Name/Title
Nelson family: Gilbert and Johanna (Dvergsten) Nelson, 1884 settlers in Ervin Township, Traill County, Dakota TerritoryEntry/Object ID
2026.150.1Description
This family history folder briefly describes the lives of Gilbert Nelson (also Nilson, or Nielson and Grinager in some ELCA Church records) and his wife Johanna (Johansdatter Dvergston) Nelson and their eight children who survived to adulthood (see Gilbert Nelson Family photo).
Gilbert Nelson was born on 9 December 1849 in Gran, Oppland County, Norway [US Find-a-Grave info]. In 1875, at the age of 25, Gilbert immigrated to America [1900 US Census info]. Gilbert Nelson first settled in the Parkers Prairie in Otter Tail County, MN (see Traill County History, Vol. 1, page 140).
Johanna 'Jennie' Johansdatter Dvergsten was born on 3 November 1855 to parents Johan Eriksen and Anne (Gudbrandsdatter) Dvergsten in Gran, Oppland County, Norway, and Johanna was baptized on 1 January 1856 in Gran [Norway Church Records].
Gilbert Nelson and Jennie Dvergsten apparently married in 1878 as indicated by the 1900 US Census, which recorded that they had married 22 years before the census was taken. This 1900 census also recorded that both Gilbert and Jennie had immigrated to America in 1875. However, other records show that Jennie Dvergsten immigrated to America in May 1876 [Ancestry.com Public Member "Johnson Olson Family" tree]. This family tree also reports that Johanna and Gilbert married in 1878 in Traill County, Dakota Territory, however, this report is not supported by data in the "Traill County Marriages 1875-1940", which was compiled by the Traill County Historical Society. Their marriage is also not recorded in Minnesota's Official Marriage System [moms.mn.gov]. So far, it is not known when and where Gilbert Nelson and Johanna Dvergsten were married.
Although the Gilbert Nelson biography in the Traill County History, Vol. I, states that Gilbert and Jennie came to Traill County in 1884, the 1880 US Census for Traill County, Dakota Territory, records them already farming in Township 147 N, R 50 W (Ervin Township). From the 1892 Traill & Steele Counties Atlas map and the 1909 Traill County Atlas map for a portion of Ervin Township (see 1892 & 1909 maps), Gilbert Nelson had 160 acres in the SW Qtr. of S. 13 and 160 acres in the joining SE Qtr. of S. 14. The Nelson farmstead was located in the SE Qtr. of S. 14. Also as shown in the 1892 and 1909 maps, Highland Lutheran Church and Cemetery were located about a mile to the west of the Nelson homestead, and Ervin Township School No. 4 was located about a mile and a half to the south. From Traill County school records, we know that Gilbert and Jennie Nelson's children attended Ervin School No. 4.
From US census and US Find-a-Grave data, and information in the "Johnson Olson Family" ancestry.com tree, we know that Gilbert and Jennie (Dvergston) Nelson had ten children, of which eight lived to be adults.
At the time the 1880 US Census was collected on 30 June, Gilbert and Jennie had two children, Niccoli (age 2) and John (age 5 months). When the 1900 US Census was taken on 22 June, Gilbert and Jennie had eight children recorded with them (see family photo) on their farm, including Johan (age 20), Claus (19), Martin (17), Carl (15), Edvin or Ole (age11), Netta (9), Gina (7), and Alfred (3).
We know that by the fall of 1903, Gilbert and Jennie Nelson had moved into the City of Hillsboro because on 2 November 1903 their daughter Nettie entered the fifth grade, Gina Nelson entered the third grade, while Alfred entered the second grade [School Notes, Hillsboro Banner, 6 Nov. 1903].
When the 1910 US Census was collected on 28 April, Gilbert (Gudbrand in census), age 59, Jennie (Johanna in census), age 54, were in a rented house on Skrivseth St in the City of Hillsboro in Traill County. By 1910, only two of their children still residing with them: daughter Gina Nelson (age 17) and son Alfred (age 15). In this 1910 census, Gilbert was recorded as being "Self-employed".
