Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

Andrew Nelson who has continuously followed fanning in Providence township, Buena Vista county, since 1889, now owns a well improved farm of eighty acres.  He was born in Iowa, November 28, 1875, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Cris [sic] Nelson, both of whom were natives of Denmark.  The father was a soldier in the Danish army and when thirty years of age, believing that he might better provide for his family in the new world, he emigrated to America when thirty years of age.  Purchasing a farm near Cedar Falls, Iowa, he located thereon and for many- years was actively and busily engaged in carrying on general farming but is now living retired in New Hartford, this state.  He is a democrat in his political belief, while in religious faith be is an Adventist.  He still survives but the mother departed this life in 1898.  Their family numbers three sons, the brothers of our subject being:  Henry, a resident of New Hartford, Iowa; and Peter, who is engaged in the nursery business in California.

Andrew Nelson pursued his education in the district schools of Grundy county, this state, to the age of sixteen years, subsequent to which time he gave his father the full benefit of his time and service on the home farm.  He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, when he took up his abode in Buena Vista county, purchasing eighty acres of land in Providence township.  He has improved the place with good buildings and has placed his fields under a high state of cultivation, so that each year they produce good crops of wheat, corn and oats.

Mr. Nelson was married to Miss Emma Olson, who was born in Newell township, this county, June 3, 1880.  Both her parents are now deceased and lie buried in Newell cemetery.  The home of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson has been blessed with two interesting children:  Laverne, who was born September 9, l901, and Arthur John, who was born December 28, 1903.  Mr. Nelson gives his political support to the democratic party but has never been active as an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided time and attention to his private affairs.  He is a man of sterling characteristics, well liked in the community in which he lives, and though quiet and unassuming in manner he is ever found ready to lend a helping hand in every movement calculated to better the interests of his locality.