Gaston, Joseph.  "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912."  Vol. 4. 
Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 982.
 
JOHN A. NELSON

     A study of biographies of successful men shows that adverse conditions
cannot dampen the ardor or smother the ambition of the one who feels within
himself the possibilities of success. He allows no obstacles to cast him down
and he does not hesitate to cross the ocean or continent or even to go to the
ends of the
earth provided his judgment bids him undertake the venture. John A. Nelson, a
successful citizen of Warren, belongs to the class briefly outlined. He
fearlessly started upon his quest of fortune when only eighteen years of age and
although many difficulties lay in the way he resolutely persevered and is now
the owner of a farm of one hundred and ten acres and also has developed a
flourishing dairy business. He was born in Sweden, August 24, 1869, a son of
Nels and Alma Nelson, both of whom were born in Sweden. The mother died in her
native country and the father is still living at the old home. There were nine
children in their family, six of whom are living.
     John A. Nelson received advantages of education in the schools of his
native country. Having decided to become a citizen of the great American
republic, he bade farewell to friends and familiar scenes and in 1887 sailed for
America. He spent one year at St. Paul, Minnesota, but then proceeded westward
to Portland and has ever since been a citizen of Oregon. After acquiring the
necessary capital he purchased the farm where he now lives and has made many
improvements thereon. He has forty acres under cultivation and the fields yield
bountiful harvests each year. He has made a specialty of dairying and as he
understands this business thoroughly, his efforts have met with a goodly reward.
He is known as one of the experts in this line in Columbia county and each year
witnesses an increase in his prosperity.
     On the 2d of July, 1892, Mr. Nelson was married to Miss Margaret Downing, a
native of Nevada and a daughter of John Downing. The father is still living but
the mother is deceased. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson,
namely: Guy, Lester, Herbert, Mildred, Paul and Florence. As the head of a
promising and growing family Mr. Nelson has set an example of industry, sobriety
and persistence which is well worthy of imitation by his children and by all who
aspire to accomplish worthy aims. In the years when it was necessary to practice
economy he did so but he and his family are now abundantly supplied with all the
desirable comforts and conveniences of life. Politically he gives his support to
the republican party and religiously adheres to the faith of the Swedish
Lutheran church. He and his wife are numbered among the highly respected members
of the community.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in February 2007 by Diana Smith. Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.