Ekeberga Rislyeke, 1792
DNA Testing has revealed that this male line belongs to haplogroup "I" (marker M170) which first left Africa 90,000 years ago (as marker M168), moved into the middle east about 45,000 years ago (as marker M89). There 800 generations lived as grassland hunters. Then a small fraction of this group moved north into the balkans about 20,000 years ago. Another 600 generations lived as hunter gatherers, sheltering there during the ice age (becoming marker M170). From there they seem to have spread northward, following the retreating glaciers, until our ancestors ended up in Sweden about 4,000 years ago. Today this group is most common in Scandinavia. (Link to Maps)
The documented origins of the Nelson family of Furuby, Sweden and Parkers Prairie, Minnesota can be traced to Ekeberga parish in the eastern part of that area of southern Sweden that was known in the Middle Ages as Värend and known today as Småland. Even today it is a land of forests, lakes, and swamps, with scattered patches of farmland cleared from the rocky soil. Värend was a disputed borderland during the time that the kingdoms of Denmark and Sweden were forming. According to legend, Saint Sigfrid established a bishopric at Växjö in the 1100's although it was not chartered as a city until 1367. The pattern of settlement in Värend was established in the late 1300's after the Black Death had swept through the area. Most of the parishes our ancestors came from were established around that time. Ekeberga parish was founded in 1395. Almost everyone who survived the plague was probably an ancestor of ours.
Ekeberga Rislyeke, 1792
The earliest records for this family are found in the Ekeberga church records from the late 1600’s. The earliest birth and death records date from 1689. Ekeberga parish was historically in Uppvidinge hundred and is currently part of Uppvidinge Municipality. Ekeberga is Småland’s least cultivated parish. Several glassworks are located nearby including Kosta which was founded in 1742. The current church was built in 1824-25; the altar cover is from the mid 1700s. The name was first written in 1395 as Ekebaergha and probably originates from Oak (ek) Hill (berg).
In the 1700’s the parish consisted of about 50 families dispersed in about 30 clusters of homesteads in an area of 60 square miles. There was almost no population growth until after 1725 and the infant mortality rate was high (25% 1689-1735). The people were prone to periodic epidemics. In 1706, ten out of eleven babies died. In another case, 1710-1711, 51 adults and older children died. It was not uncommon for people to not marry until their 30's.
Our earliest recorded ancestor was Bengt Hakanson. He first appears in the records of Ekeberga in 1699 when he was married. He is always associated with the homesteads of Rislyeke, Ryd or Rij, and Dåfvedshult. These are on the western side of Ekeberga, close to where the Kosta glassworks is now located. He died in Rislyeke at the age of 98. The cause of death was recorded as decrepitude. His son, Nils Bengtsson, moved from Ekeberga to Furuby in 1746 and the history continues there
.
According to a story passed down in the family, our earliest ancestor was the Frenchman Murat whose only son was Anders Peter. According to the story, Anders Peter was the father of Nils Daniel Andersson and his brothers. However the records reveal that Anders Nilsson, son of Nils Bengtsson, was the father of Nils Daniel. I believe that the story of Murat might be a very distorted version of the news of the French General Bernadotte who became King Charles XIV of Sweden in 1818. In the legend, the Frenchman Murat was said to have had a bottle which is still in the possession of the family (Mae Moberg at Long Prairie, Minnesota). However there is a date of 1766 and the initials 'NBS' and 'AJD' inscribed on the bottle. These clearly stand for Nils Bengts Son and Annicka Johans Dotter. This finally disproves the story of Murat.
This information came mostly from my own research in the 1980’s, some e-mail correspondence with Sigvard Karlsson in 2004, and supported now by genline and the KGF database.
Locator map for Ekeberga
The World in 1666
Events during this generation
Bengt Hakansson 1666-1764 son of Hakan 1630 and Unknown. He was born 1666 at Kronobergs län, Sweden. He died 15 May 1764 (age 98) at Ekeberga (Rislycke) of decrepitude.
He was a Farmer at Ekeberga (Rislyeke).
First Wife Martha Thorsdotter 1670-1710 She was born 1670 at Ekeberga (Malen). She died 1710 (age 40) at Ekeberga. Married 12 Nov 1699, at Ekeberga (Rislyeke) (his age 33) (her age 29)
She was a Homemaker at Ekeberga (Rislyeke).
Their children were Karin Bengtsdotter 1700-1729, Elin Bengtsdotter 1704, Hakon Bengtsson 1707-1710, Kirstin Bengtsdotter 1708.
Second Wife Marie Borjisdotter 1679-1757.
Their children were Per Bengtsson 1713, Borjie Bengtsson 1714-1715, Karin Bengtsdotter 1716, Martha Bengtsdotter 1718, Hakon Bengtsson 1720, Borjie Bengtsson 1723, Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815, Anders Bengtsson 1730-1755.
Elin Hakansdotter 1675 daughter of Hakan 1630 and Unknown. She was born about 1675 at Kronobergs län, Sweden.
Husband Lars Nilsson
He lived at Ekeberga (Rij).
Birth record of Nils Bengtsson 1727
The World in 1727
Events during this generation
Karin Bengtsdotter 1700-1729 daughter of Bengt Hakansson 1666-1764 and Martha Thorsdotter 1670-1710. She was born 18 Nov 1700 at Ekeberga (Rislyeke). She died 4 Mar 1729 (age 28) at Ekeberga (Rislyeke).
Elin Bengtsdotter 1704 daughter of Bengt Hakansson 1666-1764 and Martha Thorsdotter 1670-1710. She was born 10 Feb 1704 at Ekeberga (Rislyeke).
