CHARLES NELSON.

CHARLES NELSON, who follows farming in Elsmore township, Allen County, was born in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois, on the 19th of August, 1854. His father, Olaf Nelson, was a native of Sweden, and ere leaving that land he was united in marriage to Miss Inga Parison, who was also born there. They came to the United States about 1850, locating in Illinois, and in 1876 took up their abode in Kansas, the father purchasing a farm five miles west of Savonburg, near the south line of the county. He is still living there at the age of seventy-seven years, but in 1897 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 13th of March, of that year, at the age of sixty-eight years. They were the parents of eight children, of whom five are now living, namely: Charles, Frank J., Hannah M., Madison and Sarah.

Mr. Nelson, of this review, was reared in Illinois until sixteen years of age, and enjoyed the educational advantages afforded by the common schools of his native county. He resided with his parents until twenty years of age, at which time he left home and was married to Miss Caroline Home, of Knoxville, and that year they came to Kansas with her parents and Mr. Nelson preempted one hundred and sixty acres of land five miles west of Savonburg. Immediately he began the improvement of his farm and in 1880 he extended the field of his labors by embarking in general merchandising at Warrensburg, conducting the new enterprise in connection with the operation of his farm, until 1888. He then removed his stock of goods to Savonburg. About that time the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad was surveyed through the place. Mr. Nelson organized a town company and was made its president. He has lived to see the little village grow and prosper and it now has a population of eight hundred. In its improvement and upbuilding he has been an important factor, his active co-operation in all measures for the general good being of immense benefit. On the 1st of March, 1896 he sold his stock of goods and returned to the farm, to the operation of which he is now devoting all of his time and attention.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson has been blessed with eleven chil-

dren, eight of whom are now living, namely: Estella M., who is a graduate of the grammar schools and is now teaching in Iola; Victor C., John F., Gertrude V., Carl Inez, Gladys and Virl. The family is one of prominence in the community, the members of the household occupying leading positions in social circles. Mr. Nelson gives his political support to the Democracy and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. Socially he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen in Savonburg. His life has been a busy and useful one and while he has added to his own prosperity he has at the same time been numbered among the substantial citizens and also contributed to the general good.

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