Peter Nelson is one of the pioneers of Mitchell Co., Iowa. In June, 1854, he took a claim in what is now known as Cedar township, erected on it a log house 8x8 feet, and in this humble abode the first white child was born in the township. The next year he commenced a large log house, but being taken sick he was unable to finish it, and his family were obliged to winter in the cellar. In September, that year, the land came in market; he borrowed money, at forty-eight per cent, with which to pay for this land.

In the winter of 1855 he sold some timber land, at ten dollars per acre, in order to pay off the debt. In 1856 he bought 160 acres on land on section 2, township 98, range 18, now known as Rock township. He then moved his log house upon this; and in 1868 he built the stone house, 24x36 feet, at a cost of $2,000, in which he now reside. In 1880 he also built one of the bests barns in the county, 40x64 feet, at a cost of $1,600.

Mr. Nelson came to this county a poor man, but by economy and industry he has succeeded in accumulating a good property and is in good circumstances.

He was born in Bergensstift, Norway, Dec. 12, 1825. He was married in 1852 to Sarah L. Folkedahl, a belle of sixteen. April 20, 1853, they emigrated to America, landing at New York the 28th of May, of the same year. He took a steamboat to Albany, from there to Buffalo by canal and then by boat Milwaukee, where he took overland route to Columbia Co., Wis. He remained there until May 22, 1854, when he started by ox-team for the Cedar river country, and after a tedious journey of eighteen days arrived in Mitchell county.

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have nine children: Annie, Maria, Nels P., Lewis J., Isabelle B., Emelia L M., Nellie S., Winora B., Edna J. and Benjamin. His oldest daughter is married to J. R. Halvorsen, photographer, at St. Ansgar, and his oldest son is in the drugs and grocery business at the same place. The rest of the family are still staying at home.

 

Source: History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, 1918.

Transcribed by Gordon Felland, February 2005.