An Illustrated History of Central Oregon, Western Historical Publishing Company,
Spokane, WA. 1905, page 273.

MARTIN H. NICKELSEN owns and operates a fruit farm on Belmont street about two
miles out from Hood River. It is one of the finest places on the street and has
been brought by Mr. Nickelsen to a high state of cultivation and is very
productive.      

In the little Island of Fohr in the North Sea, on March 8, 1848, occurred the
birth of Martin H. Nickelsen. At that time the island was owned half by Denmark
and half by Germany. It is but a small piece of land containing from thirty to
fifty square miles and has a population of over five thousand. Our subject's
father was Peter Nichelsen, a native of Schleswig. Martin was educated in the
public schools and then learned the blacksmith trade which he followed until
1871, the year in which he came to the United States. He first settled in
California and operated a shop for five years then came to The Dalles in 1879,
and worked for the O.R. & N. railway. In 1884 he bought twenty acres on Belmont
street where his family resided and he opened a shop. Later he gave up work in
his shop and came to his farm which he cultivated for two years and then sold.
The place is now owned by Robert Jones. Mr. Nickelsen then moved into town and
engaged in the mercantile business for six years after which he sold out and
bought his present place of fifteen acres. He raises the usual varieties of
fruit and has made a good success of his labors.      

On October 22, 1867, in Germany, Mr. Nickelsen married Miss Inge Rorden, who was
born in the same island as her husband. It is interesting to note that the
island contains eighteen villages and is very busy and full of enterprise. Mrs.
Nickelsen's father, Nickels Rorden, was born in the island as also was her
mother, Regina (Olufs) Rorden. They are both now deceased. Mr. Nickelsen has one
brother, Ingwert C., and three sisters, Marie Wyss, Dorethea, and Catherine.
Mrs. Nickelsen has two brothers, Frederick and George and one sister, Nandina
Bruhn. Mr. Nickelsen is a member of the K. of P. and of the A.O.U.W. He has held
the chairs in these lodges and has been a delegate to the grand lodge.
Politically, he is a good stanch Republican and has been school director for
years. He was the first treasurer of Hood River. Five children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Nickelsen, namely; John R., a blacksmith of Hood River; Christian
D., a farmer near Hood River; Rosa S., wife of Ila Nealiegh, one mile south from
our subject; Ida, wife of Antoine Frohm, one mile west and foreman in a lumber
yard; and Margaret, a school girl, at home.      

Mr. and Mrs. Nickelsen are very genial and kindly people, having hosts of
friends throughout the country. They have labored wisely and well here, have a
nice place and have raised a very interesting family.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2005 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. 
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.