in 1873 he moved to Iowa, settling in Poweshiek county. He rented land in that county for a few years, after which he came to Shelby county and purchased the two hundred acres of land, which his daughter still owns. The first wife of Andrew Marshall died in 1886, and the year following he married Hester McFadden. To this union one daughter, Mary, was born November 21, 1889. Mary attended the country school and later finished her education in the high school at Shelby. She spent one year at Drake University at Des Moines and made her home with her mother until the latter's death, October 23, 1914. Hester was buried October 26th from the Methodist Episcopal church of Shelby, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. E. A. Moore, assisted by Rev. C. N. Ward.

Andrew Marshall was a prominent man in Shelby county from the time he came here until his death, May 26, 1912. He served as township trustee for eleven years and was also a member of the school board. He built all of the buildings on his farm of two hundred acres, set out about four acres of fruit trees and had one of the most productive farms in the township. In 1908 he was able to retire from the farm and moved, with his wife and daughter, to Shelby, where he lived until his death. He was a man of integrity and honor, and that he was highly esteemed by his fellow citizens is shown by the fact that he was so frequently honored by official positions. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was his wife, and a supporter of the church in all of its various activities.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 808 - 809. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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WILLIAM HENRY MAYNE

The farmer is the bulwark of the nation, and investigation has shown that a large number of our best business men were reared upon the farm. George Washington was a farmer and was proud of the fact; Abraham Lincoln was reared upon a farm and, at the age the young men of today are in college he was splitting rails to fence his father's little farm in southern Indiana; William Jennings Bryan had his early training on the farm to account for his excellent physique. There never was a time in the history of the world when the farmer was as prosperous as he is today and no farmers of our own country are living more satisfied lives than those of Iowa. One of the progressive farmers and stock raisers of Shelby county, Iowa, who is making a name for himself is William H. Mayne, the present trustee of Center township.

William H. Mayne, the son of John S. and Mary Jane (Paisley) Mayne, was born on January 21, 1873, in Mercer county, Illinois. John S. Mayne was born in 1842 in Ireland, as was his wife. He came to America in 1866 and located in Mercer county, Illinois, and came to Keokuk county, Iowa, in 1876, and to Shelby county in 1880 and located in Center township. He is the owner of three hundred and fifty acres of land. John S. Mayne and wife have reared five children, William H., Alfred (deceased), Perry, George L., of San Diego, California, and Francis, who is at home.

William H. Mayne was given a common school education and remained at home assisting his father on the farm until he was thirty years old. He then married and began farming for himself on land which he rented from his father. He has since lived on his father's farm, although he owns forty acres adjoining the old home farm. Mr. Mayne is an extensive breeder of Hereford cattle and ships some of his best cattle all over the state of Iowa for breeding purposes. He also handles a high grade of horses and hogs and is recognized as one of the best stock raisers of his county. He is a stockholder in the Shelby County Fair Association and the Fine Stock Exchange of Harlan, being a director in the latter.

Mr. Mayne was married on June 17, 1903, to Elizabeth A. Gibbs, who was born on December 17, 1878, in Tuscola, Michigan. Her father, 0. 0. Gibbs, was born in Tuscola county, Michigan, in 1853, and was one of the early settlers of Shelby county, Iowa. At the present time he is farming in Saskatchewan, Canada. Mrs. Mayne was a school teacher before her marriage. She was educated in the public schools of Harlan and Drake University, and taught in the Harlan schools with E. S. White, the historian of this work, for six years. She was principal of the Harlan Park school for two years. To Mr. Mayne and wife have been born two children, Alice (deceased), and John C.

The Republican party claims the support of Mr. Mayne and he has been active in local matters. He is now trustee of Center township, having held the Office for the past six years. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal church.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1128 - 1129. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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MARIUS MICKELSON

Every nation on the earth has contributed its quota to the population of the United States, and no nation has furnished better citizens for our country than has the little kingdom of Denmark. Thousands of the best citizens of that country have come to the United States and have become the most substantial citizens of the various localities in which they have settled. Fortunate, indeed, is the locality which has Danish descendants numbered among its citizens, for wherever they are found, they are always among the most substantial people of the community. The habits of thrift and frugality which they inherited from their ancestors always makes them valtiable assets to the community at large. It is unquestioned that the example set by thrifty Danish citizens has been very beneficial not only to our native Americans, but to the citizens of other countries as well. Among the citizens of Danish extraction who are now substantial men of the county there is no one who has attained more definite success than Marius Mickelson, a successful farmer of Douglas township.

