CEDAR COUNTY, NEBRASKA - JOHN NELSON
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John Nelson is dead

Pioneer citizen had lived more than sixty years in Cedar County. 

	Uncle John Nelson, aged 91 years and one of the oldest pioneers 
of Cedar county died Sunday afternoon at his home at Aten, after 
residing in the county for more than 60 years. Mr. Nelson suffered  
a stroke last Friday and owing to his advanced age  he was unable to 
rally from its effects and passed peacefully to his eternal reward. 

        Mr. Nelson was born in the small community of Osjo Smeland, 
Sweden on March 15, 1829. His early life was spent on the farm but 
at the age of 22 he emigrated to Denmark where he remained two years. 
He returned home remaining for two years when he started out, 
accompanied by his younger brother David going to Hamburg, Germany. 
This city did not appeal to them so they decided to come to America.
The journey requiring seven weeks time.  After a short period in New 
York, they went to Wisconsin and later to Iowa, finally decided to 
settle in Nebraska. They were no railroads in those days so they 
purchased two yokes of oxen and a wagon in which the journey was 
made. They crossed the river at Sioux City coming then to the 
villages of Jackson, Ponca, St. James and finally stopping at St. 
Helena.  Among the residents of these early days who are still 
alive are Henry Felber, Peter C. Nissen and Peter Jenal.

        Mr. Nelson took up a claim nine miles from St. Helena, and 
when the homestead law was passed to lock advantage  of the generous 
provision he later purchased a timber claim for $1.25 an acre. 

        In the flood of 1881 Mr. Nelson lost practically all of his 
stock and equipment except his house and one cow, and his fertile field, 
were covered with driftwood and sandbars. He later secured 80 acres of 
land near Aten. Altho 85 years of age, a few years ago hauled the 
lumber with which the new home erected thereon was built. 

        Mr. Nelson was twice married. His first wife who died in 1881 
was the widow of Jens Meng. In 1886 he was married to Johannah 
Frederickson who with two children John and Miss Olive Nelson survive. 
He was also an uncle of Franz Nelson former well known Cedar Co. Banker 
who now resides in Omaha.