My Genealogy Hound

SANDERS NELSON.
In the history of the successful and respected business men of Creston and of Union county it is imperative that mention be made of Sanders Nelson, a representative of those citizens of foreign birth who have found in the conditions of the new world the opportunities they have sought, while through their utilization they have advanced from a humble financial position to one of affluence and of prominence. Mr. Nelson has made his home in Iowa since 1869, at which time he took up his abode in Mount Pleasant, Henry county, and since 1902 he has lived in Union county, being
now located on Wyoming avenue in Creston.

A native of Sweden, he was born September 20, 1849. His father, Nels Samuelson, was there reared and followed farming in Sweden throughout his entire life.. He wedded Nellie Hankinson, who was also born and reared in that country, and there they continued to reside until called to the home beyond. Their family numbered five children.

Sanders Nelson was reared upon the old homestead farm in Sweden. His educational and other opportunities were, somewhat limited and he is wholly self-educated in English. His training at farm labor, however, was not meager and he early learned the value of industry and perseverance as factors in the attainment of success in the business world. Resolving to try his fortune in America when twenty years of age, he sailed for the United States by way of Bremen, landing at Boston and eventually reaching Chicago. Near that city he found employment at farm labor and with others he afterward went to Mount Pleasant, Henry county, Iowa, where he worked as a farm hand for a year at twelve dollars per month. On the expiration of that period he removed to Knox county, Illinois, and was employed upon a farm near Galesburg. He worked by the month for four years at twenty-five dollars.

While in Galesburg Mr. Nelson was married on the 2d of October, 1874, to Miss Mary Carlson, also a native of Sweden, and then again came to Iowa, this time settling in Clarke county near Murray, where he rented a tract of land and engaged in farming for nine years, for eight years in Adair county and eight years in Adams county. Careful expenditure and unflagging industry brought him the capital that enabled him to purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land in Adair county, bordering the Union county line. This he greatly improved, erecting buildings thereon and making a good home, while his fields annually brought forth rich crops as a reward for the care and labor he bestowed upon them. He possesses the national characteristics of industry and determination and these qualities gained for him the measure of success which won him classification with Union county’s prosperous and substantial farmers. In 1902 he sold his property and came to Creston, settling on South Hill, where he purchased five acres of land upon which he has erected a commodious residence. Here he has set out shade and fruit trees and around his home is a most beautiful and well kept lawn, making this one of the attractive places in the leading residence district of Creston. While he carried on farming in Adair county he always did his trading at Spaulding and at Creston and has been so closely identified with the interests of Union county that he has felt it to be his home for more than a quarter of a century.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have been born seven children: Nellie, now the wife of S. H. Stream, of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, and the mother of three children, Bernice, Macie and Vinnie; Albert, a resident farmer of Adams county, who married Christine Schloeyss and has two children, Harold and Raymond; Anna, the wife of Ralph Rowland, a carpenter of Creston, by whom she has one child, Emery; Dora, at home; Claus, a butcher of Sheridan, Wyoming; Delia, at home; and Charles, house engineer for the Burlington Railroad Company at Creston.

Mr. Nelson is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church at Creston and has held some of the church offices. He is deeply interested in its growth and the extension of its influence and throughout his life he has been actuated by principles in harmony with his professions. His study of the political situation of the country has led him to give loyal support to republican principles but at local elections where no party issue is involved he casts an independent ballot. He has served as road supervisor and as school director for a number of years and his duties have ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in the business world, for he started out in business life empty-handed. His recognition of opportunity, however, has been one of the salient features in his success and, moreover, he has placed his dependence upon the safe substantial qualities of untiring energy, courage and unfaltering perseverance. The record is one which may well serve as a source of emulation and inspiration to others and he has every reason to feel proud of what he has accomplished.