Marius Mickelson, the son of Christian and Marie (Peterson) Mickelson, was born on March 4, 1853, in Denmark. His father was a miller by trade, his mill being operated by wind power. In 1865 Christian Mickelson came to the United States with his family and located in Nebraska City, Nebraska. For some years he was a day laborer and then started a brick yard, which he operated for several years. He then engaged in the grocery business in Nebraska City, but three years later was unfortunate enough to lose everything he had by fire. He had small insurance and consequently was left almost penniless, having invested all of his money in his store. He continued to live in Nebraska City until his death, October 13, 1880. Christian Mickelson and wife were the parents of three children, Anna, who married Andrew Jensen, and lives in Terre Haute, Indiana; Jennie, who died soon after the family came to the United States, and Marius, whose history is here presented.

Marius Mickelson was about twelve years of age when his parents came to this country, and consequently received most of his education in his native land. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age and then went to Avoca. Iowa, where he clerked in a store for Messrs. Uhden & Nelson, remaining with this firm for fourteen years. In 1889 he moved to a one hundred and sixty-acre farm in section 12, Douglas township in this county, which he and his wife had previously purchased with their savings. He had never been on a farm before and knew absolutely nothing about farming. His first experiences as a farmer he now recalls with a great deal of amusement. When they first started to plow, his wife led the horses and he tried to handle the plow. He planted potatoes hut planted them so deep that they never came up. Things were very discouraging for the first year or two until they found out how to carry on the simplest kind of farming. However, they persevered with true Danish courage and in the course of time were the owners of four hundred acres of excellent land, all of which was paid for. At the marriage of their son they gave him eighty acres, and have since sold one hundred and twenty acres more. They still have two hundred acres of land, which is highly improved and one of the most productive farms of the county. He raises Shorthorn cattle and a good grade of hogs and horses.

Mr. Mickelson was married February 29, 1880, to Olina Erickson, who was born March 26, 1852, in LaSalle county, Illinois, the daughter of Erick and Esther (Olson) Erickson, natives of Norway and early settlers of Illinois, coming to that state in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson were the parents of eleven children, three of whom are now living, Erick, Jr., Mrs. Martha Johnson and Olina, the wife of Mr. Mickelson. The deceased children are Martha, Henry, Erick, Ole, Nicholas and three who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Mickelson have one son, Carl Marion, of their own and one adopted child. Carl M. was born August 14, 1881 married Mary Ethel Reynolds and has two children, Normal and Ralph; Esther Elizabeth, the adopted child of Mr. and Mrs. Mickelson, was born September 7, 1900, and is still living with her foster parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Mickelson are not active members of any church, although Mrs. Mickelson was brought up in the Methodist church and he in the Lutheran faith. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Irwin, while both he and his wife are members of the Order of Eastern Star. He has also taken the Chapter degree and is a member of the Royal Arch, Olivet Chapter, No. 107. In politics Mr. Mickelson is a Republican hut has never held any office other than that of school director.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 708 - 710. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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CHARLES H. MILLER

One of the German farmers of this county who has lived here for a period of thirty-five years is Charles H. Miller, a progressive farmer of Union township. He is a man of strong and upright character, an honorable and useful citizen, and being a resident of his community for many years, is familiar with its history. Since coming to this county he has taken an active part in the civic life of his township and has served in an official capacity on more than one occasion. He has been intimately associated with the general prosperity of his community during the most progressive period of its history and always has been found on the right side of questions which affected the development of his locality. By the exercise of keen perceptions, unusual soundness of judgment and honest dealing with his fellow men, he has earned a fair competency and is justly deserving of the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens;

Charles H. Miller, the son of Mathias and Mary (Knuckles) Miller, was born in Luxemburg, Germany, January 25, 1868. His father was a laborer in Germany and lived there several years after his marriage, coming to the United States in 1874. Upon arriving in this country, he located in Dubuque county, Iowa, where he lived upon a rented farm for about five years. He then moved to Shelby county, and located in Westphalia township, where he rented land for two years, and then moved to Union township, where he lived until his death in 1895, his wife passing away the same year about four months later. Mathias Miller and wife were the parents of six children: Katherine, the wife of Michael Scheber; Lena, who married, first, Peter Ruden, and after his death, married Nicholas Schram; Anna, the wife of Jacob Ruden; Mary, wife of Emil Hertert; John P., who married Lena Burger, and Charles, whose history is here recorded.