Gilbert and Jennie Nelson's first son, Nekolai G. Nelson, was born on 26 June 1878. Nekolai was 2 in the 1880 US Census, but he was not in the 1900 US Census because Nekolai died, age 12, on 18 November 1890 [US FaG info]. Nekolai was interred in the Highland Lutheran Cemetery, which as noted before, was located in Section 14 of Ervin Township in Traill County, ND.
Gilbert and Jennie Nelson's second son, Johan 'John' Arent Nelson, was born on 30 January 1880 in Hillsboro, North Dakota and was baptized on 18 April 1880 at Highland Lutheran Church [ELCA birth-baptism record]. As noted earlier, John was 5 months old in the 1880 US Census and age 20 in the 1900 US Census. John A. Nelson married Carrie Sorenson of Traill County on 30 December 1902 (see Traill County History, Vol. 1, page 140). Sadly, six months later, on 14 June 1903, John A. Nelson died, age 23 [news, Hillsboro Banner, 19 Jun. 1903]. John was interred at Highland Lutheran Cemetery [US FaG info].
Gilbert and Jennie Nelson's third son, Claus Albert Nelson, was born on 12 November 1881 in Hillsboro, North Dakota and was baptized on 11 December 1881 at Highland Lutheran Church in Ervin Township in Traill County, ND [ELCA birth-baptism record]. In the 1900 US Census for Ervin Township, Claus was age 19. By the time the 1910 US Census was collected on 29 April, Claus, age 28, was living on Main St. in Powers Lake, which is located in Colville Township in Burke County in western ND. Claus had moved to Powers Lake in 1906 [US FaG info]. In the 1910 census, Claus Nelson was married to Martha, and they had two daughters Gladys, age 4, and Frances (age 2). Also recorded with Claus in this 1910 census was his brother Ole E. Nelson, age 21, and his sister Nettie Nelson, age 19. Claus and Ole were operating a general store in Powers Lake, while Nettie was employed as a clerk in a millinery store. In 1915, Claus and Martha, and family moved to Youngstown, Alberta, Canada, to be close to his parents and siblings who had moved to Youngstown in 1914 (see later info). In the 1916 Alberta Census for Youngstown, Claus was 34, Martha 34, Gladys 10, and Frances 8. In this 1916 census, Claus was employed as a "Salesman" of "Implements". In the 1921 Alberta Census for Youngstown, Claus, age 40, ran an insurance business. In Youngstown, Claus also operated a real estate business Unfortunately, Claus A. Nelson developed cancer and died, age 43, on 14 February 1925 in Youngstown [US FaG info]. After a funeral service held at the United Church, Clause was interred with Nelson family at the Youngstown Cemetery (see Nelson monument photo).
Gilbert and Jennie Nelson's fourth son, Martin G. Nelson, was born on 16 April 1883 in Hillsboro, North Dakota, and was baptized on 3 June 1883 at Highland Lutheran Church [ELCA birth-baptism record]. Martin attended rural Ervin Township School No. 4 through the 8th grade; he did not attend high school. In the 1900 US Census, Martin was age 17, and on the home farm with his parents and siblings in Ervin Township. In the 1910 US Census, Martin was age 27 and residing with his brother Carl in Ervin Township, while Carl and Martin operated together a "General Store" in nearby Cummings, ND. By the time the 1920 US Census was taken on 17 February, Martin G. Nelson, age 36, had moved to the village of Powers Lake, ND, where his siblings Claus, Ole and Nettie Nelson also lived. Notably, Martin was now married to a "Lena A.", age 31, who was born in Minnesota. In this 1920 census, Martin was employed as a "Clerk" in a "Hardware store". When the 1930 US Census was collected on Penn Avenue in Minneapolis, MN, Martin G. Nelson, age 47, was now recorded as widowed and residing with his mother, Johanna Nelson, age 75, in a rented apartment. In this 1930 Census, Martin's occupation was listed as a "Cleaner" in a "Bus garage". [US FaG info]. In the 1940 US Census, Martin Nelson, age 57, continued to work as a "Janitor" in a "Bus depot" but now lived alone in an apartment at 85 Spruce Place in Minneapolis; Martin's mother, Jennie had passed away in 1932 (see later info). Martin continued to reside at Spruce Place when he registered at age 59 for the WWII Draft on 25 April 1942 and stated on his draft card that he was employed at "Northland Greyhound Lines". When the 1950 US Census was collected on 11 April, Martin Nelson, age 66, was still living in an apartment in Minneapolis and was employed as "Janitor" in a "Transportation office". Martin B. Nelson lived to the age of 75, passing away on 14 March 1958 in Minneapolis [US FaG info]. Martin was interred in Grave 1 in Lot 342B in Section 9 of the Lakewood Cemetery.
