Nelson, Herman (1900-1982)

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/gen_oh/32/ [13662]

Biographical Information: Herman Nelson was born in Milaca, Minnesota, in 1900 to Swedish immigrant parents. Most of Nelson’s early years were spent working on his family’s dairy farm. He later worked as a machinist in the 1930s, a position he held until his retirement in 1963. Nelson and his wife were married in 1924, and together, the couple had four children.

Transcript Summary: In an interview conducted on January 19, 1978, Herman Nelson discussed his life in Minnesota, along with details pertaining to his family and his work experiences. Nelson said that much of his youth in Milaca was spent working alongside his parents on their dairy farm. He then later worked as a machinist until his 1963 retirement. Nelson mentioned his interest in history and genealogy, noting his parent’s Swedish heritage and that he helped to write multiple books on the history of Aitkin County and local area churches. Additionally, Nelson discussed his family life, affirming that he was married in 1924, and that he and his wife raised two sons and two daughters together over the course of their marriage.

Interview conducted by Cal Gower and John LaDoux