Charles H. Miller was only six years of age when his parents came to the United States, and received all of his education in the schools in this country, attending the schools of Cascade, Dubuque county, this state, and also went to school for a short time after his parents moved to Shelby county. After leaving school he and his brother began farming together, and this partnership continued until he was married in 1891. He then bought a farm of eighty acres in Union township, on which he is now living. After paying for the farm he added forty acres more and now has one hundred and twenty acres of land on which he has placed extensive improvements. He has built a new modern home, barns and. various kinds of outbuildings in order that he might properly care for his live stock. As a farmer he gives attention to all of those little details which mark the successful farmer and consequently is deservedly classed among the progressive farmers of his county.

Mr. Miller was married February 4, 1891, to Anna Schuering, the daughter of Valentine and Barbara (Link) Schuering, and to this union have been born three children: Matthew, John and Rose, all of whom are still single. Mrs. Miller's parents are natives of Germany and came to this country in 1878, locating in Virginia. Two years later they moved to LaSalle county, Illinois, where Mr. Schuering farmed until 1889. In that year the family moved to Shelby county, Iowa, and located in Union township, where Mr. Schuering followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1900. His widow is still living in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Schuering were born nine children: Anna, the wife of Mr. Miller ; Mary, the wife of John N. Kuhl; Rosa, who married M. A. Strunk; Elizabeth, single John who married Lena Miller; Stephen, who married Elizabeth Rolfus; Joseph, who married Susan Mumm and Edward and Elizabeth, single.

The Democratic party has claimed the hearty support of Mr. Miller, and he has served his party in an official capacity on two different occasions, as township trustee and as school director. In both of these offices he has rendered satisfactory services to his fellow citizens. All the members of the family are loyal adherents of the Catholic church and in its welfare are very much interested. Mr. Miller is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is a man who attends strictly to his own affairs, yet has not neglected to take his share of the burdens of community life, ever lending his enthusiastic support to such measures and movements as are calculated to promote the public weal.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1446 - 1448. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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HANS MORK

The kind attention of the reader is now directed to a short sketch of the career of Hans Mork, one of the best known agriculturists of Shelby county, Iowa. While it would be impossible to enter fully into the details of the interesting career of the subject, touching the struggles of his early manhood and the success of his riper years, enough may be stated to make apparent to the reader something of the effort which he has put forth and to demonstrate that the success to which he has attained has not been a matter of chance, but is the result of consistent effort, the outcome of carefully considered plans.

Hans Mork is a native of the kingdom of Denmark, born near Hjorring, August 24, 1869, the son of Peter and Anna (Sorenson) Mork. The father is still living in Denmark, his wife having died some years ago. He is engaged in agricultural work. There is but one other member of the family in this country, a brother of Hans Mork, who lived in Shelby county for a number of years. In 1911 Mr. Mork made the trip back to the land of his birth to visit his parents and other relatives, spending five weeks there. The contrast between the customs of the people and the manner of living in his childhood home and those of the land of his adoption strongly impressed Mr. Mork, bringing home to him relative conditions which he had never fully realized until he revisited his native land.

Subject was twenty-two years of age when he first emigrated to America, coming almost directly to this county and state. He secured employment by the month at farm labor on a homestead located about one mile north of where he now lives and in this manner passed four years of his life. He lived very frugally, with the one thought of getting a start on the upward road to competency, and at the end of the four years was in position to make his first purchase. This was an eighty-acre tract which has formed the nucleus of his present holdings. This purchase was made in 1894 and he succeeded so well in his undertaking that five years later he purchased an additional tract of one hundred and seventy acres adjoining his first holdings in Polk township. However, he later disposed of ninety-seven acres of this and at the present time owns one hundred and sixty acres of as fine land as the county can boast. Since coming into possession of this land, he has expended much time and money in raising it to the highest possible standard of efficiency. It is thoroughly drained and all buildings and appliances are of the most modern and approved type. The land lies in section 35 of Jefferson township and section 2 of Polk township, with the residence in the former. This residence is one of the very finest in the county and has no superior in the township. It comprises ten rooms with baths and all possible modern conveniences, including furnace, hot and cold water, a private gas illuminating plant and many other and lesser conveniences which add greatly to the pleasure of the members of the family. In 1900 the large barn, one of the best in the township, was built. This covers a space forty-eight by fifty-six feet and is thoroughly adapted to its purpose. All other buildings are new and thoroughly up-to-date, both the barn and hog houses being piped with gas for illumination. On this farm there is also one of the finest orchards in the county and to this Mr. Mork has given much time and attention, striving to make it one of the most select and productive possible. Mr. Mork carries on general farming, raising those crops which have proven most adaptable to this section, and also devotes considerable attention to his cattle and hogs. He prefers a mixed strain of Shorthorn and Hereford cattle, believing in this way he combines the excellent qualities of both breeds and his hogs are all Duroc Jerseys. He feeds his own raising of cattle and hogs. In addition to the duties and responsibilities of his homestead, Mr. Mork also is interested in the Liberty County Creamery Company, to which he gives considerable of his time and attention.