Husband Johan Marcusson.
Their children were Maria Johansdotter 1731, Ingrid Johansdotter 1732, Marcus Johansson 1734.
Hakon Bengtsson 1707-1710 son of Bengt Hakansson 1666-1764 and Martha Thorsdotter 1670-1710. He was born 10 Feb 1707 at Ekeberga (Rislyeke). He died 24 Mar 1710 (age 3) at Ekeberga (Rislyeke).
Kirstin Bengtsdotter 1708 daughter of Bengt Hakansson 1666-1764 and Martha Thorsdotter 1670-1710. She was born 11 Feb 1708 at Ekeberga (Rislyeke).
Per Bengtsson 1713 son of Bengt Hakansson 1666-1764 and Marie Borjisdotter 1679-1757. He was born 21 Feb 1713 at Ekeberga (Rislyeke).
Borjie Bengtsson 1714-1715 son of Bengt Hakansson 1666-1764 and Marie Borjisdotter 1679-1757. He was born 12 Dec 1714 at Ekeberga (Rislyeke). He died 13 Mar 1715 at Ekeberga (Rislyeke).
Karin Bengtsdotter 1716 daughter of Bengt Hakansson 1666-1764 and Marie Borjisdotter 1679-1757. She was born 16 Apr 1716 at Ekeberga (Rislyeke).
Martha Bengtsdotter 1718 daughter of Bengt Hakansson 1666-1764 and Marie Borjisdotter 1679-1757. She was born 7 Sep 1718 at Ekeberga (Dafvershult).
Hakon Bengtsson 1720 son of Bengt Hakansson 1666-1764 and Marie Borjisdotter 1679-1757. He was born 16 Oct 1720 at Ekeberga (Rislyeke).
Borjie Bengtsson 1723 son of Bengt Hakansson 1666-1764 and Marie Borjisdotter 1679-1757. He was born 10 May 1723 at Ekeberga (Dafvershult).
Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815son of Bengt Hakansson 1666-1764 and Marie Borjisdotter 1679-1757. He was born 23 Apr 1727 at Ekeberga (Dafvershult). He died 10 May 1815 (age 88) at Furuby (Lillegård).
He was a Farmer at Furuby (Lillegård).
Nils Bengtsson moved to Furuby in 1746.
Wife Annicka Johansdotter 1730 She was born 1730 at Furuby. Married 2 Oct 1748, at Furuby (his age 21) (her age 18).
Their children were Maria Nilsdotter 1750-1814, Catharina Nilsdotter 1769-1769, Johan Nilsson 1770, Elizabeth Nilsdotter 1773, Catharina Nilsdotter 1776, Peter Nilsson 1752-1753, Lena Nilsdotter 1754, Annicka Nilsdotter 1756, Anders Nilsson 1759-1820, Martha Nilsdotter 1762, Ingrid Nilsdotter 1765, Johan Nilsson 1768, Elizabeth Nilsdotter 1769-1769.
Anders Bengtsson 1730-1755 son of Bengt Hakansson 1666-1764 and Marie Borjisdotter 1679-1757. He was born 11 Jan 1730 at Ekeberga (Rislyeke). He died 6 Apr 1755 (age 25) at Ekeberga.
Furuby Village 1779
Furuby church records for births and deaths date from 1659 and 1678 respectively but have so far proved impossible for me to read. The household examinations start in 1756. Furuby, parish was historically in Konga hundred and is currently part of Växjö Municipality. The area is hilly, stone bound and difficult to use, and there many bogs. The villages of Furuby are Attsjö, Furuby, Fägerstad, Holkaryd, Högstorp, Kårestad, and Västorp. Furuby has a long history. Ancient artifacts have been found including an Iron Age grave and a rune stone. The current Church is from 1887. The old wooden church, which was pulled down, was particularly noteworthy. Its roof-painting from the 1700s is now displayed in the Smålands museum in Växjö. The new Church has the baptismal font from the 1100’s and likely a late medieval clock. The name was first written in 1322 as fyriby. It probably originates from Pine (furu) Village (by).
Locator map for Furuby Farms
The World in 1759
Events during this generation
Maria Nilsdotter 1750-1814 daughter of Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815 and Annicka Johansdotter 1730. She was born 16 Mar 1750 at Furuby (Lillegård). She died 13 Jun 1814 (age 64) at Furuby.
Peter Nilsson 1752-1753 son of Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815 and Annicka Johansdotter 1730. He was born 6 Aug 1752 at Furuby (Lillegård). He died 31 Aug 1753 (age 1) at Furuby.
Lena Nilsdotter 1754 daughter of Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815 and Annicka Johansdotter 1730. She was born 11 Jun 1754 at Furuby (Lillegård).
Annicka Nilsdotter 1756 daughter of Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815 and Annicka Johansdotter 1730. She was born 27 Nov 1756 at Furuby (Lillegård).
Anders Nilsson 1759-1820 son of Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815 and Annicka Johansdotter 1730. He was born 12 Aug 1759 at Furuby (Lillegård). He died 18 Oct 1820 (age 61) at Furuby (Olsagård).
He was a Farmer at Furuby (Olsagård).
Wife Christina Eliasdotter Hahn 1769-1827 daughter of Elias Adamsson Hahn 1737-1810 and Sara Olofsdotter 1747-1835. She was born 11 Feb 1769 at Furuby (Hanagård). She died 23 May 1827 (age 58) at Furuby (Hanagård) of pulmonary consumption (phthisis). Married 15 Jun 1788, at Furuby (his age 28) (her age 19)
She was a homemaker at Furuby (Olsagård).
