Born August 10, 1845, a native of Wisconsin. He obtained his early education in log school-houses, supplemented first by an attendance at the common district schools, and later at a commercial college in Madison, Wis., where he graduated in mathematics and book-keeping. He became a member of Company D, Fortieth Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, being mustered into service at Madison, in April, 1864, and assigned to the Western Division. His army duties led him to Memphis, Holly Springs and Jackson, he participating in the last capture of the first named city. He was mustered out at Madison in the fall of 1864. At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Nelson entered with vigor upon life's field of action. Having had an inclination to seek a home in the oft-heard-of west, his mother and himself, in a prairie schooner, started from the old home in Dane County, Wis., and settled in Polk County, Iowa, just across the line from Story. He was the head of the general mercantile interests and also a heavy grain dealer. Educational matters have always found in him a stanch supporter. Mr. Nelson's estimable wife was formerly Miss Lizzie Ersland, who was born near the ancient city of Bergen, Norway, July 7, 1850. Mr. Nelson in his political references has always been a Republican, active and decided in the arena of political life, though never an office-seeker. His first presidential vote was cast for Lincoln during his second term. He has responded on several occasions to the wishes of his fellow-citizens and served in official capacities of a local nature, and in 1885 was chosen by acclamation to represent Story County in the State Legislature. The best comment upon the two years of his service from 1885 to 1887 is that at the expiration of his term he was made his own successor. He prosecuted with vigor and persistency the passage of numerous bills of immense value to the people. Mr. Nelson has been present at every State convention held in Iowa since his residence here. He and his wife are devout members and consistent workers in the United Lutheran Church, and were among the organizers of Bethlehem congregation, then belonging to the Conference Synod.

Born August 10, 1845, a native of Wisconsin. He obtained his early education in log school-houses, supplemented first by an attendance at the common district schools, and later at a commercial college in Madison, Wis., where he graduated in mathematics and book-keeping. He became a member of Company D, Fortieth Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, being mustered into service at Madison, in April, 1864, and assigned to the Western Division. His army duties led him to Memphis, Holly Springs and Jackson, he participating in the last capture of the first named city. He was mustered out at Madison in the fall of 1864. At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Nelson entered with vigor upon life's field of action. Having had an inclination to seek a home in the oft-heard-of west, his mother and himself, in a prairie schooner, started from the old home in Dane County, Wis., and settled in Polk County, Iowa, just across the line from Story. He was the head of the general mercantile interests and also a heavy grain dealer. Educational matters have always found in him a stanch supporter. Mr. Nelson's estimable wife was formerly Miss Lizzie Ersland, who was born near the ancient city of Bergen, Norway, July 7, 1850. Mr. Nelson in his political references has always been a Republican, active and decided in the arena of political life, though never an office-seeker. His first presidential vote was cast for Lincoln during his second term. He has responded on several occasions to the wishes of his fellow-citizens and served in official capacities of a local nature, and in 1885 was chosen by acclamation to represent Story County in the State Legislature. The best comment upon the two years of his service from 1885 to 1887 is that at the expiration of his term he was made his own successor. He prosecuted with vigor and persistency the passage of numerous bills of immense value to the people. Mr. Nelson has been present at every State convention held in Iowa since his residence here. He and his wife are devout members and consistent workers in the United Lutheran Church, and were among the organizers of Bethlehem congregation, then belonging to the Conference Synod.