On March 2, 1895, Mr. Mork was united in marriage with Miss Christena Christensen, also a native of Denmark, born on March 16, 1873, the daughter of Chris and Carrie (Peterson) Christensen. Her mother died in 1874 in the home country when Mrs. Mork was an infant. There were two children in the family, the other being Anna, who is now Mrs. Bramer, who lives in Jackson township, this county. The father brought his little daughters to this country when Mrs. Mork was but six years old. He located in Shelby county and being quite skilled at his trade of carpentering hired the work done on the farm where he made his home, thus being enabled to give his time to his trade. Before leaving Denmark he again married his second wife being Maria Nelson who bore him three sons and one daughter whose name is Carrie, the wife of Charles Christensen. The sons are Chris Junior, Marinus and Peter.

Mr. and Mrs. Mork are the parents of an interesting family of five, namely: Lydia, born May 24, 1896; Anna, born August 11, 1898; Estalla, born March 10, 1900; Roy, born November 1, 1902, and Levi, November 25, 1905. It has been the desire of these parents that their children should be well grounded in all that makes for happy and successful lives and to this noble labor they lovingly devote thethselves.

Politically, Mr. Mork is a supporter of the principles of Republicanism, but has never been a seeker after the honor of public office. However, he is known as a man of some influence at the polls and those who have sought such honors have been glad to reckon with his influence. Mr. and Mrs. Mork and the daughters Lydia, Anna and Estalla, are members of the Danish Baptist church and take an active part in the work of the local society. They live lives consistent with the teachings of their faith and the influence of this excellent home circle thus extends abroad wherever its various members may go. The family is highly respected, moving in the best social circles of the community, and the genuine hospitality of their beautiful home is extended to a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Mork is a man of very domestic temperament, finding his keenest enjoyment in his home work and the society of his family and the notably honorable and systematic methods he has followed have won for him the unbounded confidence and regard of all with whom he has come in contact. He has always been regarded as a broad-minded man of high principles, ever interested in anything that would tend to promote the social or material life of the community.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1432 - 1434. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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ELLIS FRANK MORRIS

Agriculture has been an honored vocation from the earliest ages and as a usual thing men of honorable and humane impulses, as well as those of energy and thrift, have been patrons of husbandry. The free out-door life of the farm has a decided tendency to foster and develop that independence of mind and self-reliance which characterizes true manhood and no truer blessing can befall a boy than to be reared in close touch with nature in the healthful, life-inspiring labor of the fields. It has always been the fruitful soil from which have sprung the moral bone and sinew of the country, and the majority of our nation's great warriors, renowned statesmen and distinguished men of letters were born on the farm and were indebted largely to its early influence for the distinction which they have attained.

Ellis Frank Morris, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Lincoln township, in this county, was born in 1877 in Shelby township, Shelby county, lowa. He is a son of Demetrius and Mary C. (VanDuyn) Morris, his father being born in A.shtahula county, Ohio, in 1838, and his mother in Seneca county, New York, in 1844. Demetrius Morris is a son of Dennis Morris, who was born in New York state in 1814. Early in his life Dennis Morris moved to Ohio, and a few years later returned to New York state. In 1842 Dennis Morris moved to Peoria county, Illinois, and in 1850 bought land there and lived the life of a farmer in that county until 1890. He then moved to Shelby county, Iowa, where he lived a retired life until his death in 1900. Dennis Morris married Orpha Huff, who was born in 1818 in Connecticut, and to their union eleven children were born.