Gilbert and Jennie Nelson's fifth son, Carl Gilbert Nelson, was born on 18 November 1884 in Hillsboro, North Dakota, and Carl was baptized on 17 December 1884 at Highland Lutheran Church [ELCA birth-baptism record]. In the 1900 US Census, Carl was age 15 and on the home farm in Ervin Township with his parents and siblings. In the 1910 US Census, Carl was age 25, still residing on the home farm in Ervin Township, but was operating a "General Store" in nearby Cummins, ND, with his brother Martin Nelson. By 1910, Carl Gilbert Nelson had been married to Stella Emily Lee for three years (no children); they had married on 17 July 1907 in Clay County, MN [moms.mn.gov]. Carl, age 22, and Stella, age 20, married in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead [ELCA Marriage record]. When Carl's father passed away in 1915 (see later info), Carl and Stella Nelson were in Youngstown, Alberta; they had moved to Youngstown in 1913 [1916 Alberta Census data]. In this 1916 census, Carl was employed as a "Salesman" in a "Store". In 1921, Carl (age 36), Stella (age 32), and a son Robert (age 8) continued to reside in Youngstown [1921 Alberta Census data]. Carl's employment was recorded as "Merchant" in "Dry Goods". In 1925, when Carl's brother Claus Nelson died (see above info), Carl and Stella were still in Youngstown. By the time the 1940 US Census was taken on 8 April, Carl (age 55), Stella (age 52) and son Dennis (age 16; born in Canada) resided in a rented apartment on Girard Ave in Minneapolis, MN; they also resided at this address in 1935 & 1936 [US City Directories]. In the 1940 census, Carl was recorded as a "Salesman" in "Retail Men's Furnishings". When Carl Gilbert Nelson registered for the WWII draft at age 56 on 26 April 1942, he resided on Girard Ave in Minneapolis, MN [US WWII Reg. Card]. In the 1950 US Census, Carl (age 65) and Stella (age 63) now resided on 11th Ave in Minneapolis. In 1950, Stella's mother, Clara Lee (age 86) lived with them. In 1950, Carl continued to work as a "Clothing salesman" in a "Department store". Carl Gilbert Nelson lived to the age of 84, passing away on 14 August 1969 in Minneapolis, and was interred next to his brother Martin Nelson in Grave 2 in Lot 342B in Section 9 of the Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis [US FaG info]. Carl's wife Stella E. (Lee) Nelson had died, age 73, on 2 July 1961, and was interred in Grave 3 in Lot 342B in Section 9 of the Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis [US FaG info].
Gilbert and Jennie Nelson's sixth son, Ole G. Nelson was born on 31 May 1887 in Hillsboro, North Dakota, and was baptized on 12 June 1887 at Highland Lutheran Church [ELCA birth-baptism record]. Sadly, Ole died after only 19 days of life, passing away on 18 June 1887 [US FaG info]. Ole. G. Nelson was interred at Highland Lutheran Cemetery.