Their children were Johanas Andersson 1790, Sven Andersson 1793-1803, Johan Olof Andersson 1797-1843, Peter Andersson 1800-1849, Gustaf Andersson 1803-1893, Nils Daniel Andersson 1807-1869.
Martha Nilsdotter 1762 daughter of Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815 and Annicka Johansdotter 1730. She was born 21 Sep 1762 at Furuby (Lillegård).
Ingrid Nilsdotter 1765 daughter of Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815 and Annicka Johansdotter 1730. She was born 22 Nov 1765 at Furuby (Lillegård).
Husband Hakan Johansson 1751 He was born 1751 at Kronobergs län, Sweden.
Their child was Johannes Hakansson 1790.
Johan Nilsson 1768 son of Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815 and Annicka Johansdotter 1730. He was born 23 Jan 1768 at Furuby (Lillegård) died shortly after birth.
Elizabeth Nilsdotter 1769-1769 daughter of Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815 and Annicka Johansdotter 1730. She was born 29 Jan 1769 at Furuby (Lillegård). She died 1 Jun 1769 at Furuby (Lillegård).
Catharina Nilsdotter 1769-1769 daughter of Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815 and Annicka Johansdotter 1730. She was born 29 Jan 1769 at Furuby (Lillegård). She died 2 Aug 1769 at Furuby (Lillegård).
Johan Nilsson 1770 son of Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815 and Annicka Johansdotter 1730. He was born 15 Jun 1770 at Furuby (Lillegård).
Elizabeth Nilsdotter 1773 daughter of Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815 and Annicka Johansdotter 1730. She was born 23 Sep 1773 at Furuby (Lillegård).
Husband Carl Gabrielsson 1757 He was born 1757 at Lindhofva.
Their child was Christina Elizabeth Carlsdotter 1798.
Catharina Nilsdotter 1776 daughter of Nils Bengtsson 1727-1815 and Annicka Johansdotter 1730. She was born 31 Jan 1776 at Furuby (Lillegård).
Family record of Anders Nilsson 1808The World in 1807
Events during this generation
Johanas Andersson 1790 son of Anders Nilsson 1759-1820 and Christina Eliasdotter Hahn 1769-1827. He was born 12 Jul 1790 at Furuby (Olsagård).
Wife Helena Hakansdotter daughter of Hakan Johansson and Brita Johansdotter. Married 1811, at Kronobergs län, Sweden (his age 21).
Their children were Johanna Helena Johansdotter 1812, Elias Johansson 1814, Peter Olof Johansson 1817.
Sven Andersson 1793-1803 son of Anders Nilsson 1759-1820 and Christina Eliasdotter Hahn 1769-1827. He was born 4 Dec 1793 at Furuby (Olsagård). He died Before 1803 (age 10) at Furuby (Olsagård).
Johan Olof Andersson 1797-1843 son of Anders Nilsson 1759-1820 and Christina Eliasdotter Hahn 1769-1827. He was born 20 Feb 1797 at Furuby (Olsagård). He died 19 Sep 1843 (age 46) at Herrakra (Skruv).
Wife Johanna Petersdotter 1805 She was born 1805 at Kronobergs län, Sweden. Married 26 Dec 1820, at Herrakra (his age 23) (her age 15).
Their children were Kristina Johansdotter 1821, Anders Petter Johansson 1823, Kajsa Johansdotter 1824, Carl Peter Johansson 1825-1887, Christina Marie Johansdotter 1828, Johan Elof Johansson 1830, John Gustaf Johansson 1833, Helena Lovisa Johansdotter 1836, Franz August Johansson 1840.
Peter Andersson 1800-1849 son of Anders Nilsson 1759-1820 and Christina Eliasdotter Hahn 1769-1827. He was born 10 Jan 1800 at Furuby (Olsagård). He died 24 Jun 1849 (age 49) at Furuby (Olsagård).
Wife Lena Cajsa Pehrsdotter 1804 She was born 1804 at Lindhofva (Ekeberga). Married 1823, at Kronobergs län, Sweden (his age 23) (her age 19).
Their child was Anders Peter Petersson 1838.
Gustaf Andersson 1803-1893 son of Anders Nilsson 1759-1820 and Christina Eliasdotter Hahn 1769-1827. He was born 18 Mar 1803 at Furuby (Olsagård). He died 1893 (age 90) at Furuby (Olsagård).
Nils Daniel Andersson 1807-1869 son of Anders Nilsson 1759-1820 and Christina Eliasdotter Hahn 1769-1827. He was born 2 Apr 1807 at Furuby (Olsagård). He died 15 Sep 1869 (age 62) at Chisago Lake Township, Chisago County, Minnesota.
He immigrated on 13 Sep 1854 (age 47) at New York, New York.
Nils Daniel was a farmer at Furuby (Olsagård) and a pioneer at Chisago Lake.
Wife Martha Sarah Johansdotter 1808-1888 
daughter of Johannes Petersson 1784-1858 and Britta Johansdotter 1786-1843. She was born 7 Aug 1808 at East Torsås (Ingelstad Bondegård). She died Oct 1888 (age 80) at Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Married 18 Oct 1829, at Östra Thorsas (his age 22) (her age 21)
She immigrated on 13 Sep 1854 (age 46) at New York, New York. She was a homemaker at Furuby (Olsagård) and Chisago Lake.
