It is with pleasure that we are enabled to grant space in the history of northern Idaho to the young and enterprising agriculturist whose name is at the head of this article as he has done excellent work here in the development of the resources of the country, has wrought with a hand of industry in improving his homestead and has so conducted himself that he has won and retains the good will and esteem of all who know him.
John Nellsen was born in Calumet County, Wisconsin, on January 26, 1870, being the son of John and Elizabeth (Hammer) Nellsen, who are mentioned in another portion of this work. Our subject remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty and then went out to encounter the storms of life alone.
He came to Walla Walla about that time and went to work hauling hay and straw. This was in the winter and during the summer he wrought in the harvest field. When the reservation opened he came to Craig Mountain and took his present place of one hundred and twenty acres of fine pine timber land, which lies about four miles northwest from Morrow. Mr. Nellsen has some extra fine springs on his land and by his own efforts he has cleared sixteen acres. The first two years here, he and his brother worked out most of the time to get a start, but since then they have rented land and have done well, threshing this last year five thousand bushels of grain. They have their own machinery, horses, and are numbered with the prosperous men of this section. Much credit is due this worthy young man in his efforts to build up the country and make a good home; just such sturdy toilers as he are the ones who have made this country prosperous and the richest in the world.
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Source: An Illustrated History of Northern Idaho, Embracing Nez Perce, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903