Alfred NELSON

Among the citizens of Sac County, Iowa, who have won competencies for themselves and stand high in public estimation, is the man whose name forms the caption of this article. Alfred Nelson is a native of Sweden, born on Feb. 21, 1863, the son of John and Lena (Olson) Nelson. In 1871 the family emigrated to America and first located in Marshall County, this state, and in 1877 Alfred came to Sac County. Here they purchased raw prairie land in Wheeler Township and set about establishing a home. Their first residence was a small structure, 16 x 20 feet, which sheltered the family for a time, and then, as prosperity smiled on them, this home was considerably enlarged. The land was given every care possible and has been developed into an excellent farm. The mother died in Feb. of 1881, leaving 8 children, namely: Charles; Oscar, deceased; Alfred; Olaf, who died at the age of 14; Mary, wife of Henry Banta and living in California; Amanda, who died at the age of 21; August, who died in childhood; and Nels, who was born in 1877 in Marshall county and is now a rancher in the state of Idaho. After the mothers death in 1881, the father, with the younger children, moved to Nebraska and later to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he died. John Nelson married the second time and had altogether 12 children. 

When a boy, Alfred Nelson attended the district schools of Marshall and Sac county and began farming for himself in 1882. For several years he rented land and in 1908 purchased a tract of 80 acres in Section 27, Wheeler township, at a cost of $105 per acre. When he first began farming he lived on his fathers farm and moved to his present location before making the purchase. Altogether he is farming 280 acres, 120 of which is owned by Mrs. Goranson, mother of Mrs. Nelson. In addition to his comfortable dwelling he has a large barn, size 48 x 58 feet, which was built in 1911, as well as many other buildings necessary for the carrying on of the business of the farm. The house is attractively located in a little valley, about 1/2 mile from the main highway. Mr. Nelson has considerable live stock, to which he devotes particular attention. He has ten head of horses which are used for general farm purposes, raises for the market about 100 hogs annually and one car-load of cattle.

Mr. Nelson's political affiliation is with the Democratic party and he takes more than a nominal interest in local politics, having served as a member of the school board and township trustee and in the discharge of the duties thus devolving upon him he met with the approval of all concerned. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being associated with that society through the local lodge at Odebolt.

On March 14, 1882, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage with Anna Sophia Peterson, who was born in Sweden on 31 May 1864. She is the daughter of Olaf Peter Peterson, who died in 1871, and her mother married C. A. Goranson after being widowed. In 1880 the family came to America locating in Wheeler township, where Mr. Goranson died in 1889. Mrs. Goranson was born April 14, 1839, and is well preserved for a woman of her years. She makes her home with Mrs. Nelson, who is her only child. Mr. & Mrs. Nelson are the parents of an interesting family of thirteen children, the oldest of whom, Albert Oscar, remains at home, while Ida E. is the wife of H. Nelson and lives in Oakland, Calif.; Emma is also married, being the wife of O. E. Bergren of Wheeler township; Will A. is a farmer in this same township; Esther M. (Mrs. Conquist) lives at Gaurie, Iowa; Vern M. resides at Holstein, this state; and the others of the family, Lillian, Elmer C., Sydney O., Glenn M. (sic) Gladys E., Francis T., and Dorothy E. remain under the parental roof. There are three grandchildren being Cozette and Wallace Bergren and Jessie Nelson.

Mr. Nelson is a man of marked domestic talents and takes much pleasure in his home and family. That he possesses good business ability, energy and thrift are demonstrated by his accomplishments, and the fact that he stands high in public estimation among those with whom he has lived for many years, make him a man of sterling traits of character. Aside from his business duties, Mr. Nelson finds time to keep himself well informed on up-to-date methods as related to general farming and stock raising and is also well informed on current events. 

History of Sac County Iowa, B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana, 1914, pp. 470-471.
Sac City Public Library, Sac City, Iowa