Demetrius Morris was educated in Ohio and Illinois. At the opening of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company H, Fifty-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was in the service until 1865, when he was finally discharged in the state of Georgia. He made a gallant record during the Civil war, participating in many of the hardest fought battles of that memorable struggle. After the close of the war he returned to Peoria county, Illinois, rented land and farmed there until 1870. As soon as he came back from the war he was married to Mary C. Van Duyn, and in 1870 he and his wife left Peoria county, Illinois, for Shelby county, Iowa. Upon their arrival here they purchased eighty acres of land in Shelby township and five years later added one hundred and sixty acres more. They lived on this farm until 1896, when they traded the farm for property in Harlan, where Mr. Morris engaged in the dairy business for a few years. Demetrius has been an extensive land owner and a large breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He made many exhibits of his stock at county fairs and won many prizes. He is a stockholder of the Fair Association of Harlan, and a man of influence in his county. Politically, he is a Prohibitionist. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Harlan and takes an active interest in the affairs of that organization. Mr. and Mrs. Demetrius Morris are the parents of four children: Charles, deceased; Allen, who is employed in the postoffice at Harlan; Jennie B., who is still living with her parents, and Ellis Frank, whose history is here recorded.

Ellis F. Morris received his education in this county and remained at home until he was twenty-four years of age. At that time he began farming for himself and lived upon his father's farm for the following three years. He then purchased one hundred and twenty acres in this township on which he has a five-acre grove of fruit and forest trees. He is making a specialty of stock raising, dealing in Poland China hogs, Shropshire sheep and Polled Durham cattle. Sterling honesty in his dealings with his fellow men and an exact sense of justice in every transaction of life have been the principles that seem to govern his career.

Mr. Morris was married in 1902 to Nellie M. White, who was born in 1881 in Jackson township. Mrs. Morris is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. White of Jackson township, and a sister of Hon. Edward S. White, who is the historian of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are the parents of three sons: Harold W., aged nine; Elliott V., aged eight; and Robert F., aged six months.

Politically, Mr. Morris belongs to that large class of independent voters who are breaking away from party ties and are voting for men rather than for eagles, roosters and moose. Religiously, he and his family are members of the Congregational church, and in the various activities of their denomination they take a deep and abiding interest. At the present time Mr. Morris is the clerk of his township and is performing the duties of this office in a manner which brings him the commendation of all concerned. He is a man in the prime of life and has a long and useful career before him. He has contributed much to the material, civic and moral life of his community, and from the life which he has led so far in this county, it is safe to predict that he will continue to he one of the representative citizens of his township and county.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 829 - 831. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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PETER MORTENSON

Almost every farmer of Danish birth in Shelby county, Iowa, has been successful. Peter Mortenson came to this country at the age of twenty-one and located in Shelby county, Iowa. He worked four years as a farm laborer and gradually accumulated land until now he owns two hundred and forty acres in Shelby township. His career has not been spectacular, but by hard work and good management he has won the success which he well deserves. He came to this country with no money and despite this handicap has risen to a position of prominence and influence in the community.

Peter Mortenson, the son of Jens and Catharine Mortenson, was born in Denmark in 1868. His father was born in 1813 and his mother in 1839, both of them having died while Peter was a boy.

Peter Mortenson received his education in the schools of Denmark, and when he reached his majority desired to come to America. Many of his countrymen had already located in Shelby county, Iowa, and had been very successful. The first four years after coming here he worked as a farm hand, then married and rented land for thirteen years, when he bought a farm of his own. In 1903 he bought one hundred and forty acres, but shortly afterwards sold it and bought two hundred and forty acres west of Shelby. After farming four years he bought another two hundred and forty acres in sections twenty-two and twenty-three of Shelby county, and now lives there. He has made many improvements on this farm and now has a beautiful country home and spacious barns. His cattle barn is fifty-two by sixty feet and his horse barn is forty by seventy feet. While he deals in high grade stock of all kinds he has made a specialty of Clydesdale horses and has been more than usually successful in breeding them. He has a large grove of four acres around his home. As a stock raiser he ranks among the best in the township and averages about one hundred and fifty head annually.

Mr. Mortenson was married in 1894 to Mary Anderson, who was born in Denmark in 1868 and came to this country in 1893. Both parents died when she was a child. Six children have been born to Mr. Mortenson and wife, four of whom are living at home with their parents: Arthur, Carl, Emma and Margaret. There are two children deceased: Jens and an infant.

