From the History of Worth and Mitchell Counties, Iowa, Union Publishing Co., 1883, page 730.

Elling Nelson (Thoen) has a fine farm of 400 acres under a good state of cultivation. His occupation is farming. He came to Worth county in the spring of 1875, locating on the north half of section 35, Brookfield township. He was born in Norway, July 19, 1828. He engaged in farming and received a good common school education. He came to America in 1854, and settled in Rock Co., Wis. In the spring of 1861 he emigrated to Iowa. He married Anna Jacobson, April 9, 1862, in Winneshiek county, where they lived until moving to their present home. Mrs. Nelson was born in Norway, Jan. 25, 1843. Their children are-Nels, Jacob, Theodore, Olaves, Edward, Johan and Reuben. He is republican in politics. He is a member of the board of county supervisors, and has held other local offices.

Transcribed by Gordon Felland, May 6, 2008.