Nelsonn
Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history
of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western
Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
NELS BERTELSEN NELSON.
Like many of our most substantial and worthy citizens Mr. Nelson came to
us from across the waters. He was born in Veile, Denmark, on January
3, 1876, the son of Nels B. and Anna M. (Jorgensen) Bertelsen, natives
of Denmark. The father is dead and the mother is living there, aged
seventy-one. To this worthy couple five children have been born,
Rufus B., the state veterinarian at the Washington agricultural college
at Pullman; Anna B.; Peter B.; the first settler in the town of Nelson,
Washington, which was named after him, and now he conducts a large general
store there; Petrina B.; and our subject.
Nels B. grew up in the old country and in
due time graduated from the high school, then learned the photographer's
art. He followed this for eight years in Denmark, and also served
his term in the regular army. It was 1889 that he determined to come
to the United States, and accordingly journeyed direct to where his brother
was at Nelson. He was engaged in the store and also as custom broker
and postmaster. In December, 1901, he went to Curlew, erected a store
building twenty-four by fifty-six and opened up a general merchandise business.
In July, 1903, he opened a branch store in Molson and later after disposing
of these enterprises he entered as partner into the firm of Anderson Brothers
at Brewster and is manager of the Brewster store. Mr. Nelson has
a good patronage and has shown himself to be a first-class business man.
He is a popular and energetic and has a good future before him in the commercial
world.
On September 2, 1900, occurred the marriage
of Mr. Nelson and Miss Johanne Petersen. Their engagement had been
consummated while they were in the old country and Miss Petersen came to
the United States just previous to their marriage. Her parents are
Johan and Christine (Honore) Petersen. The father is deceased and
the mother is still living in the old country. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson
two children have been born, Erna B. on July 3, 1902, and Harriot B. on
April 10, 1904. Mr. Nelson is well connected in Fraternal orders,
and is one of the rising young men of Okanogan County.