Gilbert and Jennie Nelson's seventh son, Ole Edwin Nelson, was born on 6 December 1888 in Hillsboro, North Dakota, and was baptized on 29 December 1888 at Highland Lutheran Church [ELCA birth-baptism record]. Ole E. was named after his brother who had died the previous year in 1887. In the 1900 US Census, Ole Edwin Nelson, age 11, lived with his parents and siblings on the home farm in Ervin Township. By the time the 1910 US Census was collected on 29 April, Ole Edwin Nelson, age 21, was living on Main St. in Powers Lake, which is located in Colville Township in Burke County in western ND. Ole Edwin and his brother Claus Nelson were operating a general store together in Powers Lake. In this 1910 census, Ole Edwin was listed as "S" (single) and fluent in "English". On 3 September 1914, a Justice of the Peace married Ole Edwin Nelson, age 25, and Enga (or Inga) Anderson, age 23, in Portal, Burke County [ND Marriage Record]. From US Adjutant General Military Records for North Dakota [Vol. 3], we know that Ole Edwin Nelson, born in Hillsboro, DT, and a mail carrier in Burke County, was inducted into the US Army at Bowbells, ND, on 18 September 1917. Ole Edwin served overseas in a Field Artillery Company and as a musician in their Headquarters Company from 1 September 1918 to 8 March 1919; Ole Edwin Nelsn was discharged from the US Army at Camp Dodge, IA, on 19 March 1919 as a Band Corporal. In the 1920 US Census, collected on 17 February, Ole Edwin Nelson, age 31, was back in Powers Lake, ND, where he renewed his employment as "Mail carrier" on a "Rural line". In this 1920 census, Ole Edwin Nelson was recorded as being married to "Inga M.", age 28, who was born in North Dakota. Also in this 1920 census, Ole E. and Inga had a daughter "Norma M.", age one year and 10 months. However, by the time Ole Edwin Nelson's brother, Claus, passed away in February 1925, Claus's obituary noted that Ole Edwin was residing in Lake Wales, Florida. The 1930 US Census confirms that Ole Edwin Nelson lived in Lake Wales City, located in Polk County, Florida. Ole E. (age 41) was with his second wife, Lossie M. (age 34), and three children, Norma M (age 12; born in ND; daughter of Inga), Rayburn H. (age 10; born in ND; son of Inga), and David (age 3; born in FL; son of Lossie); they lived in a rented home on Sherman's Mill St in Highland Park Village, Lake Wales. In this 1930 census, Ole Edwin Nelson's employment was recorded as "Bookkeeper" in a "Hardware store". Lossie Olive Ross was born on 28 June 1895 in Georgia [US FaG info]. In a 1935 Florida Census, Ole Edwin (age 46), Lossie (age 38), Norma (age 17), Rayburn (age 15), David (age 8), and Edwin (age 2) continued to reside in Lake Wales City, Polk County, FL. In the 1940 US Census, Ole Edwin (age 52), Lossie O. (age 44), and sons David (age 13) and Edwin (age 7) lived in a rented home on Second St in Lake Wales City. In this 1940 census, Ole Edwin was employed as "Bookkeeper" in a "Grove Caretakers" (Orchard) business. In the 1950 US Census, Ole Edwin (age 62), Lossie O. (age 54) and sons David (age 23) and Edwin (age 17) now lived on Damaris St in Lake Wales City. Ole Edwin Nelson now operated his own "Accountant" business. Ole Edwin Nelson lived to the age of 87, passing away on 3 February 1976 in Lake Wales, Polk County, FL [US FaG info]. Ole Edwin was interred in the Lake Wales Cemetery. Ole Edwin's wife, Lossie (Ross) Nelson had passed away, age 68, on 22 May 1964 in Polk County, FL, and was interred in the Lake Wales Cemetery [US FaG info].
Gilbert and Jennie Nelson's eighth child and first daughter, Netta or Nettie Emelia Nelson, was born on 1 January 1891 in Hillsboro, North Dakota, and baptized on 1 March 1891 at Highland Lutheran Church [ELCA birth-baptism record]. In the 1900 US Census, Netta was age 9 and lived with her parents and siblings on the Nelson family farm in Ervin Township in Traill County, ND. However, by the age of 19, Nettie had moved to the village of Powers Lake in Burke County, ND [1910 US Census], where her brothers Claus, Ole and Martin Nelson also lived. In this 1910 census, Nettie's employment was recorded as "Clerk" in a "Millinery store", while her brothers Claus and Ole operated a general store. In 1915, Nettie moved to Youngstown in Alberta, Canada, along with her brother Claus and his family, to be closer to other Nelson family who had moved to Youngstown in 1914 (see later info). In 1916, Nettie Emelia Nelson was married to Wallace Chapman Auld [1916 Alberta Census]. Wallace was born on 24 October 1887 in Northumberland County in Ontario, Canada [FaG memorial info]. In 1903, Wallace went to Oxbow, Saskatchewan, and then in 1912 to Youngstown, Alberta, where he met Nettie. Wallace operated a hardware store in Youngstown. Wallace and Nettie had two sons in Youngstown, Walter Auld (b. 1917, died in 1944 in Holland in WWII) and Douglas (b. 1920, d. 2010 in Calgary), and a daughter, Margaret Auld (b. 1919). In 1925, Wallace, Nettie and children moved to Castor, located about 100 km northwest of Youngstown [1926 Alberta Census], where Wallace operated an electric light plant. In Castor, Wallace and Nettie had a daughter Shirley Auld (b. 1926). For a time, Wallace (age 42), Nettie (age 40), and children, Walter (age 14), Margaret (age 12), Douglas (age 11) and Shirley (age 6) lived in the town of Kerrobert, located south of Battleford, in west-central Saskatchewan [1931 Canada Census]. Later in 1931, Wallace, Nettie and family moved to the City of Calgary in Alberta, Canada [FaG memorial info]. Wallace Auld lived to the age of 76, passing away in Calgary on 30 April 1964, and was interred in Calgary's Union Cemetery. Nettie Emilia (Nelson) Auld died, age 75, on 16 August 1966 in Calgary, and after services at the Wesley United Church, was interred next to Wallace in the Union Cemetery [Obituary, Calgary Herald, 17 Aug. 1966].
