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Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Knox County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Lieut. Robert M. Nelson, a prominent and enterprising citizen of Knox County, was born at Farmington, Van Buren County, Iowa, March 14, 1843, and is a son of Andrew S. and Elizabeth (Smith) Nelson. Andrew S. Nelson was born in Ohio, June 10, 1808, and is now a resident of Des Moines, Iowa. He is a tanner by trade, and moving to Indianapolis, Ind., worked at his trade over twenty years. He then moved to Farmington, where he lived until 1849, and then he and his eldest son went to California, where he remained three years, but then returned to Farmington, and after a short time moved back to Brookville, Ind., where he engaged in farming three years. He then returned to Farmington, and farmed until 1859, and next went to Pike’s Peak with our subject on a mining tour, returning home the latter part of the same year. In 1867 he moved to Des Moines, and is now the owner of forty acres of land adjoining that city, part of which has been laid off into city lots. Upon this land there are three coal mines in operation, which bring him quite an income. The mother of our subject was born October 6, 1807, in Indiana, and died in Des Moines November 1, 1877. Both she and her husband belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is the seventh of a family of eight children, five of whom are living. He was educated at Denmark Academy, Lee County, Iowa, and lived with his parents until he enlisted in Company B, Thirteenth United States Army, under Gen. Sherman, in which he did field service for two years and nine months, and participated in the battles of Vicksburg, Jackson, Arkansas Post, Chickasaw, Bayou and many others. At Vicksburg he was the flag bearer, and had the honor of being the first man to place the United States colors upon the rebel works, being the only flag bearer who was not killed. His escape was almost miraculous, his clothing and flag being riddled with bullets, and on account of his courage he was promoted to a second lieutenantcy. While lying in the trenches at the battle of Collierville he was severely wounded, and taken to the hospital at Memphis, Tenn.; and afterward, being unable for active duty, was sent to Columbus, Ohio, as mustering officer, and finally received an honorable discharge in May, 1864. He then returned to Iowa, where he lived until twenty-five years of age, and then came to Knox County, Mo., where he purchased land, which he improved and traded for what he now owns. March 14, 1872, he married Mary D. Stokely, of Lewis County, Mo., who was born February 9, 1847. This lady is a daughter of John Stokely, and to her union with our subject six children (five of whom are living) were born, viz.: Mary L., Robert D., Frank, Susan, Lavina and Johnnie (deceased). Mr. Nelson is a Republican; his wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

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This family biography is one of 204 biographies included in the Knox County, Missouri portion of the book,  The History of Lewis, Clark, Knox and Scotland Counties, Missouri published in 1887.  For the complete description, click here: Knox County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Knox County, Missouri family biographies here: Knox County, Missouri Biographies

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