Mr. Mortenson is a Democrat but has never aspired to public office. preferring to give all of his time and attention to agriculture. He and, his family are members of the Presbyterian church and are active in the support of its various interests. Mr. Mortenson is an excellent example of a man who, though unaided, wins a place of honor among his fellow citizens.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1158 - 1159. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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GEORGE NELSON

Every community has men of more than usual ability, men who in one way or another rise above the mass of their fellow citizens and command the confidence and respect of those with whom their lives are cast. At times this ability is evidenced by its possessor's easy acquirement of worldly goods; at other times its possessor is recognized as a natural leader among men, but wherever it appears when coupled with honesty and integrity, the man so fortunately endowed takes his place in the world of men and affairs, though his beginning may have been amidst humblest surroundings. This in a measure may be said of the man whose name forms the caption of this review, who, born under another flag, came as a stranger to this land and beginning at the very bottom of the ladder of success, is winning his way financially and stands high in the esteem of those who know him. George Nelson is a native of the kingdom of Norway, born on September 15, 1861, near Bergen, the son of Nels and Gertie (Jergenson) Nelson, being the second of a family of four children. The others are Carrie, who married Samuel Eide, Iver and Helen, the latter two having passed from this life. Subject's mother was a daughter of Jergen Jergenson and both she and the father dying when subject was still a small child he was taken into the home of a kindly old lady by the name of Martha Nelson. She resided in the country and he remainder under her roof until he was fifteen years of age, when he went to the city of Bergen and for three years was employed there in a store. Hearing many tales of the golden opportunities for young men in this country, he decided to cast his lot with this nation, and in 1881 landed on our shores. He went directly to Illinois, securing employment on a farm near the town of Morris. For six years he worked out at farm labor by the month and then came to this state, locating in Shelby county. Here for two years he continued as he had been employed in Illinois, and then made his first purchase of land, this being a tract containing sixty-two and one half acres located in section 4 of Polk township. In 1907 he purchased land adjoining his first purchase and now owns one hundred and twenty-five acres of excellent farming lands. In 1903 he remodeled his first home, making additions thereto, and now has a commodious home of eight rooms with many modern conveniences. He has an excellent barn twenty-four feet high, with a floor space of fifty-two by fifty-two feet, which was completed in 1913 and which is especially adapted to his needs. Mr. Nelson engages in general farming as practiced in this section of the state and also devotes some attention to the raising of live stock. At the present time. he has thirteen head of horses, seventy-two head of cattle, about sixty hogs and possibly one hundred and fifty chickens. None of his live stock is of the most superior strain, but all is of good quality, carefully selected with an eye to his needs.

On December 2, 1887, Mr. Nelson was united in wedlock with Miss Julia Thompson, daughter of Muns and Christina (Jergenson) Thompson, born on January 31, 1871, near Morris, Illinois. Her parents also were natives of Norway, coming to this country in 1861 and locating in the state of Illinois, near Morris. There were in all twelve children in their family, seven of whom have passed away. Two of their children died at sea and were there buried while they were on their way to this country. Those of the family still living are Julia, wife of the subject; Inger (Mrs. Nelson), Anna (Mrs. Axline), Molly (Mrs. Munson) and Andrew. There were originally five daughters and seven sons, but one of the latter surviving. In the year 1883 the Thompson family came to this county, having two years before purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Polk township. Mr. Thompson's life has closed, but Mrs. Thompson still lives and makes her home on the farm above mentioned.

To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have been born five children, four of whom survive. They lost their second child, a little daughter named Clara, this same name being later given to the fourth child which came into their home. Mabel, the oldest daughter, was born on February 21, 1889, and is the wife of Sorris Munson residing in Polk township. She is the mother of three children, Edwin, Fern and Alma. Emma, was born on September 1, 1894, and is the wife of Eli Stockline, residing in Spiceler, Minnesota. Clara was born on April 4, 1898, and Grace first saw the light of day on June 11, 1901; these two still remain with the parents. In addition to caring for their own family, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have raised a niece, Lina, the daughter of Thomas Thompson, born May 18, 1891. She is the wife of Bennie Benson and lives at Spiceler, Minnesota.

Politically, Mr. Nelson is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party and has done much to promote its welfare in his community. He is now serving as secretary of the school board, was township trustee of Polk township for nine years and served as township assessor for eight years.

He also was chairman of the township Republican committee for many years and discharged all the duties thus devolving upon him with such conscientious care as to win the approval of all concerned. Both Mr. and Mrs. Nelson hold their religious membership in the Lutheran church, and spare themselves no effort nor pains to promote the interests of the local society.