Their children were Christina Nilsdotter 1830-1896, Andrew Peter Nelson 1835-1914, Johan Gustaf Nilsson 1836-1836, Helena Nilsdotter 1837-1855, Charlotta Gustafa Nilsdotter 1840-1855, John Gustaf Nelson 1844-1930, Peter Olaf Nelson 1846-1912, Josephine Matilda Judith Nelson 1850-1920.
Family record of Nils Daniel Andersson 1852
The World in 1835
Events during this generation
Christina Nilsdotter 1830-1896 daughter of Nils Daniel Andersson 1807-1869 and Martha Sarah Johansdotter 1808-1888. She was born 26 Sep 1830 at Furuby (Olsagård). She died 1896 (age 66) at Chisago Lake.
She immigrated on 13 Sep 1854 (age 23) at New York, New York. She was a Homemaker at Chisago Lake.
Husband Sven Nilsson 1827. He was born 1827 at Hemmesjo. Married 25 Jul 1852, at Furuby (his age 25) (her age 21)
He immigrated on 13 Sep 1854 (age 27) at New York, New York. He was a Pioneer and Farmer (section 29) at Chisago Lake.
Their children were Matilda Sophia Nelson 1854, John Magnus Nelson 1856, Nels Peter Nelson 1858, Carl August Nelson 1861, Helena Charlotta Nelson 1864, Frans Wilhelm Nelson 1866, Amanda Nelson 1868, Edith C Nelson 1873, Ernest T Nelson 1878.
Andrew Peter Nelson 1835-1914
son of Nils Daniel Andersson 1807-1869 and Martha Sarah Johansdotter 1808-1888. He was born 8 Jan 1835 at Furuby (Olsagård). He died 23 Mar 1914 (age 79) at Parkers Prairie. He is buried at Parkers Prairie.
He immigrated on 13 Sep 1854 (age 19) at New York, New York. He was a Pioneer, Farmer, & Carpenter at Parkers Prairie.
Shortly before 1870, Andrew P. moved to Thompson, Carlton County, Minnesota where he operated a boarding house for workers on the Northern Pacific Railroad.
In 1871 he joined his two brothers in Parkers Prairie. In the early years many civic and church functions were held in his two storey log house since it was the largest building around. Andrew P. built many of the houses and barns around Parkers Prairie as well as the first church and other buildings. During the grasshopper years in Minnesota, 1876-77, he had a lumber business with his brother John G. in Motley, Minnesota. In 1911 he retired from farming and moved into town in Parkers Prairie.
Wife Johanna Christina Petersdotter 1841-1917 
daughter of Peter Eliasson 1806-1844 and Sara Magnusdotter 1813-1885. She was born 2 May 1841 at Furuby (Attsjö Jons Markussonsgård). She died 25 Sep 1917 (age 76) at Bethesda Hospital, St Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota. She is buried at Parkers Prairie. Married 28 Feb 1859, at Chisago Lake (his age 24) (her age 17)
She immigrated from Sweden in 1858 (age 17) at Quebec City, Quebec with her brother Elias Petersson. Elias had returned to Sweden to bring his sister, Johanna, over to Chisago Lake. She was a homemaker at Parkers Prairie.
Their children were Helena Charlotta Judith (Judith) Nelson 1860-1920, Eva Christina Wilhelmina (Minnie) Nelson 1865-1930, Nels Peter Rudolph (Rudolph, NPR) Nelson 1873-1938, Martha Sarah Betsey Amanda (Betsey) Nelson 1875-1953, John Andrew Reynold (Reynold) Nelson 1880-1952, John Gustaf Vasa (Vasa) Nelson 1883-1961.
Johan Gustaf Nilsson 1836-1836 son of Nils Daniel Andersson 1807-1869 and Martha Sarah Johansdotter 1808-1888. He was born 15 Oct 1836 at Furuby (Olsagård). He died 12 Nov 1836 at Furuby (Olsagård) of Flag.
Helena Nilsdotter 1837-1855 daughter of Nils Daniel Andersson 1807-1869 and Martha Sarah Johansdotter 1808-1888. She was born 16 Nov 1837 at Furuby (Olsagård). She died 1855 (age 18) at Stillwater, Washington County, Minnesota in a typhoid fever epidemic.
She immigrated on 13 Sep 1854 (age 16) at New York, New York.
Elias Petersson 1837 son of Peter Eliasson 1806-1844 and Sara Magnusdotter 1813-1885. He was born 18 Dec 1837 at Furuby (Hanagård. He died before 1895 at Parkers Prairie.
He immigrated on 13 Aug 1854 (age 16) at New York, New York.
Elias was a farm laborer and lived with Nils Daniel Andersson and Andrew P. Nelson.
Elias had a mental problem which cause him to be recorded in the 1870 census as idiotic. His nephew Vasa had the same condition, the symptoms of which were similar to Autism.
Charlotta Gustafa Nilsdotter 1840-1855 daughter of Nils Daniel Andersson 1807-1869 and Martha Sarah Johansdotter 1808-1888. She was born 17 Jan 1840 at Furuby (Olsagård). She died 1855 (age 15) at Stillwater, Washington County, Minnesota in a typhoid fever epidemic.
She immigrated on 13 Sep 1854 (age 14) at New York, New York.
John Gustaf Nelson 1844-1930 son of Nils Daniel Andersson 1807-1869 and Martha Sarah Johansdotter 1808-1888. He was born 17 Mar 1844 at Furuby (Olsagård). He died 6 Jun 1930 (age 86) at Parkers Prairie. He is buried at Parkers Prairie.
He was a Soldier, Pioneer, Politician, and Farmer at Parkers Prairie.
He immigrated on 13 Sep 1854 (age 10) at New York, New York.
