NELS E. JORDE

Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose- those who have taken an active part in promoting public progress and whose worth to the community is widely recognized. Such a one was Nels E. Jorde, who passed away on the 28th of April, 1916, at his home in Northwood, when sixty-six years of age. He had been identified with the commercial interests of his city as a dealer in harness and agricultural implements, but it was not only as a business man that he made for himself an enviable place in public regard. He stood for all that is most worth while in citizenship, held friendship inviolable and was devoted to the welfare of his family.

He was born in Norway, August 17, 1850, and was one of the four children of Eric and Bertha (Amonson) Nelson. His father was born in Kresrud, Norway, July 28, 1825, while the mother's birth occurred in Ness, Norway, September 29, 1824. They were married in that country on the 28th of July, 1848, and Mr. Nelson afterward took up the occupation of farming in order to provide for his family, which in time numbered four children: Nels, Amos, Eli and Rosa. He followed farming in the land of the midnight sun until 1861, when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States on one of the old-time sailing vessels, which was eight weeks in making the voyage to Quebec. From that point he proceeded by way of the water route to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and thence traveled across the country to Worth county, Iowa, after which he purchased a farm in Brookfield township. The tract of land which came into his possession was largely undeveloped and unimproved. He built thereon a log house after having rented land for two years and with characteristic energy he began the development of his place, which comprised one hundred and sixty acres. As the years passed on he extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchase until he was the owner of four hundred and twenty acres, to which he added many substantial and modern improvements. He continued to operate the farm until 1893, when he retired from active business life, removed to Northwood and there purchased a home, in which he spent his remaining days, passing away on the 18th of June, 1911, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-seven. His wife died in 1915, at the notable old age of ninety-one years. They were worthy members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and Mr. Nelson gave his political endorsement to the republican party after becoming a naturalized American citizen.

Nels E. Jorde, whose name introduces this review, spent his boyhood in Norway to the age of eleven years and then came with his parents to the United States. He was indebted to the public school system for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed and which prepared him for life's practical and responsible duties. He remained upon the home farm with his father and early became thoroughly trained in the work of the fields. Afterward he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Brookfield township. Worth county, about four miles west of Kensett, and to that place added until his farm comprised two hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land. This he continued to operate for a number of years or until he retired from agricultural life and removed to Northwood in 1893. He then sold his farm and engaged in the harness and agricultural implement business, becoming one of the well known merchants of the city, his store being carefully conducted, so that he gained a substantial measure of success in the management of his business.

On May 24, 1878, Mr. Jorde was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Fluto, a daughter of Ole and Gunvor (Skogen) Fluto. She was born in Brookfield township, Worth county, while her parents were, natives of Norway. Her father, who was born in Ness, Norway, on May 9, 1822, came to the United States in 1850 and her mother was also born in that place. He settled in Hudson county, Minnesota, where he purchased a farm. Later he was married to Gunvor Skogen, who was born November 28, 1823, the wedding being celebrated in Winneshick county, Iowa, in 1852. He became a resident of Iowa, where he purchased land near Decorah, and in 1855 he removed to Brookfield township, Worth county, casting in his lot with its pioneer settlers. He there purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and added to it until his possessions totaled two hundred and forty acres. His remaining days were devoted to the further cultivation and development of that property and there the mother died June 30, 1902, having long survived her husband, who passed away January 11, 1867. They were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and Mr. Fluto gave his political support to the republican party. His family numbered seven children: Julia, Amos, Augusta, Laura, Belle, Rendena and Andrena.

Following the removal to Northwood, Mr. Jorde purchased a fine residence .which he afterward remodeled, converting it into a most attractive and comfortable home, which was ever the abode of a warm-hearted hospitality. Mr. Jorde was a republican in his political views and he filled the office of road supervisor also was a member of the city council of Northwood for two years, likewise officially connected with the schools as trustee for a number and as treasurer for a number of years. His religious faith was that Norwegian Lutheran church and he was a loyal advocate of its teachings. His life was ever honorable and upright and he displayed the sterling characteristics of the Norwegian race. As a business man he was alert and energetic and the careful manner in which he improved his opportunities led to the attainment of a substantial success that leaves his widow in comfortable financial circumstances.

SOURCE: HISTORY OF MITCHELL AND WORTH COUNTIES, IOWA, 1918, VOL. II; Pages 260 & 261

Transcription by Gordon Felland, 10/5/2006