The Nelson Family of Kane, Pennsylvania

This is a name of distinction both as an English and as a Scandinavian name. The most noted person who has borne this name was an English sailor, Admiral Lord Nelson, but in our country the best known Nelson is probably the honored senator from Minnesota, Knut Nelson, a Scandinavian. The present family is supposed to have been settled in Varmland, Sweden, for generations.

(I) Nels Nelson

Nels Nelson, the first member of this family about whom we have definite information, was born in Varmland, Sweden, and died in Varmland. He was a farmer, and a member of the Lutheran church of Sweden. Whom he married is not known.

1. Nels Nelson, of whom further.

(II) Nels (2) Nelson

Nels (2), son of Nels (1) Nelson, was born in Varmland, in 1835, died at Mount Jewett, McKean county, Pennsylvania, February, 1909. In Sweden he received a common school education. Coming to America he settled in 1879 at Mount Jewett, where he purchased a farm. His sons helped in the management of the farm, while their father followed his trade, that of carpenter and builder. He was a Republican. In the work of his church, the Swedish Lutheran, he was very active; for many years he was a deacon, and he used to teach in Sunday school. Also, though not an ordained minister, he used to preach in the church at Kanesholm, Wetmore township, McKean county, Pennsylvania. He helped to build the Swedish church at Mount Jewett, and contributed liberally toward its cost and maintenance. He married (first) in Sweden, —— ——, (second) in Sweden, Betty ——, born in Varmland, in 1834, died at Mount Jewett, in 1904.

Children, three by first, four by second wife, all born in Varmland, but all coming to America:

1. Anna Nelson, born in 1852; married Nels Hanson; they reside on a farm near Mount Jewett; children:
   1. Henry Hanson,
   2. John Hanson,
   3. Hulda Hanson,
   4. Esther Hanson,
   5. Mildred Hanson,
   6. Selma Hanson,
   7. Olga Hanson.
2. Mary Nelson, born in 1855, died at Mount Jewett, McKean county, Pennsylvania, in 1889; unmarried.
3. Olaf Nelson, born in 1859; a farmer near Mount Jewett; unmarried.
4. Kate Nelson, born in 1863; married Andrew Anderson, from Smoland, Sweden; he is a carpenter, and they reside at Mount Jewett; children:
   1. Carl Anderson,
   2. Gertrude Anderson.
5. John Nelson, born in 1866; he has bought a farm near Erie, Pennsylvania, and contemplates removing with his family to that place; married Hannah Lantz, from Lafayette Corners, McKean county, Pennsylvania.
6. Nels August Nelson, of whom further.
7. Ellen Nelson, born in 1873; married Magnus Sylvander, born in Varmland; he is a railroad clerk, and resides at McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.

(III) Nels August Nelson

Nels August, son of Nels (2) and Betty Nelson, was born in Varmland, October 1, 1869. He came over with his mother in 1880, his father having come in the preceding year, and they settled at Mount Jewett; there he received a public school education. He helped his father on the farm, and from the time when he was twelve years old until he was fourteen worked in a basket factory. After this he worked at different occupations, mainly carpentering and working on a farm at Mount Jewett until 1889. At Bradford, Pennsylvania, he learned photography, which he followed with success, first at Mount Jewett for four years, then at Kersey, Elk county, Pennsylvania, until 1907. At Kersey, in 1900, he entered into the hotel business without, however, giving up his photographic studio. At this he has been very successful and in it he has prospered. Since 1907 he has been landlord of the Lamont Hotel, one of the leading houses at Kane. He is a member of Olympia Lodge, No. 967, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Kersey, of which he is past grand; of Kane Lodge, Scandinavian Brotherhood of America, of which he is past president; of Lodge No. 130, Loyal Order of Moose, at Kane, of which he has held the treasurership since the lodge was established in 1909; the Fraternal Order of Eagles, at Kane; and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at Kane. In politics he is independent. While living at Kersey he was for ten years auditor of Fox township, and for one term he was township treasurer. Although he left for Kane before his term in this office had expired, his constituents insisted on his finishing his term, being thoroughly satisfied with his conduct of the office. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church.

Mr. Nelson married, December 23, 1893, Hulda, born in Smoland, Sweden, February 22, 1875, daughter of Sven August and Christine Swanson. She is also a Lutheran.

1. Clyde Nelson, born at Mount Jewett, February 22, 1896; a sophomore in the Kane high school.
2. Mildred Nelson, born at Kersey, July 8, 1901.
3. Gwendolyn Nelson, born at Kane, August 15, 1909.

See: Genealogy of the Allegheny Valley Pennsylvania

Source

Jordan, J. W. 1840-1921. (1913). Genealogical and personal history of the Allegheny Valley, Pennsylvania. New York: Lewis Historical Pub. Co.

This genealogy is based upon the source cited above. Only the structure and formatting have been changed for clearer presentation; the genealogical and biographical content has been preserved.