Hagenn
Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing
Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",
published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
NELS H. HAGEN, who lives about
one mile northwest from Wilbur, is one of the popular and progressive farmers
of this portion of Lincoln county and has hosts of friends, being a genial
man possessed of good principles and industry. He was born in Norway,
on April 23, 1849, the son of Hans N. and Mary T. (Skabo) Hagen, natives
of Norway. Our subject was educated in the schools of Norway and
in 1870, came with his parents to Wisconsin. He was there engaged
at various industries until 1877, when he moved to Polk county, Wisconsin
and bought a farm. For eleven years, he tilled this property and
then came to Wilbur and bought his present place. He has a half section
of fine land which he has improved with buildings, fences and so forth,
it being one of the well kept places of the county. When Mr. Hagen
came to this country, he was unable to speak or write in English but applied
himself so thoroughly through personal efforts, having no time to attend
the English schools, that he mastered the English language, being able
to speak and write the same fluently and correctly.
On June 11, 1878, Mr. Hagen married Miss Martha
Nelson, daughter of Nels and Annie L. (Nessheim) Stalheim, natives of Norway.
To them one child has been born, Herman N. Mrs. Hagen is a native
of Norway. Mr. Hagen is commander of the Columbian tent number 65
at Wilbur.
For eleven years after filing on his present
place. Mr. Hagen wrought at carpentering, which trade he had learned
previously. Through thrift and wise handling of the resources of
the country he and his wife have gained a fine competence and are now permitted
to enjoy the fruits of their labor in the good things of life.
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