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- Jacob was the son of Anton and Sara (Jensdatter) Nelson. He went by Nelson or Nilson.
He was born near Horn on the island of Løkta in Dønna Kommune, Nordland, Norway. He was baptized in Nesna Kirke in Nesna.
He had 7 siblings: August Jacobson
(half-brother), Peter, Julia, Lina, Hans, Sebina and Tillie.
The family immigrated to America in 1883.
Jacob married Gori Christianson on November 14th, 1894.
They had three children: Selmer, Agnes, and Joseph. Gori died on December 12th 1898.
Jacob married Annie Churness on October 7th, 1901.
They had three children: Lenny, Adna, and Ethel.
Jacob was one of the most influential figures in the founding of Greenwood township. His donations of land for a school and church and cemetery gave a permanent place to the township. He cleared the path to building most of the farms and roads in the area. His work on boards of all kinds in the township made him well known and liked. He also was in the band and was the backup composer if his brother Hans was unable to attend. He died peacefully at the Fosston Hospital of age.
Greenwood Pioneer Died Saturday At Fosston Hospital
Jacob Nelson of rural Clearbrook passed away at the Fosston Hospital, Saturday, November 17th at 2:06 p.m. at the age of 87 years and nine months. Mr Nelson was the last of the old pioneers in Greenwood township.
He was born February 17, 1869 at Horn, Nesne Prostegjold, Nesna, Norway, To parents Sarah and Anton Nilson. He was baptized at Nesne Prostegjold. He came to this country with his parents, four sisters and three brothers in 1883 at the age of 14 years. They settled at Hitterdal, Minnesota. He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church at Lake Park by Pastor Berg.
At Hitterdal he grew up to young manhood, while there he was married to Guri Christianson and one daughter, Agnes and two sons, Selmer and Joseph were born to them.
They came to Greenwood township in late 1895 when this country opened up for homesteading. They took a homestead and lived there several years, Where his wife passed away at an early age, December 12, 1898. Later he was married to Annie Dorothea Churness of Twin Valley, Minnesota. Two daughters Adna and Ethel and a son, Lenny was born to this union.
For a long time he owned and operated a saw mill and planer on his farm and in pioneer days operated the first one out there, in company with his brother-in-law, the late Alick Churness.
He also served on the school board and on the town board for many years, and continued living on the farm with his wife, Annie and son, Lenny until his passing.
Those left to mourn his death besides his wife are all his children. Agnes (Mrs. Chester Whiteley), Adna (Mrs. Bert Westby) and Ethel (Mrs. Jim Underwood) all of Minneapolis, Selmer of Clearbrook, Joseph of Estherville, Iowa, and Lenny at home. His two daughters-in-law and three son-in-laws besides his grandchildren, Bob Whiteley, Merle and Lyle Nelson, Marjorie (Mrs. Marthland) and Roger Nelson and eight great grandchildren, besides several relatives in Norway. Two special cousins whom he had letters from lately, Mrs. Ellen Tonder and Peter Breivik Koperdal, Norway, besides many nieces, nephews and their children. Many living in Greenwood township and a host of friends.
He was a kind and loving husband and father and was loved by every one who knew him. Four sisters and three brothers preceded him in death.
Funeral services, Wed. at 200 p.m. from the Elim Lutheran Bretheren Church, Rev. N. A. Langness officiating. Interment in the Clearwater Cemetery in Greenwood township. All the children are home for the funeral, except Joseph of Estherville, Iowa who was unable to come.
Farmers Independent Newspaper, 11-22-1956 [13]
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