Mr. Nelson is a man of whom it may truly he said that he stands "four square to every wind that blows." To the best of his ability he measures up to his ideal of the full stature of manhood in every relation of life and the estimation in which he is held by friends, neighbors and business associates proves how well he has succeeded. He is regarded as among the county's most worthy and substantial citiezns and is therefore eminently worthy of mention in a book of this character.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1402 - 1404. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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ANDERS C. NIELSEN

Among the citizens of Polk township, Shelby county, Iowa, who are winning places and names for themselves in the community, is Anders C. Nielsen, a comparatively new resident. Mr. Neilsen is a native of Denmark, born on January 24, 1874, near Hjoring, a son of Christian and Christena (Mortinson) Neilsen. He is one of a family of eight children, four of whom have passed into the great beyond. One other beside the subject is a resident of this country; this is a brother, Niels P. Another brother, Jens, and a sister, Petrina who is the wife of Chris Nicholison, remain with the mother in the old country. The father's death occurred in 1898. On March 1, 1909, Mr. Nielsen arrived in Harlan, this county, bringing with him his wife and child, and the next year he purchased ninety-seven and one-half acres in section 2 of Polk township, where he has since made his home. He engages in general farming and finds the raising of live stock a lucrative side line. While he keeps no full blooded cattle, he has a good grade never the-less which brings him excellent returns for the time and money expended on them.

Before coming to this country, Mr. Nielsen was united in marriage, November 27, 1900, with Ingar Marie Michelsen, daughter of Anders and Pauline Michelsen. Mrs. Nielsen also is a native of Denmark, having been born near Norre Sundby on March 8, 1875. Her father is dead, but the mother is a resident of Polk township, this county. There are also two other daughters in this country, Johanna (Mrs. Sorensen) and Anna Marie (Mrs. Hansen). To Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen has been born one child, Axel, who first saw the light of day in Denmark on April 7, 1904.

Politically, Mr. Nielsen is affiliated with the Republican party, while both he and his wife are members of the Danish Baptist church, being devout members of the same. Mr. Nielsen is a man of sterling characteristics and during the short years of his residence here has won for himself many friends who hold him in high esteem because of his genuine worth. He also is suc-ceeding admirably in a material way, bringing to bear in his business venture the best of his brain and brawn. He has recently erected a large barn, size forty by forty-eight, which is equipped. especially to meet his needs. Since obtaining possession of his farm, Mr. Nielson has added many improvements thereby increasing the value of his holdings. The farm is kept up to the highest standard of agricultural excellence and its general appearance and the method of his operation reflects great credit on the sound judgment, wise discrimination and indefatigable energy of the owner. In all his operations, Mr. Nielson is actuated by the highest motives, his relations with his fellow citizens having been such as to win their confidence and good will, and be-cause of his unassuming manner and genial disposition he has earned and retains the sincere regard of all who know him.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1438 - 1439. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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HANS NISSEN

It would be very interesting to trace the individual history of the many thousands of Shelby county citizens and find where they came from and the motives which induced them to settle in this county. Nearly every state in the Union and most of the European countries are represented in the citizenry of this county, but it is certain that Germany has contributed more citizens than any other country of Europe. There can be no question but that the excellent farming land of the. county has been the magnet which has drawn them here and it is equally certain that this is what has kept them here. No better soil can be found than that of Shelby county and with any skill whatever the average man can make a good living on a farm in this county. The Danish have been unusually successful as farmers and Hans Nissen, of Jackson township, is one of the many who have helped to place this county in the front rank of the agricultural counties of the state.

Hans Nissen, the son of Nis Nissen and Lena M. (Hans) Datter, was born October 6, 1850, in Schleswig, Germany. His father was born in 1822, farmed all his life and died in Germany in 1878. His mother was born in 1819 and died in her native land in 1860.

Hans Nissen was one of five children, all of whom are living. He was educated in his native land and came to this country in 1870 when he was twenty years of age. He worked the first year in Scott county, Iowa, and then went to Arkansas and worked for six months with a railroad construction gang. He next found employment on the canal at Keokuk, Iowa, and worked there for one year. His next work found him in Rock Island, Illinois, where he remained until 1878. In that year he married, came to Shelby county and commenced farming on a farm of two hundred and forty acres of land in Jackson township. Two years later he bought one hundred and sixty acres in the same township for nine dollars an acre and has added to this from time to time until he now has four hundred and forty acres of excellent farming land in this township. He has made extensive improvements, built a house, barns and outbuildings of all kinds, and drained and fenced his whole farm. He raises a large amount of live stock each year and feeds most of his grain to his stock.

Mr. Nissen was married in 1878 to Julia Christensen, the daughter of Christopher Mortensen. Mrs. Nissen was born in Denmark in 1853 and came with her parents to Rock Island, Illinois, in 1872. In 1876 Mr. Mortensen located in Cass county, Iowa, and two years later settled in Iowa, where he and his wife lived until their death. To Mr. and Mrs. Nissen have been born five children, Nis H., Chris, John R., Alfred J. and Holger M.