John G enlisted in Company C, 7th Regiment, of the Minnesota Volunteer Infantry on August 15, 1862. Before they could be sent south, however, the Sioux Indian War erupted. Company C was detailed to Fort Ripley to ensure that the Chippewas did not join the uprising. John G was among the soldiers who guarded the condemned Indians who were hanged en masse on December 26. The 7th Regiment was also part of Sibley's expedition into the Dakota Territory in 1863. Finally sent south to St Louis in October, 1863, they did not see any action until the spring of 1864. Attached to General A. J. Smith's command they were involved in the battle of Tupelo, July 14, 1864, and the Oxford Raid, August 1864. The 7th was one of many units sent to contain Price's invasion of Missouri in September 1864 and Hood's invasion of Tennessee which culminated in the battle of Nashville on December 15, 1864. Following that they were sent south on the Mississippi river to New Orleans and then to Mobile Bay, Alabama, where they were part of the attack on Spanish Fort, March 25, 1865. After the surrender the 7th was part of the occupation force in Selma, Alabama, until being sent home in July.
After the Civil War, John G. prospected for land with his brother-in-law, Gustaf Lindquist, and selected land in section 17 of Parkers Prairie Township in Otter Tail County. He settled on the west side of the prairie north of town in 1868. The first years he and his wife Caroline and baby Ernest shared a one room log cabin with Gustaf Lindquist, Peter O and his wife Charlotte, and Elias Petersson. They were there when the township was first surveyed so the adjoining lake was named Nelson Lake. After Andrew P. joined them in 1871, they were able to build better houses and buildings.
John G was elected County Commissioner of Otter Tail County in 1871 and served 2 years. In 1873 he was elected the first State Senator from the County. At that time he introduced a bill to change the name of his township to Parkers Prairie. It had originally been named Jasper. He served again in the Minnesota Legislature in 1882.
John G. had caught malaria while in Alabama and was not healthy for years afterward. In the 1890's he took a cure in southern Minnesota and his health improved. After this he put his energies into improving his farm.
First Wife Caroline Lindquist 1842-1899 daughter of Jonas Lindquist and Kaisalisa (Kate) Nilsdotter. She was born 1842. She died 12 Mar 1899 (age 57) at Parkers Prairie. Married 23 Aug 1862, at Chisago Lake (his age 18) (her age 20)
She was a Homemaker at Parkers Prairie.
Their child was Ernest Peter Nelson 1863-1910.
Second Wife Alma Carlson 1882-1970 
She was born 3 Mar 1882. She died 21 Nov 1970 (age 88) at Parkers Prairie. Married 1904, at Parkers Prairie (his age 60) (her age 22)
Alma was a hired girl on John G's farm in 1900.
Their child was Daniel Emmanuel Nelson 1904-1958.
Peter Olaf Nelson 1846-1912 
son of Nils Daniel Andersson 1807-1869 and Martha Sarah Johansdotter 1808-1888. He was born 2 Apr 1846 at Furuby (Olsagård). He died 3 Mar 1912 (age 65) at Parkers Prairie.
He immigrated on 13 Sep 1854 (age 8) at New York, New York. He was a Pioneer and Farmer at Parkers Prairie.
Wife Charlotte Lindquist 1847-1902 
daughter of Jonas Lindquist and Kaisalisa (Kate) Nilsdotter. She was born 1847. She died 1902 (age 55). Married 1869 (his age 23) (her age 22)
She was a Homemaker at Parkers Prairie.
Their children were Mary Elizabeth Nelson, Nels Resser Eber Nelson 1870-1927, Alice Agnes Amanda Nelson 1873-1948, Alma Charlotta Olivia Nelson 1874-1963, Emily Caroline Josephine Nelson 1879-1963.
Josephine Matilda Judith Nelson 1850-1920 
daughter of Nils Daniel Andersson 1807-1869 and Martha Sarah Johansdotter 1808-1888. She was born 29 Apr 1850 at Furuby (Olsagård). She died 19 Nov 1920 (age 70) at Franconia.
She immigrated on 13 Sep 1854 (age 4) at New York, New York.
First Husband Jonas Lindahl 1844-1872. 
He was born 1844. He died 1872 (age 28) at Hastings, Minnesota in a drowning accident. Married 1868 (his age 24) (her age 18)
Jonas moved to Franconia from Rock Island, Illinois, in 1860. He was a Teacher, Town Clerk, Lumberman, and Merchant.
Jonas enlisted as a Private and became a First Lieutenant in the 3rd Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War. The 3rd Regiment was sent south in November 1861 and did garrison duty at Louisville, Kentucky, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. When Confederate General Forrest attacked Murfreesboro in July 1862, the garrison, including the 3rd Regiment surrendered. They were paroled (meaning they agreed to not fight against the Confederacy again) and sent back to Nashville. The Regiment was exchanged (releasing them from the parole) in August and returned to Minnesota to fight in the Sioux Indian War. They were in the Battle of Wood Lake. They were sent back south in January 1863 and participated in the Siege of Vicksburg and the capture of Little Rock, Arkansas.
After the Civil War Jonas was elected State Senator from Chisago County in the 15th and 16th Minnesota Legislatures. He was also the Postmaster in Franconia.
Second Husband Charles Vitalis 1843-1892. He was born 1843. He died 3 Mar 1892 (age 49) at Franconia. Married 1872 (his age 29) (her age 22)
Charles was a clerk in Jonas Lindahl's store in Franconia. After Jonas' accidental death he married Josephine and continued the business.
