History of Wexford County, MI. Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 186

NELS NEILSON

Nels Neilson, who has been engaged in lumbering and farming during the greater part of his residence in Wexford county - covering thirty-one years - was born in Sweden, his natal day being December 17, 1852. His education was there acquired and he continued to make his home in Sweden until eighteen years of age, when, being an ambitious young man, he resolved to try his fortune in a land of broader opportunities, where effort is unhampered by caste of class. Accordingly he sailed for the United States, and in 1872, when twenty years of age, he came to Wexford county, Michigan, where he has since made his home. He first entered the employ of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company, continuing in that service for two years, on the expiration of which period he sought other employment and has since been engaged in farming and in working in the lumber regions. It has been in this way that he has gained a comfortable living and a good property. He is now the owner of eighty acres of land, of which about thirty acres has been placed under the plow, its cultivation representing much hard labor and yet bringing to him good returns in abundant crops. He has also erected good buildings upon his farm, which is situated on section 14, Cedar Creek township. His is a pleasant home and all the improvements upon the farm are the result of the energy and effort of the owner. In Manton, Michigan, June 27, 1896, Mr. Neilson was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Julia C. Jorgenson, a native of Denmark, born May 11, 1876, and they now have one son, Ludwig H. Mr. Neilson has never been afraid of work and realizes that it is the foundation of all success and by reason of this he has become the possessor of one of the good farms of Cedar Creek township.