Peter Nelson

NELSONNIELSEN

Posted By: Judy McMichael (email)
Date: 7/6/2007 at 17:19:25

The people of Audubon county and especially those of the south part of the county will be pained to learn this week of the deathof Lars Peter Nielsen which occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs Evans Marquesen in this city Wednesday morning, Feb. 8th. Mr Nielsen was one of the prime movoers in the Danish colony in and around Elk Horn and Brayton and was always interested in the things that brought happiness and comfort to those about him. He gave freely of his wealth for the upbuilding of the community and was especially interest in the establishment of the Elk Horn and Oak Hill Danish churches.
He was the father of a large family of children and with the aid of a dutiful companion was able to accumulate a goodly share of this world's goods. When the faithful wife was called to her reward in 1908 his home was broken up and soon after the marriage of his daughters, left Oakfield township. For a few years he traveled extensively and made his home with his children from time to time. About 2 years ago his health began to fail him and he came to Audubon to make his home with his daughter Mrs Evans Marquesen. Here he remained and was tenderly cared for until the time of his death. All of his living children have grown to manhood and womanhood and have brought honor to their aged father. John and Edward are prominet farmers near Brayton while Julius is at present state senator from Cass county and living in Atlantic where another son, Alfred, is also a prominent business man. The 3 daughters Mrs Marquesen, Mrs Keith and Mrs Nielsen of this city are among the most highly respected citizens of the community.
Mr Nielsen was born August 14, 1844 in Kirkflinderup Sogn, Sjelland, Denmark and was baptized and confirmed at the same place. During his boyhood and youth he spent his time at home with his parents but when he was 20 years of age he left Denmark coming to America and he remained in this county 47 years before returning to the land of his nativity on a visit. He arrived in America in 1866 and sought employment the first 2 years in Michigan and Chicago. At the latter place he was privileged to view the remains of the late President Lincoln. In 1868 he came to LaCross, Wis. where he became acquainted with Miss Marie Petersen to whom he was later married and with whom he lived for 42 years. She preceded him in death dying January 4, 1908. Mr and Mrs Nielsen -------they came to Cass county, Iowa in 1870. Here they farmed for 8 years and then moved to Audubon county near Brayton where they made their home until 2 years ago when he came to Audubon.
Mr Nielsen helped to organize the Danish Lutheran Church in Elk Horn in 1875 and later the Danish Lutheran church at Oak Hill west of Brayton. Of the latter church he was chairman for about 10 years.
Twelve children were born to this unon Two died while young. Ten survive to ourn the departure of a loving and esteemed father: Gilbert of Des Moines; John and Edward of Brayton' Julius, Ludvig, Alfred and Mrs Alma Traum of Atlantic; Mrs Christine Marquesen, Mrs Rosy Keith and Mrs Martha Nielsen of Audubon. Mr Nielsn is also survived by 32 grandchildren and 3 great-granchildren. He being one of the early pioneers of this vicinity had a large circle of acquaintances and a host of friends by whom he will be long remembered. Rev Fred Hansen will conduct the funeral services from the hom Saturday forenoon at 11 o'clock. Rev V Jensen of Des Moines and Rev Middelsen of Brayton will have charge of the service at the Oak Hill church and cemetery.
Audubon Republican Thursday February 9, 1922