Their children were Harry Vitalis, George Vitalis 1875, Clara Vitalis 1885.
Third Husband Peter Johnson. Married 1901 (her age 51). Peter was previously married to Josephine's niece Matilda.
He was a Farmer at Lidstrom.
Fourth Husband Martinson. Married before 1920 (her age 60+).
She immigrated on 13 Sep 1854 at New York, New York.
Parkers Prairie Township 1870. Based on the original survey map, the 1870 census, and original land records.
Parkers Prairie Township 1884 (Nelson and related land shaded)
The World in 1873
Events during this generation
Helena Charlotta Judith (Judith) Nelson 1860-1920 
daughter of Andrew Peter Nelson 1835-1914 and Johanna Christina Petersdotter 1841-1917. She was born 22 Jan 1860 at Chisago Lake. She died 3 Jul 1920 (age 60) at Parkers Prairie.
She was a homemaker at Parkers Prairie.
Husband John A Hawkinson 1853-1940 
son of Gustaf Hakansson 1826-1902 and Johanna Johansdotter -1864. He was born 11 May 1853 at Linneryd. He died 3 Jun 1940 (age 87) at Cedar Falls, Iowa. Married 13 Oct 1876, at Parkers Prairie (his age 23) (her age 16)
John immigrated in 1869 with his parents. They first settled in Chisago County. He came to Parkers Prairie in 1874 and took a homestead and farmed in Section 8. He later moved to town and opened a store. From 1892-1917 he was the Postmaster in Parkers and had the Post Office in his store.
Their children were Alice Mabel Cornelia Hawkinson 1877-1925, Johanna Marie Ellen Hawkinson 1878-1939, Andrew Gustavus Winifred Hawkinson 1881-1973, Judith Adelia Hawkinson 1883-1953, Wilhelmina Alvena Hawkinson 1885-1907, Constance Georgina Hawkinson 1887-1980, John Eldred Hawkinson 1889-1933, Ruth Verbena Hawkinson 1892-1978, James Rudolph Hawkinson 1895-1986.
Eva Christina Wilhelmina (Minnie) Nelson 1865-1930 
daughter of Andrew Peter Nelson 1835-1914 and Johanna Christina Petersdotter 1841-1917. She was born 8 Jun 1865 at Chisago Lake. She died 10 May 1930 (age 64) at Parkers Prairie.
She was a Homemaker at Parkers Prairie.
Husband Carl Alfred Bergquist 1859-1930 
son of J P Bergquist 1829-1910 and Carlina C Johnson. He was born 6 Oct 1859. He died 30 Nov 1930 (age 71). Married 12 Dec 1886 (his age 27) (her age 21)
He immigrated on 1884 (age 25). He was a Blacksmith at Parkers Prairie.
Their children were Carl Elmer Irenius Berquist 1887-1959, Amber Wilhelmina Berquist 1889-1973, Victor Reno Berquist 1891-1956, Gertrude Theresa Berquist 1893-1982, Chester Peter Berquist 1895-1925, John Eber Kadoth Berquist 1896-1971, Harlow Ovidius Berquist 1904-1988.
Nels Peter Rudolph (Rudolph, NPR) Nelson 1873-1938
son of Andrew Peter Nelson 1835-1914 and Johanna Christina Petersdotter 1841-1917. He was born 24 May 1873 at Parkers Prairie. He died 7 Jan 1938 (age 64) at Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County, Minnesota of a heart attack. He is buried at Parkers Prairie.
He was a Farmer, Businessman, and Politician at Parkers Prairie.
Rudolph was in several business ventures before settling down on the farm to raise his family and take care of his parents. In 1901 he moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, where he managed the Grand Pacific Hotel. Reynold went along as a clerk, and Hilda Sigfrid as a waitress. Returning to Minnesota in 1903 he became the agent for the Woodworth Elevator Company at Carlos and Parkers Prairie. In 1906 he opened a clothing store in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. The following year he took a position as a traveling solicitor for the North Dakota Grain Company of Superior, Wisconsin. He stayed at this until 1910.
In 1917 NPR was appointed to fill the term of County Commissioner Andrew Johnson who had resigned. He held this post for the rest of his life, each time winning reelection by wide margins. He was the charter Secretary of the Minnesota County Commissioner's Association and from this position became active and influential in state politics.
Rudolph moved into town in 1920 leaving the farm with Carl Carlson and Betsey for a year and a half. He then moved back to the farm but moved to town permanently in 1924, leaving Earl to manage the farm.
NPR was very active in the community. He was on the board of directors of the local bank and organized the first telephone company in Parkers. He managed the local creamery co-operative for many years. He also was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Parkers Prairie Mutual Fire Insurance Company since 1911. In addition he was on the board of directors of some other companies in the state.
Wife Augusta Sigfrid 1874-1941 
daughter of Carl Magnus Sigfridsson 1821-1888 and Helena Christina Gustafsdotter 1838-1909. She was born 15 Jan 1874 at Furuby (Hakansgård). She died 26 Jun 1941 (age 67) at Parkers Prairie of a stroke. She is buried at Parkers Prairie. Married 21 Dec 1898, at Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota (his age 25) (her age 24)
She immigrated from Sweden in 1893 (age 19). Augusta and Hilda left Hemmesjo/Tegnaby (Bengtsbro) on 14 Jun 1893. They boarded the ship Hekla of the Thingvalla Line at Copenhagen and traveled in the aft upper part of the ship. They had one piece of luggage each and we still have this trunk (Ann Van Deusen at Madison Lake, MN). They arrived at New York, New York 6 Jul 1893. Their final destination was listed as Henning, Minnesota. Henning was the closest railroad to Parkers Prairie at the time. Their names in the passenger list were listed as Sigfridsson.