Gilbert and Jennie Nelson's nineth child and second daughter, Gina Nelson, was born on 19 December 1892 in Hillsboro, North Dakota, and baptized on 15 January 1893 at Highland Lutheran Church [ELCA birth-baptism record]. In the 1900 US Census, Gina was recorded as age 7 on the Nelson family farm located in Ervin Township, Traill County, ND. Evidently, in the fall of 1903, Gina moved to the City of Hillsboro with her parents, older sister Nettie Nelson, and younger brother, Alfred Nelson, because on November 2nd, 1903, Gina entered the third grade in Hillsboro, while Alfred entered second grade and Nettie entered fifth grade [School Notes, Hillsboro Banner, 6 Nov. 1903]. Gina Nelson graduated from Hillsboro School's 8th Grade on 4 June 1909 [news, Hillsboro Banner, 28 May 1909]. In the 1910 US Census, Gina Nelson, age 17, was living on Skrivseth St in the City of Hillsboro with her parents and younger brother, Alfred Nelson, age 15. Gina was not listed as having an employment. For a time after 1910, Gina lived in Powers Lake in Burke County, ND, to be near her brothers Claus, Martin, and Ole Nelson, and sister Nettie Nelson. In the fall of 1914, Gina Nelson moved to Youngstown in the Province of Alberta in Canada to be with her parents, Gilbert and Jennie Nelson, and brothers Carl and Alfred Nelson [info, Youngstown Plaindealer, 22 Jul. 1915]. On 27 July 1916, Gina Nelson married Paul Bennett Bobenmyer [Canada Marriage Index]. Paul was born on 13 January 1887 to parents Henry and Margaret (Bennett) Bobenmyer in Butler County, Ohio [info, 1917 US Schuler-Bobenmyer Clan-Book]. Unfortunately, Gina (Nelson) Bobenmyer did not have good health and after years of fighting illnesses, sadly, died of influenza in October 1918 [news, Youngstown Plaindealer, 24 Oct. 1918]. After a funeral service attended by family and many friends, Gina was interred in the Youngstown Cemetery (see Nelson family monument photo).
