John Nelson
Leksviken, Trondhjem stift, Norway

From History of the Scandinavians and Successful Scandinavians in the United States, comp. by O.N. Nelson, 1897. p. 423

Nelson, John, county treasurer and merchant - Ashland (Wis.) - born 5 Dec. 1855 in Leksviken, Trondhjem stift, Norway.  He received a common school education in his native land; was a sailor for several years; emigrated at the age of  twenty-four, coming directly to Menomonie, Wis., where he remained three years working in a lumber yard. In 1883 he settled in Ashland, being one of the first Norwegian settlers in that place, where he kept a hotel for four years; then started a clothing store which he has continued ever since, doing an annual business of about $35,000.  It is one of the largest business enterprises conducted by any Scandinavian in the city, and he is the only Scandinavian clothier in Ashland.  He owns also considerable real estate. 

Ever since his arrival in Ashland he has taken quite an active part in politics, having represented his party in several conventions, and in 1894 was elected county treasurer, being the only Norwegian who has ever held a county office in the county.  He ran way ahead of his ticket, and was re-elected in 1896.  Nelson is a Republican; a member of a Norwegian Lutheran Church, having been trustee of his home congregation for a couple of years.  In 1884 he was married to Anna Berg, a sister to John Berg, a leading grocery dealer in Ashland; they have no children.