The Democratic party has claimed the support of Mr. Nissen since he came to this country and he has always been active in local politics. He has served for twenty years as township assessor and held the office of township trustee for six years. He has also been on the school board of his township. Mr. Nissen and his family are all loyal members of the Danish Lutheran church and contribute of their means to its support.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 814 - 815. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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JOHN C. NYRUP

John C. Nyrup
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Shelby county, Iowa, has been singularly fortunate in securing so many high grade citizens from Denmark, for they have come here for the purpose of developing her rich resources and have spent every effort to better their condition. While doing this they have not neglected their duties of citizenship and have, without exception, supported the institutions of this country and been loyal to the government which secures them their life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. All the citizens of this county who are of Danish extraction have become prosperous and substantial men and have given their influence to all worthy movements. John C. Nyrup, a native of Denmark and a resident of this county for more than forty-five years, has been one of the most highly respected citizens of the county, and is a fine example of the native sons of the little peninsula of Jutland.

John C. Nyrup, the son of Christian and Christina (Martin) Nyrup, was born on April 10, 1864, in Denmark. His father was born in 1832, and his mother in 1830, and were reared and married in their native land. In 1869 Christian Nyrup and his family left their native land in order to come to the United States, where they might give their children better opportunities for advancement. They first settled in Pennsylvania and ten months later, in March of 1870, came west to Shelby county and settled in Monroe township, being among the first pioneers of the county. Christian Nyrup entered land from the government and built a oneroom shack, in which he and his family of six children lived for five years, starting in with absolutely nothing but their willingness to work. The family prospered, improved their farm, and upon the death of Christian Nyrup, in 1887, he was the owner of a fine farm, which was all paid for. His wife died in 1911, both being buried in Cuppy's Grove cemetery. To Christian Nyrup and wife were born six children: Mrs. Mary Christiansen, of Harlan, Iowa; Mrs. Anna Byers, whose husband is a minister of Cottonwood county, Minnesota; Mrs. Lillie Wilson, of Harlan, Iowa; Minnie, deceased; Mrs. Christina Rasmussen, whose husband is a farmer of Center township, and John C., whose history is here related.

John C. Nyrup was five years of age when his parents came to this country, and consequently all of his education was received in this county. He was given such education as the country schools of his home township afforded at that time and when a small boy began to assist with the work upon the farm. Upon his father's death, in 1887, he took charge of the home farm and farmed it for two years, and then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Center township, which he still owns. Five years later he added one hundred and twenty acres to his farm and is now the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of land, on which he has placed twelve thousand dollars' worth of improvements. There is no farmer in the county who raises finer stock or has better crops than Mr. Nyrup. As a breeder of Shorthorn cattle he takes first rank in his section of the state, having repeatedly won. first, second and third prizes, and now has a collection of more than fifty ribbons which he has won at fairs throughout the state of Iowa. He has been no less successful as a breeder of Poland-China hogs, and for the past fourteen years has shipped some of his hogs to various parts of the United States. In addition to handling a highgrade class of cattle and hogs, he also handles Percheron horses. In 1914 Mr. Nyrup had one hundred acres of corn, which averaged sixty bushels to the acre, as well as twenty-five acres of alfalfa and thirty-five acres of oats.

Mr. Nyrup was married on March 10, 1890, to Catherine Byers, who was born on November 13, 1869, in Schleswig, Germany. To this union have been born three children, Enoch, Mabel and Harold, all of whom are still living with their parents.

Catherine (Byers) Nyrup is the daughter of Nis and Christina (Dahm) Byers, natives of Schleswig. Nis Byers died when Catherine was three years old, leaving two children, Nels, residing in Minnesota, and Catherine. The mother of Mrs. Nyrup later married Hans P. Boysen, and to this union were born two children, Laura, wife of Jacob Nelson, of Harlan, and Nis, of McDonald, Kansas. Mrs. Nyrup's mother died in February, 1896. The family came to America in 1891 and located in Curtis township on a farm. Hans P. Boysen died in the spring of 1910.

Mr. Nyrup has always been a Republican, but has been so engaged in his own private affairs that he has had no time or inclination to indulge in the game of politics. However, there is no citizen of his township who is more interested in good government, and his hearty support is always given to such measures as he feels will benefit the general welfare of the community in any way. He and his family are members of the Baptist church and in its advancement have always been actively interested. Mr. Nyrup has a fine home, which is fitted up with all modern conveniences. His farms now known throughout this section of the state as "Fairview Stock Farm," is one of the most attractively kept and productive farms of the county.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1112-1114. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs

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