My Genealogy Hound

Joseph S. Nelson, a substantial and prominent citizen of Knox County, was born in Fayette County, Ind., July 3, 1838, and is a son of Robert and Ann (Ryburn) Nelson. The Nelson family is of German and Irish descent. Robert was born in Ohio, February 4, 1806, and when a child moved with his parents to Iowa, making his home there until 1839, when he located in Knox County, living there until his death, October 3, 1880, upon the farm where our subject now lives. His wife was born in Indiana, in 1813, before it became a State, and died in Knox County, February 16, 1882. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church for many years. Our subject is the fourth of a family of nine children (five now living), and was educated at the common schools of Knox County. December 17, 1862, he married Sarah Anderson, who was born and reared in Lewis County, Mo., and a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Anderson. This lady was born October 11, 1841, and died in Knox County, April 5, 1868, a member of the Christian Church. To her union with our subject one child, Robert, was born, and is now living. November 30, 1870, Mr. Nelson married Miss Sarah Leland, daughter of Abner and Elizabeth Leland, and a native of Kalamazoo County, Mich., born October 27, 1846. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson the following six children were born: Hubert A., Claude E., H. Roscoe, Roy, Fred and Mary. When first married Mr. Nelson moved to Bourbon Township, but after sixteen years’ residence there, returned to Fabius Township, and purchased the old homestead which consists of 200 acres of good land. At that time he was far from rich, but by industry and economy has been prosperous and successful, and is now one of the substantial farmers of the county. During the late war he served in the State Provisional Militia for several months, as corporal. He is a strong Republican in politics, but has never held nor sought office. Himself and wife are worthy members of the Christian Church, and enjoy the respect and esteem of their neighbors and friends.