ANDERSEN, Nels P.

ANDERSEN, NELSON, OLSEN, ANDERSON

Posted By: Annette Lucas (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 18:03:03

SOURCE: History of Audubon County Iowa, Its People, Industries and Institutions. H. F. Andrews, Editor, B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., 1915

Nels P. Andersen, farmer and stockman of Oakfield township, Audubon county, Iowa, who owns a hundred and twenty acre farm in Oakfield township, was born in Denmark, July 23, 1863, the son of Anders and Kearstin (Nelson) Olsen, both of whom were Danish born. The father was a miller in his native land, and also operated a bakery until he came to America in 1894. After living at various places in this country, the family finally settled in Audubon county, Iowa, and there they remained until Mr. Olsen's death in 1906. Anders and Kearstin Olsen were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are now living, as follow: Chris, Helen, Christena, Mary, Nels J., Nora, Hans and Sena. The two eldest children, Chris and Helen, and the fourth child, Mary, are still living in their native land.

Nels P. Andersen was the first of the family to come to America. After finishing his education in the schools of his native land, he worked for a short time in his father's flour-mill, but in 1884, at the age of twenty-one, he came to this country and worked for four years as a laborer at Green Bay, Wisconsin. Removing then to Clinton county, Iowa, he worked five years as a farm hand, and then rented land for six years. In 1900 he removed to Audubon county and purchased eighty acres of land, to which he subsequently added forty acres, upon which he is now living. He raises an average of forty acres of corn and twenty acres of small grain every year, feeding fifty head of hogs and a few cattle.

On December 10, 1898, Nels P. Andersen was married to Carrie Anderson, the daughter of Anders and Catherine Anderson. Mr. and Mrs. Nels P. Andersen have had three children, Hans, Metta and Lydia, all of whom are living at home with their parents.

Carrie Anderson was a native of Denmark, as were her parents before her. Her father, a farmer and laborer by occupation, died in his native land, and her mother is still living there. Anders and Catherine Anderson were the parents of six children, as follow : Anders ; Annie, who married a Mr. Anderson; Peter, Julia, Sena and Carrie. One of these children is deceased. The living children are all residents of this country.

Mr. and Mrs. Nels P. Andersen are members of the Danish Lutheran church. Mr. Andersen is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Danish school board. He is also a member of the Danish Brotherhood.

Mr. Andersen has enjoyed reasonable success as a farmer, stock raiser, and during his comparatively brief residence in Audubon county has managed to establish a comfortable home and acquire a splendid farm. He is industrious, foresighted and honorable in the relations of life, a very worthy citizen of Oakfield township.