Gilbert and Jennie Nelson's tenth child and eighth son, Patrick Alfred 'Pat' Nelson, was born on 24 October 1894 in Hillsboro, North Dakota, and baptized on 2 December 1894 at Highland Lutheran Church [ELCA birth-baptism record]. In the 1900 US Census, Pat was age 3 on the Nelson home farm in Ervin Township in Traill County, ND. By the Autumn of 1903, Pat had moved with his parents and sisters Nettie and Gina to the City of Hillsboro, where Pat entered the second grade [School Notes, Hillsboro Banner, 6 Nov. 1903]. In the 1910 US Census for Hillsboro City, Pat was age 15. In 1914, Pat moved with his parents, Gilbert and Jennie Nelson to Youngstown in the Province of Alberta in Canada, where his father had claimed land (see later info). Sadly, Pat's father passed away in 1915 (see later info), and in the 1916 Canada Census for Youngstown, Pat (Alfred; age 21) was listed with his mother, Johanna (Jennie; age 60). In this 1916 census, Pat's occupation was recorded as "Bookkeeper" in an "Office". However, an engagement news item published in The Montgomery Advertiser on 26 August 1923, notes that "Mr. and Mrs. John Evers Granade, of Milledgeville, Ga. (Georgia), announce the engagement of their daughter, Effie Evers, to Mr. Alfred (Pat) Nelson, of Lake Wales, Fla. (Florida), formerly of Calgary, Alta, (Alberta), Canada". Alfred 'Pat' Nelson married Effie Evers Granade on 25 September 1923 in Baldwin County, Georgia [GA Marriage Certif.]. Effie was born on 22 August 1892 in Oconee County, Georgia, to parents John Evers and Amelia (Hardison) Granade [info, courtesy "My Granade Family Roots, Ancestry.com Public Member Family Tree]. In February 1925, when Pat's brother Claus Nelson passed away, Claus's obituary noted that Patrick was still residing in Lake Wales, Florida. The 1930 US Census for Lake Wales City, FL, documents that Pat (age 35) and Effie (age 37, 35 in census) lived in a home they owned on Hesperides Rd. In this 1930 census, Pat was employed as a "Bookkeeper" in a "Garage" and Effie was a "Teacher" in a "Public School". In 1932, when Pat's mother, Johanna 'Jennie" Nelson passed away (see later info), Pat and Effie were still residing in Lake Wales, FL. In the 1935 Florida Census for Polk County, Pat (age 41) and Effie (age 42; 41 in census) still resided on Hesperides Rd in Lake Wales. In this 1935 census, Pat was working as a "Clerk" and Effie as a "Teacher". By the time of the 1940 US Census for Lake Wales, Pat (age 45) and Effie (age 47; 45 in census) had moved to Tenth St, while continuing to work as "Bookkeeper" and "Teacher". In the 1950 US Census, Pat (age 55) and Effie (age 57; 55 in census) continued to reside on Tenth St in Lake Wales and continued to work as "Bookkeeper" and "Teacher". Patrick Alfred 'Pat' Nelson lived to the age of 80, passing away on 19 April 1975 in Polk County, FL, and was interred at the Lake Wales Cemetery with other Nelson family [US FaG info]. Effie (Granade) Nelson lived to the grand age of 101 [FL Death Index], passing away on 28 December 1993 in Winter Haven in Polk County [US FaG info]. Effie was interred next to Pat in the Lake Wales Cemetery.
In 1914, Gilbert and Jennie Nelson, and family, moved to Youngstown, Alberta, Canada, where on 2 July 1915, Gilbert applied for a land claim in the NE Qtr. of Sect. 7 in T30N, R8W [Canada Homestead Record]. In his land claim, Gilbert stated that his "Last place of Residence" was Portland, Oregon. Sadly, two weeks after his land claim, Gilbert suffered a paralytic stroke and soon passed away, age 65, on 17 July 1915 in the family home in Youngstown Township [see biography, courtesy The Plaindealer, Youngstown, 22 Jul. 1915]. After a service at the Methodist Church, Gilbert was interred in the Youngstown Cemetery (see monument photo).
After Gilbert's passing, Jennie remained in the Nelson family home in Youngstown with her son Alfred [1916 Alberta Census data] while her other children lived nearby, including daughters, Gina and Nettie, and sons Claus and Carl. On 17 June 1919, Johnanna 'Jennie' Nelson was awarded the grant of land in the NE Qtr. of Sect. 7 in Youngstown Township claimed by Gilbert in 1915 [Canada Homestead Grant Registers]. In the 1921 Alberta Census, Johanna (Jennie) remained in Youngstown, and was listed in this 1921 census with her son Claus and family. However, Jennie later moved to a home in Minneapolis where her sons Martin and Carl lived by 1932 (see obituary info). Johanna 'Jennie' (Dvergsten) Nelson passed away, age 76, on 17 July 1932, at her home in Minneapolis. Although passing away in Minneapolis, Jennie was interred at the Nelson family plot in the Youngstown Cemetery (see monument photo).Acquisition
Accession
2026.150Source or Donor
TCHS (Traill County Historical Society)Location
* Untyped Location
Resource RoomBuilding
Plummer House