She was a Seamstress and Homemaker at Parkers Prairie.
Their children were Earl Eugene Murat Nelson 1900-1966, Signe Anita Nelson 1904-1988, Carl Clifford Nelson 1910-1992.
Martha Sarah Betsey Amanda (Betsey) Nelson 1875-1953 
daughter of Andrew Peter Nelson 1835-1914 and Johanna Christina Petersdotter 1841-1917. She was born 13 Jul 1875 at Parkers Prairie. She died 23 Feb 1953 (age 77) at Parkers Prairie of a cerebral hemorrhage.
She was a Music Teacher & Homemaker.
Husband Carl Albin Carlson 1875-1936 
son of Johan Petter Carlson 1856-1925 and Johanna Christina Gummesson 1853-1942. He was born 25 Sep 1875 at Svartaback, Linneryd. He died 25 Mar 1936 (age 60) at University Hospital, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota of a perforated ulcer. Married 14 Nov 1900, at Parkers Prairie (his age 25) (her age 25)
Carl was a fourth generation descendant of Anders Nilsson (1759) thru Johan Olaf Andersson (1797), Carl Peter Johansson (1825), and Johan Petter Carlson (1856).
Carl and Betsey each purchased 160 acres in Section 4, Underwood Township, McLean County, North Dakota, in 1899 and made a farm there after they were married. In 1906 they moved to Seattle where Carl sold real estate and worked in the Post Office. They lived in two rented homes in Seattle and later at Port Orchard, Washington. In 1912 they moved back to North Dakota and the next year rented the Knutson farm in Section 22, Platt Township, McLean County. When that farm was sold they moved to Garrison where Carl had a tire vulcanizing shop. They next moved back to Minnesota where in January, 1920, Carl was the Overseer and Betsey the Matron of the Otter Tail County Poor Farm at Fergus Falls. Later that year they moved back to Parkers Prairie. They lived on the Nelson home farm for a little more than a year until Carl started working at the Post Office again. They lived on the Arthur Nelson farm just east of town and in 1930 moved into a new house in town.
Their children were Edith Winifred Minnekota Carlson 1902-1993, Lester Albin Peter Carlson 1905, Elvera Betsey Johanna Carlson 1908-2002, Ralph Goodwin Murat Carlson 1913-1977.
John Andrew Reynold (Reynold) Nelson 1880-1952 
son of Andrew Peter Nelson 1835-1914 and Johanna Christina Petersdotter 1841-1917. He was born 13 Jun 1880 at Parkers Prairie. He died 6 Jan 1952 (age 71).
Reynold was a clerk in the Grand Pacific Hotel in Bismarck, North Dakota, when Rudolph managed it. He later clerked in Montana at Great Falls (1910), the Hotel Deer Lodge in Deer Lodge (1920), and at the Placer Hotel in Helena (1930).
Reynold prospected for silver around Deer Lodge, Montana, but never found any. Reynold married Ann, who was pregnant at the time, in order to give her child a name. He was not the father. Later Ann left and remarried, but Albert stayed with Reynold.
Wife Ann.
Their child was Albert H Nelson 1922-1999.
John Gustaf Vasa (Vasa) Nelson 1883-1961 
son of Andrew Peter Nelson 1835-1914 and Johanna Christina Petersdotter 1841-1917. He was born 8 Mar 1883 at Parkers Prairie. He died 14 Aug 1961 (age 78) at Parkers Prairie.
Vasa owned the farm south of Peter O Nelson but was unable to manage it or live on his own. He had a mental problem the symptoms of which were similar to Autism. His uncle, Elias Peterson, had the same problem. Vasa lived with Rudolph and later with Earl on the home farm.
Part of Parkers Prairie Township 1912 (Nelson and related land shaded)
Events during this generation
Earl Eugene Murat Nelson 1900-1966 
son of Nels Peter Rudolph (Rudolph, NPR) Nelson 1873-1938 and Augusta Sigfrid 1874-1941. He was born 17 Jun 1900 at Parkers Prairie. He died 09 Jun 1966 (age 65) at Parkers Prairie of a heart attack. He is buried at Parkers Prairie.
Earl did not attend High School. However, he attended the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture at St Paul for 2 years 1917-18. As this was during World War I the students received some military training. Earl was in Company A..
Earl worked at the Dower Lumber Yard in Parkers 1920-21 when the family lived in town. He took over the Nelson farm in 1924. In 1939 he leased a Phillips 66 gas station in Parkers and also had a Chevrolet dealership. However when the war started it became hard to get tires so he quit. He then went into raising beef cattle on the farm..
Earl ran for the State Representative in the Minnesota Legislature in 1958 but lost..
In 1959 Earl retired from farming and sold the farm to Ralph Jahnke. He built a new house himself with the help of Ed Sigfrid on 40 acres he kept just north of the original land. The last couple years he sometimes substituted for Ed on his mail route.
Wife Judith Mathilda (Judy) Glende 1902-1998 
daughter of Thore Glende 1860-1929 and Annie Elise Hanson 1869-1949. She was born 31 Oct 1902 at Battle Lake, Otter Tail County, Minnesota. She died 08 Mar 1998 (age 95) at Long Prairie, Todd County, Minnesota. She is buried at Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail County, Minnesota. . Married 12 Oct 1924, at Parkers Prairie (his age 24) (her age 21)
Judy graduated from High School in 1921 and taught at a country school near Battle Lake for 2 years before marriage. After marriage she and Earl farmed at Parkers Prairie until 1959.After Earl died in 1966 Judy moved to a house in town. Signe came to live with her in 1978 until 1987. In 1995 Judy moved again to live with Mae in Long Prairie.. .
