Nels Johnson, one of the pioneers of Mitchell County, was born in Norway, in 1822. He was raised on a farm, but when a young man learned the trade of stone mason. He was married in 1840 to Annie, daughter of Nels Nelson. In 1850 they emigrated to America and located in Columbia Co., Wis., where he bought a quarter section of land. He remained there working at his trade and farming until 1854, when he came to Mitchell County and settled on section 24, township 98, range 17.
He died here in August, 1855, leaving a widow and, six children to mourn his death. The children were: John N., Martha, Nels, Martha, Tom and Mary.
In 1856 the family moved to section 1, township 98, range 18. Their oldest son, John, was born in Norway, Feb. 27, 1841. He made his home with his mother until 1862, when he went to Wisconsin and lived one year, then returned to Mitchell county. He was married in 1863 to Jane Nelson, and at that time settled on his present farm on section 12, township 97, range 18. They are the parents of five children: Nicoli, Edward, Isabella, Caroline and Martin.
History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, 1883; Chapter XVIII, Cedar Township, page 298
Transcribed by Gordon Felland, July 2003