Their children were Patricia Ann (Patty) Nelson 1925-1959 , daughter 1928 .
Signe Anita Nelson 1904-1988 
daughter of Nels Peter Rudolph (Rudolph, NPR) Nelson 1873-1938 and Augusta Sigfrid 1874-1941. She was born 29 Apr 1904 at Parkers Prairie Signe was born prematurely.. She died 03 Apr 1988 (age 83) at Parkers Prairie.
She graduated 1924 (age 20) at Moorhead State Teachers College, Moorhead, Clay County, Minnesota with a Teaching Certificate. She graduated 1927 (age 23) at University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota with a BA in Music. .
Signe first taught at Pelican Rapids. After 1927 She taught music and art in public schools at Windom (1928-29), Glencoe (1930), and Staples for 9 years. She later taught voice and piano privately and was also active in the Staples City Library..
Husband Harry Edward Henricksen 1896-1969 
son of Hans P Henricksen 1854 and Anna Margaret Bendixen 1860. He was born 24 Sep 1896 at Gilmore City, Iowa. He died 17 May 1969 (age 72) at Chicago, Cook County, Illinois of a heart attack in the airport, on the eve of a trip to Scandinavia.. He is buried at Staples, Todd County, Minnesota. . Married 30 May 1934, at Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail County, Minnesota (his age 37) (her age 30)
Harry enlisted in the US Army 2 Jun 1918 and was assigned to Battery E, 57th Artillery Regiment, 31st Artillery Brigade, Coast Artillery Corps at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. This unit saw action on the Western Front in the St-Mihiel and Argonne engagements. Returning after the Armistice, Harry was discharged 1 Feb 1919 at Camp Grant, Illinois.. .
After the war Harry returned to his parents' farm. In 1922 he went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad at Staples and worked there until he retired in 1958. He was a test rack operator.His hobby was gardening, especially gladiolus, and he won many awards for them at shows. He was an accredited judge in the Minnesota Gladiolus Society..
Carl Clifford Nelson 1910-1992 
son of Nels Peter Rudolph (Rudolph, NPR) Nelson 1873-1938 and Augusta Sigfrid 1874-1941. He was born 19 May 1910 at Parkers Prairie. He died 30 May 1992 (age 82) at Detroit Lakes, Becker County, Minnesota of colon cancer. He is buried at Number 4110, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Carl started work as a surveyor for Otter Tail County Highway Department in April 1929. Two years later he got a job with the Minnesota Highway Department. In 1933 he was laid off due to the depression and politics but resumed work in 1935. He stayed with the MHD until 1939. During this time he worked all over the state, sometimes moving several times a year. In 1939 he returned to Fergus Falls to work for Otter Tail County. He remained there until the Second World War..
Carl enlisted in the Construction Battalions (CBs) of the US Navy on 29 Jul 1943. After initial training at Camp Peary, Virginia, and Davisville, Rhode Island, the 129th CB shipped out to Hawaii. There they worked on the airport runways. They stayed in Hawaii from April 1944 until May 1945 when they were sent to the Philippines. They worked on hospitals there until the war was over. He was discharged 13 Nov 1945 and returned home..
After the war, Carl returned to his job but also pursued becoming a registered highway engineer. He became registered in 1948 and was appointed the County Engineer of Douglas County in Alexandria. In 1953 he moved out west to Hillsboro, Oregon, but returned to Jackson, Minnesota by the end of the year. In 1955 he moved to Wadena where he was once again the County Engineer. In 1958 he moved for the last time to Detroit Lakes as County Engineer there. In 1969 he returned to work for the Minnesota Highway Department in Detroit Lakes as a Project Engineer until retirement in 1975..
After retirement Carl worked some for another 10 years part time during the summer as a surveyor and on small projects. He also spent time playing golf and traveling to visit his children and grandchildren..
Wife Mildred Frances Hopfner 1912 
daughter of John Hopfner 1879-1941 and Caroline Louise (Carrie) Wilken 1888-1982. She was born 26 Jun 1912 at Brandon, Douglas County, Minnesota. . Married 10 Aug 1935, at Brandon (his age 25) (her age 23)
In 1930 Millie went to Minette's Beauty School in Fargo, North Dakota. While at school she lived in Moorhead, Minnesota. She received her license in the spring of 1932. After an apprenticeship in Bemidji and helping out at a shop in Alexandria, she started her first Beauty shop in Parkers Prairie in the summer of 1933. She operated that until marriage in 1935..
After marriage she and Carl moved all over the state, sometimes moving several times a year. In 1939 they settled in Fergus Falls where she was the assistant manager of another beauty shop for a couple years. During the Second World War Millie lived with her mother in Brandon.After the war, Millie and Carl returned to Fergus Falls but soon started moving again first to Alexandria in 1948, Hillsboro, Oregon in 1953, Jackson, Minnesota at the end of that same year, Wadena in 1955, and finally to Detroit Lakes in 1958.. .
Their children were son 1942 , son 1949, daughter 1957 .
Companion Neil Melton Handlos 1915 
He was born 03 Sep 1915 at Richland County, Montana.
Neil served in the US Navy from Aug 1942 until Nov 1945 as a PBY Flight Engineer in the Pacific. After the war he was a home builder in Fargo, North Dakota and later did volunteer work. He was Millie's companion since 2000.